Atal tinkering lab in 36,983 schools in 2 yrs

ATL would contain educational and learning ‘do it yourself’ kits and equipment on science, electronics, robotics, open source microcontroller boards, sensors and 3D printers, and computers. Accordingly, young children would get a chance to work with tools and equipment to understand the concepts of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).

A senior official from the School Education Department told DT Next that the government has already identified 500 high schools across the State to establish the lab. “During the next two years, all the 36,983 government and government aided high schools will be equipped with ATL,” he said adding each ATL would be receiving Rs 20 lakh per year for the purchase of the latest equipment.

Explaining about the ATL, the lab would be equipped with audio-video device for showcasing educational information to the students, he said, “Similarly, laptop with internet access will be also be available for thestudents.”

The official said there would be predefined hours in a week when students would be allowed to visit the lab and be part of orientation sessions in their classroom itself. “This will help to bring in regularity and uniformity,” he added.

“Interesting sessions will be organized in the lab to generate curiosity towards the program and get the students attracted to make optimum use of the lab,” he said adding that students from Class 8 would be trainedin ATL.

Pointing out that the students would work in the ATL for at least three months in one academic year, he said batches would be formed according to the student’s age. “Junior batch (12-14 years), middle batch (14-16 years) and senior batch (16-18 years),” he said. He said all sessions would take place in the ATL under the guidance of ATL in-charge and innovation coach with support from external mentors and local makercommunities.