Functional Projector Availability in Schools: Implications for Quality Education (2023)

Introduction

Despite spectacular quantitative expansion in school education in India, the objective to achieve quality school education for all in a real sense is still a far distant goal because most of the programs now in India are focussed more on improving the quality of education in terms of learners ability to read and write with understanding. In this regard, the quality of teaching-learning plays an important role, and additional teaching-learning aids, such as the availability of projectors in school and their use in teaching, may play an important role. Precisely for this reason, a question was added to the annual information collection through the UDISE, which is analyzed in the present article.

Quality education is essential for the holistic development of individuals and societies. In the contemporary digital era, the use of technology in classrooms has become increasingly crucial. One such technological tool is the functional projector, which enables visual and interactive teaching methods. This article discusses the availability of functional projectors in schools in India and various states, emphasizing their importance in promoting a quality education system based on UDISEPlus 2021-22, the latest year.

Importance & Role of Functional Projectors in Quality Education

Functional projectors transform traditional classrooms into dynamic and engaging learning environments. They facilitate visual representation of concepts, multimedia presentations, and interactive teaching methods, which enhance students’ comprehension and retention abilities. Incorporating projectors in schools encourages active participation, critical thinking, and improved overall learning outcomes. Therefore, the availability of functional projectors is crucial for providing a quality education experience.

Analysis of Functional Projector Availability at all-India Level

Analysis of Functional Projector Availability at the All India Level: According to 2021-22 UDISEPlus data, out of 1,489,115 schools in India, 1,022,386 schools have functional projectors; this accounts for approximately 68.7 percent of all schools in the country. The analysis reveals that government-managed schools have the highest number of functional projectors, followed by private unaided schools, government-aided schools, and others.

In an increasingly digital age, access to modern educational technology is essential for enhancing the quality of learning. The Unified District Information System for Education Plus has provided data for the academic year 2021-22 on the availability of functional projectors in schools across India. This analysis will examine the data, focusing on different types of schools (Government, government-aided, private unaided, and other) and the percentage of schools with functional projectors.

India boasts a vast and diverse educational landscape, with 1,489,115 schools in 2021-22 serving its populace. Out of this extensive network, the data reveals that 2,48,609 schools (16.7 percent) have embraced modern technology by incorporating functional projectors into their educational infrastructure. These schools can be categorized as follows: These institutions, often at the forefront of providing education, have an adoption rate of 11.8 percent, which indicates that while progress has been made, there is room for increased technology integration in government schools. Government-aided schools, with a projector adoption rate of 38.3 percent, demonstrate a significant commitment to technological advancement in education; this suggests a fruitful collaboration between government support and private-sector involvement. Private unaided schools lead the way in embracing technology, with 27.7 percent equipped with projectors. These schools have recognized the benefits of modern teaching aids in enhancing the learning experience. The category of “other” schools, encompassing diverse educational setups, shows promise with a 7.3 percent adoption rate. Projector integration is evident within this category, indicating the broader recognition of technology’s role in education.

The availability of functional projectors in a school need not necessarily mean that they are adequate in number, but no such information is available to know whether the same is adequately available in schools.

 

The data underscores the significant progress in integrating technology into the Indian education system. Nearly 17 percent of schools have incorporated projectors into their teaching methods. While this is a positive sign, there are notable disparities among different types of schools. Government schools serve a substantial portion of India’s population and have a relatively lower projector adoption rate, which calls for targeted efforts to ensure equitable access to educational technology. Government-aided schools, with a 38.3 percent adoption rate, showcase the potential of collaboration between the public and private sectors in driving technological advancement in education. With their forward-looking approach, private un-aided schools have recognized the value of modern teaching aids, resulting in a significant adoption rate.

Learning Outcome-Based Assessment in Government & Government-Aided Schools in India (Based on UDISEPlus 2021-22)

Policymakers and education authorities should focus on strategies to enhance technology adoption in schools, ensuring that each student can benefit from the advantages of modern educational technology. Before we take a view of the availability of functional projectors in schools in India, let us also undertake an analysis of the same, states-wiseTop of Form

State-specific Analysis of Functional Projector Availability

The availability of modern educational technology is a critical factor in enhancing the quality of education. In the academic year 2021-22, data from the DISE+ provides valuable insights into the presence of functional projectors in schools across various Indian states and union territories. This analysis discusses the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Kerala, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal, and Jharkhand, examining the percentage of schools equipped with functional projectors.

Andhra Pradesh

• Total number of schools: 61,948
• Schools with functional projectors: 14,726 (23.8%)
• Government schools with projectors: 14.6%
• Government-aided schools with projectors: 11.4%
• Private unaided schools with projectors: 52.6%
• Other schools with projectors: 12.8%

Andhra Pradesh exhibits a commendable 23.8 percent adoption rate of projectors in its schools. The significant presence of projectors in private un-aided schools highlights the recognition of the value of modern teaching aids.

Bihar

• Total number of schools: 93,165
• Schools with functional projectors: 2,976 (3.2%)
• Government schools with projectors: 0.5%
• Government-aided schools with projectors: 2.6%
• Private unaided schools with projectors: 22%
• Other schools with projectors: 8.8%

Bihar’s data indicates a relatively low adoption rate, with just 3.2 percent of schools having functional projectors. Private unaided schools have shown more enthusiasm for integrating projectors.

Assam

• Total number of schools: 60,859
• Schools with functional projectors: 3,591 (5.9%)
• Government schools with projectors: 5.7%
• Government-aided schools with projectors: 1.6%
• Private unaided schools with projectors: 15.5%
• Other schools with projectors: 0.2%

Assam’s education landscape reflects a 5.9 percent projector adoption rate, with private unaided schools leading in technology integration. There is room for improvement in government and government-aided schools.

Kerala

• Total number of schools: 16,240
• Schools with functional projectors: 13,365 (82.3%)
• Government schools with projectors: 87.2%
• Government-aided schools with projectors: 90%
• Private unaided schools with projectors: 69.1%
• Other schools with projectors: 39.4%

Kerala has an impressive 82.3 percent adoption rate of projectors, making it a leader in technology integration. Both Government and private schools have embraced this modern teaching aid.

Karnataka

• Total number of schools: 76,450
• Schools with functional projectors: 17,201 (22.5%)
• Government schools with projectors: 14.5%
• Government-aided schools with projectors: 29%
• Private unaided schools with projectors: 40.4%
• Other schools with projectors: 9.1%

Karnataka exhibits a moderate adoption rate, with government-aided schools leading the way at 29 percent. Further efforts are needed in government schools to enhance technology integration.

Madhya Pradesh

• Total number of schools: 125,582
• Schools with functional projectors: 8,696 (6.9%)
• Government schools with projectors: 2.6%
• Government-aided schools with projectors: 9.3%
• Private unaided schools with projectors: 20.3%
• Other schools with projectors: 2.7%

Madhya Pradesh demonstrates a relatively low adoption rate of projectors, with government-aided schools showing the most promise in integrating technology.

Gujarat

• Total number of schools: 53,851
• Schools with functional projectors: 20,722 (38.5%)
• Government schools with projectors: 27.4%
• Government-aided schools with projectors: 66.6%
• Private unaided schools with projectors: 55.2%
• Other schools with projectors: 66.7%

Gujarat shines with a remarkable 38.5 percent adoption rate of projectors, showcasing a solid commitment to technology integration across all school types.

Uttar Pradesh

• Total number of schools: 258,054
• Schools with functional projectors: 16,911 (6.6%)
• Government schools with projectors: 4.6%
• Government-aided schools with projectors: 7.5%
• Private unaided schools with projectors: 10%
• Other schools with projectors: 1.5%

Uttar Pradesh has room for improvement in projector adoption, especially in government schools. Private unaided schools have shown more enthusiasm for embracing technology.

Rajasthan

• Total number of schools: 106,373
• Schools with functional projectors: 13,189 (12.4%)
• Government schools with projectors: 10%
• Government-aided schools with projectors: 0%
• Private unaided schools with projectors: 17.7%
• Other schools with projectors: 4.3%

Rajasthan has a moderate adoption rate, with government schools needing more technology integration. Private unaided schools are leading in this regard.

West Bengal

• Total number of schools: 94,744
• Schools with functional projectors: 9,773 (10.3%)
• Government schools with projectors: 10.1%
• Government-aided schools with projectors: 29.6%
• Private unaided schools with projectors: 13.1%
• Other schools with projectors: 5.9%

West Bengal demonstrates a modest adoption rate, with government-aided schools taking the lead in embracing projectors.

Jharkhand

• Total number of schools: 44,855
• Schools with functional projectors: 3,309 (7.4%)
• Government schools with projectors: 4.4%
• Government-aided schools with projectors: 8%
• Private unaided schools with projectors: 44.8%
• Other schools with projectors: 14.7%

Jharkhand has room for improvement in projector adoption, especially in government and government-aided schools. Private unaided schools are at the forefront of integrating technology.

Functional projectors have emerged as valuable tools in enhancing the quality of education. The analysis of functional projector availability in schools across India and selected states reveals varying degrees of integration. While some states, like Kerala and Karnataka, show promising adoption rates, others, such as Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, need to focus on increasing access to functional projectors. Policymakers, educational institutions, and stakeholders should collaborate to bridge the technology divide and ensure equitable availability of projectors across schools. By embracing technology, schools can create vibrant learning environments and ultimately contribute to improved educational outcomes.

Concluding Observations

The analysis of projector availability in schools across India and individual states for the academic year 2021-22 provides valuable insights into technology integration in education. Here are some key takeaways:

1. Wide Disparities Across States

• There are significant disparities in projector adoption across states. States like Kerala and Gujarat have embraced technology with adoption rates exceeding 30 percent, while others like Bihar and Madhya Pradesh lag with adoption rates below 10 percent. These disparities reflect varying levels of commitment to modernizing the education system.

2. Private Schools Lead in Technology Integration

• Private unaided schools consistently lead in adopting projectors, often surpassing government and government-aided schools by a wide margin.; this suggests that the private sector recognizes the value of technology in enhancing the learning experience.

3. Room for Improvement in Government Schools

• Government schools serve a significant portion of India’s student population and generally have lower projector adoption rates. States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand have a notable gap in technology integration in their government schools. Addressing this gap is crucial for ensuring equitable access to modern teaching aids.

4. Potential for Growth

• While some states exhibit impressive adoption rates, there is still considerable room for growth in projector integration. Not all schools have embraced this technology, even in states with relatively high adoption rates. There is an opportunity for further expansion and ensuring every student benefits from modern educational tools.

5. Technology Divide

• The data also highlights a technology divide between urban and rural areas. Urban regions tend to have higher projector adoption rates, while rural areas lag. Bridging this divide is essential for ensuring technology reaches students in remote and underserved areas.

The analysis underscores the importance of technology integration in education and the need for concerted efforts to bridge disparities in projector availability across states and school types. A more comprehensive and inclusive approach to technology adoption is vital for providing quality education to all students, regardless of location or school type.Top of For

The availability of functional projectors in schools is essential in promoting quality education. While the data indicates progress in many regions, there is a need for increased efforts to ensure equitable access to this technology across all states and types of schools. Governments and educational institutions should focus on comprehensive strategies to bridge the gaps and provide necessary resources to facilitate effective teaching methodologies using functional projectors. By adopting technology and integrating it into the learning process, schools can enhance student engagement and improve learning outcomes, which may contribute to the overall advancement of education in the country.

Number of Schools having functional Projectors available, 2021-22

India/ State/UT	Total Number of Schools					Schools having functional Projector availability					Percentage of Schools having functional Projector availability
	Total  Schools	Govern Ment schools	Govern Ment aided schools	Pvt. Unaided schools	Other schools	Total  Schools	Government schools	Government Aided schools	Pvt. Unaided schools	Other schools	Total  Schools	Government schools	Government aided schools	Pvt. Unaided schools	Other schools
India	1489115	1022386	82480	335844	48405	248609	120438	31587	93048	3536	16.7	11.8	38.3	27.7	7.3
Andaman and Nicobar Islands	416	342	2	72	0	115	86	2	27	0	27.6	25.2	100	37.5	0
Andhra Pradesh	61948	45137	1542	15058	211	14726	6610	175	7914	27	23.8	14.6	11.4	52.6	12.8
Arunachal Pradesh	3603	2985	68	503	47	806	573	39	185	9	22.4	19.2	57.4	36.8	19.2
Assam	60859	45490	3841	5852	5676	3591	2610	63	907	11	5.9	5.7	1.6	15.5	0.2
Bihar	93165	75558	742	8097	8768	2976	403	19	1781	773	3.2	0.5	2.6	22	8.8
Chandigarh	233	123	7	76	27	198	112	7	70	9	85	91.1	100	92.1	33.3
Chhattisgarh	56512	48743	417	7063	289	5246	3778	34	1431	3	9.3	7.8	8.2	20.3	1
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu	460	388	8	63	1	126	77	8	41	0	27.4	19.9	100	65.1	0
Delhi	5619	2762	247	2610	0	3418	1616	152	1650	0	60.8	58.5	61.5	63.2	0
Goa	1510	814	557	139	0	621	102	437	82	0	41.1	12.5	78.5	59	0
Gujarat	53851	34699	5590	13559	3	20722	9516	3721	7483	2	38.5	27.4	66.6	55.2	66.7
Haryana	23726	14562	16	8261	887	6340	2337	8	3785	210	26.7	16.1	50	45.8	23.7
Himachal Pradesh	18028	15380	0	2646	2	2960	1890	0	1070	0	16.4	12.3	0	40.4	0
Jammu and Kashmir	28805	23173	1	5526	105	3639	2462	0	1172	5	12.6	10.6	0	21.2	4.8
Jharkhand	44855	35840	1175	1559	6281	3309	1590	94	699	926	7.4	4.4	8	44.8	14.7
Karnataka	76450	49679	7110	19650	11	17201	7206	2060	7934	1	22.5	14.5	29	40.4	9.1
Kerala	16240	5010	7183	3164	883	13365	4368	6464	2185	348	82.3	87.2	90	69.1	39.4
Ladakh	978	838	28	112	0	186	129	1	56	0	19	15.4	3.6	50	0
Lakshadweep	38	38	0	0	0	32	32	0	0	0	84.2	84.2	0	0	0
Madhya Pradesh	125582	92695	740	30345	1802	8696	2432	69	6147	48	6.9	2.6	9.3	20.3	2.7
Maharashtra	109605	65639	24037	19268	661	51016	23525	14723	12497	271	46.6	35.8	61.3	64.9	41
Manipur	4617	2889	583	1010	135	498	109	6	373	10	10.8	3.8	1	36.9	7.4
Meghalaya	14600	7783	4172	2120	525	735	162	318	213	42	5	2.1	7.6	10.1	8
Mizoram	3911	2563	230	1034	84	223	101	44	73	5	5.7	3.9	19.1	7.1	6
Nagaland	2718	1960	0	757	1	380	80	0	299	1	14	4.1	0	39.5	100
Odisha	62291	49072	5807	6104	1308	4851	2649	457	1541	204	7.8	5.4	7.9	25.3	15.6
Puducherry	736	422	33	281	0	434	217	25	192	0	59	51.4	75.8	68.3	0
Punjab	27701	19259	450	7978	14	22401	18392	93	3916	0	80.9	95.5	20.7	49.1	0
Rajasthan	106373	68948	0	34826	2599	13189	6907	0	6170	112	12.4	10	0	17.7	4.3
Sikkim	1259	864	19	376	0	439	315	6	118	0	34.9	36.5	31.6	31.4	0
Tamil Nadu	58801	37636	8323	12396	446	9102	61	1721	7144	176	15.5	0.2	20.7	57.6	39.5
Telangana	43083	30023	700	12193	167	6690	3420	94	3174	2	15.5	11.4	13.4	26	1.2
Tripura	4929	4262	43	363	261	624	494	12	111	7	12.7	11.6	27.9	30.6	2.7
Uttar Pradesh	258054	137024	8113	97808	15109	16911	6320	612	9749	230	6.6	4.6	7.5	10	1.5
Uttarakhand	22815	16484	608	5225	498	3070	1379	97	1584	10	13.5	8.4	16	30.3	2
West Bengal	94744	83302	88	9750	1604	9773	8378	26	1275	94	10.3	10.1	29.6	13.1	5.9

Source: UDISE+ 2021-22

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