DIL has 174 schools, of which 49 are equipped with computer labs. Of these, 18 are internet-enabled. The first quarter of this year saw this number go up to 21 labs now with internet connectivity. These labs also have large LCD screens, web cams and proper acoustics to facilitate the group learning that goes on here. In addition to the school based labs, DIL is also investing in creating virtual teacher training hubs in remote areas to help deliver teacher training more effectively.

The IT team has revised the IT Program Guidebook and together with the newly implemented IT curriculum, this now forms the backbone of the DIL’s IT programming. All DIL Schools with computer labs use this to structure learning and evaluate both teachers and students. Our computers are preloaded with over 80 games and software which go across the spectrum of Computer Literacy, Math, English and General Knowledge.

In addition to this, almost 80 students received computer training at four vocational centers in the first quarter of 2012. Registration at these centers is high and in many attending were DIL Alumni and community members.

There are two virtual learning and networking projects our students are involved in which deserve mention. The first, the iEARN clubs, in which 250 student from Orangi participated in 12 projects, some of which can be seen at http://media.iearn.org/projects. Next, as part of the Our Family, Our Neighborhood, Our World(O3) network, students and teachers at four DIL schools are connecting with others in India and Pakistan to develop leadership and technical skills and improving civic engagement. These young people will learn about the power of the media and art to understand issues that affect their lives and take action to improve their communities.