Maharashtra State Bureau of Textbook Production (Balbharati), which is a part of the state school education department, has invited financial bids for the implementation of virtual classroom solution in 725 schools with three studios in various districts for a period of one year. The objective is to meet the academic and training needs of students. The government proposes to make a two-way communication instead of a mere lecturer delivering his lecture. Initially, the two-way communication will be introduced in a few schools considering the strength of students and availability of virtual classroom. Even though the virtual classrooms have been started in zilla parishads and civic body schools, the school education department officials said this is for the first time it will be launched on a large scale covering 725 schools. An allocation of Rs 50 crore has been made for the same. KEY INSIGHTS The objective is to meet the academic and training needs of students The government proposes to make a two-way communication instead of a mere lecturer delivering his lecture An allocation of Rs 50 crore has been made Balbharati head of computer department Yogesh Limaye told DNA,'' The tender process is expected to be completed before the introduction of code of conduct for the assembly election. The contractor will need at least four months for installation. We expect the virtual classrooms in 725 schools are expected to begin from next academic year.'' He informed that there are 60,000 plus aided schools of which 35,000 schools are in rural areas. He added that apart from curriculum, special guest lectures will be organised in Virtual Classroom. Limaye said that Balbharati had launched Kriti Patrika after the syllabus and pattern of 10th standard was changed. ''Total downloads were in crores,'' he added. According to Limaye, E Balbharati channel was introduced on YouTube in which teachers, who were engaged in paper setting, were roped in to deliver lectures for the 10th standard student.

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