KITE Kerala

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Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE)
FormerlyIT@School
Company type SPV
Industry Educational
Founded7 August 2017;7 years ago (2017-08-07) in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
Headquarters
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
,
India
Area served
 Kerala
Key people
Services
Owner Government of Kerala
Parent Department of General Education
Website kite.kerala.gov.in
KITE Office Thiruvananthapuram KITE Office Gate Trivandrum.jpg
KITE Office Thiruvananthapuram

Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE) is a state owned special purpose company under Department of General Education of the Government of Kerala. [1] [2] It was developed to support ICT enabled education for schools in Kerala. The erstwhile IT@School Project was transformed into KITE for extending its scope of operations in August 2017. [3] [4] KITE was the first SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) company to get funded by KIIFB (Kerala Infrastructure and Investment Fund Board). [5]

Contents

History

IT@School project was established in 2001 and IT campaigns were conducted statewide. Initially, Microsoft had shown interest in the IT@School project, but this was rejected and government went with Free Software. [6] In 2003, IT became a compulsory subject in state school curriculum with IT practical exams. The transition to Free Software was completed in 2006. [7]

In 2017, IT@School project was promoted into a government company named KITE. [8]

KITE VICTERS

New logo of Kite Victers shows the signals pointing to form a pencil implying education, art and sharpness at one point. Logo of VICTERS Channel.jpg
New logo of Kite Victers shows the signals pointing to form a pencil implying education, art and sharpness at one point.

KITE is the nodal agency for implementing the EDUSAT network, and runs an exclusive channel for education called KITE VICTERS (Versatile ICT Enabled Resource for Students), which is aired from 6am to 11pm. VICTERS offers interactive virtual classrooms that enable the school students as well as the teachers to directly communicate with the subject experts and educationists. [9]

Training programmes

Camera training for students It@schoolDSCN2395.JPG
Camera training for students
Video conference class for English teachers Video conference class for english teachers DSCN0123.JPG
Video conference class for English teachers
Animation training session in progress Animation training of itschool1.jpg
Animation training session in progress

KITE GNU-Linux

The official logo of Kite GNU-Linux 20.04 Logo of linux distro Kite Gnu-Linux.png
The official logo of Kite GNU-Linux 20.04

KITE GNU-Linux previously known as IT@School GNU/Linux is a Debian based Linux distribution that was created for the KITE Project (previously IT@School project) to impart ICT education in public schools in the state. The distribution was originally developed by SPACE [15] and is currently being maintained by the internal team at KITE.

IT@School GNU/Linux 18.04

IT@School GNU/Linux is a operating system released by Kite (previously IT@School) it is based on Ubuntu 18.04 with free software customized as per the school curriculum prepared by scert . This operating systems powered more than 2,00,000 computers in various schools under the State board of Kerala . [16]

KITE GNU-Linux lite 2020

KITU GNU-Linux lite 2020 is a operating system released by KITE on international mother language day. This is a lite version of KITE GNU/Linux 18.04 based on ubuntu 18.04 . This was created in order to install it on older computers with low specifications .It also includes a collection of Malayalam unicode fonts and a dedicated English-Malayalm dictionary [17]

KITE GNU-Linux 20.04

KITE GNU-Linux 20.04 is an operating system released by Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan on behalf of KITE. This version is based on Ubuntu 20.04 . Most of the applications have been updated to their latest version in this version of the OS

This version also featured the inclusion of CAD software Libre CAD instead of expensive AutoCAd

[18]

E Language Lab

KITE designed a program to support English Language Teaching (ELT) called the E Language Lab. One component of this program was the development of stories in print, audio, video formats and sharing the same with teachers using the Moodle learning management system. Forty stories were developed during the COVID period and during 2022-23, the program was implemented across the state in government and government aided schools. A longitudinal impact study conducted by the Regional Institute of English, South India, and IT for Change, found significant improvement in student English communication skills.

Little Kites

Little kites IT Club is an initiative of KITE which features more than 1 lakh student members.

Students are given intense training in areas such as Animation, Cyber Safety, Malayalam Computing,Hardware and Electronics.

Little Kites Kollam district camp 2020 Little kites Kollam district camp2020.jpg
Little Kites Kollam district camp 2020

Little kites is the largest Student IT Network in India. [19] [20]

FOSS initiatives

Some of the free software applications developed or customized by the Project include the following.

  1. Application software like OpenOffice, GIMP, Dr. Geo, Rasmol, KEduca, Klab etc. [21]
  2. Examination software – to conduct IT practical examination to more than 1.6 million students
  3. Handbook for Linux – prepared as a user manual
  4. Training modules in Linux – to train teachers in open source
  5. Textbook for standard 8th, 9th, and 10th classes– Prepared in association with SCERT

Implementation of SPARK

The "Service Payroll Administrative Repository for Kerala" (SPARK) is a program of Department of Information Technology (DIT) of the state's government for digitizing the service book details of all employees of the state so that the database could be used for the decision makers and to ensure the welfare of the employees. [22]

School Wiki

Schoolwiki-logo.png

School Wiki, modelled on Wikipedia, attempts to foster the culture of collaborative learning in Kerala's schools. This collaborative website is completely prepared in Malayalam.

All schools in the state include their educational contents and other details in their allotted space. Each school would be able to enter details such as basic elementary data, their historical references, statistics, infrastructure details, details of alumni, school websites and blogs, various clubs and forums, class magazines, supporting images and videos. Apart from these contents, analytical language projects such as 'Pradeshika patram' – school newsletter, 'Nadodi Vijnanakoshan' – local encyclopedia and 'Ente Nadu' - 'My Village', which are part of learning Malayalam language, would also be entrusted to all students in Std 8, 9 and 10 respectively, which, under the guidance of language teachers, would be completed and the reports and findings would enrich the knowledge base of School Wiki. By facilitating the students to access and modify all contents in School Wiki, the project also ensures the participation of the general public including school alumni. [23]

Total Physical Fitness Programme software

The "Total Physical Fitness Programme" software manages fitness details of 30 lakh students are available for further action. [24] [25]

Accolades

TitleCategoryYear
National e-governance AwardsBest project2005
e-India Awards2008 [26]
World is Open Awards2008 [27]
Open Document Format Alliance Awards2009 [28]
Kerala state e-governance Awards2010
Stockholm Challenge AwardsHonorable mention in the education category2010 [29]
e-India AwardsBest skill development initiatives of the year for ANTS2011
State television AwardsBest Narration, Best Education Program2017 [30]
Social media for Empowerment Awards South Asia (SM4E)Special mention2017 [31]
Digital Technology Sabha Awards2018 [32]
World Education Summit AwardHi-tech school Project2018 [33]
State Television AwardsBest students programme, Best Anchoring (Edu. programme), Best documentary (General), Best Commentator, Special jury mention (Documentary)2018 [34]
CIET-AICEAVFBest video programme in senior secondary division2018 [35]
State Television AwardsBest students programme2019 [36]
State Television AwardsBest students programme and Best Anchor2020 [37]
mBillionth Awards South AsiaLearning and Education2021 [38]
Social media for Empowerment Awards South Asia (SM4E)Innovations @Covid192021 [39]
E-Governance champion Award2022 [40]
World Education Summit AwardsPlatform for online classes2022 [41]
Digital Technology Sabha AwardsCloud category in government sector2022 [42]
CM's Award for innovations in public policy2022 [43]

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References

  1. ↑ "Kerala's 'IT@school' project now a government company 'KITE'". indianexpress.com. 7 August 2017. Retrieved 6 September 2018.
  2. ↑ "Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education". Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education about us page. Retrieved 6 September 2018.
  3. ↑ "Kerala's IT@school project now a govt company". www.thehindubusinessline.com. 7 August 2017. Retrieved 6 September 2018.
  4. ↑ S, Shihaubudeen Kunju (7 August 2017). "Kerala Government's IT@school Project Formed Into Government Company". NDTV. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
  5. ↑ "Government incorporates IT@school as KITE to get KIIFB funds". Deccan Chronicle. 7 August 2017. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
  6. ↑ "rediff.com: Gates to support Kerala's e-literacy project". www.rediff.com. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
  7. ↑ "KITE". itschool.gov.in. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
  8. ↑ "Kerala's 'IT@school' project now a government company 'KITE', CM Vijayan launches logo". The Indian Express. 7 August 2017. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
  9. ↑ "KITE".
  10. ↑ Hardware clinics for school computers. The Hindu (2008-09-03). Retrieved on 2015-04-21.
  11. ↑ IT@School initiative lauded. The Hindu (2011-09-19). Retrieved on 2015-04-21.
  12. ↑ IT's a great success here. Deccanherald.com (2011-05-26). Retrieved on 2015-04-21.
  13. ↑ "IT@School Animation Training for Students".
  14. ↑ IT@School attempts a record. The Hindu (2011-09-05). Retrieved on 2015-04-21.
  15. ↑ "Free as in Freedom: The Story of Free Software in Kerala, India". swatantryam.blogspot.in. 31 August 2007. Retrieved 31 July 2016.
  16. ↑ Correspondent, Special (12 May 2019). "Free OS to power computers in schools". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 15 September 2022.{{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  17. ↑ Staff Reporter (21 February 2021). "KITE releases FOSS-based operating system". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 15 September 2022.
  18. ↑ Staff Reporter (17 March 2022). "CM releases KITE's FOSS-based operating system suite". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 15 September 2022.
  19. ↑ "Finland ties up with Kerala govt to implement 'Little KITEs' model". www.business-standard.com. Press Trust of India. 7 October 2022. Retrieved 5 January 2023.
  20. ↑ "Little Kites". kite.kerala.gov.in. Retrieved 8 October 2022.
  21. ↑ "KITE releases new, free and open-sourced operating system, to benefit lakhs of computer users in Kerala". Edex Live. Retrieved 5 January 2023.
  22. ↑ "Biometric punching in govt offices from today, access control at Secretariat from this week". OnManorama. Retrieved 5 January 2023.
  23. ↑ School wiki getting ready for launch. The Hindu (2009-10-29). Retrieved on 2015-04-21.
  24. ↑ "Total Physical Fitness Programme (TPFP) for School Going Children in Kerala". educationindiajournal.org. Retrieved 5 January 2023.
  25. ↑ "KITE". kite.kerala.gov.in. Retrieved 5 January 2023.
  26. ↑ IT@School bags national award. The Hindu (2008-08-04). Retrieved on 2015-04-21.
  27. ↑ "Photo Gallery - the World is Open Award 2008". Archived from the original on 25 April 2012. Retrieved 13 October 2011.
  28. ↑ "ODF Alliance Weblog". www.odfalliance.org. Archived from the original on 24 May 2009.
  29. ↑ "IT@School Project - programme for ICT interventions in schools in Kerala, India". Stockholm Challenge. Archived from the original on 25 April 2012. Retrieved 22 August 2019.
  30. ↑ "Accolades for KITE". kite.kerala.gov.in. Retrieved 15 October 2022.
  31. ↑ "Accolades for KITE". kite.kerala.gov.in. Retrieved 15 October 2022.
  32. ↑ "Accolades for KITE". kite.kerala.gov.in. Retrieved 15 October 2022.
  33. ↑ "Accolades for KITE". kite.kerala.gov.in. Retrieved 15 October 2022.
  34. ↑ "Accolades for KITE". kite.kerala.gov.in. Retrieved 15 October 2022.
  35. ↑ "Accolades for KITE". kite.kerala.gov.in. Retrieved 15 October 2022.
  36. ↑ Staff Reporter (19 September 2020). "State Television Awards announced". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 15 October 2022.
  37. ↑ Staff Reporter (1 September 2021). "Main serial categories left blank in State TV Awards in Kerala". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  38. ↑ "Mbillionth Award for Mobile Innovations in South Asia, DEF | WINNER 2020-21" . Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  39. ↑ "Another award for KITE". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  40. ↑ "Accolades for KITE". kite.kerala.gov.in. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  41. ↑ "Accolades for KITE". kite.kerala.gov.in. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  42. ↑ "Kerala: National award for KITE's online platform | Kochi News - Times of India". The Times of India. TNN. 26 February 2022. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  43. ↑ Staff Reporter (19 July 2022). "Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education gets CM's Award for Innovations in Public Policy". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 10 October 2022.
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