Edu Dept issues guidelines to strengthen Atal Tinkering Labs in govt schools

Rajiv Mahajan

Nurpur, July 18

The Education Department has issued guidelines to school administrations across the state to enhance the functioning and utility of Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATLs) set up in government senior secondary schools.

Bid to foster creativity

• The ATLs have been established in government senior secondary schools under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), a Central Government programme that aims to foster curiosity, creativity and imagination among youngsters
• The established ATLs are equipped with the state-of-art equipment such as 3D printers, robotics kits, electronics tools and allied material requisite for carrying out innovative experiments. Teachers will guide students to explore and experiment with their ideas in these labs

The Director, Higher Education, directed secondary schools through the deputy directors to hold workshops on various topics like robotics, 3D printing, coding and electronics. Besides, they were directed to organise training sessions for schoolteachers to familiarise them with the ATL resources.

Schools were also directed to initiate student-led projects and competitions to increase their interest in the ATLs and boost their creativity so that they can moot new ideas for innovative projects. Amarjit Sharma, Director, Higher Education, told The Tribune that schools, where ATLs had been established, were also instructed to launch community awareness campaigns by hosting open house events and demonstrations during parent-teacher meetings (PTM) and school management committee (SMC) meetings to showcase the potentials of the ATLs.

He said, “Apart from this, the school administration will also create and maintain a detailed record of students’ participation in the ATL.” The director of higher education said these guidelines were aimed at maximising the benefits of these laboratories, and ensure that all students avail the opportunities to engage in hands-on and experiential learning, he added.

Additionally, the school administrations have been directed to submit a monthly report on this issue by 20th of every month.

As per official information, the Education Department has established 113 ATLs in 10 districts of the state. Of these, a maximum of 32 ATLs are functional in Mandi district, followed by 20 in Kangra district.

The ATLs have been established in government senior secondary schools under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), a Central Government programme that aims to foster curiosity, creativity and imagination among youngsters.

The established ATLs are equipped with the state-of-art equipment such as 3D printers, robotics kits, electronics tools and allied material requisite for carrying out innovative experiments. Teachers will guide students to explore and experiment with their ideas in these labs.

Thus, these laboratories will give students necessary tools and an environment to hone their skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

It will also create a culture of innovation and problem-solving, preparing students to be future-ready and contribute to the nation’s growth.