9,000 tablets and meaningful collaborations for digital empowerment
Imagine stepping into a school brimming with eager young learners yet lacking the resources to help them reach their full potential. The chalkboard, smudged with fading white lines, remains the heart of lessons, while digital resources linger hesitantly on the sidelines. This is where technology becomes a lifeline, bridging the gap between aspiration and access. With this vision, Infosys Springboard embarked on the mission to deliver 14,000 tablets into the eager hands of students, aiming to reshape education and unlock brighter futures across diverse regions. This was done in two phases.
The initiative began with a clear purpose, which led to careful planning and thoughtful implementation. The process wasn’t just about distribution and ensuring the devices were incorporated meaningfully into daily learning. From the start, every effort was focused on providing these tablets with tools of knowledge, not distractions.
Building a foundation for success
The first step was ensuring each tab was prepared for the field. The 4G-capable devices underwent a meticulous configuration process over four to five months. Day-by-day tracking kept progress on schedule, with the configuration handled methodically. Failures identified during the setup were promptly resolved, often requiring vendor collaboration.
In addition to setting up the devices, the team implemented a detailed tracking system using IMEI mapping at the school level. This allowed for ongoing monitoring of tablet utilization, ensuring they were being used as intended. Each tab had dummy email IDs and passwords for seamless and secure access. Built-in safeguards ensured students could only download educational resources from the Infosys Springboard platform. Additionally, SightConnect, a ground-breaking mobile application that enables individuals to self-assess their eyes, was enabled on a subset of tabs.
Collaborating with communities for impact
Collaborations with government bodies formed the backbone of this initiative. Mutual roles and responsibilities were defined through carefully crafted Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). These agreements formed the basis of trust and accountability, enabling a smooth collaboration. Starting in Chamarajanagar, where 1,350 tablets were first distributed, the project scaled across other regions, such as Goa (in partnership with DHE), Ahmed Nagar (Zilla Parishad), Mysore (Zilla Parishad and Rotary), Mangalgiri (APSSDC), and Sakleshpur (Zilla Parishad and Rotary). In phase I, the tabs were distributed to Government schools in collaboration with CSR teams in locations – Hubli, Mysore, Bangalore, BBSR, TVM, Chennai, Pune, Nagpur, Hyderabad, and Chandigarh.
Workshops were conducted to prepare educators for the digital shift. Teachers, often the unsung education heroes, participated in two to three-day training sessions to familiarize themselves with the tabs and their capabilities. These faculty enablement programs (FEPs) ensured that instructors could confidently use the technology to enhance classroom engagement. A tailored calendar was introduced to integrate Infosys Springboard resources seamlessly into day-to-day learning, maximizing the tablets’ utility in promoting digital literacy.
Overcoming challenges
The journey was challenging, but the learnings from Phase I of the initiative helped the team immensely. Configuring thousands of tablets for different regions was a significant task. Connectivity issues, vendor monitoring, and logistical complexity required relentless effort. Each challenge was met with meticulous planning, and solutions were implemented with the same energy and integrity that define Infosys.
These efforts paid off in unexpected and heartwarming ways. Slowly but surely, a shift occurred. Schools reported a boost in attendance as children started enrolling in more significant numbers, drawn by the excitement of learning on these new devices.
Stories of transformation
For students, the Infosys Springboard tablets were more than mere devices; they became the gateway to a world of opportunities. A ninth grader from Mysore shared, “The tablet makes learning so exciting. I love attending online classes and exploring things I never knew existed.” His teacher echoed the sentiment and shared, “The tabs have changed how I teach. Lessons are interactive, and students are so much more engaged. They participate actively during class, and I see them applying what they learn.”
The impact was immense, even in regions where access to technology had previously been scarce. A teacher from Chamarajanagar noted, “Some of my students had never seen a tablet before. Now, they are taking online courses to improve their skills in subjects like math and science. It’s incredible to see their confidence grow.”
A brighter path forward
Bridging the digital divide is more than a mission; it’s a shared human story of possibility and growth. The impact is undeniably inspiring students who now dare to dream bigger, teachers empowered with new tools to connect and teach, and communities witnessing hope replacing barriers that once seemed insurmountable.
