In 258 schools across Odisha, the state government has established the'state-model' of IBM and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education for girls. The IBM-STEM state model aims to increase the capability of girls in digital literacy, career choice, and life skills.
According to a statement released by the Chief Minister's office, the IBM-STEM model would help increase instructors' capabilities, resulting in better learning outcomes for children.
According to sources, these 258 schools in Odisha would serve as skill-learning centres and serve as role models for the state's other schools. “The Odisha Government has inaugurated the State-model of the IBM STEM for Girls Programme in 258 schools to enhance capacity of girls in digital fluency, career choice, and life skills,” according to a Chief Minister's Office social media post.
The social media post continued, "It will also strengthen the skill of teachers for better learning outcomes among pupils." Furthermore, IBM and its partners will collaborate closely to develop educational leadership at the school, district, and state levels, according to the reports. “Develop a pool of master trainers to guide teacher capacity-building activities, as well as harmonising state curricula with National Education Policies (NEP), with a focus on developing 21st-century skills among learners,” it added.
Teachers can use this IBM-STEM model to design programmes to engage kids electronically on the curriculum of self, gender, profession, and computational thinking as schools in the state remain closed due to the ongoing Covid outbreak. These will help girls develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. It will also inspire female students to pursue STEM Pathways when they pursue further education and a profession, according to the report.