Google, MIEB partner to bring digital learning to Marathi-medium schools

More than 80 Marathi-medium schools will soon have access to applications such as Google Classroom and Google Suite as part of digital education initiative in the state. The initiative is being rolled out through a partnership between the Maharashtra International Education Board (MIEB) and Google for Education in India.

Google’s programme will coach teachers at MIEB-affiliated schools on improving instructional practices, assessments and learning experiences for students. Under the programme, the Marathi medium schools will adopt best practices prevalent in international schools through application-based instructions.

“Technology is only one enabler of school transformation, but it's a critical part. MIEB is focusing on ensuring that technology supports learning goals with content, tools and infrastructure that supports an interactive learning model,” Bani Paintal Dhawan, head of education, South Asia, Google Cloud India, said in a statement.

MIEB and Google India also plan to conduct a summit on the future of learning called ‘Forward Maharashtra’ this month on how technology can be harnessed to foster a student-focused learning environment. 

MIEB is an autonomous education board established by the government of Maharashtra to improve learning outcomes at affiliated schools. The board seeks to provide quality education, prioritising Marathi as a medium of instruction. 

Google isn’t the only global technology giant that is looking to plug into the education sector in India. Last month, California-based technology giant Cisco Systems announced that it plans to train one million Indian students in key digital skills by 2025 as part of its networking academy programme. Nvidia recently commissioned a unit of its AI-enabled supercomputer for use at the technology business incubator of one of Maharashtra’s oldest technology training institutes, Veermata Jijabai Technology Institute (VJTI).