Habitat Learning Centre

HLC brings together groups from marginalised communities for programmes that aim to provide them with computer literacy, curriculum enrichment, skill development, and training. To elaborate on the latter, the centre is working to expand the IT learning experience by developing it as a platform to enhance the life skills of those whose basic learning has been through the informal system or those who have had to drop out of a formal system. The centre partners with various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to conduct enrichment programmes for community members. In addition, the centre is working to create computer facilities at the NGOs' own locales to continue and further disseminate computer literacy and computer-related educational and vocational training; as of this writing, 6 such extension centres have been set up.

The centre has also partnered with various NGOs in the field of child education to push its initiative of spreading the web of IT and bridging the digital divide. In working with children, the centre aims to provide an environment where they can learn how to use the computer through hands-on activities, experiences, and interesting lessons; one of the centre's goals is to prepare theoretical and practical study material and software that could be disseminated for replicability. Two examples of particular HLC projects conducted with children include:

1. HLC conducted a pilot project in January 2003 for children with disabilities to explore options for using computers with adaptive technology. (The project was held in partnership with Samartha, a local NGO). The idea is that the use of specific user devices (e.g., mouth sticks, head pointers, roller balls and joysticks), and specific software, can allow disabled people to perform some tasks independently that they could not otherwise do. HLC's strategy involved using technology to enhance a child's ability to communicate, learn, ambulate and play; further, the idea was that children with special educational needs who find social interaction difficult could potentially find a focus and means of expression through working with the computer.
2. HLC collaborated with the organisation Butterflies in an effort to bring the benefits of IT to street and working girls. To build computer literacy, HLC uses interactive games, activities, and classes. The educational software is game- and application-based, allowing the users to learn through self-paced (intended to retain interest and involvement) and interactive sessions (intended to be appealing to girls). The programme matches the level of challenge to the capability of the individual learner in an effort to ensure an appropriate level of challenge and learning. HLC also attempts to work closely with each participant, providing immediate feedback as she is learning. In addition to building basic computer literacy, computer-aided learning is used to teach the girls the basics of numbers and both spoken and written English, with an emphasis on communication skills. The goal is to make learning a pleasure for the girls by capturing their interest and bringing the excitement of learning to them.

Though technology is the central focus of HLC, it is not the only one; for example, information and skills-building sessions are provided to the underprivileged and long-term unemployed in an effort to help them find work based on their interests and background. HLC aims at helping people make effective choices and decisions about their working lives.

Technology, Children, Girls.