In the past few years, KITE VICTERS has been a trailblazer in educational outreach in Kerala. It has put together satellite broadcasting, web streaming, mobile apps, and school networks, which in turn present high-quality and relevant content for students across the state. We present an in-depth look at what this platform does, its background, features and results.
What Is KITE and VICTERS?
KITE (Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education) is a state-level body that is a part of the Department of General Education in Kerala. It came into being from the former IT@School initiative, which in turn supported the integration of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) in schools.
VICTERS is a term that stands for “Versatile ICT Enabled Resource for Students”. It is the educational TV wing of KITE. In Kerala, we have KITE VICTERS, which brings out digital class content and learning materials for students.
History and Evolution
The concept for VICTERS came out of India’s EDUSAT, which, at its launch in 2005 by the Indian President, became the base for satellite-based education.
It set up dedicated studios and uplink stations, also integrated with cable and DTH networks, and later into web streaming and mobile apps.
As demand for more class time increased, KITE introduced in September 2021 a second channel, KITE VICTORS Plus, which they used to expand capacity and accommodate extra sessions.
Modes of Delivery
KITE VICTERS’ strength is in its multi-platform presence, which includes:.
Television (DTH Cable) In Kerala, the channel is present in all major DTH and cable providers, which also include satellite (GSAT-18) broadcast.
Web Delivery Our site features live streams, recorded lessons, and program schedules.
Mobile Applications We have free apps (for Android and iOS) which give you access to class videos, archiving, and class-wise modules.
After we air the shows, we put the lessons up on the “itsvicters” YouTube channel, which makes them easy to access anytime.
In the early days, some schools were connected via Satellite Interactive Terminals (SITs) for two-way communication (presently most of the content is in non-interactive mode).
This is a multi-pronged approach that leaves no student in remote or underserved areas out.
Flagship Program: First Ring.
One of the key products from KITE VICTERS is First Bell. During the pandemic, we launched it, which in turn made sure that school-going instruction did not come to a standstill via TV and digital media. First Bell, we have pre-primary to Class 12 covered, and we also have special segments like Kilikkonchal for the young ones. Lessons are animated, interactive and aligned with the state curriculum.
Content and Programmes
KITE VICTERS reports a wide range of programs in addition to the regular class lessons, which:.
For students preparing for SSLC (10th grade) and Two (12th grade).
Documentaries and themed series on science, history, environment and culture.
Programs that include Shastravicharam (science inquiry), Kaliyum Karyavum (games facts), Jeevante Thudippu, Paithrukam and many more.
Language acquisition, storytelling, and educational programs for young kids.
Such diversity in topics, which go beyond what is in the book, helps students.
Impact and Reach
Presently, KITE VICTERS has a base of over 5 million students and hundreds of thousands of teachers in Kerala. Also, they have grown to get millions of subscribers on their YouTube channel, and their mobile app has been downloaded by hundreds of thousands.
During the pandemic, we saw over 10,000 digital class sessions from First Bell, which allowed education to go on despite school closures.
Through the use of satellite, TV, digital, and school networks, KITE VICTERS has transformed how we see education in Kerala, which includes large parts of rural and remote areas. It puts forth a model that technology can use to improve access and quality in education.
