International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

Low Cost Technology-Enabled Supervision of B.Ed. Interns: Proposing LCOD Supervisory Model

As against the reforms suggested by NEP 2020 and NCFESE 2023 supervision of B.Ed. internship in India is persistently characterized by bottlenecks such as halo effects, leniency, implicit biases, being infrequent, isolated and geographical constraints. Besides such personal implicit and contextual limitations associated with physical observation the extreme digital divide and systemic deprivation of a huge percentage of schools in India also impediments technology enabled education and teacher preparation advocated by NEP 2020. UDISE+ data reveals acute shortage of functional computers, internet access and overall digital foundations in many Indian schools. Using an analytical framework based on secondary sources the study evaluates the pedagogical reliability and cost effectiveness of shifting from excessive real time synchronized and individualized physical supervision to asynchronous flexible more inclusive digital observation. The study proposes a low cost own device (LCOD) supervisory model having the potentialities of wide access based on own smart mobiles, tablets using open access software and low/free cloud storage. This model runs in asynchronous mode, records videos which is uploaded, observed by supervisors, self and peer followed by parameter based evaluations with the help of digital rubrics and checklists. The model offers scalable solutions at par with policy recommendations promoting accessibility, quality and inclusion in supervision of B.Ed. interns.