A Study On Impact Of The Free Laptop Scheme On Educational Outcomes In Tamil Nadu

Abstract

The free laptop scheme in Tamil Nadu, launched in 2011, aimed to bridge the digital divide and improve access to technology in education, particularly for students from underprivileged backgrounds. The distribution of laptops has increased digital literacy among students, enabling them to access online resources, engage in self-study, and enhance their technical skills, which are crucial in modern education. However, the scheme has faced challenges such as the lack of infrastructure, like internet connectivity and proper teacher training, which has limited the full potential of these devices in improving education quality. The research method followed here is empirical research. Sampling method is convenient. A total of 205 samples have been taken out of which is taken through simple sampling. The sampling frame taken by the researcher is empirical. The research samples were collected in and around Chennai. This empirical research has both dependent and independent variables. The independent variables are name, gender, age , marital status, educational qualifications and employment status.. The dependent variables are primary objective of the Tamil Nadu government’s free laptop scheme, impact of free laptop scheme on students career prospects, aim to improve digital literacy among students, scheme minimised the reliance on traditional textbooks, making learning more interactive and engaging, access to laptop made students more engaged in their studies or not, impact of the free scheme on student’s engagement with their studies. The statistical tools used are simple bar graph, clustered bar graph, cross tabulation, one sample t test and Anova.