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NCERT Awareness About Lakes in ISL: Could Indian Sign Language Make Environmental Learning More Inclusive?
New Delhi: Learning about lakes is now becoming more accessible to learners who use Indian Sign Language (ISL). The “Awareness About Lakes” educational resource is being made available in ISL and is now viewable through PM e-Vidya ISL Channel No. 31. The resource introduces learners to the world of lakes and their importance for the environment, biodiversity and everyday life. The decision to make the content available in ISL is an example of another layer of accessibility added to environmental education.
The development has aligned with the objective of inclusive and equitable education, where learning resources are available in formats that can be accessed by diverse learners.
Awareness About Lakes in ISL: What Is the New Resource?
The “Awareness About Lakes” resource covers the understanding of lakes and why these ecosystems matter.
The content aims to support learners to:
- Be aware of the world of lakes
- Understand their environmental importance
- Learn about biodiversity found in lakes
- Recognise the role lakes play in everyday life
- Become more aware about protecting these ecosystems
Its availability in Indian Sign Language is particularly significant because environmental education is not about knowledge of scientific facts, but about accessibility; who can actually participate in this particular learning.
Why Is the ISL Version Important?
A lesson about lakes may seem simple, but the format in which it is delivered can be the deciding factor on if students can access it. NCERT's Central Institute of Educational Technology (CIET) recognises accessibility as part of equitable and inclusive education and has listed Indian Sign Language resources as one of its accessibility initiatives.
The PM e-Vidya DTH ISL Channel No. 31 was launched on December 6, 2024, to expand learning opportunities for children with hearing impairment. The channel offers curriculum-linked educational content in ISL and is also available through YouTube. This means the resource on lakes fits into a bigger effort to make educational content accessible in multiple modes, and not rely on a single format.
Where Can Students Watch Awareness About Lakes in ISL?
The resource is available through PM e-Vidya ISL Channel No. 31. Students, teachers, parents and other learners can access the channel's video content online through its official YouTube presence.
PM e-Vidya ISL Channel No. 31 on YouTube
The channel is intended to provide learning content in Indian Sign Language and supports the bigger picture of improving access for learners with hearing impairment.
How Does This Support Inclusive Education?
Inclusive education works best when accessibility is considered as part of creating and delivering learning resources not as an afterthought. NCERT's accessibility initiatives include resources in multiple modes and formats, including Indian Sign Language, audio resources and digital learning platforms.
The ISL version of Awareness About Lakes therefore provides another way of engaging with environmental education. It can also help teachers and families to have conversations about lakes, biodiversity and environmental responsibility in a more accessible learning environment.
Why Should Students Learn About Lakes?
Lakes are more than water bodies on a map. They can support biodiversity and contribute to local environmental systems and human activities. For students, the opportunity to learn about lakes can help to integrate concepts from the classroom into everyday life, and encourage questions about water conservation, ecosystems and the relationship between communities and natural resources.
Making such learning available in ISL can support ensuring that environmental awareness reaches a wider group of learners.
PM e-Vidya ISL Channel 31 and the Bigger Picture
The ISL channel is part of India's wider digital education ecosystem. CIET-NCERT describes Channel 31 as an initiative based on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles and having as its objective of reducing accessibility gaps and promoting interaction between learners with and without diverse abilities.
The approach is significant because inclusive learning is not just about separate resources, but about creating educational environments where diverse learners can participate.
Final Thoughts
The availability of “Awareness About Lakes” in Indian Sign Language may seem like a small addition to a digital learning library, but the value it holds lies in who it allows to participate. Environmental education can be more meaningful when students can access it in a language and format that suits them. Through PM e-Vidya ISL Channel No. 31, NCERT is expanding this opportunity to students. For inclusive education, the aim is simple: learning about the environment should not leave any learner behind.
FAQs
1. What is NCERT's Awareness About Lakes resource?
It is an educational resource that aims to educate learners about lakes, their environmental significance, biodiversity, and relevance in everyday life.
2. Is Awareness About Lakes available in Indian Sign Language?
Yes, it is. The resource is now available in Indian Sign Language (ISL), as per the announcement.
3. Where can I watch Awareness About Lakes in ISL?
The resource is available through PM e-Vidya ISL Channel No. 31, including its official YouTube channel.
4. What is PM e-Vidya ISL Channel 31?
PM e-Vidya ISL Channel 31 is a dedicated educational channel that provides content in Indian Sign Language and caters to persons with hearing impairment. It was launched on December 6, 2024.
5. Why is Indian Sign Language important in education?
ISL resources can help to overcome communication and educational barriers and promote effective engagement with the learning material by learners who identify themselves as members of the sign language community. NCERT considers ISL resources to be a part of its inclusion programs.
6. What can students learn from Awareness About Lakes?
Students can learn about the importance of lakes, their environmental significance, biodiversity, and why awareness and protection of this ecosystem matter.
7. Is PM e-Vidya ISL Channel 31 part of inclusive education?
Yes, it is. CIET-NCERT describes the channel as an initiative that promotes equitable education and is based on the principles of Universal Design for Learning.
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