InOpen Technologies, an IIT Bombay-based technological start-up working in the educational sector, designs and develops educational content and solutions for academia, especially schools. Rupesh Shah, co-founder & CEO of the start-up, in an interaction with FE?s Vikram Chaudhary, shares the working of the start-up and how it aims to become a global innovative education enterprise. Excerpts:
What are open source technologies?
Open source software development is peer production by collaboration, with the end-product, source-material, and documentation available for free. Open source is often clubbed with free software, creating a new category called free and open source software (FOSS), which offers instantaneous advantages of affordability and long-term stability with respect to system maintenance. Our product Computer Masti, built around open source and FOSS-based applications, is an extensive research-based product, created at IIT Bombay, for effectively teaching computers in schools. It is designed as a series of text books, after an understanding of the curriculum suitable for primary and secondary school students. We have plugged in Computer Masti in about 78 schools and have been able to reduce their expenditure on software and licences by 80%.
Do you intend to stick to computer training?
Yes we intend to stick to computer training as that is our core service area. In an age where computer literacy is a must and given the fact that IT sector is one of the major contributors to India?s GDP, we would like to provide a level playing field to the children from an early age. Even after making computer training mandatory at schools since 1995, the course content and teaching method remains mediocre. We are contributing towards making it better, aiming to reach to 1 million students by 2013.
How do you develop educational content?
We have a team of around 50 people who are either developing new content or working towards improvising existing content. The content is created in basic formats like story boards or content sheets. We then port it to different technology platforms as per the need and feasibility of the content. We believe that technology is just an extension to quality content.
How many schools/institutions are you currently associated with?
We are serving approximately 2.5 lakh students spread across 78 schools and 4 government projects. We have also trained more than 2,000 teachers. Apart from that we have a strong online presence and our e-books have been downloaded in more than 120 countries.
What is the average cost per student for Computer Masti?
It depends on various factors. Since we offer a range of services such as creating customised content, appointing a resource person, training school teachers, hand-holding visits, assessment and so on, giving a cost estimate is difficult.
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
First, we expected to reach to 3 million students by 2016. Then, we intend to supply the highest quality of content and training in all major subjects for schools. We will use our customer experience to reach our vision. We also may launch a comprehensive web-based learning experience that will use the power of Computer Masti. Then we wish to bring out Computer Masti in all major Indian and some foreign languages. Lastly, we wish to open company-operated centres for teacher and student learning activities, and also generate e-content for new generation smartphones and tablets.
