Ranchi: Reading lessons in govt schools across Jharkhand took a digital turn on Wednesday, with students accessing stories through QR codes displayed on school walls as part of the Jharkhand Education Project Council’s (JEPC) month-long ‘Mere Shabd, Meri Kahani’ campaign. Teachers scanned the QR codes for the students.The QR Code Story Wall activity was held in 378 schools, with 29,151 children, 1,079 teachers and 641 govt officials participating, according to campaign data. Students scanned QR codes placed on story walls and accessed digital stories, combining reading practice with basic digital skills.The activity is among a series of interventions under the campaign aimed at moving children beyond textbook-based reading and giving them opportunities to read, listen, express and engage with different forms of content. Other activities in the campaign include read-aloud sessions, shared reading, story creation and student podcasts.Officials said schools were encouraged to create or upgrade QR-based story walls so that children could independently access age-appropriate digital stories. The exercise also introduced students to a simple use of technology for learning, particularly in schools where digital learning is otherwise largely teacher-led.JEPC state coordinator (quality) Avinav Kumar said the campaign was intended to build skills that go beyond reading words. “Reading is not only about recognising words. Children need to develop comprehension, expression, confidence and the ability to use basic digital tools. Activities such as the QR Code Story Wall give them an opportunity to develop these skills together,” he said.The campaign’s next activity, Student Podcast, is scheduled for Saturday. Children will record short podcasts on their own stories, thoughts or experiences, with schools facilitating the recording and sharing process.
