Courses

The HLC’s program has evolved over a period of time and currently comprises a three-months Basic Computer Course, an eight-month Advanced Computer Course and an eight-month Skill Development Course in four streams.

Courses on developing skills are being offered to students in order to familiarize them with different skills to enable them to choose their career paths. The focus includes building confidence and empowering them with functional English language skills.

The four streams which are offered in the Skill Development Course are as follows:

• Basics of Content Management System
• Basics of Hardware and Networking
• Basics of Visual Documentation
• Basics of Teaching Computer Skills

The Basic Computer Course is conducted in the Extension Learning Centres. Orientation is provided to the teachers and weekly interactions are held on Skype to strengthen their work. Mock tests are conducted, followed by final examination and monitored by Habitat Learning Centre.

Technology Focus: Functional English language communication is integrated into the course. Some Extension Learning Centres run the Advanced Computer Course.

Age group: 8 to 12 years
Course Duration: 8 Months

Technology Focus:
• MS Word
• MS Excel
• MS Powerpoint
• MS Windows
• Internet
The Advanced Computer Course provides in-depth content and devotes almost equal time to theory and hands-on practice. The course is conducted at the Habitat Learning Centre. Children are nominated to this course by NGOs. The course runs from Monday to Friday in two batches every day. Each batch has a maximum of 27 students.

Functional English language communication is integrated in the course. Two Extension Learning Centres run the Advanced Computer Course.

Age group: 13 to 19 years
Course Duration: 8 Months

Technology Focus:
• MS Word
• MS Excel
• MS Powerpoint
• MS Windows
• MS Access
• Internet
Students are exposed to the principles of accountancy in this course. They learn about Introduction to Accounting, Recording of Business Transactions, Trial Balance & Rectification of errors, Computer Application in Accounting and Basics of Income Tax & Service Tax. Functional English language communication is integrated into the course.

Components of Course:
• Accounting Fundamentals
• Vouchers and Transactions
• Trial Balance
• Introduction to Accounting Information System
• Basics of Tax Returns
This Skill Development Course enables students to learn about open source technology in the field of website development. Students are provided with knowledge on using Open Source Content Management System platform to develop websites on their own. It allows students to create new designs for websites using basic HTML/CSS skills. It helps students coming with adequate understanding of computers to be able to acquire knowledge to become website developers. Students are exposed to photo editing and enhancement which play a vital role in creating a user friendly site. So far 107 students have completed the course and some of them are associated with NGOs and private organizations while some others are freelancing.

Components of Course:
• Fundamentals of HTML programming
• Basics of Scripting (javascript)
• Use of open source web development tools like Joomla, WordPress
• Fundamentals of editing photographs

In this course students are imparted in-depth knowledge on computer hardware and learn to assemble a computer. They learn to troubleshoot problems and find solutions. Students are enabled to understand computer networking and the role of various devices comprising the network such as switch, router, hub, server, etc. This gives them confidence to visit any site and troubleshoot the problem. Students are provided ample opportunity for hands-on work in the state-of-the-art computer lab in HLC. So far 120 students have completed the course and their some of them are associated with private organizations while others have set up small enterprises or are freelancing.

Components of Course:
• PC Troubleshooting
• PC Assembling
• Software installation
• Software Repairing
• Networking
The Basics of Visual Documentation Course exposes students to several technical aspects of photography and videography. With most of them holding a camera for the first time, the students learn to get the most out of the basic digital camera. The course exposes students to a new dimension of storytelling using digital media, which enhances their video and filmmaking skills. The portals and programmes of the India Habitat Centre provide ample opportunity for students to learn and practice documentation of the environs and events. The course equips them with adequate knowledge on all aspects of Visual Documentation thereby enabling a wide choice of career options. 183 students have finished this course so far. Some students are working with professionals as assistants after finishing this course; others are freelancing on producing documentaries, in regional print media, in animation, in graphic design and other related areas.

Components of Course:
• Image, Video Editing
• Post production techniques
• Software installation
• Software Repairing
• Networking
This Course has been designed for alumni students to enable an additional option for employment or as enterprise to hone their teaching skills. It focuses on complementing their technical skills with teaching skills.

While teaching is essentially based on aptitude, the course aims to help the student understand the role of effective communication, proactive engagement with students, team building, conflict resolution, discipline, knowledge updating, developing learning tools, class scheduling, monitoring and related aspects of teaching.

Strengthening functional communication skills in English language and practical experience of being a teacher through taking dummy classes are key components of the course.