Written by

Ms. Athira Krishnan

Principal, Santwanam Special School, Kothamangalam- First Digitalized Special School in India

In the heart of Kothamangalam, often referred to as the gateway to the high ranges, stands Santwanam Special School—a beacon of hope for children with special needs. Established in July 2008 under the visionary leadership of Moran Mar Baselios Mar Thoma Paulose II, the school has grown steadily, fueled by the dedication and hard work of individuals such as Fr. George Patlattu , V. Rev. Mathai Edayanal Cor Episcopa, and a committed management team. Together, they laid a foundation of care, innovation, and determination that continues to shape the institution’s legacy.

My Journey with Santwanam

I am Athira Krishnan, and my connection with Santwanam began on May 15, 2014, when I joined as Principal. From the very first day, I was inspired by the leadership of Fr. George Patlattu, who has been a pillar of strength and wisdom in both the education and healthcare sectors for over four decades.

Father began his career at the age of 21 and has since left an indelible mark on every institution he has been a part of. Despite his extensive experience, what stood out most was his humility, respect, and encouragement. He gave me the freedom to grow into my role, treating me as a professional rather than a young novice, and instilled in me the confidence to take on the responsibilities of special education.

The Seed of Digital Innovation

As I delved deeper into my role, a recurring question lingered in my mind:

Why shouldn’t children with special needs have access to the benefits of digital education?

The world of education was undergoing a transformation, with technology playing a pivotal role in enhancing learning experiences. Yet, children with disabilities often missed out on these advancements.

In 2018, while serving as a resource person for the Special School Teacher Empowerment Program in Thiruvananthapuram, I was introduced to the Adaptive Training System led by Sudhir Shakthan sir. This system demonstrated how touch-screen computers could be adapted for children with physical and cognitive disabilities. It sparked a realization: technology could bridge the gap between traditional teaching methods and the unique learning needs of differently-abled children.

A Turning Point: VergeTAB ( Digital Activity Book )

In July 2023, I attended a class at Pratiksha Bhavan, Thodupuzha, where I was introduced to the VergeTAB, a ground-breaking adaptive learning tool. The VergeTAB wasn’t just another device; it was designed specifically for children with special needs, empowering teachers to create customized learning activities tailored to each child’s abilities. This marked a pivotal moment for me and my colleague Krishnapriya teacher, who immediately saw the potential of this tool to redefine special education.

Embracing Technology at Santwanam

With the unwavering support of Santwanam ’s progressive management, led by Secretary Mathew Sir, the school began integrating the VergeTAB into its curriculum. Teachers were trained extensively to understand its functions and capabilities. The management, always eager to adopt innovative solutions, ensured that the transition was smooth and effective.

The benefits of the Verge Tab were transformative:

• Interactive Learning: Concepts that were once difficult to teach became accessible through digital simulations. For example, children could visualize and interact with the process of a plant growing, gaining a deeper understanding of the concept.
• Personalized Education: Teachers could create activities customized to the needs and abilities of each child, ensuring an inclusive and engaging learning experience.
• Learning Beyond Classrooms: For children unable to attend school due to illness or other challenges, the VergeTAB provided an opportunity to continue learning from home.

Addressing Challenges

Initially, parents were sceptical about introducing technology into their children’s education, fearing misuse or distraction. However, with the guidance of experts like Jinson Alias Sir and Brilliant Maria Anto, these concerns were addressed effectively. Parents soon realized the immense potential of the VergeTAB in enhancing their children’s learning journey.

One of the greatest challenges in special education is teaching abstract concepts to children who struggle with imagination. The VergeTAB overcame this hurdle by offering interactive and sensory-based learning experiences. Children could now see, touch, and hear digital representations of objects and scenarios, making the learning process more engaging and effective.

A Revolutionary Impact

By May 2024, Santwanam Special School achieved a monumental milestone by becoming India’s first fully digitalized special school. The integration of digital technology brought about significant changes:

• Faster Learning: Activities that once took weeks to teach were now grasped quickly through interactive tools.
• Enhanced Cognitive Skills: Children developed imagination and memory skills that they previously struggled with.
• Empowered Teachers: Educators gained the ability to create dynamic and customized lessons, fostering better engagement.

While digital devices are often criticized for diminishing creativity and memory in general education, their impact on children with special needs has been profoundly positive.

A Vision Fulfilled

Looking back on this journey, I feel immense gratitude for being part of this transformative phase at Santwanam. The school’s evolution into a fully digitalized institution is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration. It has shown that technology, when used thoughtfully, can break barriers and unlock the potential of every child. Today, Santwanam Special School stands as a symbol of hope, progress, and inclusivity, inspiring other institutions to follow suit. As I reflect on this journey, I am filled with pride and humility, knowing that we are paving the way for a brighter future for children with special needs. Here’s to continued growth, innovation, and success at Santwanam —where dreams meet technology and possibilities become limitless.

Santwanam’s embrace of the VergeTAB (Digital Activity Book), powered by XceptionalLEARNING, has redefined education by merging technology with inclusive learning. Contact us today to learn how our team can help bring innovative solutions to your school or organization!