Frontline World Season 4 Episode 10 India: Hole in the Wall

India: Hole in the Wall is the tenth episode in season four of Frontline/World. In this episode, a team of journalists travel to India to investigate "Hole in the Wall" experiments that aim to prove that children can learn computer skills through self-directed learning. The experiments involve placing a computer in a low-income area, without any instruction or supervision, and observing how the local children interact with it.

The first segment of the episode takes place in Kalkaji, a slum in Delhi, where a group of kids gather around a computer installed in a wall. Over time, the children begin to teach themselves how to operate the computer and use the internet with impressive proficiency. This segment raises questions about the effectiveness of traditional education systems and the potential of self-directed learning.

The second segment takes place in Tamil Nadu, where a leading advocate for the Hole in the Wall initiative is implementing these experiments on a larger scale. He believes that this approach can revolutionize education and create a less hierarchical and more collaborative learning environment. However, critics argue that this approach overlooks the importance of teachers and structured learning.

The third segment focuses on the digital divides that exist in India. While some children have access to computers and the internet in their homes or at school, others are left behind due to financial or geographical constraints. The episode explores the potential of Hole in the Wall experiments to bridge this gap and provide greater access to technology and education for marginalized communities.

Overall, India: Hole in the Wall raises important questions about the nature of education and the potential of technology to create more equitable societies. Through engaging interviews and powerful footage of children learning and experimenting with computers, this episode provides a fascinating glimpse into the future of education in India and beyond.