IL&FS ETS recognises that a PC-based learning centre, while having its advantages in relation to student-centric learning, has minimal impact on learning effectiveness when group learning is desired.

Students have to work in small groups of 2-3 students per PC to browse educational content, thus learning in a relatively ‘isolated’ situation. Teachers find it difficult to explain a point to the whole class on the small screen, making the PC inadequate for group learning, which is the typical classroom format. Further 5-10 PC terminals spread over a class of 30-40 students is least likely to lead to an enriched learning experience.

Connection of PC terminals to large screen 29-inch television sets for delivering technology-assisted education directly in the classroom also poses problems, with respect to screen size relative to the class strength and output resolution, apart from increasing the cost of infrastructure.

Alternate technology platforms, which could meet the needs of a large class, e.g. a large plasma TV or a projector, are either as expensive or have limitations in their mobility, robustness and versatility.