Digital Skills Extension Activity Inspires School Students

Report on School Extension Activity on Digital Skills

The Department of Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence, Kamaraj Women’s College, Thoothukudi, organized a School Extension Activity at Karappettai Girls Higher Secondary School on 24 August 2026 at 3.00 p.m. The programme aimed to introduce school students to useful digital tools and help them develop basic technology skills.

The session mainly focused on Canva and Power BI. Through simple explanations, practical demonstrations and hands-on activities, the programme helped students understand how modern digital tools support learning, creativity and data presentation.

Objectives of the Programme

The Digital Skills extension activity focused on the following objectives:

• Introduce school students to modern digital tools
• Develop basic technology skills
• Encourage creativity through digital design
• Introduce the fundamentals of data visualization
• Provide practical exposure to Canva and Power BI
• Promote hands-on digital learning
• Create awareness about the role of technology in education
• Introduce students to technology-related career opportunities

Thus, the activity combined technology awareness with practical learning in an engaging environment.

Introduction to Canva

The first part of the programme introduced the school students to Canva and its applications in digital design.

The students learned how Canva can help them create attractive and well-organized visual content. Moreover, the session showed how they can use the platform for both academic and creative purposes.

The students received guidance on creating:

• Posters
• Presentations
• Digital designs
• Creative visual content

The practical demonstration helped the participants understand the basic features of Canva and encouraged them to explore their creativity.

Creative Learning Through Digital Design

The Canva session encouraged students to combine technology with creativity.

They learned how digital tools can make presentations and educational materials more attractive and effective. In addition, the session encouraged them to experiment with different design elements while developing their own ideas.

As a result, students gained a better understanding of how digital design skills can support their school projects, presentations and future learning activities.

Introduction to Power BI

The second part of the programme focused on Power BI and its role in data visualization.

Students received a simple introduction to how Power BI helps users organize and present information visually. Furthermore, they learned how data can become easier to understand when presented through charts, graphs and dashboards.

The session introduced students to:

• Data visualization
• Charts
• Graphs
• Interactive dashboards

This introduction helped students understand that digital technology can support not only creative design but also data analysis and decision-making.

Understanding Data Through Visuals

The Power BI session demonstrated how visual presentation can simplify complex information.

Students learned that charts and graphs can help users identify patterns, compare information and understand data more effectively. Moreover, the introduction to interactive dashboards gave them an early understanding of tools widely used in education, business and other professional fields.

Therefore, the session broadened their awareness of how technology supports data-based learning and analysis.

Hands-On Learning Experience

Practical demonstrations and hands-on activities formed an important part of the programme.

Instead of limiting the session to theoretical explanations, the programme encouraged students to explore the tools and understand their functions through practical activities.

The interactive approach helped maintain the students’ interest throughout the session. Furthermore, it encouraged them to ask questions, experiment with the tools and develop greater confidence in using technology.

Technology for Education and Future Careers

The programme also created awareness about the growing importance of digital skills in education and employment.

Students learned that tools such as Canva and Power BI have applications beyond the classroom. While Canva supports visual communication and creative design, Power BI plays an important role in data visualization and business intelligence.

Consequently, the session helped students recognize the value of developing technology skills from an early stage.

Programme Guidance

The School Extension Activity was conducted under the guidance of Dr. M. Vanmathi, Principal, Kamaraj Women’s College, and Mr. S. Ramachandran, Correspondent.

The initiative reflected the institution’s commitment to extending educational resources beyond the college campus and sharing useful knowledge with school students.

Programme Outcomes

The Digital Skills School Extension Activity provided several valuable learning outcomes.

Through the programme, the school students were able to:

• Gain basic knowledge of Canva and Power BI
• Learn how to create simple digital designs
• Understand the use of posters and presentations
• Explore the fundamentals of data visualization
• Understand charts, graphs and dashboards
• Develop creativity through digital tools
• Gain practical exposure through hands-on activities
• Understand the importance of digital skills in education
• Gain awareness about technology-related career opportunities

Thus, the programme successfully combined creative learning, technology awareness and practical skill development.

Community Outreach Through Technology

The activity served as a meaningful community outreach initiative by the Department of Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence.

By sharing knowledge of useful digital tools with school students, the programme helped extend technology education beyond the college classroom. In addition, the interaction provided an opportunity to encourage younger students to become confident users of digital technology.

The programme also strengthened the academic connection between Kamaraj Women’s College and the school community.

Conclusion

Overall, the School Extension Activity at Karappettai Girls Higher Secondary School proved to be an informative and practical learning experience.

The introduction to Canva helped students explore digital creativity, while the session on Power BI introduced them to data visualization through charts, graphs and interactive dashboards. Most importantly, the hands-on approach encouraged students to participate actively and explore the tools with confidence.

The programme successfully created awareness about modern digital tools and their applications in education and future careers. It also encouraged the school students to develop their digital skills and use technology creatively and effectively in their learning journey.