Coimbatore: Printed textbooks under the 'TN Spark' programme will be distributed to government school students in Coimbatore district after schools reopen following the half-yearly holidays, education department officials said.

The 'TN Spark' initiative, introduced by the Tamil Nadu School Education Department, aims to impart basic computer science and artificial intelligence knowledge to students in government schools. The programme was initially implemented in 85 schools in the district that had computer laboratory facilities and higher student strength.

In the first phase, students of Classes VI to VIII were provided special learning materials and training. The programme has since been expanded to cover most government middle schools in the district.

Officials said the scheme is now being implemented in 138 schools, including 20 schools in Coimbatore city union, 18 in Sarkar Samakulam, 17 in Perur, and 10 each in Periyanaickenpalayam and Pollachi North and South. Overall, 223 of the 232 government middle schools in the district have been brought under the programme.

So far, teachers' manuals and student textbooks were provided only in digital format. With the expansion of the scheme, printed textbooks have now been prepared to enhance students' learning outcomes.

Officials said uninterrupted high-speed internet connectivity has already been ensured in all the covered schools and the printed textbooks will be distributed once schools reopen.