What is ATL? What is the ATL teacher training programme? Atal Innovation Mission, with NITI Aayog, has started Atal Tinkering Labs in 10,000 schools. AIM has announced that from 2024, 50,000 schools will get a ₹20 lakh ATL grant, and more schools will be able to provide hands-on learning.
The world is moving forward in innovations with technologies like AI, ML, and IoT. Our students learn the basics through theory. This huge gap between our current curriculum and real-life scenarios can be bridged with these 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs.
AIM has designed a systematic approach to setting up ATLs and conducting fruitful activities every day. Schools are supposed to conduct various engaging STEM activities in Atal Tinkering Labs. Each ATL has a dedicated teacher/mentor/coordinator who conducts activities.
We have noticed that most of the schools have certain major challenges:
- Teachers are finding it difficult to manage regular teaching and conduct ATL experiments
- A dedicated mentor/teacher requires training to operate and teach ATL activities
- Hiring an expert to conduct ATL activities costs more than expected
Atal Innovation Mission has been conducting teacher training sessions to help schools perform ATL activities regularly.
Unbox Tinkering ATL Teacher Training Programme By AIM:
The “Unbox Tinkering” programme trains teachers for Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs), an initiative by Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog. ATLs are innovation spaces in schools where students learn technologies like 3D printing, IoT, robotics, and drones and develop skills such as critical thinking and design thinking.
The training spans six days, combining live online sessions and self-learning modules.
Day 1:
Live session introduces teachers to ATL and Tinker Circuits, while self-learning covers ATL basics, electronics, and sensors.
Day 2:
The live session explains computational thinking and Arduino basics; self-learning dives deeper into these topics and the Arduino IDE.
Day 3:
The live session focuses on Arduino coding and new AIM modules; self-learning continues with Arduino and lab safety.
Day 4:
The live session covers 3D printer usage and design thinking; self-learning explores tools and 3D printing concepts.
Day 5:
Live session teaches Raspberry Pi, design thinking, and hackathon prep; self-learning includes prototypes and business pitch basics.
Day 6:
Live session guides hackathon planning and prototyping; ends with teacher certification during the closing ceremony.
Click here to get more details about Unbox Tinkering.
ATL Teacher Training By Vendors
In the Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) initiative by the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, vendors play a key but specific role during the initial setup phase of the ATL in schools.
Vendors are selected by schools from a list of empanelled vendors provided by AIM. They must supply and install the ATL equipment as per AIM’s guidelines. Once the equipment is installed, vendors are responsible for training 1-2 teachers from the school on how to use and maintain the ATL tools. This is a mandatory part of their contract and comes at no extra cost to the school.
The training includes:
- Basic operation of equipment (3D printers, sensors, microcontrollers, etc.)
- Safety precautions
- Maintenance instructions
- Use-case demonstrations
Vendors are not responsible for long-term or continuous training. Their responsibility ends with installation and initial orientation.
In-depth ATL Teacher Training By ATALUP
ATALUP supports schools in setting up and running ATLs. Our teacher training programme helps staff learn ATL-aligned activities step-by-step and confidently teach them to students.
Let us break it down in simple words- ATALUP is a software that assists schools in end-to-end ATL activities. Our team offers an extensive training programme where they train teachers and help them use the software for conducting further ATL activities.
The ATALUP software is smartly designed to explain each activity in easy steps. Teachers can follow the steps and get the activities done with students in less time than usual.
IoT, Robotics, and Electronic tools unlock exciting possibilities but only when teachers feel confident using them. With the right support, schools can turn every challenge into a hands-on innovation experience instead of letting tools gather dust.
ATALUP turns these complex technologies into fun step-by-step activities. Anyone who follows these steps can easily conduct more and more ATL experiments.
Final Words
We have trained the staff of a well-known Pune school, taking them from 100 activities in six years to 3,158 activities in just 27 days!
More activities lead to better outcomes- stronger student skills, higher chances of getting selected for national ATL competitions, better visibility among NITI Aayog evaluators, and improved chances of receiving additional grants or CSR support.
If you want your teachers to run 3–4x more ATL activities daily, ATALUP can help with expert ATL teacher training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to attend ATL teacher training programs?
Any teacher designated as an ATL-in-charge or mentor by the school is eligible. Ideally, they should have a basic understanding of science and technology.
Is the training only for science or computer teachers?
No. While STEM teachers are preferred, any teacher interested in innovation, creativity, and hands-on learning can undergo ATL training.
How often is ATL teacher training conducted by AIM?
AIM periodically conducts training sessions. Typically, it runs during the setup phase and is followed by advanced sessions later based on school performance and need.
Will teachers receive certificates after completing the training?
Yes. Teachers who complete the full training (like Unbox Tinkering) receive a certificate from AIM, which helps in official recognition and performance reviews.
Do teachers need technical expertise before training?
No prior technical expertise is needed to run an Atal Tinkering Lab. ATALUP training programs are designed for beginners and focus on practical, step-by-step learning.
What kind of support is available after training?
Post-training, teachers can access online resources, recorded videos, SOPs, and toolkits from AIM or platforms like ATALUP for continued support.
Are teachers expected to conduct ATL activities on their own after training?
Yes. The goal of training is to empower teachers to run ATL sessions, engage students in projects, and report activity outcomes. ATALUP helps schools conduct engaging STEM activities where the teacher can play the role of a mentor.