ST provides an active learning method for any new educational topic in short and simple steps for learning in any language native to the learner. While the initial impetus of the innovation has been information technology topics, from basics (e.g., introduction to computers) to advance courses in demand for high-paying jobs (e.g., Python, mySQL, Java), ST platform has been expanded to cover new learning topics such as nutritional health for new mothers & babies. 

At the core of it, a spoken tutorial is a an audio-video tutorial that explains an activity, on the computer screen (where it is typically viewed). An expert explains the working of the topic (e.g., a software language such as C++), by demonstrating it on the screen, along with a running commentary. A screencast software makes a movie of the entire activity, both the screen and the spoken part. This movie is the spoken tutorial. The running commentary can be in English or in any other language. Spoken tutorial is a recording of an actual session. As a result, it can capture every step that is required to explain an activity. While simple in concept, the final product (a series of 10-minute tutorials – which could be as few as half-a-dozen to as many as several hundreds, depending upon the breadth & complexity of the topic) requires proper integration of right instructor, content structure & sequencing, well-choreographed content script, user-interface, and transposition into A/V modules suitable for average learner. These ST modules are purposely created for consumption flexibility with or without access to Internet connection. Hence, the size of the video created is of the order of 1MB per minute, for a 800×600 screen size in normal resolution. The resulting file size is small enough for transmission through low bandwidth and also to pack a large number of tutorials on a single inexpensive storage device (e.g., USB stick or CD or DVD), enabling distribution to remote rural locations.

Further, the overall design & packaging has been done to enable easy dubbing of audio portion in any language that a remote / rural learner feels comfortable with. Many of the existing STs have been dubbed in more than 22 languages spoken within & outside India. Since many proprietary IT softwares are owned by large multinationals, their licensing costs make them unaffordable for large-scale usage in many emerging countries. This has resulted in huge development of open-source software technology options across the IT spectrum. To support this, current library of STs cover most of the popular open source software families, such as LaTeX, Scilab, GNU/Linux, and Python. While only a small topic can be covered in the standard ten-minute long single ST, by stringing them together, one can easily create study plans that are capable of teaching advanced topics. 

Two other critical features of ST approach are emphasis on the application of learning, and linkages to current market needs and challenges. While playing the ST, the learner, applies the course elements right away by practicing on the computer side-by-side. Combination of the flexibility (to learn at one’s choice of location, timing, duration, and pace) and real-time application makes it very powerful learning innovation tool. After finishing all the STs for a course, learner can take the examination to test their competency and can compare their scores pre and post learning. Score and associated details of the course outline are covered in the completion Certificate making it easy for a prospective employer to feel confident in the learner’s fit & employability. 

As of end of 2021, STs have already been used by more than 7 million learners across 6000+ schools, colleges and universities worldwide. These learners have been located in some of the most remote and disadvantaged sections of the society.