As an increasing number of schools set up virtual classrooms, the regular lecture sessions are giving way to interactive audio-visual simulations of textbooks.
An increasing number of institutions are using technology to make learning interesting
MUMBAI: As an increasing number of schools set up virtual classrooms, the regular lecture sessions are giving way to interactive audio-visual simulations of textbooks. With the help of e-books, most private and aided schools have introduced a new vigour into the classroom in order to keep students engaged in their lessons.
Recently, Navneet publications launched its e-book for English- and Marathi-medium students based on the state board syllabus. The e-books have animated characters and a background narration that helps the teacher explain the subject better. “These audio-visual books help us break rote learning and make dry subjects, such as history, interesting,” said Seema Buch, principal, Gundecha Education Academy, Kandivili.
VN Sule Guruji at Dadar, a state board school, is one example of a government-aided school getting tech savvy. “We have a digital laboratory and virtual classrooms. We want to have one computer per student. However, the cost of the equipment has deterred us from getting other technologies,” said Sucheta Bhawalkar, headmistress of the school.
Experts predict that over the next three years, the cost of technology will drop. “Just like cellphones, the cost is bound to come down. Soon, students will learn through e-books and give exams online,” said Srikanth Iyer, CEO, Edurite, an organisation that creates course material for CBSE and ICSE schools on CD.
Apart from utilising technology as a teaching aid, schools and colleges are using it to enhance their administrative work. The University of Mumbai’s digitalisation plan will make complex university process efficient and paperless. “Once implemented, it will enable student’s to submit applications online, get e-mail and SMS alerts about exams and timetables,” said AD Sawant, vice-chancellor, University of Mumbai. The varsity is also planning a Wi Fi-enabled campus, complete with kiosks and call centres for students.
The Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT-B) has launched an initiative of broadcasting live lectures through satellite and webcast to engineering students in remote areas of the country.
“Around 13 undergraduate courses are made available through EDUSAT and webcast. Over hundred colleges in the country have installed the Edusat terminal, which costs Rs3.2 lakh. The live lectures will be available to all through the Internet,” said Kannan Moudgalya, head, Centre for Distance Engineering Education Programme, IIT-B.
As the programme enables only one-way communication, IIT has also set up a Learning Management System (LMS) for students. At the cost of Rs1,000 per course, students can interact with the IIT faculty and get their doubts cleared, hundreds of miles away from the Powai campus.
“We now want to telecast lectures through Direct to Home (DTH) service providers. This is a first-of-its-kind scheme, but due to television regulations, we are not getting the permission,” said Moudgalya.
Competitive exams such as CAT will be conducted online within the next three years. Recently, the Indian Institute of Management (IIMs) invited service providers to bid for the computerisation of CAT exams. “Students can attempt it online from next year. A time window monitoring the hours will be provided so that students can take the exam within the stipulated hour,” said IIM Lucknow, director Dr Devi Singh.
Coaching classes, too, are following suit by launching online test modules for competitive exams. While Mahesh Tutorials plans to extend its online testing module to JEE, AIEEE and CAT, Career Launcher is launching an online module for its CAT preparatory tests. “Since CAT is going online , we will also start a few tests online,” said Janhvi Nanavati, faculty at Career Launcher.
The last three years have seen a slew of changes in the education sector due to the technological revolution. The next three years will bring even more changes. However, those who worry about the future of traditional schools can be rest assured that technology will only supplement the good old way of teaching.
r_priya@dnaindia.net
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