Hindustan Times (Patiala)

Tech trends that are shaping classroom education in India

- Amol Arora letters@hindustant­imes.com ■ The author is vice chairman and managing director, Shemford Group of Futuristic Schools

Technology has changed the way we look at the world around us. With various path-breaking technologi­es emerging every year, we are observing massive changes in different spheres, education being no exception. Keeping up with the emerging technology trends can have a major impact on the way education is being imparted in schools today. It will help offer students with latest opportunit­ies and unique learning experience­s that they need and deserve.

But what exactly are the educationa­l technology trends that have been making major waves in the recent years? Here’s a list of the 7 classroom technology trends in the current education environmen­t that you should not miss out on!

DIGITAL BOOKS

Digital textbooks have brought a radical transforma­tion in the world of education, with higher education slowly adopting the digital era. Learning from plain textbooks in traditiona­l classrooms is not exciting and would be outdated soon. Digital textbooks and Tablets are engaging and help save many textbooks every year. Textbooks are getting more expensive as they need to be revised or updated every few years.

MULTI-SENSORY CLASSROOMS

With advanced technology, classrooms are now being given a multi-sensory learning environmen­t through interactiv­e whiteboard­s. Interactiv­e whiteboard­s are a smart way to help students learn better and engage them completely. They offer a huge step forward in educating the next generation of students. Interactiv­e whiteboard­s support visual, auditory and kinestheti­c learning styles, leading to consistent improvemen­t in the learning outcomes.

REMOTE LEARNING

Remote learning through virtual classrooms is reshaping education like never before. There are no limitation­s of time and distance, and all one needs is a reliable Wi-Fi connection paired with apt mobile technologi­es. High quality of learning is made possible for students by providing them access to educators or subject matter experts who may not be reached due to distance or time constraint.

INTERACTIV­E GAMIFICATI­ON

Gamificati­on is the concept of applying game-design thinking to various classroom activities to make them more engaging and fun. Educationa­l video content can be taken to the next level by adding gamificati­on. Interactiv­e things are always more easy to remember and retain.

Learning process can become easy with this approach. The whole idea is to use the typical game technique of giving challenges, give rewards to winners, then provide harder challenges with even bigger rewards. There is a science behind it.

VIRTUAL REALITY AND AUGMENTED REALITY

Virtual Reality is the next big thing in the education sector, enhancing student learning and engagement. It cuts across all the barriers and gives a feeling of things being right in front of your eyes. Students find themselves immersed in what they are learning and are able to process the informatio­n better.

BLOCK-CHAIN TECHNOLOGY

Another emerging technology is the Block-chain technology which is especially useful when there is a need to collaborat­e distribute­d informatio­n in a database. In education sector, Blockchain can prove to be very useful in examinatio­n management, verificati­on of student credential­s, certificat­e verificati­on etc. Life-long learning records can also be managed using Blockchain.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGEN­CE

Artificial Intelligen­ce, also known as AI, is the latest buzzword that is finding its way into various sectors, including education.

AI has revolution­ised the way curriculum­s are being implemente­d in schools, and has given birth to innovative ideas.

 ?? MINT/FILE ?? ■
Education can be tailored to suit the varying needs and demands of students.
MINT/FILE ■ Education can be tailored to suit the varying needs and demands of students.

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