India’s educational system has been improving on the whole due to the growing use of technology. Hybrid learning has birthed a brand-new approach to learning, understanding, and assimilation of information. This method combines “traditional” schooling with the use of contemporary tools and techniques mastered by technology, and it has paved the way for future transformation within the education system.
Education has become less expensive now. Every person has a smartphone or laptop, and access to the internet and its vast resources. People who are not from metropolitan cities are now equally equipped to access online smart class education and learning modules that are used in bigger cities. Education has never been more accessible! In this article, we shall dive deep into the specific ways that technology has transformed and is improving education in India.
What is a Smart Classroom, and Why do Schools Need One?
A digital smart classroom is an advanced classroom that is equipped with modern educational technology tools such as digital whiteboards, projectors, tablets, laptops, and other multimedia devices.
Aligned with the vision of NEP 2020, which emphasizes the integration of technology to enhance learning outcomes, schools need to adopt the concept of a digital classroom to their arsenal. Not only is a smart classroom concept designed to provide a more immersive and interactive learning experience for students, but it helps to make the learning process more personalised, interesting, and retention-based by using gamification techniques, artificial intelligence-based tools, and interactive visual and technological aids.
Is the Traditional Classroom the Best Setting for Learning?
Traditional classrooms involve a teacher imparting knowledge and the students listening to it. Whether or not they absorb the information, or even properly comprehend it, is a secondary concern as the biggest roadblock to cross is simply doing well in class tests. The memorization and recitation approach is the backbone of traditional teaching rather than developing problem-solving skills.
The learner memorizes the study material and recalls it the way he or she was taught. But is this the true objective of education? Traditional school systems require students to attend classes on campus and solve any doubts on campus as well. However, with high student-teacher ratios, the possibility of academic understanding reduces further and further.
Every child has a different set of academic weaknesses, strengths, and learning styles, and in a traditional setup, slow learners often finish last. But that is not to say that smart classrooms do not come without their challenges.
What are the Potential Challenges of Using Smart Classrooms and Education Systems?
While there are several benefits of smart classroom concepts in school, there are also several potential challenges. Smart class education cannot replace actual teachers who can empathise with students and solve their queries.
Furthermore, following a regular schedule helps students remain disciplined. Attendance requirements also ensure they interact in class and remain socially active. A smart class in school may be helpful to teachers to aid learning objectives, but for streams of learning that require hands-on training, the traditional method of education is the most preferred.
Additionally, students can develop and grow more from peer interaction in a traditional classroom setup. We shall highlight some challenges of setting up a digital smart classroom in the next section.
Challenges of Implementing a Digital Smart Classroom
- Infrastructure Readiness: Schools may have a lack of internet connectivity, network stability, bandwidth, and hardware capabilities, which may pose challenges when setting up a smart class in school. Before incorporating it, schools need to make sure they have the necessary infrastructure to support smart classroom equipment.
- Teacher Training and Familiarity: Teachers need to learn how to operate smart classroom technology effectively. It may be a challenge for them to get acclimated to new technology and teaching aids. Constant seminars and training sessions should be conducted with teachers to upskill them.
- Financial Investment: Implementing a smart classroom concept requires a significant financial investment. While the initial cost may be daunting, the long-term benefits and impact justify the investment. With proper budget planning, the investment can be done easily.
- Time and Effort: Integrating a digital smart classroom takes time and effort. It often takes time to get adjusted to the technology available and its features.
In this article, we have outlined the benefits of smart classroom technology, as well as the challenges it may pose. A traditional method of teaching is the norm, but we have to adapt our methods to keep them relevant and applicable to the ever-changing needs of children.
A blended classroom, where students have elements of traditional classroom setups, along with the pros of smart classroom concepts, is how we can truly move learning from being archaic to being modern and adaptable.