Digitizing Education, Amplifying Learning
An outdated system
Imagine the early 2000s when large Microsoft Windows 95 computers waited only in computer labs in schools. Kids could make basic sketches on Paint, write down their ideas in colorful fonts on a Word document, play pinball and eject CDs. Today, big computers and CDs seem familiar yet ancient objects that will not carry forward with us. Technology is rapidly advancing. Today’s children have grown up with mobile apps, social media, advanced graphics, gaming, and a rich connection to technology. As they grew up with these digital experiences at their fingertips, using technology is the only norm to building educational programs. However, they encounter programs that are not adapting to their day-to-day needs and unique learning styles. We still hover with half a decade-old processes in education with sparse use of contemporary technological tools.
From exam-centric to learner-centric
For the longest time, technology was seen as a distraction and hindrance to education, simply because traditional methods had no place for the exponential growth of educational technology. Learning on a laptop from home or reading on a cellphone were still considered alternatives to education that could not replace the special human-to-human bond created in the classroom between teachers and students. Even though fundamental education of computer science gradually became a part of curricula across India, the basic building blocks of education remained the same—examinations. This mechanical method of students appearing for standardized tests prevented them from engaging with the material and immersing themselves in meaningful learning experiences. With technology, there is a major shift from exam-centric to learner-centric education. Learners can now be in complete control of what and how they learn through personalized curricula that adapt to their unique passions and background.
Every learner is unique
In a famous joke, five animals—an elephant, snake, fish, monkey, and penguin—wait in front of an examiner to take their final exam. The examiner says, “for a fair assessment, everyone has to climb a tree.” This metaphor applies well to the unique learning strengths and challenges of students. While some students learn better with visual cues like infographics, diagrams, and videos, others like to learn by doing and participating. Similarly, some students excel in group settings where they collaborate with a team, while others learn best when they are alone with the material. Even though there are many categories of learners for whom different types of curricula are designed, no two students will have the same background, emotional intelligence, and retention ability. When students appear for standardized tests, their unique strengths and weaknesses get ignored instead of being embraced. Educators recognize the importance of giving students an environment in which they thrive. Digitizing education and micro-level assessments enhance students’ performance by paving a unique path forward as they continue in their learning journey.
How micro-level performance analysis will replace exams
In India, students appear for high-stakes standardized examinations at the end of every year that are known to create stress, anxiety, and confusion. Similarly, they appear for entrance exams like NEET and JEE that assess students’ understanding as a whole. However, as a learner-centric education gains momentum, these examinations that assess large chunks of information must be replaced with micro-level performance analysis. This micro-level approach has many advantages as it tests students on the specific learning outcomes and core competencies of each module. Microlearning provides short and digestible chunks of information at various intervals. Such spaced intervals effectively overcome memory loss. As performance is evaluated on a micro-level, Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used to create reports after conducting an analysis that shows a student’s weak areas. Thus, micro-level performance analysis can efficiently improve retention and engagement as opposed to standardized testing.
Gamification and tech tools can make education fun
A study conducted by KPMG and Google predicted that online education in India is likely to be a $2 billion industry by 2021. This is just one indicator of the great interest and the need for educators to create content and platforms that transform education. For the K-12 sector, educational games include learning with narratives, fictional characters, animals, and playful elements. Gamification also allows students to choose their learning journey, much like how they would in a video game. As younger students are more familiar with this form of engagement, this allows the fun to be embedded as a part of the coursework. As gamification allows personalization around the learner’s interest, it is an inclusive form of learning. As Inclusive Learning is one of the core missions of the National Education Policy (NEP 2020), these tech tools will be seen soon for meeting micro-level learning outcomes. Similarly, many emerging technologies like Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) are coming to life as we speak. These technologies allow students to be fully immersed in an environment as they choose their learning journey. Students can assimilate concepts well as they can have a close look at the inner workings of a machine or the anatomy of living begins.
Greatify offers quality coaching classes to students coming from all over India. We ensure quality online micro learning experiences for competitive exams through test series and doubt clearing sessions with expert faculty. We use performance analytics to ensure that students are always taking charge of their educational experience and improving their weaknesses. Our teachers and staff are equipped with cutting-edge technological resources to provide quality education to our students. Designed for 21st-century learners from diverse backgrounds, our offerings allow flexible, personalized, transparent, and skill-based learning through virtual classrooms. Learn more about Greatify today on how it can make a difference to today’s learners, or check out our website www.greatify.ai.
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