Raunak Singhi talks to Anjela Paljor about the importance of technology as part of learning in classrooms today
Tell us about the 3D printing curriculum that was recently launched.
Our curriculum has been specially integrated with the CBSE, IB, ICSE Board. With the help of 3D printing, subject models like the heart or a human jaw model can be explained in a better way. Our vision is to provide kids
hands-on experience so that rather than cramming the topics, the kids are able to understand the concepts. We analyse the syllabus and pick out key areas where 3D printing can assist the teachers in teaching. Our curriculum has been designed for Classes VI to IX.
What are the loopholes of the learning process in Indian schoolsIJ
Being told what to do to get an ‘A’ isn’t just an experience in our years in elementary school but it’s also the main characteristic of the so-called old schooling system. This method emphasizes the theoretical part of learning and it is mostly considered as ‘copy-paste’ learning. Consequently this lack of discussion in class has a negative effect only on the student because it reduces the chances for feedback or context clarification while lecturing. lots of students in India lose interest in studies as a result of monotonous theoretical sessions.
What role will 3D learning play at the elementary levelIJ
The tools are useful to instill a confidence within elementary kids to question things they observe. 3D learning needs to be directed towards bringing in a sense of social sensitivity in students. Initiatives like finding solutions to a widespread social/environmental problems using 3D work directly towards enhancing critical thinking and problem solving skills.
nTell us about the online portal that students can accessIJ
The online portal is accessible by every student who enrolls for the 3D printing curriculum. The portal is aimed to make students engage into healthy discussions on the classes. The portal will slowly transform into a community of makers, where ideas are exchanged rapidly, enhancing product design skills.
How is the trend of technology based education panning out in IndiaIJ
This decade has seen huge rise in the number of companies entering the EdTech sector. However, we are yet to see a unicorn in the Indian education space. Most of these are information based digital platforms that act as aggregators of hyperlocal education providers. We have seen certain primary and secondary schools in tier-I cities incorporating basic robotics in their curriculum.
What has been the response of the students to the workshops that have been conductedIJ
In the beginning, it is just another co-curricular two-hour workshop. But it gets better and better by the time the workshop ends because they begin to see it all over the place.
What is the cause behind the reluctance of the educational institutes opening up to ideas like 3D printingIJ
The prime reluctance is a notion of an added burden on the faculty and teachers. There is simply no incentive for the management to share the responsibility of introducing any new technology, howsoever essential it may prove to be as a tool to impart learning. The problem lies not in the budget constraints of the institutions, but the effort teachers will be willing to take to employ 3D printing.