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Exploring Innovative Learning Methods Beyond the Blackboard

By Mr. Nirvaan Birla

India’s educational industry has seen a spectacular digital change as a result of the country’s widespread use of digital learning tools. Technology platforms were helpful at first, but now that the COVID-19 pandemic has lasted for two years, many of them have totally taken over the classroom. Higher education has changed as a result of this evolution, leading educators to adopt fresh teaching strategies that better meet the requirements of contemporary students. As a result, while new teaching methods are continuously improving through skill development, outdated ones are falling out of favour. EdTech is now a crucial component in quickening the shift from the status quo to a creative and dynamic learning environment in this quickly changing landscape.

The traditional educational model, which emphasises lectures and tests as passive learning tools, is insufficient to provide students the problem-solving abilities they need in the rapidly changing modern world. But since information is more accessible than ever, the emphasis needs to be on assisting students in honing their critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration abilities—areas in which EdTech offers creative solutions. Therefore, it is essential to change the current methodology and provide a more engaging and interactive learning environment that would enable students to use their knowledge to solve real-world situations. Consequently, educators can leverage educational technology and other innovative methods to provide students with the skills necessary to succeed in the workplace.

Here are some examples of creative teaching methods in the field of education:

Interactive Education

 Through “learning by doing,” or experiential learning, which includes both service projects and internships, students gain knowledge. As a result, individuals are able to close the gap that exists between theories and practice, which is crucial for learning to be effective. This procedure not only builds the necessary skills that employees need for their jobs, but it also demonstrates how the acquired notion can be applied practically in the actual world. Thus, field trips help students gain a more practical knowledge of academic concepts while also preparing them for life beyond the classroom.

Integrated Education

 In collaborative learning, students work together to complete assignments in groups through an interactive process. It fosters a sense of community within the classroom and improves communication and teamwork skills. The main advantage is that students can learn from each other. Students who collaborate with classmates from different backgrounds might also better comprehend the variety of viewpoints that aid in their understanding of the course material. In addition to creating an engaging learning environment, this gives students the critical communication and teamwork skills they will need for both their academic and professional futures.

 Transform the Classroom Forward

 In a flipped classroom, students do assignments in class and review lectures at home. Because this method encourages group work, students can practice in groups and work as a team. In this situation, instructors take on a more facilitative role, offering students individualized guidance and insights while they work independently or in groups. The flipped classroom, then, is a student-centered method of instruction that encourages collaboration and peer interaction while trying to give students a sense of independence.

 Everything Taken Into Consideration!

 Because they make education accessible to students everywhere, edtech platforms have completely changed the face of education. Students can now choose their courses at will and proceed at their own pace. Additionally, by allowing teachers and students to work together to create courses through animations, interactive activities, and films, edtech improves the quality of education. In addition to helping students get ready for tests, this partnership between education and technology creates job prospects.

 

 

(The author is Mr. Nirvaan Birla, Founder, Birla Brainiacs, and the views expressed in this article are his own)