EDUCATION THROUGH ICT

Introduction

From a humanitarian aspect, education is essential for all, owing to its influence on a well-rounded development-both physical and spiritual. Education has an acculturating role, through refining thoughts and perceptions that contribute to cohesion of mind and soul.  Education facilitates in self-actualization, develops the ability to acquire the skillsets needed for employability. In summation, Education is an exceptional investment in the present and the future.

Current Educational Scenario

The Educational system in India is often criticized for its emphasis on rote learning, rather than comprehension, critical thinking, and problem solving. Young students spend most of their time memorizing a syllabus, without any practical application. Textbook knowledge, rigid ideas, and an undue importance over test scores has stilted the purpose of education, with open debates and logical reasoning taking a back seat. Creativity is dying a slow death, having rigorous emphasis on rote learning inhibit the development of “free thinking”. Moreover, concerns about student learning outcomes, assessment of learning achievements, and the efficacy of school management are growing, with parents pushing their children to impossible limits, for success in school. One needs to understand that good grades don’t equate to proper learning, the onus of education being defeated in this competitive environment.

What is ICT?

There is a great need for innovation in the education sector, that is being brought through Information communication technologies (ICT) at present, which helps both the teacher and students to get the best out of education. ICT is the use of technology to provide an assistance in learning. Leading educational systems are identifying ICTs as catalysts for change; change in handling and exchanging information, teaching methods, learning approaches, scientific research, and in accessing information.

Use of 3D Animation in ICT

Since this trend has gained prominence in European continents, it is increasingly finding popularity in India, too. ICT curriculum comprises various tools, with 3D animation being the most popular amongst institutions. Teaching with the use of animation is highly impactful as animations can help learners grasp complex ideas more easily. This can owe to the fact that Humans are essentially visual beings, gifted with an astute pictographic memory. The process of teaching and learning gets an added dimension with 3D animations added to it.  Teachers use animated video clips to explain complex concepts (like cell biology, chemical bonding, heat transfer, etc.). These visuals make it easy for students to not only understand concepts clearly but also helps in memorizing them for a longer time.

TAMAI- An asset to ICT

One such profound learning technique comes from Japan, the TAMAI Method. Developed by Mitsuyo Tamai, the TAMAI method of learning enlists the use of 3D animated videos, educating children on various subjects. Their USP of the TAMAI method is the hands-on approach to education, through the use of innovative technology to engage students, in a fun way. The TAMAI Method has been successfully incorporated in the educational curriculum of various schools in Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam.  The TAMAI Method places great emphasis on “the faculty of imagination”, an important skill in the blocks of cognitive development. Currently, the TAMAI method is restricted only to mathematics and science, dividing itself into four modules-

** TAMAI Mathematics Narrated- TAMAI Mathematics Narrated puts an emphasis on understanding fundamental concepts of mathematics, through                narrative stories and high quality animation.

** KIWAMI Geometry- KIWAMI Geometry program focuses on teaching Geometry through the use of 3D Animation.  This helps children develop “Shape       Brain”, which enhances their ability to solve geometric questions without relying on formulas, as well as sharpening their spatial reasoning capacity.

** Ee Soroban Abacus- Ee Soroban Abacus employs level progression curriculum, allowing children to proceed with their study depending upon their level     of understanding. Through the incorporation of Abacus, children will get to develop the ability to visualize solutions, providing a heightened level of             understanding.

** Gakken Science Experiments- This program is designed to develop higher order thinking skills amongst students through the route of science.Through       incorporation of “Observe, Explore and Reflect”, these experiments encourage learning through activity, thus improving conceptual understanding.             These also help develop a scientific temperament by providing hands-on tools.

TAMAI method incorporates the Tamaishiki Ee Soroban, or the “Tamaishiki Method of Abacus”. Through learning Ee Soroban, it enhances the faculty of imagination and problem-solving skills, while sharpening the concentration skills. Using the method of “Image Calculation”, students will be able to perform mental calculations faster, by visualizing “soroban” in their mind. In the cloud version of EeSoroban, children are provided with a digital form of abacus, which guides the children on the operations of the Soroban (abacus).The TAMAI Method has a revolutionary take on parent’s feedback, through integrating parents to review their teaching methods and provide feedback, which are then integrated into the curriculum. This provides a well-rounded educational experience that enhances the understanding capabilities of the students.

The ICT Advantage

A recent survey by the National Institute of Multimedia Education in Japan states that an increase in student exposure to educational ICT through integration in curriculum has a significant and positive impact on student achievement, especially in the categories of Knowledge, Comprehension, Practical skill and Presentation skill in subject areas such as mathematics, science, and social study.

ICT has positive impact on students’ performances in primary schools, showing a rapid increase in scores compared to those with lower level. Pupils consider ICT tools very helpful as it aids them to comprehend assignments easily, especially for students with special needs or difficulties. It also helps in reducing social inequalities between pupils, as they work in cohesionto achieve a given task. Students also shoulder responsibilities well, when they use ICT to organize their work through digital portfolios or projects.  In addition, the study showed that ICT significantly improves the teachers understanding and execution of the lesson at hand.