EDUCATION SPECIAL Teachers go the old-school way

Concerned by the distraction gadgets cause in class, schools are going back to the blackboard-and-chalk method of teaching

MUMBAI: After having extensively explored the use of technology in education over the past decade, many schools in the city are back to where it all started — good old books and blackboards. Although teachers admit to the advantages of smart classrooms, they said the distraction such gadgets cause to young students is a cause for concern.

RN Podar School, Santacruz, has smart boards in all classrooms. Yet, teachers make it a point to conduct regular discussions and debates among students, without the use of computers and phones.

A number of Indian schools have upgraded on-campus technology to include state-of the-art computers, audiovisual classrooms, etc. At schools such as the Dhirubhai Ambani International School, Bandra, and Doon School in Dehradun, the ‘bring-your-own-device’ practice encourages students to even use gadgets for taking notes in class. In fact, according to The Elementary Education in India 2011-12 report, 48% of the country’s 1.4 million schools have computers.

But, despite the availability of technology, there are many schools that are slowly making their way back to traditional teaching methods.

Our Lady of Perpetual Succour School, Chembur, is one such example. At this school, the much-talked about XSEED curriculum, which replaces a one-step teaching process — a lecture — with a multi-step learning process using various gadgets, was implemented for the primary section two years ago. The following year, however, it was scrapped, as the school thought it was not a very effective method to teach young children.

“The XSEED curriculum did not work very well for the primary section and we felt traditional teaching methods bring out the best in the students, as well as teachers. It is a good concept and is based on activity learning, but students were not very comfortable with the tools,” said Fr Paul, a member of the school’s management.

Further, while many schools give or allow students to buy laptops and iPads for classwork, there is a growing voice of dissent towards the practice as well.

“The biggest issue is the lack of research or thought about whether it is appropriate for children to be exposed to such high levels of technology, or to what extent it should replace traditional methods of teaching,” said Prasanto Roy, a cyber-media expert. He said the disparity in curriculums across boards also poses a problem in effectively integrating education and technology.

Many city schools agree. While St Gregorios School, Chembur, has a strict no-laptop policy for students, at IES School, Dadar, basic mathematical concepts are taught only on blackboards, using chalk.

Avnita Bir, principal of RN Podar School, Santacruz, too said that while it is important to integrate technology with education, its utility needs must be outlined.

“If technology is not being utilised for the right purpose, it should not be encouraged. We initially gave senior students the freedom to use iPads for classwork, but withdrew the order as soon as we realised it was not necessary,” said Bir.

Nalanda Public School, Mulund, too, has IT-enabled classrooms, but refrains from using technology while teaching core subjects, especially to pre-primary and primary sections.

‘Technology can never replace teachers’

Avnita Bir, principal of RN Podar School, Santacruz (West), discusses the role technology plays in education, and how to optimise its use. Does integrating technology with school education enhance learning or is it a distraction in disguise?

Using technology in education is something I strongly believe in. However, it needs to be used carefully and responsibly, only then can it be utilised to its potential. There is a lot of glamour attached to technology and digitised classrooms, which makes it intimidating. But it should be looked at as a tool that aids education. Do you think the technological boom has backfired? Many schools have started going back to traditional methods and are discouraging students from using laptops, phones or tablets in classrooms.

There are many myths associated with the digitisation of education such as teaching losing its personal touch and reducing students’ efficiency. But I wouldn’t say it is backfiring. Schools are just monitoring what kids are being exposed to. While at RN Podar we don’t reprimand students for carrying mobile phones, their use is strictly monitored. Technology can never replace human interaction, which is why no school will ever do away with teachers. Your school recently stopped the use of iPads for classwork. What prompted you to take such as step? Although certain educational apps enhanced creativity among students, its utility was not up to the mark. As the gadget was not being fully

utilised, there was no need to continue using it. However, students are free to use the devices for learning. Students still use it for the flipped classrooms concept, which was initiated two years ago.

(The flipped classroom technique involves teachers recording their lectures and sharing it with children before class, so students can come prepared to class.) Does the school follow any traditional methods of teaching?

Yes, although all our classrooms are equipped with smart boards, there is one-on-one interaction between students and teachers, peer activities and debates, conducted without the use of computers, phones or Google searches. Does dependence on technology in education have constraints?

There are times when a device just won’t work, it lets you down unexpectedly. Technology requires a lot maintenance and expertise to master it. Using technology effectively for collaboration and communication is a challenge, but an achievable one.

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