Mary Carson, head of customer success at Umety shares her views on opportunities and challenges of the education system in India with FE Education Online.
What is the best thing about today’s education system?
The best thing about today’s education system is its adaptability and commitment to inclusivity. Education today has transcended traditional classroom boundaries, thanks to global connectivity and technological advancements. Students from various backgrounds have the potential to access a plethora of resources and learning materials, enabling personalized learning journeys that were not possible in the past.
Take virtual reality for instance – it’s not just cool tech, but a real game-changer for how students learn. Imagine a science class where students are learning about atomic numbers. Instead of reading about them in the book, they can wander through the atomic table, hop in and out of atoms, and get the information firsthand. Yes, all this is possible through VR. It’s a significant leap towards an innovative learning environment where every student has a front-row seat to the wonders of the world.
What is the one thing you would like to change in the education system?
One aspect of the education system that I would advocate for change is incorporating technology at a more foundational level. While there is significant use of technology in many educational institutions, it is often not fully integrated into the curriculum or teaching methodologies.
I believe in a more systemic adoption of educational technologies like VR, which can transform abstract concepts into tangible experiences, making learning more engaging and effective at pre-primary and primary levels, right when students need it the most. Immersive, interactive VR experiences can enhance or replace traditional teaching tools, providing experiential learning opportunities for all students. Moreover, with VR, we can collect data to understand learning patterns and outcomes, which can be used to personalize learning paths for students.
What is the role digital has played in the evolution of the education system?
Digital technologies have fundamentally reshaped the education system by introducing a variety of tools that enable both students and teachers to interact with information in unprecedented ways. The proliferation of digital resources like interactive whiteboards, educational software, and online resources has transformed the traditional classroom setting, allowing for a more dynamic and customized approach to education. Building on these foundations, VR adds a new dimension to digital learning. It transforms passive observation into active participation, allowing students to inhabit and interact within a 3D educational environment. This technology enhances comprehension of complex concepts by providing immersive experiences that complement the benefits of existing digital tools, catering to the needs of diverse learners and fostering deeper engagement with the subject matter. Through VR, education transcends traditional boundaries, offering students a vivid and interactive way to learn and explore. Technology has not just changed education; it has expanded its possibilities, making education more interactive, accessible, and tailored to the digital age.
4. What has been the disadvantage of digital in education?
The primary disadvantage of digital in education is the exacerbation of the digital divide, where not all students have equal access to the necessary devices and high-speed internet. There’s also the risk of screen fatigue and the loss of social interaction which is crucial for developing communication and interpersonal skills.
Furthermore, it’s essential to use technology purposefully; otherwise, it could become more of a distraction than a benefit. We can’t overlook the importance of interpersonal interactions, which are vital for developing soft skills. That’s precisely where VR steps in, providing an immersive learning experience that mitigates these concerns. VR can offer a balanced solution—providing engaging, interactive learning without the downfalls of traditional screen-based technologies, and students who may never leave their hometowns can now virtually travel the world and explore new places right from their classrooms.
What is the career advice you would like to give to students?
To students navigating career paths, my advice is to remain agile and lifelong learners. The world is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and the ability to adapt is critical. Lean into tech, especially VR – it’s an amazing way to enhance your learning experience and can prepare you for a future career. Companies around the globe are using virtual reality for sales, marketing, product development, and many other aspects of business.
Also, do not forget to focus on soft skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication, which are indispensable in any job. Remember, the future belongs to those who are prepared to continuously learn, unlearn, and relearn. Get involved with internships or apprenticeships – they’re invaluable for getting a taste of the professional world. And wherever possible, apply what you learn to real-life situations – that’s where the real learning happens.