Podar International School to go digital from 2015, no more textbooks for students

Three years ago, Podar International Schools having Cambridge International Examination (CIE) and International Baccalaureate (IB) boards started teaching students via iPads. However, from the next academic year, 2015-16, the institute has decided to start complete digital learning, where there will be e-textbooks, e-workbooks, e-notes, etc.

From October this year, the school will begin a pilot project on digital learning, for six months. Dr Vandana Lulla, principal of Podar International School, said, "During our pilot project, we will see if we are facing any issue in going completely digital. We take precautions against students using any other sites. The most important thing is that they will not have to bring their bags with many textbooks."

The digital learning will be initiated for standards III to XII students. Abdul Chaohan, an expert from EssaAcademy in the UK, will train teachers. Once the students get the device in school, they have to register it with the school, to enable the WiFi connection.

Vijay Mukhi, an IT expert, said, "There are pros and cons in introducing digital learning. Having complete digital learning will benefit students as no company sends any letter on paper, but make use of emails in sending any message or appointments. But a major drawback is when students from economically backward families come to such schools, they may not be able to afford such devices, which cost over Rs30,000. The school introducing such technology will have to make sure that when students are making use of such technology at home, there should be someone to help them. There are chances that students can copy from each other, the projects or homework as there is no handwriting involved. On the other hand, if a school is sending any email which bounces back, and child could not get, it will be child's words against the school."

Source | Daily News Analysis | 26 August 2014