siliconindia | | November 20189so much so that they have become the new sources for learning at a global scale. With the inception of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC), there's a revolution happening in the field of education. MOOCs have enabled interactive courses and have created a better communication channel between the teachers and students.The Role of Internet in ClassroomsToday, every other classroom has access to Internet. Teachers find the Internet to be a significant learning tool and there is no doubt that connectivity has added a new dimension to education. Real time queries are answered in a jiffy and teachers find the Internet to be a modern invaluable tool. All the traditional classrooms now function as modern, smart classrooms where ultra-smart IoT (Internet of Things) devices are used to track metrics and attendance, all with a mere click of a button.The Personalization of LearningPersonalizing learning can bring about a radical transformation in teaching and learning, offering greater opportunities to the students of today. There is a change in the instructional approach, which can be optimized to benefit the learner better. In the current scenario, learning activities make more sense and are a lot more relevant to the learners, with their interests being of utmost importance. The pace of learning can be adjusted to suit individual needs and it is more an interest-driven pursuit for the learner than ever before.Blended LearningBlended learning is a smart combination of traditional classroom learning and smart online learning. Students can now, to an extent, control the pace and place of learning to suit their needs. It is up to the teachers to formulate an optimal blended learning model with a combination that suits the teacher and the taught. While face-to-face instruction still retains the old-world charm, blending this traditional method with technology to customize student needs goes a long way in educating the students better.Adaptive Teaching and LearningAdaptive teaching, also known as adaptive learning is a new method that is based on computer algorithms and focuses on delivering customized resources to the learner. Technology is used to modify the presentation of educational material to suit the students' needs. Adaptive learning incorporates technology that encompasses Artificial Intelligence, psychometrics, psychology and more. Adaptive learning is somewhat similar to blended learning, with the focus being more on using technology to reach to the learner.Student-controlled LearningIn today's fast-paced world of technology, learning is more student-led where students prefer to take charge of their learning. Classrooms are increasingly designed to cater to the learners' needs. Classrooms are bustling with activity though the teachers are relegated to the position of a coach. Brainstorming sessions are replaced with Brainwriting sessions where individuals are encouraged to come out with their own ideas that can be shared later. Digital brainwriting has replaced group-thinking, which is another offshoot of technology learning.Cloud-based Technology to the ForeToday, digital content can be accessed through any gadget from any remote location, thanks to cloud-based technology. A repository of information can be accessed by students and instructors alike, and what's more is the information is completely secure. Cloud-based web services enable the teachers to conduct collaborative classes. Online tasks can be prepared and assigned at short notice.The Government's InitiativeSwayam, which is an initiative of the Government of India, highlights the three fundamental principles ­ access, equality and quality. It is the government's endeavor to ensure that all citizens have access to quality teaching and learning online. Swayam is the Government's effort to reach out to underprivileged students who are yet to get the benefits of the digital revolution. The endemically developed IT platform promotes hosting of a range of courses right from the school level to the postgraduate level. The interactive courses that are made available to the students for free are designed by some of the best teachers handpicked from the length and breadth of the country. Over 1,000 teachers participate in the courses that span four important segments ­ video lectures, specially formulated reading material that's downloadable, self-assessment tests and quizzes, and an online forum that answers various questions. Closing ThoughtsThe way education is imparted has changed for the better. Universities have gone global and compete internationally for acquiring students. It is important for educators to stay relevant in this digital era. Digital transformation is here to stay, what with the ubiquitous smartphone and the social media emerging as primary communication channels. Students are considered more as prime customers and their expectation levels have risen several notches. Today's tech-savvy, better-connected crowd expects a lot more from the academia.
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