The Progressive School Vol 01 Issue 04

learners
International School shares his opinion
about Smart classrooms.
Q: What merits do a ‘smart classroom’
command in delivering an effecting
learning model?
Rohit Mann: Smart Classrooms are
technology enhanced classrooms
that foster opportunities for teaching
and learning by integrating learning
technology, such as computers, specialized
software, audience response technology,
assistive listening devices, networking,
and audio/visual capabilities. One of the
major benefits of a Smart Classrooms
is that the lessons are fun, interesting
and are delivered in an interactive
way. In Smart Classrooms, teachers
integrate technology through computers,
specialized software – online and offline,
audience response technology, assistive
listening devices, online libraries like
Jstor and audio/visual capabilities into
their teaching methodologies. It thus
facilitates learning beyond textbooks
and encourages interactive learning. One
such strategy is flipped classroom which
benefits both students and teachers many
ways. This approach allows students to
be ready for lessons as compared to a
traditional classroom where a teacher
uses conventional methods of teaching.
Smart Classrooms in collaboration
with innovative methods of teaching
enhances and maximizes students’
learning and understanding. Due to
interactive nature of the digital aids, the
understanding of concepts is concrete
and has a lasting effect. The advantages
of Smart Classrooms are endless. So, I
believe that Smart Classrooms are the
best way forward to ensure maximum
learning for the 21st Century learners.
Although adopting such a new concept
might be a tough decision for many, but
the technology can create wonders in
classrooms.
Q: What challenges do schools face
in delivering pedagogy in a ‘smart
environment’ and how can they
adopt the new model?
Rohit Mann: Switching to non-traditional,
digital mode of learning entails plethora of
challenges. A Smart Classroom can be a
different, however challenging, learning
experience especially for students who
are accustomed to traditional modes of
learning. However, the right approach of
introduction to these digital methodologies
and strategies can help a great deal in
overcoming these challenges. Overcoming
technical glitches is another challenge.
E-learning requires high bandwidth
internet connection. Time management is
also a difficult task for e-Learners, as online
courses require a lot of time and intensive
work. Also, ‘Smart teachers’ should realize
that technology cannot replace the need
for a good teacher. Relevant training
should be imparted to teachers for them
to be able to integrate technology in the
lectures. It must be remembered that
even in Smart Classrooms, students, not
technology, should remain at the centre
of things.
Q: How can ‘smart schools’ help in
empowering individualized learning
of the students and to address
jul-AUG-SEP 2017
THE PROGRESSIVE SCHOOL
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