Early childhood education has its origins as far back as the 1950’s. Though the first recorded evidence exists with relation to Europe and the US, India has a rich academic background that began with the British invasion and subsequent influence.
UNICEF has played an important role in educating our children.
Though our standards of education have always been high, teaching techniques, especially for younger students, have been archaic. Every lesson has been revolving around chalk & talk or rote learning, with minimal creativity or interactiveness. Examinations in India begin for students as young as 4 and 5 years, with little value given to day to day progress.
These systems are rapidly changing.
Today, we have digital tools, audio-visual teaching techniques and VR enabled classroom activities. Students are more creative, expressive, adept and confident than ever before.
Let us explore the latest developments in early childhood education in our country:
- Video Tutorials
Today, we have at our disposal a host of videos that demonstrate how things work, how to perform certain acts or how to make things.
Young students can watch and learn the steps while teachers can guide and correct them. These videos are freely available online and require minimal investment.
- 3D Printing
A 3D printer in an early education classroom is an amazing piece of equipment to purchase. It shows the cross section of items and offers insight into contents.
Young students are now able to create from their own imagination and watch it being printed in a 3D format right before their eyes.
- AR Simulations
Augmented reality depictions work with the existing background and interpose images to create a completely new environment.
Students can experience space, under the sea, jungles and more via AR for a more enriched learning experience.
- Robots and Mechanics
Students as young as 4 years are interested in robotic mechanics. STEM concepts can be imparted to young students in an interactive manner. It has also been noticed that children are able to grasp coding concepts and programming, like an additional language during their formative years.
They engage in playful learning, while cultivating their fresh curiosity for technology. They can even learn problem solving while understanding concepts such as sequencing, cause-and-effect, and sensors.
- Experiential Science
Young students can tinker in labs designed to teach them scientific concepts and theories. Earlier, they had to reach the primary classes to be able to enter a science lab.
But with the new and safe learning tools, we are able to expose young children to the basics at an earlier age.
Hence, technology is gradually transforming the moden early education classroom. Teachers are required to work with technology to impart learnings. Such tools are helping young ones develop cognitive, social, motor and psychological qualities quicker while giving them a sound foundation for further learning.
It has also been discovered that group tasks help young children to communicate and develop their soft skills. Slow learners tend to open up and grasp knowledge better, thanks to advance tools.
Technology makes the modern classroom more fun and students look forward to coming to school.