‘Students must learn to use technology more effectively’
Augmented reality is bringing about rapid changes in the education industry and transforming the way teachers teach and how students consume content, says Monica Malhotra Kandhari, managing director of MBD Group. The education company recently launched a virtual reality-based device for students from kindergarten to Grade 12 which will help them enjoy learning. In an interview, Kandhari talks about the device and how technology can help develop the education system. Edited excerpts: Thus the perceived advantages or for that matter disadvantages of technology when it comes to students is merely an outcome of the way technology is used or handled. The outcome of any technological intervention is dependent on the manner and purpose with which they are put to use. What is important is the responsible use of technology. Students should use it intelligently to learn more effectively. It will help in mapping the requirement of a child, assess his/her learning outcomes as well as make learning more receptive. in the informal education sector as well. Apart from the group’s own VR device, MBD’s VR content will be compatible with all other VR devices like Samsung, Google Cardboard etc, for wider accessibility.
The scope for enhanced education using augmented and virtual reality is immense as the medium helps students and learners to become more focused, offers first-person experience and bring subjects to life, which is a huge limitation in the traditional education. As per Edgar Dale’s cone of learning, we retain 90% of what we say and do while retention drops sharply to 10% and 20% for what we read and hear, respectively. Thus an interactive 3D session in virtual reality where the participant can see, hear, and enact helps a learner gain more knowledge and deepens connect with the subject. Further, VR can accurately illustrate features and processes, thereby facilitating closer examination and observation.