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Lessons from tomorrow
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The days are gone when a chalk and a blackboard were all we had as teaching tools. Futureschools, that aims to provide children with a stimulating learning environment, uses various computer applications.
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Photo: V. Sreenivasa Murthy
Learning the hi-tech way — Photo: V. Sreenivasa Murthy
AT CHENNAI'S Padma Seshadri School, children were asked to find out how much classroom rubbish the school generated. The children collected bits of paper and plastic strewn around in their classroom, counted the pieces, and noted down the number in a list. This number was then multiplied by the number of classes, and again multiplied by the number of days in a year. And when the enthusiasm peaked, they had found out how many tonnes of waste a classroom generates in 10 years.
Asha Devi, the Director of Futureschools, Bangalore explains the concept behind such an exercise: "The lesson was on pollution and conservation of nature. But in the process, not only did the school become cleaner, but the children had also learnt how to use Microsoft Excel." She further elaborates: "We believe in teaching how to use the computer as a tool for learning rather than teaching about hardware and software."
Futureschools is a part of the Chettinad Group. Started by Annamalai Muthaiah, grandson of Sir Raja Annamalai Chettiar, founder of Annamalai University, the organisation works with educators, teachers, and students in schools to provide a stimulating self-development process. The organisation believes that the computer is the most important tool for today's children.
The methodology it adopts allows a child his/her own process of developing knowledge, skill, and character, while the teacher remains a guide and mentor. "We work closely with the school management and teachers and then develop a curriculum based on information technology," explains Swathi, a Programme Manager at Futureschools. For example, in Sri Kumaran School, CBSE, a class four student is writing a story. The class in language improvement soon turns out to be an exciting project as he tries to find graphics to go with his characters. Within a short time, he has learnt as much about grammar and sentence construction as about multimedia, programming, and graphics.
Does the growing dependence on computers to stimulate young minds mean the end of creativity and conventional teaching? No, say the people at Futureschools. Teachers are taught how information technology can be incorporated into conventional classroom teaching, even in government schools, to make school curriculum more meaningful. Teachers can be as innovative and creative in their use of technology as they can be by using ordinary teaching aids.
For the teachers, Futureschools offers Professional Development Programs (PDP) and Infusing Technology in Classroom-teaching Programs. The PDP is recognised by 20 universities around the world. Students can avail four programmes: Technology, Academic, Enrichment and Gifted and Talented Child Education (GATE). The organisation found that parents who accompanied their children to the centre often showed a lot of interest in their programmes and thus came to offer Technology Education Program and Work with the Child Program. School Administration Services and Student Performance and Evaluation programs can be taken up by school administrations. For most modules, the fee per month is between Rs. 40 and Rs. 150. Futureschools has also introduced Cambridge Starter Awards in Information and Communications Technology (ICT). The Starter Awards have been designed as an introduction to the world of ICT. The scheme concentrates on the development of practical skills in using ICT. "Since it is software independent, students get to learn techniques and skills for ICT as a whole rather than specific programmes," explains Asha, who has worked with a premier software company before finding her vocation in education. "At each stage of the scheme of assessment, students will use ICT to communicate, handle information, to make predictions using graphical modelling, and measure and control simple output devises." A Cambridge certificate is expected to boost the confidence levels of students considerably.
Futureschools now works with 15 schools in the City. Since the implementers (they don't call themselves teachers) are available in schools most of the time, teachers and students get guidance constantly and immediately.
Curriculum, activities, and assessments are all planned well ahead so that the courses are meaningful and result-oriented. Contests such as Techno-Talent have gone a long way in establishing Futureschools as a fun scheme for children as well as adults. For details contact 6784380/ 6782001 or log on to www.futureschools.com
MALA KUMAR
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Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
Thiruvananthapuram
Visakhapatnam
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