his is especially true in the digital world as we grow and evolve in various ways.
Technology has the power to transform life as we know it and classrooms to have been influenced by the influx of technology in our lives. This has led to a constant debate on the benefits of traditional education versus the advantages of smart education.
Understanding the Difference between Smart Education System & Traditional Method of Education
Traditionally, education has been imparted in schools across the world in classrooms using the tools of a blackboard, chalkboard, textbooks, assessments, and assignments. The students enrolled themselves in these physical schools and attended classes five days a week. These classes were headed by teachers who stood at the head of the class and gave out instructions for the students to follow.
Whereas the digital/smart education system, on the other hand, uses a variety of digital tools ranging from smartphones, tablets, laptops, projectors, starboards, digital textbooks, etc. Here the focus is using audio-visual tools to engage the student.
In a smart education system, the teacher is a guide who helps the students navigate their learning process through independent learning systems such that they are personalized and customized to suit the learning style and learning pace of the student.
Furthermore, digital learning classrooms do not need the students to attend them physically as learning can take place mainly online.
Smart Education V/S Traditional Education System – The Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
- Flexibility
In a traditional education system, students have a constant pressure to keep up with other students and perform at a speed that they may not be comfortable in. On the other hand, a smart education system is characterized by the flexibility that allows the students to learn at their own pace, stopping to review the topics repeatedly, or clearing the doubts with the teachers.
Additionally, a smart education allows the students to learn at a place of their choice or create a suitable learning environment. Instead of sitting in a classroom with multiple distractions or a crowded library, an online student has the flexibility to create his own environment that is best conducive to their learning. This can range from learning while sitting at their favorite café or creating a home learning environment which includes soft-focus music, choice lighting and even stocking up of tea and coffee.
- Lower Costs
In a traditional schooling system, there are a few mandatory fees that every student must pay related to using classroom space, school resources and equipment. However, these do not apply to an online course and with the right tools and software, students can enjoy large discounts on the courses that they have applied for.
- Larger Variety of Courses
In a smart education system, the online school is not bound by space or time constraints. This is the prime reason that they can offer their students a larger number of courses compared to traditional educational institutes. Thus, a smart education student has access to a larger number of courses that they can take at any time and place of their convenience, expanding their learning.
- Channels of Communications with Teachers
One of the biggest benefits of taking the smart education system is that it offers students multiple channels of communication with the teachers. Instead of waiting to speak with the teacher after class or taking a special appointment for clearing doubts, the online student can clear his doubts by mailing the teacher or chatting with him on the messaging boards, access to teachers, experts, and student guides increases their confidence in the subject.
This is also especially suitable for introverted students who are too shy to ask questions in class.
- Collaboration with Peers and Virtual Study Groups
Students of an online course can also join online study groups and collaborate with their peers to learn faster and better. This not only broadens their learning but opens their minds to new thoughts and ideas related to their subject. Online learners thus get an understanding of new trends in the subjects of their interests and stay updated at all times through collaboration with peer learners.
Disadvantages:
- Lack of Social Learning
Social learning refers to the elements of learning where the students learn by interacting with each other. The peer network becomes a support system that not only helps in learning but also shapes the character of the students as they learn to share and respect others.
However, the smart learning system allows for only limited indirect interaction with other students and this may often lead to isolated students
- Extracurricular activities
In a traditional learning system, the extracurricular activities give the students offers the students plenty of opportunities to showcase their hidden talent to others. This boosts their self-confidence and helps in personality development.
Conclusion:
The capabilities of the younger generation are slowly increasing due to the numerous opportunities that online education offers. The new generation of smart schools offers the students multiple intelligent education systems that use visual techniques together with technology to present information in a more effective manner. This enhances the capabilities of next-gen students to improve understanding and learning.
This way of smart learning also helps the students retain what they learn for longer periods of time.
Today, access to technology broadens minds due to the variety of information available to the learner. In a world where traditional classroom systems are considered boring, the Smart learning System transforms learning into a fun and exciting adventure.
A smart education goes a long way in preparing the child and imparting skills for a future workspace.