Big smart screens, projectors and colourful presentations may make classrooms look modern. But do they help children learn better? Not always. A recent study in Maharashtra found that even though many schools now have smart boards and digital screens, student scores in Maths and Science have fallen. Goa too has seen many schools install …
Big smart screens, projectors and colourful presentations may make classrooms look modern. But do they help children learn better?
Not always.
A recent study in Maharashtra found that even though many schools now have smart boards and digital screens, student scores in Maths and Science have fallen. Goa too has seen many schools install smart screens and projectors with the help of the government and NGOs.
This raises an important question: If classrooms are getting smarter, why are students not always doing better?
Teachers say the answer is not simple.
“A number of students today find the basics difficult, especially in Maths,” says Dominica Fernandes, a teacher from St. Xavier’s High School. “Many struggle with multiplication, division, squares and cubes. Some also find basic grammar difficult.”
One reason could be the Covid-19 pandemic. During online classes, many children missed learning important basics. When schools reopened, they had to move to higher classes even though some of their foundations were weak.
Children today also have a lot on their plates. Along with regular subjects, they are expected to learn coding, robotics and computer skills. Spending long hours looking at screens can make children tired and affect concentration. Sometimes writing with a pencil on paper helps the brain remember better.
A principal of an aided school in Goa, who did not want to be named, said that smart screens also bring challenges.
“Network problems waste time. Some students get distracted. Not all teachers are comfortable using technology. Teachers also spend a lot of time preparing presentations and digital lessons,” the principal said.
Teachers already have many responsibilities, including tests, assignments, activities and administrative work.
“Children need time, care, love and a positive environment to grow,” says Domnic D’Souza, a teacher from Don Bosco High School.
The lesson is simple. Smart screens can help, but they cannot replace good teachers, strong basics and regular practice.
A smart classroom may look impressive, but real learning still happens through patience, hard work and understanding.
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