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How nutrition and demographic dividend are linked

How nutrition and demographic dividend are linked

Food security and long-term nutrition are critical for human capital development and generating demographic dividends. Better practises are essential for long-term success. Food is proving to be crucial as leaders plan for demographic transition, from youth to senior citizens. Food security and nutrition foster excellent health for all generations and improve well-being and productivity. Thus, nutrition and demographic dividend are linked. Food security and nutrition are necessary for optimum health, human development, and eventually, economic progress.

 

The problem of nutrition in India

 

India has seen significant economic improvement in the past few decades. Despite this, many children under the age of five are overlooked, with 38% stunted and 35% underweight. Furthermore, approximately half of all women are anaemic. We’re also behind on important nutrition-specific and sensitive interventions like exclusive breastfeeding and micronutrient supplementation. Undoubtedly, malnutrition is a serious development issue.

 

Ways to fight malnutrition

 

The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme was launched in 1975 as the first pan-India organisational reaction. It was meant to strengthen the nutrition and health status of children under the age of six. Health and education convergence through Anganwadi centres (AWC) in villages and urban slums was part of the initiative. The initiative has already been extended to about 14 lakh AWCs and mini AWCs. This covers more than half of all children under the age of six. There is widespread agreement that malnutrition is a major cause of death in roughly 40% of under-five children. In 1993, the National Nutrition Policy was developed for eliminating malnutrition and attaining adequate nutrition status for all. This policy was formulated by the Women and Child Development (WCD) Ministry.

 

Efforts were underway to combat malnutrition in adolescent girls. Inter-generational variables that contribute to low birth weight and a young marriage age for girls contributes to this. Unfortunately, the scheme was not able to meet the set targets. This is because expected integration or convergence was weak, leakages were common, and the community was primarily seen as oatmeal distribution (daliya banto) centres.

 

The link between nutrition and demographic dividend

 

India’s population is youthful, and the country is well positioned to take advantage of this window of opportunity. According to a World Bank policy research report, over two-thirds of the employed population in India earn 13 percent less than other working class people due to childhood stunting—being extremely short for their age—one of the world’s greatest such losses in per capita income.

 

Children with stunted growth face negative consequences later in life: decreased brain development leads to weaker cognitive skills and reduced educational attainment. To tackle these issues, the National Nutrition Mission (NNM) provides an integrated policy and programme framework. The mission lays out specific goals for reducing underweight, stunting, low birth weight, and anaemia in women. It also has specific targets, such as a 2% reduction in stunting, underweight and a 3% reduction in anaemia in women. Initial findings are encouraging: according to certain media reports citing official sources, stunting rates have dropped to 34.7 percent.

 

Direct cash transfers have been shown to be helpful in increasing healthy behaviours both globally and domestically. They have been shown to boost nutritional results in Bihar. Sadly, policy commitment in this area is a bit hazy. Moreover, the mission makes no mention of how extremely malnourished children would be cared for. This, despite the fact that the numbers are enormous. In terms of the number of empty beds, the current capacity for treatment through Nutritional Rehabilitation Centres in public systems is severely limited. A programmatic focus on community-based management of severe malnutrition is necessary. Private sector engagement can be considered in this context by utilizing innovative demand-side financing instruments such as vouchers.

 

Can better nutrition improve demographic dividend?

 

There is a real possibility to harness the benefits of demographic shift in countries like India. This is because here the working-age population is significantly bigger than the number of elderly and young dependents. When this beneficial age structure is combined with significant investments in the health and employment of young and working-age individuals, demographic dividends accrue. Overall this enhances overall productivity and economic growth. A second demographic dividend can also boost economic growth when older people have the health and income to invest in youth of today. Demographic dividends aren’t always automatic; they rely on smart investments and policies to ensure that people reach their full potential.

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Insights Partners In Change

How Can We Improve the Working Conditions for ASHA and Anganwadi Workers?

How Can We Improve the Working Conditions for ASHA and Anganwadi Workers?

ASHA and Anganwadi workers have been working at the grassroots level for basic health care and education. Since the pandemic, the working hours for community mobilizers have increased a lot. Their contribution in dealing with pandemic at the ground level has been tremendous. However, there has been little to no improvement in the working conditions for ASHA and Anganwadi workers.

 

These stellar women are the pillars of India’s healthcare system. Before the pandemic, these women were in the field for 4-5 hours every day. Ever since the onset of the pandemic, these workers have been at the frontline of performing COVID duties. When the pandemic hit, working hours increased.  These community workers had to adapt very quickly, without much of training. Apart from additional work like contact tracing, they also had to conduct online surveys.

 

Many Asha workers have also lost their lives due to Covid. The all-women army is very critical to the government’s door-to-door vaccination drive, so are their contributions crucial when it comes to door-to-door delivery of medicines for Covid patients, but the workers complain that they are faced with more work and no pay.

 

There are many ways in which their lives can be improved.

 

Proper protective gear

 

Protective gear to prevent infection during the pandemic is essential. Even in other situations, it is important to keep these women safe while they continue doing the good work in society.

 

ASHA and Anganwadi workers have spent hours in accompanying patients to hospitals. They get patients tested and also accompany them on follow-up visits. Moreover, pre-natal and neo-natal care is often the responsibility of ASHA workers. This means they have to be extra careful, making sure that they don’t infect expectant mothers or newborns. Thus, protective gear is crucial to minimize any risk of infection, for workers as well as the beneficiaries.

 

Better working conditions for ASHA and Anganwadi workers

 

A range of interventions are needed to make this community healthcare sector organized.

 

First, these remarkable women are working for long hours on the ground. One possible reason for this is that there are not enough community health workers who have been recruited by the government. This can make the workers overworked and exhausted, thus reducing productivity. The health of a community is tied to that of these workers. Therefore, it is essential that they are well-rested and healthy. Their working hours must be limited.

 

Second, their economic conditions continue to remain poor. The government basically considers them as volunteers and not as healthcare workers. However, over the course of the pandemic, the work done by them on the ground has been unmatched. The salary is quite low and sometimes even that is quite delayed. ASHA and Anganwadis need to be paid more for the excellent work they are doing with the community. This will not only help achieve the healthcare goals but also keep these workers motivated.

 

Third, these women are the first line of contact between marginalized communities and primary healthcare. Not only this, they have also been instrumental in mass vaccination drives for diseases such as polio and COVID-19. They deserve full social security and healthcare benefits, as other government employees enjoy. Incentivizing them in this manner can lead to conducive working conditions for everyone involved.

 

How can healthcare sector be improved?

 

Healthcare costs are increasing day by day. In many cases, insurance companies also don’t cover the expenses if it is below a certain amount. There is an increased need of government health facilities—not just primary but secondary level facilities too!

 

The government and civil society organizations should aim towards universal health coverage. They first step should be strengthening the public health system. Proximity is an issue for most people in rural or semi-urban areas. These people have to travel very far for decent and specialized treatment. Further, if testing facilities are available at more and more locations, it would ease the lives of these communities as well as the community workers.

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Insights

Technology and Education: Can the Two Complement Each Other?

Technology and Education: Can the Two Complement Each Other?

Research has shown that children are more receptive to information from books rather than from screens. A large section of the academia also believes that human interaction is of paramount importance in keeping children engaged while learning. However, the coronavirus pandemic changed all this. The digital age has well and truly arrived in the education sector too. Since the advent of the pandemic, students and teachers across the globe have become more or less dependent on technology to continue learning and teaching. Technology and education are now hand-in-hand.

 

It is important to face the question: How important is technology in education? COVID-19 has demonstrated that online education should be a vital part of teaching and learning. Everyone is spending a lot of time in the digital world. As a result, technology can be more than just a crisis management tool. Teachers can harness online learning as a powerful educational tool to complement existing curricula.

 

Advantages of digital learning

 

Digital learning can prove to be an effective tool for student engagement, improving teaching methods, and imparting personalized learning. Tools such as virtual classrooms, videos, augmented reality (AR), and so on can make classes lively. They can also enable better and more inclusive learning environments where teachers can collect data on student performance.

 

It is also important to acknowledge that one of the most important 21st-century skills is digital literacy. Exposure to digital technology from formative years can help students acquire the necessary skills to succeed in the careers of the future. 

 

Challenges to technology in education

 

However, technology is only a tool for education. It cannot be considered an end in itself. What educators and learners do with technology can determine whether, or not, technology can live up to its promise.

 

Digital technology is disrupting the status quo of traditional learning. It is important to question whether the increasing amount of time children spend in front of screens can be detrimental.

 

There are other challenges too, but none that cannot be overcome. 

 

Implementation and use are among the primary challenges. Even now, not a very large percentage of schools are using AR, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technology. 

 

The content available on online platforms also needs to be carefully considered while using such platforms. Ideally, if educators were to weigh in, it would ensure that appropriate and relevant content is available. This is something that has been largely missing till now. 

 

Technology equity is and will continue to be a matter of concern; this is mostly linked to socio-economic equity. Access is an added concern — for example, not every school district has resources to provide students with a laptop, and internet connectivity can be unreliable in homes.

 

Further, it is also important to take into account the individual capacities of each student. A student who was already struggling in the face-to-face environment might find their learning difficulties magnified now. 

 

How can technology and education be integrated

 

Despite the challenges and concerns, we need to acknowledge that there are many benefits of adapting technology in education. Increased collaboration and communication, improved quality of education, and more engaging lessons spark the imagination of and a search for knowledge in students.

 

Teachers need the assistance of administrators to gain the competencies needed to enhance teaching and learning through technology. Using technology in the classroom should make the job of teachers easier and help them manage their time more effectively.

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In The Spotlight

For All Women: Swabhiman Initiatives on the Ground

For All Women: Swabhiman Initiatives on the Ground

Working for and with women has been our topmost priority for a while now. Whether it is education, health care, livelihood, or nutrition, Smile Foundation always gives preference to women. Our Swabhiman initiatives ensure this. Here are some glimpses into our work on various aspects of a woman’s life.

Swabhiman Scholars: A Swabhiman initiative

Pinky (name changed) lives in Modgaon, Maharashtra. She stays in a kutcha house in the middle of fields with her father, a manual laborer, and her mother who works on someone else’s land. 

Pinky had been missing from the session organized for the Smile Swabhiman Scholars. Our team enquired a little and got to know that she has not been attending school for some time now.

The Swabhiman team visited her home to see if everything was quite alright. They found a very shy and scared young girl who was hesitant to reveal why she was not going to school. 

The Swabhiman scholarship fund could easily cover her school fees, about INR 100 per month, and other educational expenses. When Pinky finally felt comfortable with the visitors at her home, she revealed that she had developed appendicitis and her family had used the Swabhiman scholarship fund to pay for her surgery. She stopped going to school as she had exhausted the fund.

When our team checked, they discovered that there was some money still left in the account, and the next round of funds was also due to come any day. This proved to be a huge relief for Pinky. 

She could once again dream of going to school. Since that day, she has been going to school regularly. Pinky is trying to make up for the lost time by working as hard as she can.

An Entrepreneur, a Source of Inspiration for Other Women

Smile Foundation started working with Ishwati in 2020. She reached out to us through the Swabhiman project coordinator in her area, Juna Sawarpada village in Palgarh district of Maharashtra. Ishwati always had a leaning towards farming. 

Recognising this, we provided her with the initial raw materials and equipment she needed to set up a farming unit. These include seeds, water pump and pipeline.

Ishwati is now a self-sufficient farmer. With the help of Smile, she was able to grow the crop and earned around INR 10,000 by selling the produce in the market. 

Before this, she used to work as a tailor in the village. Since she got into farming, it has helped her get an additional means of income. 

All six members of Ishwati’s family work in the field, their work divided throughout the year. Her mother, Laxmi, in particular loves working the field. Ishwati is happy that she has been able to expand her means of income even during the pandemic and support her family at such a difficult time. Ishwati’s story is one of inspiration for millions of others. 

While most people are turning towards cities to find employment, Ishwati found something productive and fulfilling in her own village.

Swabhiman has nurtured many such women entrepreneurs.

Celebrating Motherhood, Enhancing Nutrition

Smile Foundation’s Swabhiman team held a celebration of forthcoming motherhood in Sangrur.

A community-based event called godh-bharai, marking the seventh month of pregnancy, is celebrated at Anganwadi centres on the 14th of every month. Under our “Nutrition Enhancement Programme” in Sangrur, we have this Swabhiman initiative with the Anganwadi workers and with the beneficiaries (pregnant women) at their respective centres.

In December 2021, the celebration was conducted at 5 centres of the project intervention area. There were a total of 9 pregnant women in their 3rd trimester of pregnancy. The villages covered were Kalajhar, Lakhewal, Bharro-2, Shahpur, and Balad-3. 

The women were provided with necessary information on birth preparedness, early initiation of breast feeding, importance of colostrums, and importance of IFA and calcium supplementation intake. It also included discussion on inclusion of diverse foods in diet, adequate rest, family’s support during and after pregnancy, sensitization of family members and care-givers. 

The women were provided with a basket of fruits and vegetables. Food items such as jaggery, roasted black-gram, and groundnuts that are rich in iron and protein are also being provided. The products from the community kitchen gardens (another activity under our Nutrition Enhancement Programme) such as spinach, fenugreek, turnip, that are seasonal and locally available, were also given to the pregnant women to mark the importance of inclusion of diverse food groups in their regular diet. 

The sessions help to address the concerns of pregnant women and also prepare them emotionally and mentally for the delivery.

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Insights

What is the future of AI in India’s education sector?

What is the future of AI in India’s education sector?

Artificial intelligence has huge potential in India. India’s AI technology has the potential to make it a world leader in this sector. In India, AI technology is used effectively in practically every industry, such as health care. Thus, AI in India’s education sector has also come to be quite significant.

 

AI has the potential to add USD 1 trillion to the Indian economy by 2035, according to a 2018 discussion paper by NITI Aayog. In India, it has the potential to “overcome the physical restrictions of capital and labor, and open up new sources of value and growth”, according to the report.

 

How? In India, AI technology has the capability to automate both complicated and routine operations. This will lead to better utilization of human resources by allowing them to focus their efforts where they provide the most value, enhancing overall efficiency.

 

Leverage AI for development in areas such as agriculture, health care, and education can lead to innovation at a whole other level.

 

Scope of AI in India‘s education

 

As previously stated, youth are the most essential segment of any country’s population. And good education is essential for it to be capable of directing the country toward a brighter future. With the impact of artificial intelligence on education in India growing by the day, the education sector must adapt its strategy to help today’s young minds become tomorrow’s capable leaders and innovators.

 

Artificial intelligence and machine learning in education in India will also play a key part in reaching the country’s 2030 ambitions. These are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. One of these goals is to raise the number of skilled teachers significantly. As stated earlier, AI in education can assist our teachers in increasing their efficiency by using AI applications such as real-time text to speech and text translation systems, automating repetitive tasks such as taking attendance and personalizing the learning journey based on experience, skill, understanding, and so on.

 

Advantages of AI in Education

 

A better grading system

 

For a very long time, grading and results have been criticized, and the grading process has been prone to human error.

 

This is an issue that AI solves!

 

The latest AI technology aids in the examinations and the effective assessment of a candidate’s knowledge by analysing their performance in exams. This contributes to a brighter future for the present generation of pupils.

 

Personalized learning

 

AI will assist in determining what a student enjoys and dislikes. This allows for the creation of a customised study programme for each student. Students have more choice over the path of their education with AI.

 

AI collects data to identify a student’s ability level and then generates a learning route for them.

 

A machine learns the behaviour patterns and preferences. This benefits students in their early years of schooling as AI offers personalised learning on a very personal level. They can take specialised classes, take tests, and track their progress–all on their cellphones, tablets, and computers.

 

Automated tasks

 

Administrative duties are repetitive processes, and no one likes to do the same thing over and over. This is where AI comes in!

 

This issue can be fixed by using artificial intelligence to automate data entry and operational chores such as grading and responding to students.

 

Challenges of AI in education

 

The lack of access to new technology is a serious issue, and its deployment is a lengthy process. It’s also worth noting that many educators have devised innovative ways to promote interactive learning. These also assist students in making the most of their time at home. AI makes extensive use of high-end tools, making operations more efficient. Educators are less aligned when it comes to technology, curriculum, and instruction. It necessitates potential planning, design-thinking, and educator training.

 

Industry insiders say AI necessitates the processing of a large volume of data. Security risk is a concern. The protection of children’s, instructors’, and parents’ personal information is currently an issue. Cyber-attacks are a serious problem in online learning, limiting AI implementation on a mass scale.

 

Conclusion

 

To make India atmanirbhar, we must tap into her creative potential. We must develop an innovation-led growth model that will aid in the transformation of our country into a new India. Artificial intelligence will play a critical role in achieving this goal. AI’s impact in India is more than one can see or think. And it will only grow with time. The youth need to be prepared to work with AI. The role of AI in India’s education sector is critical to making Indians AI-ready and ensuring India’s position as a global AI leader.

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Insights

Budget 2018: Special Schemes and Fund Allocation to Change India’s Healthcare Landscape

Budget 2018: Special Schemes and Fund Allocation to Change India’s Healthcare Landscape

A healthy nation is indeed a wealthy nation! But with the rise of communicable diseases and lifestyle ailments and majority of the Indian population living below the poverty line, this seems a far-fetched affair. Half of all deaths in 2015 accounted due to these two types of diseases. The Indian government fares low in terms of fund allocation in healthcare as a percentage of the GDP compared to her neighboring countries.  Besides, healthcare centres in rural areas are under-financed and short of staff. Healthcare needs of a majority of the rural population thus remain unmet. Furthermore, it is but a fact that majority of healthcare professionals prefer to serve more in urban areas than rural regions on monetary grounds. Thus rural areas remain underserved. Women and children suffer the most in such a situation. Do you know a major percentage of rural community health centres (CHCs) lack healthcare specialists? Besides, the existing healthcare infrastructure needs to be improved.

 

Thanks to Budget 2018! The government has allocated enough funds to address almost all of the above issues. Once proposed schemes are implemented, India will witness marked change in the healthcare sector.

 

Health Insurance and Ayushman Bharat Initiative

 

Over 62% of the Indian population meets their health expenses from their personal savings. A majority of the population living below the poverty line (BPL) are the worst sufferers! And healthcare is expensive. Visualize the consequences of the economically weaker sections of the society! According to the latest Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority, 76% of Indians do not have health insurance.

 

The government has been providing Rs 30,000 as health insurance for poor families under Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY). But this amount is insufficient given the rise in lifestyle diseases and skyrocketing healthcare costs.  

 

How will Budget 2018 be beneficial to people below poverty line in healthcare? Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has allocated Rs 1,200 crore on Ayushman Bharat initiative to provide comprehensive healthcare with focus on maternal and child health services. The health allocation in Budget 2018 is a great move by the government towards creating a healthier nation with special focus on women and children.

 

Furthermore, the government has increased the education cess from 3 percent to 4 percent to fund govt sponsored programs on health and education.  The additional 1 percent cess will help the government raise Rs 11,000 crore. The Finance Minister declared that this amount will be utilized to make Ayushman Bharat program a reality. Two major initiatives have been announced under this program. One is National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS) directed towards providing health insurance worth Rs 5 lakh each to 10 crore poor families.

 

National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS) and Health Insurance

 

This Budget 2018, the government has launched the National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS), which happens to be the world’s largest healthcare program. It is a part of Ayushman Bharat program. The NHPS scheme will be based on a paperless, cashless and Aadhaar-linked model with no cap on family size. According to FM Jaitley, the NHPS is expected to benefit 50 crore people across India. Involvement of private health insurance companies would require the government to spend at least Rs. 1.2 lakh crore in premiums to benefit 50 crore people. The health allocation amount for this scheme has been finalized at Rs. 2,000 crore. Regarding implementation at the centre-state level, the centre will bear 60 percent of the cost and the rest 40 percent will be borne by the states.

 

Under the NHPS scheme, beneficiaries will get medical treatment in secondary and tertiary hospitals. While steps would be implemented to improve quality of healthcare in rural hospitals, rural private hospitals will be encouraged to become a part of the scheme as per NITI Aayog. To ensure that the scheme witnesses an effective implementation with no fraud or malpractice, the IT structure of the scheme would be strengthened. The roll-out of the scheme will happen within fiscal 2018.

 

The scheme will generate employment opportunities to lakhs of rural people, particularly women.

 

Setup of Healthcare and Wellness Centres

 

This Budget 2018, a considerable amount has been allocated for the setting up of healthcare centres. This health allocation amount will be utilized to set up 1.5 lakh health and wellness centres or community healthcare clinics across India. Treatment of non-communicable diseases is the objective behind the initiative. The Finance Minister has invited contributions from the private sector in this program as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR).

 

Other Initiatives in Healthcare

 

It is but a fact that Tuberculosis claims more lives every year than any other disease, especially in rural areas. This Budget 2018, the government has allocated Rs 600 crore to provide nutritional support to Tuberculosis patients. Under this scheme, each TB patient will be entitled to benefit from an amount of Rs. 500 a month throughout the treatment period.

 

The government has declared setting up of 24 new government medical colleges by upgrading existing district hospitals in the country. The focus shall be on setting up at least one medical college for a combination of three parliamentary constituencies.

 

Under the Jivan Bima Yojana, 4,465 Ganga gram villages now have toilets, thus benefitting 5.22 crore families. This Budget 2018, 115 aspirational districts have been identified by the government for further investment.

 

Healthier the people, wealthier the nation! Budget 2018 strives for a healthier India. A wealthier India is in the making!

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In The Spotlight

Manzil Programme and Skill Training: A Ray of Hope for Girls in Rajasthan

Manzil Programme and Skill Training: A Ray of Hope for Girls in Rajasthan

Vocational Training Is the Way Forward

 

Vocational training is skill-based training that equips one to work in a particular field. This can be in sectors such as banking, health care, finance, computers, trade, tourism, and others. The purpose of vocational training is to impart practical knowledge to the students, over and above theoretical knowledge. Our Manzil programme is just a step in this direction.

 

Skilled and efficient employees are the need of the hour. Every industry and every company is seeking well-trained employees. Vocational training helps youth who are just entering the workforce to gain skills. These make them more employable and perform better.

 

Skill-based training gives an opportunity to even those who are not academically very good. But that does not mean that vocational training is only for those who are not able to cope academically. Practical industry-based training gives one the knowledge required for a specific job. With the right vocational skills, any learner is better equipped for employment in the long run, whether they scored marks in school or not.

 

Moreover, academic and vocational learning are complementary to one another. For example, it is important for an engineering student to learn hands-on skills along with theoretical knowledge.

 

The bigger picture

 

Government of India’s National Education Policy seeks to introduce students to vocational learning from Grade 6 onwards. Smile Foundation’s initiatives STeP and Tayyari Kal Ki are both aligned with this goal. In the earlier model, only students from urban areas got exposure to skill training, if at all. The idea behind introducing vocational skills at school and college level was to enable gainful employment for students who drop out of school or college.

 

Vocational education serves as a tool for those who want to learn a skill or trade quickly but cannot afford to invest time and money in a university degree. It offers more job opportunities and costs much lesser than a conventional degree.

 

Skill-based training needs to become an important component of our education system—from schools, to universities. This will contribute to a holistic education of youth and create better workers and leaders for the future. Moreover, this will go a long way in addressing youth unemployment.

 

The Manzil programme

 

Vocational training is an important way in which one can improve their future. This is especially true for girls. Many parents of girls from smaller towns are skeptical about professional training and going to work in big professions and companies. However, they do have dreams for their future, of being independent and free. As a skill development NGO, Smile Foundation, through the Manzil project, is helping thousands of such girls from Rajasthan gain vocational and on-the-job training (OJT). The project also seeks to retain girls in school and reduce drop-out rates.

 

Vocationalisation of secondary school education is an attempt to help students to visualize the extent to which they can make informed choices in life and career, channelize aspirations, and become market ready and employable. Project Manzil envisions to empower adolescent girls to realize their career goals and educational aspirations.

 

The project aims to improve the quality of vocational education with a 3-pronged approach focusing on schools, students and industry. These approaches are designed to impact the overall effectiveness of vocational education with an aim to help the primary target group, that is, adolescent girls, to take informed decisions for their career.

 

There are some key aspects of the project.

 

Ensuring increased retention of girls in schools

Identifying and addressing gaps in vocational education

Mapping aptitude, skills, aspirations, local opportunities

Facilitating career progression for effective transition from school to further studies and/or work

Empowering adolescent girls socioeconomically

Project Manzil is an innovation in many ways.

Manzil Programme
Manzil Programme

 

It is important for civil society organizations to keep innovating and pushing themselves to make maximum impact at the ground and community levels.

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Insights

Why Is There a Need to Adapt Technology to Optimize Education?

Why Is There a Need to Adapt Technology to Optimize Education?

Education has undergone a radical change in the past two years. Depending entirely on classroom learning has become a thing of the past. Technology has become an important aspect of learning. And a future with blended learning is a very real possibility now. Thus, we need to adapt technology to optimize education.

 

Before the pandemic, we could never fathom that technology could be huge part of education. But as we have all seen and experienced in various aspects of our lives, technology was a boon of sorts when millions of us were locked indoors.

 

Adapting technology for education has a range of benefits, some of them relevant even in the long run.

 

Tailored and flexible learning opportunities

 

Technology allows unrestricted access to educational resources. A student can choose to learn at a time and place that is suitable for them. Moreover, using a mobile device or laptop, classes can be conducted entirely online too. Hybrid learning is possible only due to technology.

 

Moreover, this allows tailoring of plans for individual students. Teachers can create lessons based on what students are interested in and what their strengths are. They can also learn at their own pace. It is easier for students to review past lessons during self-study as the data is stored. Teachers also use data generated from online activities to offer personalized support to students.

 

In the traditional teaching environment, students had to rely only on the prescribed course books and what their teachers taught in the classroom. Access to the Internet also gives them access to unlimited resources and information on the web. Almost any question can be answered.

 

Engaging content, increased curiosity

 

Content that is engaging can spark inquisitiveness in children. As per research, boosted curiosity is linked to academic success. There are many tools to create engaging content. Augmented reality, videos, and podcasts are a few examples. Integration of technology allows students to experiment with different content formats as well. For instance, an assignment could involve a written component along with a video.

 

Pictures, videos, and sounds can enhance the educational experience. Using different mediums can help students understand better. Children have shorter attention spans. Use of such technology can ensure that children remain attentive for longer and can learn better.

 

Better teacher efficiency after adapting technology

 

Technology can be an additional tool for teachers to impart learning. Teaching a concept through practical examples or audiovisuals can definitely go a long way in better understanding by the students. Moreover, technology can also give teachers access to more information and supplementary teaching materials and methodologies. If used well, the possibilities are endless!

 

Educational institutions that use technology can also stand to benefit immensely. Reducing the costs of physical instructional materials and teaching, enhancing efficiency, and making the best use of teachers’ time are only some of the benefits.

 

Armed with practical experience

 

Most jobs now require one to be well-versed with technology. Getting proper exposure to technology from a young age can ensure that when the time comes, a person has the technical know-how to deal with the requirements of the workplace. Students are thus prepared for the professional space.

 

How Smile Foundation has adapted technology

 

Like everyone and everything else, we also had to adapt technology to optimize education. The most significant integration has been in our Mission Education programme. Through the Shiksha Na Ruke initiative that was launched during the pandemic for educating poor children, we have been using blended learning methods to make sure that underprivileged children continue learning. We understand that all children do not have access to smart devices to learn from. Thus, we are also attempting to provide children with tablets or other devices to facilitate learning.

 

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Insights

How Can Life Skills Training Contribute to Holistic Development?

Mind Sharpness Games For Students
Mind Sharpness Games For Students

The demand for life skills training in schools and universities has skyrocketed in this age of breakthroughs and limitless options. Today’s children are shaped to reach material success and celebrity. This concept is what tarnishes pupils’ character and integrity. As a result, we have a large number of teenagers who lack basic human traits such as gratitude and empathy.

 

The need to strike a balance between materialistic achievement and genuine inner tranquility should be stressed to students. Without it, the true meaning of life will be lost, and disorders such as sadness and anxiety will worsen.

 

Life skills training focuses on an often-overlooked aspect of a person’s nature. People must recognize the importance of educating pupils on the inside as well. Low self-esteem and confidence might lead to severe problems in the future. These days, students are scared to even voice questions in class.

 

As a result, the learning experience and outcome are poor. Unfortunately, we do not teach life skills to our youngsters in India. Due to this, they often face problems in the real world scenario. Training students in life skills such as self-esteem, anger control, stress management, and happiness is crucial. These abilities are put to the test once they begin their professional careers.

 

Communication Skills

 

The ability to communicate in a clear and compelling manner in front of others is one of the most crucial life skills that anyone can learn. Communication talents refer to a person’s ability to provide and receive various forms of information.

 

Skills of communication provide numerous benefits for the individual. These include increased comfort when formulating ideas and confidence in oneself. The ability to attract people to oneself is also an important aspect of this.

 

People who are good at communicating with people can be innovative in a variety of enterprises. These include the sale of various things, as well as communicating ideas and viewpoints to influence others.

 

Communication skills, like all other life skills, require ongoing training.

 

Self-Awareness Skills

 

The readiness to be mindful of one’s own impulses, correctly assess one’s own assessment, and respond appropriately to diverse social circumstances is known as self-awareness.

 

This skill enables a person to comprehend his own feelings and those of others. A person who is self-aware can apply his expertise to make successful and sound judgments.

 

Problem-Solving Capabilities

 

Problem-solving abilities go beyond a person’s capacity to recognize and characterize a problem. They are also able to produce alternative approaches, evaluate and choose the best option, apply the chosen option, and resolve issues efficiently and quickly.

 

Training in Time Management

 

Time and tide don’t wait for anyone. An individual must be able to manage their time and put it to good use. It is difficult for a person to attain success in life without time management skills. Success requires a determined and disciplined plan.

 

Students often struggle to manage their time in today’s fast-paced society. They are unable to organize their belongings and plan their day. The most common cause of this problem is social networking sites, as students find it difficult to limit their screen time. As a result, they are stressed and anxious.

 

Students need to be taught how to prioritize tasks and distinguish between wasted and useful time during the day. This will result in increased production and results. Students who receive time management training will be able to create an orderly routine and stick to it. This instruction should begin in elementary school, as this is the best age to instill positive behaviour.

 

Thinking Capabilities

 

Absorbing information, making sense of events, building relationships, solving issues, and developing new ideas are all referred to as thinking skills. It is worth mentioning that thinking isn’t a depiction of one thing only. Rather it is the application of existing knowledge about one thing to create something new. This can be referred to as innovation.

 

There are four different sorts of thinking abilities:

 

Analytical Thinking Skills

 

Analytical thinking, also known as convergent thinking, is a form of visual thinking. It allows one to break down big problems into smaller, more manageable chunks and solve problems effectively.

 

Divergent Thinking Skills

 

This is a problem-solving technique that entails examining a wide range of alternative solutions in order to find one that works.

 

Divergent thought is frequently free-flowing, spontaneous, and non-linear in nature.

 

As a result, convergent thinking, which relies on focusing on a small number of options rather than offering various solutions, clashes with this.

 

Creative Thinking Skills

 

The power to make something innovative that makes an individual recognize the gaps in the missing pieces, look at things in a new way and scour for indicators and observations to fill these shortfalls and make the required modifications is known as creative thinking skills.

 

The ability to think creatively is built on imagination. This necessitates amazing imaginative abilities apart from reality and logical reasoning.

 

Critical Thinking Skills

 

The capacity to think clearly and sensibly about what to consider and do is referred to as critical thinking.

 

The ability to separate truth from fiction, personal views, and conviction, and the individual’s ability to predict, are all critical thinking skills.

 

Conclusion

 

Life skills are based on a big part of our experiences. How we might pass on this knowledge to future generations in order to study, communicate, and add to their knowledge are also part of this.

 

However, we are currently seeing rapid changes and a tremendous revolution in the sphere of science and technology. This is widening the gap among parents and children, particularly in terms of learning and passing on experience, and maximizing advantage.

 

It is essential for parents to understand the pressures that children and teenagers encounter. They should not place further pressure on them and should not be startled by their actions. Instead, they should grasp the technological advancements and the modern era in which they live and interact.

 

They should be aware of the demands and obstacles that the children face and work together to find answers.

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In The Spotlight

Advancing STEM learning through engaging activities

Advancing STEM learning through engaging activities

STEM, an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, is a concept that has been widely prevalent globally. The major focus is on young school students who can develop STEM skills and pursue careers in the same. It is important that students develop critical thinking skills at a young age. It is also vital that they appreciate the idea of innovation and application of scientific principles. STEM learning can help in this regard.

 

As a country, the National Education Policy 2020 does focus on such interesting ways of making education come alive. Experiments, latest technology, quizzes, and developing applications are part of this. A huge population that is young and open to innovative and hi-tech ideas will benefit from an early introduction to STEM. To spread the idea effectively amongst youngsters, especially those from less privileged backgrounds, Smile Foundation has been facilitating STEM sessions in schools. These are managed by their various NGO partners as a part of their Social Venture Philanthropy model.

 

Advantages of STEM learning

 

  1. Bridges gender gap and motivates both boys and girls at an early age to participate in STEM initiatives and hone their skills.
  2. As more children start showing inclination towards STEM-related studies, the talent pool for the country will increase and there will not be a dearth of scientific minds in our country.
  3. When youngsters start showing an interest in latest technologies and scientific developments, the country progresses in a more effective way. Generations of children become more and more advanced in their skill sets.
  4. With increased awareness, both public and private entities will invest in STEM. This will create new avenues of employment for a large pool of children as they grow into intelligent young adults.
  5. Recently, Arts has also been added in STEM, making it STEAM. This ensures holistic development of children. We should see a future generation that not only possesses a scientific and technical bent of mind but is also extremely conscientious in their outlook.

 

RoboClub in association with Child for Child

 

Keeping all these aspects in mind, RoboClub, a premier STEM and Robotics Institute in New Delhi was formed by Ms. Sunaina Sood. This institution works towards promoting interest amongst children in computers, critical reasoning, robotics, and experiential learning. In addition, RoboClub organizes the STEM quiz which was conceptualised by Shivansh Gupta, a student of Grade X DPS RK Puram, New Delhi. This is an annual event for RoboClub and this year they organised it in association with Smile Foundation’s Child for Child team.

 

STEM learning through RoboClub quiz

 

The STEM quiz was promoted and conducted by six highly committed and tech-driven high school students from RoboClub’s Team Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. The team includes Shivansh Gupta; Jai Gupta of Grade IX, SBS Noida; Sameeha Sood of Grade X, SBS Noida; Madhav Agarwal of Grade IX, SBS Noida; Vansh Gupta of Grade X, The British School, New Delhi; and Shorya Bhasin of Grade X, TSRS Moulsari, Gurgaon. The quiz was organised for primary and middle school students separately. Questions were in the areas of science, math, technology and computer science, logic and reasoning pertaining to the two grade levels. The initiative was aimed at getting youth to participate and test their STEM skills, inspiring them towards hands-on learning and creating more awareness of the importance of STEM in school children. The RoboClub team plans to conduct more such events in association with Smile Foundation to inspire STEM and hands-on learning amongst the less privileged.

 

The results for the quiz competition have been declared and the winners have received their certificates and prizes as well. Winners from primary school category areDevaansh Bhardwaj, VardaanMukerji, and Angel Kaur. Winners from the middle school category are Arav Bansal, Anant Agarwal, and Shreya Nair.

 

We wish the organisers and winners many congratulations! And we sincerely hope that more youngsters find STEM/STEAM a more exciting journey to undertake and build a brighter and a more hi-tech future.

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