As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the bustling streets of Hyderabad, a seventh-grade student eagerly recounts his day at school. It's not the ordinary tale of textbooks and blackboards; instead, it's a narrative that encapsulates the transformative changes sweeping through Indian education.
In this young student's schedule, an extraordinary class in Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) stands out, where the boundaries of traditional learning blur, and the digital realm becomes a canvas for exploration.
This anecdote is emblematic of a broader educational revolution taking place in Indian schools as they gear up to prepare students for the ever-evolving world of work in 2030. A McKinsey 2023 report predicted a shrinking demand for multiple job roles that may force some working professionals to move into different lines of work by 2030.
There are indeed seismic shifts, where schools are overhauling their curriculum to nurture critical skills and technologies.
From introducing dedicated modules on emerging technologies to facilitating real-world internships for hands-on experience, instilling entrepreneurial spirit, leveraging AI tools for data-driven insights, and establishing Innovation Centres that immerse students in the realms of artificial intelligence (AI), AR, and VR – India's educational landscape is undergoing a profound metamorphosis.
Entrepreneurship and coding in classes
In addition to what is included in the curriculum, some schools have implemented a range of forward-thinking interventions. One such includes ‘entrepreneurship education’.
In classes 11 and 12, students of Pune-headquartered Lexicon Schools opt for "Entrepreneurship" as a subject where they learn fundamental concepts and skills, including idea generation, business planning, market research, financial management, funding options, marketing strategies, team building, leadership, risk management, and problem-solving.
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To reinforce these concepts, the school offers a hands-on programme called "Young Entrepreneurs" for students in classes one to 12. This programme empowers students to apply these principles in real-world scenarios, enabling them to innovate, launch, and manage businesses while also developing their leadership and teamwork abilities.
Besides, commencing as early as the first grade, students embark on their coding journey, with differentiated levels tailored to each grade. In the foundational stages (grades 1st to 5th), students engage with Code.org, an online curriculum with an array of puzzles and challenges designed to foster critical thinking and logic-based problem-solving.
In addition, students at the Secondary and Senior Secondary levels have the option to learn Python and Java programming languages. Python, known for its versatility, finds applications in web development, scientific computing, data analysis, artificial intelligence, machine learning, automation, and beyond.
“This adaptability opens up a multitude of career pathways, equipping students with invaluable skills for the future,” Nasir Shaikh, Group CEO of The Lexicon Group of Institutes, Multifit, EduCrack told Moneycontrol.
Internships gaining traction; AI/VR lab in focus
Everything is virtual. Why not school students’ portfolios?
Lucknow-based Seth Anandram Jaipuria School has made it mandatory for all students to maintain a digital portfolio that traces their progress in both academics and co-curricular and also documents their interests and achievements.
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These digital resumes come in handy in securing internships. Introducing student internships from grade nine onwards represents a significant shift in educational practices, with the emphasis on providing invaluable industrial exposure and fostering real-life professional development.
The school has facilitated 670 registered internships of which 635 have been completed with certification. These internships cover a diverse array of fields, including photography, videography, production, design, voice artist, fundraising, community service, and digital marketing among others.
“By participating in such internships at an early stage in their education, students not only acquire practical skills but also develop a deeper understanding of the professional world, which undoubtedly prepares them better for their future careers,” said Poonam Kochitty, Principal, Seth Anandram Jaipuria School, Lucknow.
With rising market share and job demand for niche talent such as Mixed Reality (MR) talent, some institutions are taking the risk of investing in cutting-edge AR and VR centres to equip students with immersive learning experiences.
Apart from its “intensive” Computer Science syllabi and Technology Club laying focus on software development, cyber security and ethical hacking, Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet will soon be inaugurating an Innovation Centre on AI, AR, VR, drone making, shipbuilding as well as Robotics and Spacecraft.
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“Besides including these subjects in our curriculum as outlined by the Council to which we are affiliated (CISCE), we are exploring 3D lab zones for Math and Sciences not only to enhance learning but to ensure that all available trends for a future readiness are brought to the table,” said Dr Skand Bali, Principal, Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet.
Finding teachers a hindrance
The pursuit of a futuristic education in India is hampered by a pressing challenge: the scarcity of skilled educators. Due to the low availability of qualified teachers, school administrators say they have ditched the buy model replacing it with build mode.
Hyderabad Public School has earmarked an investment of Rs 12 crore-Rs 15 crore in the next five years for upskilling educators, teaching and learning support, and counselling.
However, schools have revised their hiring strategy. For instance, The Lexicon Group of Institutes select teachers based on their foundational knowledge and their attitude towards continuous learning where the latter is more emphasised.
The institute has designed a training programme and makes sure that teachers receive at least 80 hours of training throughout the year. The training includes topics ranging from gender sensitivity and inclusive education to cyber safety and creative thinking.
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