Centuries passed, reality which we are currently in possession to, had transformed unimaginably rapid. From one of the most ancient Nalanda University built in 5 B.C. to 21st century education system, contents being placed in books had entirely transformed. The subject matters got deeper into complexities and with increasing complexities, the books got divided into different segments.
But one thing that had not transformed much over that period of time is the approach. Approach towards educating people of different age groups with different modes of learning and teaching. As a result, learning at an early age in schools is gradually turning out to be ineffective and repulsive to kids and early teenagers. Kids naturally find themselves enjoying gaming more than they enjoy studying. That occurs due to a simple reason that the studies are not compelling enough.
The role of education in person’s life plays a huge role and with complete education, one could excel into whichever area they are interested in. This could be achieved if the education system becomes flexible with the current mode of learning by involving gaming activities into current mode of academic learning.
Gamification is a highly effective tool which could bring a person’s attention back to the learning process. Gamification as an idea that might transform the entire Indian education system in 21st century. Transforming the bookish learning into practical games covering several domains of knowledge.
Here are top 5 ways how Gamification can transform the Indian education system:
1. New XP over Grading: Grading system is one of the most disheartening process in the education in India. The one who scores the highest might tend to feel dominating, arrogant or rude to his/her peers. The one who scores the lowest tend to feel depressed and worthless. Now, what if instead of grades as A, A+ or 1,2 and so on, there could be different levels of XP (experience) points where a mentor showcases the best skill a student possesses. Thereby, taking proper measures to help him improve on the weak areas. Let me highlight the process in bullets
- A is good in Mathematics but lacks in Arts whereas B is good in Arts but lacks in Mathematics.
- A and B both has 100 points and extra 50 points will be given to A and B both if they help each other with Mathematics and Arts respectively.
- The XP points they earn would help them move to a next level.
2. Brain Map: In this technique, assuming that there are six subject classes for different subjects, the teacher creates a brain chart for the top ten students for her subject highlighting different demographic analogy for the students. This goes like
- A has a good concentration, observation and memorizing skills in language class whereas B scores slightly less on that chart.
- B is the better with calculation, and he is analytical than A but C, who scored lowest in Language class has scored better than A and B both.
So there would be six different Brain Maps for six different classes so that the student could be aware of his/her strength. This way the competency in particular area of their expertise would be balanced.
3. Virtual learning: Most people generally remembers a motion picture more than static texts. By introducing virtual learning gaming technique with teacher and student’s active participation. Complex fundamental laws such as Relativity, Newton’s laws of motion etc. could be better understood by students.
4. Virtual Tours: At the end of every session, the students and teachers actively participate in virtual tours from researches all over the world to showcase the students with a bigger picture of their lives.
5. On-stage practical: Brining text formats alive in 3-D reality is what everyone tends to enjoy. With the help of Gamification, the students get to see the practical application of theoretical knowledge on ground. Creativity would enhance and the ability to experiment with all they acquire, would definitely result into overall enhanced learning.
With rapidly evolving humans, I say there is an immediate need for us to take a step back. Taking a step back to introspect where the civilization is heading and the role of 1.33 billion people in it. Sustainable growth had always been one of our primary objectives. I believe, there is a lot to be attained and implement as we progress in time.
Millions of extraordinary brains in our daily lives are suppressed somewhere in the overcrowded environment of India. It’s not that they are untalented but the nourishment on a fundamental level is slightly off-track. Thus if want to move forward in time, I believe we need to lead the front and help such talents get exposed on to the ground. With such talents, there is a high probability that the country like India would progress more rapidly in a decade than in the entire century in the past.
