The “Every Child A Scientist” program: using digital technologies to enhance science learning among middle grade students from corporation schools in Chennai

TitleThe “Every Child A Scientist” program: using digital technologies to enhance science learning among middle grade students from corporation schools in Chennai
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2022
AuthorsPreetha B., Venkataraman G., Hariharan G.N., Prabavathy V.R.
JournalCSI Transactions on ICT
Date Published11/2022
Type of ArticleOriginal Research
KeywordsSmart classrooms · Corporation schools · Digital infrastructure · Internet · e-modules · Nutri-dense meals
Abstract

The “Every Child A Scientist” (ECAS) program, since its inception in 2002, has emphasized the importance of experiential and activity based learning to supplement standard “chalk and talk” learning. In a modified version of this program (2021–22), 153 middle school students from two corporation schools of Chennai participated in a twoweek science learning sessions using digital e-learning modules. The present study summarises the outcomes of this program. The customised course content developed based on the state school curriculum, delivered using digital smart boards, with audio-visual learning, hands on practical sessions, provided easy grasp of scientifc concepts. Integration of practical laboratory based sessions bridged the gap between theory and practice. Simplifying science learning using digital tools has the potential to enhance school academic performance. Students could consciously relate scientifc concepts to events in their day-to-day life. Bilingual teaching contributed to easy assimilation and understanding of science concepts. An enabling academic environment with approachable educators is crucial to science learning. Access to internet and desktop systems, awareness of internet based learning resources as secondary sources of learning facilitated and fostered self-learning. Providing nutridense meals in schools for overall cognitive development, better learning and physical growth will also ease parental pressures. Thus, technology and science based methods will provide solutions to big challenges in the future. In this context, providing quality science education using digital tools can help integrate socio-economically marginalised students into the main stream.

URLhttps://rdcu.be/c0iqI
DOI10.1007/s40012-022-00368-5
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