Classteacher Learning Systems: Raising Standards

Recent research conducted by Classteacher Learning Systems advocates ICT to be a significant contributory factor in the raising of standards of academic achievement in schools. Schools having very good ICT resources achieved better results than schools with poor or no ICT practices. Schools that made good use of technology within a subject tended to have better achievement in that subject than other schools. Socio-economic circumstances and prior performance of pupils were not found to be critical. Secondary schools with very good ICT resources achieved, on average, better results in English, Mathematics and Science than those with poor ICT resources.

The use of technology can enhance the quality of education in several ways: by increasing learner motivation and engagement by facilitating the acquisition of basic skills, and by enhancing teacher training. Classteacher Learning Systems offers a plethora of transformational tools which, when used appropriately in the classrooms, can promote the shift to a more learner-centric environment.

Motivating to learn. Tools such as videos and multimedia-rich digital curriculum that combine text, sound, and colourful moving images can be used to provide challenging and authentic content that will engage the student in the learning process. Classteacher Learning Systems’ digital interactive curriculum uses sound and visual effects, animations, simulations, dramatizations etc. to compel the students to see and listen and become involved in the lessons being delivered, as it combines the media richness and interactivity.

Facilitating the acquisition of basic skills. The transmission of basic skills and concepts that are the foundation of higher order thinking skills and creativity can be facilitated by technology through drill and practice. Classteacher Learning Systems’ digital interactive curriculum use repetition and reinforcement to teach the alphabet, numbers, colors, shapes and other basic concepts.

Enhancing teacher training. The role of the teacher has evolved. It is no longer sufficient for teachers merely to impart content knowledge. It will be crucial for teachers to encourage critical thinking skills, promote information literacy, and nurture collaborative working practices to prepare children for a new world. Classteacher Learning Systems uses technology to improve access to and the quality of teacher training thus transforming them into collaborators and facilitators of learning.

A range of research indicates the potential of Classteacher Learning Systems’ digital interactive curriculum to support improvements in aspects of literacy, numeracy and science. Improved writing skills: grammar, presentation, spelling, word recognition and volume of work; age-gains in mental calculations and enhanced number skills, for example the use of decimals; better data handling skills and increased ability to read, interpret and sketch graphs. Other indicatives were improvements in conceptual understanding of Mathematics, (particularly problem solving; and Science particularly through use of simulated experiments demonstrating real phenomena.


Contributed by: Amitava Banerjee, Mind Shaper Technologies (P) Ltd., New Delhi