Colleges go tech savvy

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While colleges in the country have taken to technology in more ways than one, the recent move by D. G. Ruparel College in Mumbai has taken it to a different level altogether. Students here will experience a virtual lab, where they can carry out biology, physics and chemistry experiments outside their labs and in their own classrooms, by introducing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in daily learning.

Principal of Ruparel College, Tushar Desai believes it will help students grasp the concepts of science better, since every student has a different level of understanding. Unlike a real laboratory, one can keep repeating experiments in the virtual lab till he or she gets the hang of it. “If an experiment involves different levels of gravitational force, it is not possible to recreate an environment like that in the classroom. By introducing ICT one can reconstruct any desired environment and carry out the experiment,” he says. It will also be helpful in carrying out chemistry experiments, which can prove dangerous, if they involve strong chemical reactions or biology experiments, which may involve dissection of living organisms, a concept that is banned in some syllabus.
Colleges today have become tech savvy. They have introduced online libraries and phone chains to keep attendance in check and inform students about change in lecture timing etc, but it’s still not enough believes Education counsellor Swati Popat Vats. “Technology is still underplayed in our system and there is still a lot of scope to adopt new ways. Why not introduce online tests and exams where the student can take it at his or her own pace and convenience? It will save a lot of paper and the cost of hiring supervisors during exams,” she says. Former President Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam has always been in favour of open book exams where you can refer to the textbook as you write. “Our system stresses on evaluating the student's memory more than knowledge. Even if you carry your book during the test, it is imperative that you know where to look for that particular answer. Lawyers and doctors don't stop researching when they work as it is a continuous and evolving process,” she adds.

Aditi Dalal, 2nd year BMM student
"I think this is a fabulous move. Technology is only going to move at a dizzying pace as we grow older, so it’s best if we start adapting to it right now. Although one has to make sure that all the necessary software is in place before opening the doors for it. I am not very sure about online test though. There is always a chance of the system crashing down or something going wrong. A student might have to pay a heavy price for no fault of his or hers.”

Foram Doshi, 1st year B.Sc student
“It is very important that students are given proper training before introducing anything full-fledged. It will allow students to try out experiments, which are otherwise difficult to arrange for. I am all for open book exams or online tests as well. One must understand that it is not copying. It is more important that you understand what you are writing than simply mugging up the answer.”