I remember the days before that big exam in school. An inexplicable and overwhelming feeling of anxiety and panic took over me. Sweaty palms, fever, dry mouth, abdominal pain, and headaches were some of the physical manifestations of this outright horror of the ordeal. Surprisingly, this feeling went away as soon as the exam was over. After 15-20 years, when we ourselves have become parents. A lot may have changed since we were in school, but exam anxiety remains.
According to a survey by NCERT, around 80 per cent students of classes 9 to 12 suffer from anxiety due to exams and results. The NCRB revealed that in 2015, 2,646 students committed suicide due to “failed exams”. The figures are appalling, to say the least.
Then what can we parents, teachers and government do to help students deal with exam anxiety?
As a technologist, I have an innate tendency to turn to technology, looking for answers to most real-world problems, and it rarely disappoints. I really think that technology based learning can help students to deal with exam anxiety to a great extent.
I’m sure everyone reading this article will agree – we remember longer and more easily. what we experienceCompared to what we have been told, In a study conducted by University of MarylandThe researchers found that participants remembered information better if it was presented in a virtual environment with more traditional platforms such as a two-dimensional desktop computer or a hand-held tablet.
Many participants said that the immersive presence helped them focus better when using VR. About 40 percent of participants scored at least 10 percent higher in their ability to remember using VR over a desktop display.
But using emerging technologies like AR/VR to what many of us think of as “studying” requires some recalculation. I have a lot of friends who think their kids are only reading while their heads are buried in a book or writing/typing notes from memory. But learning is no longer provided linearly or through instruction.
Institutions, classrooms and teachers that have consistently maintained superior learning outcomes are increasingly using technologies such as AR and VR to provide students with an immersive learning experience. Audio-visual aids are used during classes to enhance interaction.
VR helps to recreate historical events and make geography and biology lessons accessible to all. Imagine that you could experience the Rebellion of 1857, walk the surface of the Moon, or explore the Amazon rainforest – all from the comfort of your own home.
The customized and personalized experiences stick with the kids and they are able to learn faster. Moral of the story – don’t shy away from modern technological tools that can aid learning in school and while preparing for exams.
Technology has enabled learning to go beyond the prescribed school curriculum as well as go below physical limits, thereby helping students to learn.
It allows 24×7 access to educational resources and teachers – enabling students to learn better. It is being used to create individual learning plans to meet the unique needs of each student.
For example, some children learn by listening, some by watching and some by reading. Technology has made multiple formats (audiobooks, podcasts, video books, regular books) accessible to all at affordable price points.
Using them can help you prepare your child for exams by creating revision plans that use formats that are most easily understood by your child, identifying topics they struggle with and provide additional help and support.
Imagine that students in a classroom in a rural part of Rajasthan are able to follow a team of scientists on an expedition to Antarctica, view real-time images, videos, and ask questions via video conferencing and email. What’s more, these students can share, discuss, debate and collaborate on projects with students in other classrooms in completely different parts of the world using tools like Google Docs. can.
With technology as a convenience, classroom walls are no longer a barrier to learning. And taking this idea a step further is the concept of Web 3.0.
Adoption of technologies like Web 3.0 will help democratize access to education. It will present itself as an open and collaborative platform where students and teachers can come together to share and create knowledge.
Without factors such as proper infrastructure, trained teachers and favorable government policies, children can truly experience the joy of learning and grow, realizing their true potential. The better equipped to face exams, the less likely children are to experience test anxiety.
Instead of overturning the theory behind foundational innovations, technology also aids in practical learning. It allows students to practice the principles and skills they have learned. Needless to say, the more you practice, the better you will be able to retain and remember information.
Technology has also become a great enabler when it comes to education for children with special learning needs. It can provide them with assistive technologies, speech-recognition software, text-to-speech software, visual aids, audio aids, physical assistance, and more.
Think of the genius Stephen Hawking and his contributions to the field of theoretical physics, regardless of his condition. Hawking suffered from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and could not walk or speak on his own.
They used a speech-generating technique in which computer software translated what they typed on a keyboard (which they could do with two fingers or simple gestures of their cheeks) into a synthesized voice.
Hawking is one of the best examples of how technology can help you overcome your limitations – physical or otherwise – and uncover your true potential.
In my opinion, to help children overcome their fear of exams, ultimately, an environment is needed that supports them both at home and in the classroom. Children should be able to trust their parents and teachers should always be reminded that their grades do not reflect their true knowledge and abilities.
The ultimate goal should be to mold them into honest and responsible human beings.
(The author is chief technology officer at Brightchamps, a skills-development platform that gives kids an added edge to succeed in their favorite field.)
Disclaimer: The views, beliefs and views expressed by various authors and forum participants on this website are personal.
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