BENGALURU: E-learning has transformed the face of education. Teachers don’t have to be present and even maths can be fun. Small wonder then that children and parents are signing up for online classes.
Funtoot, a Bengaluru-based education startup, offers lessons in maths and science with their digital tutor, for students from Class 2 to 9.
A child takes a test to assess his or her aptitude levels and interest, then the programme is designed according to the answers. “When parents teach their child, they know his or her weaknesses and strengths, we try to do the same,” says Ankur Saigal, Chief Business Officer, Funtoot.
Around 10,000 Bengaluru students practise on the platform every day.
The penetration of the Internet has also made children self-aware. A teacher is not the only source of information anymore. “In the next two to three years, it will be 70 per cent technology and 30 per cent of physical teacher,” adds Ankur.
Online tutors cover varied syllabuses. Next Education’s K-12 solutions has lessons structured for the CBSE, ICSE, Army and all state boards in seven Indian languages. Their Teach Next has digitised content that teachers can use for classes.
“The content is explained using animations and narration,” says Darpan Vasudev, VP, Next Education.
The entrance coaching has also gone online. Aakash institute started their programme in 2011. Students can take their lessons and tests online and through a mobile app. Aakash Chaudhry, Director, AESPL, said that more students are enrolling for the digital programmes from the non-metro cities. Students of classes 8 to 10 are given lessons in science and maths, which also helps them with entrance examinations.
Online programmes face their own set of challenges. First is the mindset. Aakash says,“People prefer to interact with teacher face to face.” Then, there is the poor infrastructure. Connectivity is poor, with low speeds, and internet is costly.
Working parents are happy with this though. Chandrashekar, father of Bharath, a Class 3 student said, “My son can learn anytime after he gets back home from school. I don’t have to sit with him.”
Reshma Begum says that her daughter Roshni has developed an interest in maths. “The use of diagrams, games and cartoons keeps her interest. Points and certificates for crossing a specific level keep her motivated.”