The digitalisation of school education is in the news for various good reasons. Though the 1st world countries have implemented digital methods of imparting education in schools for quite a long time, in India, the trend is picking up pace from the last 4 to 5 years. Apart from the govt. initiated programmes like ‘Samagra Shiksha’, reputed schools in Indian metropolises are integrating digitalisation in school education. We’re going to discuss how some of the top schools in Kolkata are raising the quality of education with the help of digital methods.

1. Digital tools: “Dear parents. Wake up to reality! Your kids are more at ease to use your smartphones or iPhones than many of you are.” Though there are chances of tools’ misuse, schools and teachers can guide students on how to use them to gather knowledge.
2. Computer education: When we were students, we had had computer classes from class Vth onwards. Not anymore! Renowned schools in Kolkata have introduced computer education from nursery onwards.
3. Necessary infrastructure: School authorities, nowadays, don’t think twice before upgrading the infrastructure, especially which is concerned with digitalisation. Classrooms for computer education include enough numbers of computers purchased from reputed brands. Given the hot and humid climate of India, the temperature is controlled with the help of air conditions. Controlled temperature helps in the maintenance of computers.
4. Online educational apps: We love the ad of Byju app, especially the way Shahrukh says, “Come and fall in love with learning”. The educational app itself is more endearing than the ad. Teachers encourage students to use these apps. Never before were summer and winter vacations so entertainingly educative.
5. School-specific educational apps: Many top schools build there own educational apps. Apps bring a huge transformation to education. Education does not remain just an academic exercise. Apps offer an engaging experience to students.
6. Integrated technology: As we had already mentioned, nowadays, we find that sometimes school kids are more tech-savvy than their elders. With the help of integrated technology, schools integrate technical skills to regular teaching methods and raise students’ interest levels. The aim is to provide enriching learning opportunities to students.

In addition to offering the above-mentioned services, top schools in Kolkata are also focusing on upskilling teachers. Take a look at the following points:

• Ideal recruitment process: Schools take extra care to recruit proficient teachers. Authorities verify applicants experience and also evaluate their skills without any partiality.
• Training sessions: Schools sponsor training and workshop sessions on behalf of their best teachers. They encourage teachers to keep their knowledge up-to-date.  
• Rewards and recognition: Based on performances of classes, school authorities reward teachers. Authorities evaluate teachers on various parameters like whether the latter are implementing the latest techniques of teaching etc. Best teachers also receive certificates in recognition for their performance.

Unfortunately, in spite of govt. initiatives, digitalisation of education is not taking place in all schools. For example, mainly, English medium schools in Kolkata are adopting digital methods of education. Hence, the govt.should focus on implementing digitalisation in every school. After all, youngsters are the future of our country and it’s our responsibility to make them future-ready.