Technology has been the prevailing topic in every field and can be evidently seen through the development of missiles, printing of newspapers, developing important spare parts for automobiles, aeroplanes, lumbering, regulating the collection of sediments in unclean water bodies and many other practices where technology has played a major role in quickening the process to a larger extent. But what advancements has technology made in educational institutions? Shwetha Sumanth, Principal, Shanthinikethana School, Girinagar, Bengaluru speaks about the role of technology adopted in the school and also throws light on technology use in a general sense.
- When was the school established? What was the first technological advancement introduced in your school?
Shanthinikethana School, Girinagar was established in the year 1991. Introducing computers and computer literacy was the first technological advancement back forth. The school has evolved along with technological advancements and today we possess a sophisticated Atal Tinkering Lab with robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IOT) catering to the technological needs of the future learners.
- What is your opinion about inculcating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) subjects in the school curriculum?
AI and ML are the current trends in technology which is influencing every sector. One of the main goals of education is to make the child self sufficient and independent and help them to survive. Moulding the child in the formative ages with the recent advancement is the best way to enable the child to be future ready. Awareness/early exposure is always the first step. Inculcating AI and ML in the school curriculum will expose the child to the merits and demerits of the technology. It will also help the child to decide on how to use the technology for its benefits and make them to work more smartly.
We can promote interdisciplinary approach with the help of AI. Various subjects like Mathematics, Science can be integrated with Social Science. For instance, students learn about data analysis and pattern recognition in Mathematics, while the same principles can be applied to understand concepts of election/voting in social studies.
Project based learning approach can be even more efficient and creative if principles of ML are applied in it. It encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills in students.
There are numerous online free resources and tools available for teaching AI and ML in schools. Platforms like Tensor Flow, Scikit-learn and Scratch offer educational materials and tutorials designed specifically for students. These resources provide hands-on experience and allow students to experiment with AI and ML algorithms in a supportive environment.
Collaboration with the industries: With the school adopting trending technology, the school can partner with higher academic institutions and industry which can provide valuable resources and expertise for AI and ML education and can expose students to real-world applications of AI and ML and help them understand the skills needed for future careers in these fields.
- What developments have you seen in schools, in the technological field?
CBSE has introduced AI as a skill module for classes 6–8, while financial literacy and Data Science are the skill subjects in classes 9–12.
Establishing Atal Tinkering Labs in school is another step taken to promote AI and ML. It fosters creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving and other 21st century skills. The curriculum does not contain complex coding data, but rather simple projects like coding language which encourages children to think logically to come up with the solution. Once the basics are set correct, the child can apply them in various learning environment.
Following snapshots are of the various projects covered under ATL Lab in our school –

Virtual labs

Project of smart hospital

Projects – smart screen, use of smoke sensors and gas sensors to prevent and alert gas leaks
Interactive learning platforms for both student engagement and parent connect – The idea behind interactive learning is to foster a highly engaging learning environment to promote student engagement with educators. Also, these learning platforms provide predictive model to analyse students’ strengths and weakness and in making learning more customised.
Using virtual labs – There are various freely available sites that are used for school students to conduct and try out experiments without the actual hazard of breaking and spilling chemicals, which are cost effective for the institutions. Using smart boards, flash cards and AV aids are very common nowadays in many institutions.
- What is your opinion about children using mobile phones in schools?
Preferably mobile phones are not required in schools. Usage of mobile phone in school has to be restricted only as an educational tool, to use specific educational apps, search engines and access resources that enhance learning experiences.
Major dilemma of using mobile phone in school is of social media distractions that come in built with a smart phone. With access to games, social media, and messaging apps, students will not focus on their educational activities. Its impacts children’s social and emotional development, reducing face-to-face interactions, decreased empathy and increased feelings of isolation. Responsible digital behaviour is missing in most of the children.
A computer with monitored internet connectivity and appropriate filters can easily replace the requirement of mobile phones in school. Schools may choose to implement policies and guidelines regarding the use of mobile phones but preferably it should be avoided.
- Explain the trend of using technology in a fashion designing class.
Digital design tools: Fashion designers now have access to a wide range of digital design tools that facilitate the creation and visualization of their designs. Software programs such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software allow designers to sketch, manipulate and refine their designs digitally.
Virtual Prototyping: Designers can create detailed virtual models of garments, enabling them to visualize how fabrics drape, fit and move on the body before creating the physical sample.
Digital Printing and embroidery: Virtual platforms allow students to be more creative and provide an environment with multiple options to perfect the design and print it rather than going the traditional way. It is a more sustainable approach.
E-commerce platforms for digital marketing: With advent of technology the designers can now reach a wide range of customers without investing in physical onsite shops.
Wearable Technology and Smart Textiles: The intersection of fashion and technology has given rise to wearable technology and smart textiles. Integrating sensors, LEDs and other electronic components into garments to create interactive and functional designs is a trend being explored nowadays. For example, MIT researchers have produced smart textiles that snugly conform to the body so they can sense the wearer’s posture and motions.