Video conferencing has always been considered high-end technology; out of the reach of ordinary people, especially in the rural sector. However, circumstances have recently started to show some positive curves. Technology has spread to rural areas and has also begun to affect the lives of the masses. The fundamental purpose of video conferencing solutions is enhanced virtual connectivity. Previously, far-flung villages suffered from the unavailability of the necessary amenities that virtual connectivity has brought to their doorsteps.
The greatest impact of audiovisual technology can be seen in the rural education sector. Rural communities have always suffered from the lack of quality education within reach. Stories of people traveling miles in search of quality education and training are not uncommon. Girls in most Indian villages do not receive education in high-end technologies as their parents are unwilling to let them travel to distant schools and colleges. Educational video conferencing solutions have significantly reduced these disadvantages.
Benefits of virtual collaboration for rural education
Experts on your doorstep
The collaborative AV solutions have bridged the gap between education and learners. This technology and the solutions based on it have transformed the authentic conventional classrooms into global learning platforms. Through live video collaboration, the rural students can learn directly from the experts in different genres, ask questions and solve problems without moving their location; so there are no travel costs.
“classroom without walls”
This is a concept that made around 125 students from 3 schools in the Kenai Peninsula spend a night at school only to wake up at 4am to participate in a video conference with the students in Nazareth, Israel (The Journal.com). Not only has this collaborative technology brought rural students up to the standards where high-end education is not just limited to their privileged urban or suburban peers, but it has also helped them see the importance and urgency of cross-cultural collaboration. We can thank this technology for helping rural students become responsible global citizens.
Parents are in control
While the students use Video conferencing solutions In order to acquire higher education, parents can relax when they see that their children do not switch bases for higher education. In the pre-virtual collaboration scenario, helplessly worried parents had no choice but to let their children move to the big city to satisfy their learning frenzy. This also made some parents reluctant to give their children higher education. This slows down their growth, which in turn affects the growth of rural education as a whole. Thanks to the virtual cooperation between the children, the parents are also informed about the school progress of their children. They can also be part of the virtual performance tracking of their wards and discuss with the educators.
Teachers can grow too
Aside from better presence and interaction with remote students, there are a few things teachers can really benefit from in a high-end classroom video conferencing solution. Remote collaboration can help teachers, especially in rural areas, improve their skills. The teachers can therefore not only impart education, but also be part of different forums or peer groups to engage in a fruitful exchange of knowledge.
Help children with special needs
Children with special needs living in rural areas find it extremely difficult to access a variety of learning opportunities. With easily accessible video conferencing solutions, they can now register for various workshops, learning forums and discussion groups without having to move. They can overcome their sense of isolation by joining like-minded people around the world who have similar needs and become part of the global learning journey.
Initiatives to promote digital learning
Educational institutions around the world are focusing on incorporating digital learning into their curriculum. In India, the E-Kranti program focuses on the digitization of rural education as part of the “Digital India” campaign. This program will provide 2.5 lakh schools with free WiFi over the next five years. Also, devices such as tablets will be distributed to rural students and there are plans to initiate Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) to help them overcome the demographic limitation and learn from global industry experts and excellent mentors. Actors like Google and Facebook are also working with the central government to make the initiative a success.
The centrally sponsored programs Rashtriya Uchchatar Siksha Aviyan (RUSA) and the non-profit organization National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) are entities dedicated to funding and enhancing the education, training and skills development initiatives in the country, including the digital learning ventures.
Digital learning efforts around the globe are gaining ground. Developed countries such as the US, Australia, New Zealand and European Union countries have already started reaping the benefits of incorporating the digital learning trend into their existing curriculum. Countries from Africa, Latin America and the Asian subcontinent are following the current trend.
Thanks to Jithendra Manda | #Video #Conferencing #Solutions #Positively #Impact #Rural #Education
