JRE Group of Institutions, with state-of-the-art infrastructure to facilitate quality management and technical education, has deployed several technology solutions that help in creating an engaging learning environment for students in the higher education space. The Institute provides global experience to students through academic partnership with Raffles Education Corporation Ltd. Harpreet Singh, President, JRE Group of Institutions gives insights into the technology applications of the institute
JRE Group of Institutions adopted Interactive White Boards (IWBs) in June 2011. So far 10 classrooms and boardrooms have been deployed with Whiteboards.
“The assignments, tests and quizzes are designed to provide students with the opportunity to prepare for online format of examinations …The content provided in classroom provide students an environment for research and application.” Harpreet Singh, President, JRE Group of Institutions
Impact of IWBs on the teaching-learning process
The use of IWBs has brought greater level of engagement of students and has helped in getting and retaining their attention in the classroom. “At JRE we believe in ‘No cramming but understanding’ philosophy, therefore our students are constantly challenged and motivated by being a part of a lively and active community of learning”, says Harpreet Singh, President of the JRE Group of Institutions. The main goal of this community is to maximise the potential for all participants focusing on innovation, entrepreneurship and benchmarked management techniques. Students thus are exposed to a range of learning opportunities like live projects, local, national and international case studies, he adds.
Benefits of IWBs
Singh elaborates on the wide range of benefits of using Interactive Whiteboards. He says that developing students interest in the subject matter in one of the key USPs. According to his observations at the institute, interactivity has helped in maximising retention of content and also in the application of learning in real life. The audio/visual content, in form of concept and case studies, help students internalise various complex concepts.
The technology at JRE enables audio/visual recording of actual black board instructions and instructors voice. This is uploaded simultaneously which can be accessed by the students through Internet. The assignments, tests and quizzes are designed to provide students with the opportunity to prepare for online format of examinations and provide them with online scores as well. The content provided in classroom sessions and 24hour internet access provide students an environment for research and application of their intelligence in research projects. The content for each subject and lecture has been structured to include a pre and post lecture wise online test enabling a continuous measure of student’s learning curve. “Of course students do enjoy the use of technology and they find the sessions much more interactive and full of participation. These boards are also integrated with “ Millennium Learning System” and the Internet. So on the click of a mouse one can get pictures and content relevant to the topic being discussed. Our students also use Tablets to improve their communication skills and many other technologies.”
The technology at JRE enables audio/visual recording of actual black board instructions and instructors voice. This is uploaded simultaneously which can be accessed by the students through Internet
Subjects taught through application of technology
Most of the engineering subjects, and, currently the first year of engineering subjects, are being taught through the use of technology and IWBs.
The Institute will add many more subjects into this league in the coming days. It is also used where ever free hand illustrations are used. “We give regular feedback to manufacturers to suit our requirements. Multiple products are integrated together for best results.”
With regard to response systems that have been adopted at the institute, Singh says, “We already have a Learning Management System (LMS) in place. We are in the process of integrating other systems including Stereoscopic 3D, Real Time Graphic, Gesture Based and Augmented Reality Rich Content. We are working on various technologies to make content more interesting from student point of view”.
