Last Updated on June 7, 2023 by
Integrated Learning Systems (ILS) are packages of hardware and software networked together to be used for educational purposes. They provide management tools, instructional tools and content and assessment content too. It is a set of computer-based, cloud-based online tools and services that can be used to organise school curriculum and educational materials.
It is hosted on a server that is accessible to all the students, teachers and parents at all times. Every individual’s progress can be tracked with great ease. All the information is just a click away. They include information on curriculum, content, study material, communication, evaluation mechanisms, discussion boards, and other tools. It is also known as Learning Management System (LMS). There are many ILS or LMS to choose from in the market today.
Several studies have been conducted on Integrated Learning Systems that have endorsed their potential to amplify pupils’ learning. They have underlined the importance of such systems in today’s day and age. They have also highlighted the quality and nature of the learning outcomes. Several versions of this innovative software can make links with the external factors or software applications to support other tasks and functionalities such as practical examinations, simulations, computer lab experience, etc.
The results have shown that the software amplifies students’ learning outcomes, teaching outcomes for parents’ teachers and satisfaction levels. The Integrated Learning Systems produce excellent attitudinal and academic gains in students. Several educators believe that the students taught using ILS perform better on standardised tests and work better in cooperative groups.
Many think tanks have been working on more interactive solutions to replace the traditional print medium, which is non-interactive, unidirectional, limited and not fun. The ‘Chalk & Blackboard’ model has been replaced by the ‘Smartpen & Screen’ model, and this technology is a fresh breather to an outdated traditional system. It aims to benefit more than 25 crore students of India. Rising income levels of the middle-class have resulted in a spurt in admissions of kids in private schools, which have graciously accepted the new technologies and software for optimising learning outcomes.
According to a Google report, India’s data consumption has increased by 18 times in the past two years, and about one billion people in India will be online by 2030. India has an education thirsty populace, and while metro cities are almost saturated with sound school learning systems, Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are still lagging. Digital solutions are bridging the rural-urban divide in the education sector. With this technology, modern-day teaching will reach every corner of India.
These days even schools are looking for holistic development of students. They are emphasizing more on overall development rather than merely class rankings. Since it is not feasible to expect India to be 100% digitized overnight, adopting Integrated Learning Systems is a smart choice as they can be leveraged to develop the right blend of digital and print learning systems for the students.
Every year, the school authorities attract parents by outlining how they will help their child succeed at everything. They give them specific pre-defined goals. Tracking pupils’ progress in real-time has been impossible in the traditional education system. But, it feels like a cakewalk with the new Integrated Learning Systems. Parents feel more involved in the entire educational process because they get real-time updates of their wards.
The students don’t have to wait until the results of year-end exams to hear the feedback like in the traditional education system. With the new digital system, they receive continuous feedback throughout the year and at the same time, corrective measures are also suggested.
These systems have several positive outcomes. Parents and teachers are adopting the right approach towards the children. Their attitudes towards the holistic development of their children have improved optimistically. Children follow the path of self-learning and self-discovery. Their learning outcomes improve with the new management systems.
Parents are active players in their children’s academic journey. As they have access to real-time updates and progress reports of their children, they can provide timely feedback to the teachers. The teachers can then assess the best way forwards, keeping in mind the students’ progress. The trust between the parents and the school multiplies manifold and results in long-lasting associations.
Efficient and more frequent communication leads to the strengthening of student-teacher relationships. This leads to a better learning curve for the students, and real-time feedback encourages students to concentrate on complex topics for their development. Their interest in academics increases, and they become more productive. They actively participate in the day-to-day curriculum.
The new model of school learning serves as a knowledge bank for the students. While there is a limit to what the traditional print medium can offer, the digital medium’s learning opportunities are limitless with the internet’s help. Also, the school administration can adopt a more optimized and focused approach towards the management of classes and school.
All of this leads to an exponential increase in the quality of learning as well as teaching. The teachers can leverage online learning mediums to form teacher forums to share and discuss the best practices and strategies. It’s a win-win situation for the students as well as teachers.
There are certain challenges, though. You have to consider your students’ cost factor and decide the optimal mix of digital and print solutions. Change is hard for everyone. So, there will be a lot of training involved in the initial stages. Once the teachers get used to it, it’ll all be okay. Regular feedback will keep everybody engaged and interested.
You can decide about your school in a better manner. You can think of adapting to this new technology by setting certain benchmarks, which will help you avoid confusion. If you think your school’s collective goals, faculty, students, and parents align with each other, go ahead and invest in good software. It will do wonders in the K12 sector as it adopts customised learning and chucks the one-size-fits-all approach. Be ready to taste an excellent success rate at your school!
Apart from that, if you are interested to know about Innovative School Models then visit our Education category.
