Reimagine Learning: Innovative Success Stories
In 1836 the British established the classroom-based education system in Sri Lanka. Since then, some reforms were made to education, but these failed to innovate fluid teaching and learning techniques which could absorb advancement and withstand challenge. Fast-forward 185 years to
2021 — Sri Lanka is grappling with traditional teaching and learning techniques.
COVID-19 proved that current techniques are not adaptable or digitized. The “skill gap” proves that the skill quality from the current system is substandard. Now, more than before, agile, innovative, and digitized methods seem urgent to support education in Sri Lanka. To inspire solutions for teaching and learning techniques, the Centenary Movement explored three innovative informal learning techniques that could support Sri Lanka and any education system in the world.
MTabe — Imagine Learning Without the Internet
Given Edwards innovated an off-line e-learning system to overcome Tanzania’s challenges with internet connectivity and affordability of textbooks. MTabe is a “question and answer” platform which utilizes the short message service (SMS) native to any mobile phone. The platform is
backed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and educators. The cost of communication is borne by generous corporate partners.
MTabe is extremely simple — every day, students receive 5 questions on a chosen topic, and it answers any 5 questions students may have on the same topic. It aims to completely cover the chosen topic prior to exams through questions and answers. The platform’s success is measured by the number of users, questions asked and answered, and pre and post evaluation of participants. MTabe is a cheap and innovative solution for developing
economies. Follow MTabe on https://mtabeapp.com/ for further information.
MEU Labs — Imagine Inverting Convention
MEU Labs is the imaginative creation between three Sri Lankans — Thulith Edirasinghe, Pasindu Jayatillaka, and Shayen Yatagama. MEU Labs strives to address “skill gaps” through a learning system that inverts conventional education techniques. MEU Labs integrates project-basedlearning with the mind, heart, and hand. It simulates real world scenarios, guides systematic
problem definition, and promotes solutions through imagination and freedom. These learning techniques are applicable to any discipline (including the Arts). Also, these curated programs are suitable for students and professionals. Success is measured through enthusiasm, innovation, and
changes in overall performance. MEU Labs aspires to create mature, skilled, resilient, and “future-ready,” innovators who strengthen the human capital of any ecosystem. Follow MEU labs on https://meulabs.org/index.html for further information.
Root — Imagine Learning Through Gaming
Aashna Saraf designed Root, a phone based gaming app to help young children improve their math skills. She was inspired by her interest in developmental psychology, the pandemic, and failures in Indian childrens’ math acquisition. Root helps children develop their numeracy skills.
It has 14 games that target different foundational math concepts. Saraf piloted the software at a Mumbai preschool after the games were built. She had 120 youngsters aged 3 to 6 years perform a diagnostic test before playing a 20-minute game every day for 20 days. As children play, the
app keeps track of how well they understand the ideas, allowing Saraf to deliver personalized assessments to parents to assist them better support their childrens’ learning. Her long-term goal is to improve educational outcomes for all Indian youngsters.
MTabe, MEU Labs, and Root create a paradigm shift to the conventional teaching and learning techniques. These unique, individualized, and experiential techniques are proven to pique learning, curiosity, and growth in students. Can you reimagine learning?
Can you take a step away from conventional education to create a skilled, imaginative, and innovative generation?
Start exploring today!
