In part 1 of the article on simulated learning, we journeyed from the early days of flight simulators to the diverse applications of this technology across fields like healthcare, military training, and even sports. From wooden barrels to high-tech virtual environments, we saw how simulations have revolutionised learning by offering risk-free practice and real-world experiences. Now, let’s read how this groundbreaking approach is set to transform education right here in India.
India’s journey towards development is often hindered by a mix of population pressures, state barriers, and economic disparities. With over 1.4 billion people spread across diverse regions, the strain on educational resources is over saturation limits. States vary widely in their economic capabilities, leading to significant differences in infrastructure and access to quality education.
Additionally, socio-economic factors, such as income inequality and regional disparities, further complicate the scenario. These intertwined challenges impact the education sector, creating gaps in access and quality that continue to affect students across the country.
In a country as diverse and expansive as India, access to quality education can be like trying to find a needle in a haystack. According to a report by the Ministry of Education, around 80% of schools in rural areas face shortages in essential resources, urban areas are also not far ahead. This is where simulated learning comes to the rescue, offering a bridge over these gaps.
A key advantage of simulated learning is its ability to make high-quality education accessible to everyone, regardless of location. According to a report by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), nearly 30% of students in rural India drop out of school due to a lack of resources. Simulated learning can help reduce this dropout rate by providing engaging and interactive educational tools.
For instance, a student in a small village can have the same access to advanced science labs as a student in a metropolitan city. Virtual labs and simulations allow students to perform experiments, analyse results, and learn from their mistakes without needing the particular physical equipment.
Traditionally, commerce students learned through textbooks and theoretical classes. But think about a virtual stock market where students can buy and sell stocks, track market trends, and make investment decisions. This is not just a fantasy; it’s a reality with simulated learning.
According to a study by the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB), students who used simulated learning tools in their commerce courses showed a 25% increase in their understanding of complex financial concepts compared to those who learned through traditional methods. This hands-on approach helps students grasp concepts better and do prepare them for real-world scenarios.
Traditional commerce education in colleges has long been a cornerstone of business learning, offering a structured curriculum and foundational knowledge in areas such as accounting, finance, and marketing.
One of the major advantages is the depth of theoretical knowledge students gain, which provides a strong basis for understanding complex business concepts. However, this method often falls short in bridging the gap between theory and practical application.
Students may find themselves struggling to apply learned concepts to real-world scenarios without sufficient hands-on experience. Once they complete their collegiate education, they are not able to understand the functions of the theories they have byhearted. This gap can lead to a disconnect between classroom learning and the practical demands of the business world.
Recognising these limitations, the new National Education Policy (NEP 2020) has stressed the importance of practical education across all subjects. The updated curriculum is designed to blend hands-on learning with theoretical instruction, enhancing the educational experience.
While science subjects naturally lend themselves to practical applications, given their inherent need for experiments and lab work, integrating practical elements into other fields of study presents a valuable opportunity for a more comprehensive educational approach.
For commerce students, this shift means incorporating simulations, real-life case studies, and interactive tools into their education, aligning with the evolving needs of the industry. By doing so, the NEP 2020 seeks to equip students with both the conceptual understanding and practical skills required to excel in their careers.
In this transformative landscape, Nergy India’s Nergy Vidya stands out as a pivotal force. Nergy Vidya is an innovative cloud-based platform that leverages simulated learning to enhance commerce education. By providing virtual labs, interactive simulations, and real-world scenarios, it helps bridge the gap between theory and practice.
In our next article, we will delve deeper into how Nergy Vidya is revolutionising commerce education through its innovative approach to simulated learning.
To be continued.