MEGHNA BASAOU, I, M.A. English, Miranda House, Delhi University
The introduction of the quick response (QR) barcodes will enable India’s young potential learners to acquire in-depth knowledge. This strategy will make sure that students engage with their subjects for gaining knowledge. This will broaden their horizon and also make learning more interesting. The QR code scheme will definitely prepare them for their upcoming academic years and will develop a sense of independence where knowledge will just be a scan away. The country will produce not just literate but intellectual citizens.
NIKITA TALWAR, III, B.Tech (Computer Science), Jaypee University of Information Technology, Delhi
Over the past decades, availability of online educational content has increased manifold, reducing the effectiveness of classroom learning. QR codes being available with NCERT textbooks may lead to a scenario where students will completely rely on video lectures and other inputs for their learning. This will dwindle their time spent on book reading. Instead of acting as an additional support, this new scheme might serve as a 24x7 instructor making students habitual to last-minute studies.
GOPIKA KORANATH, final year, Instrumental Engineering, College of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram
This could be a move to introduce students to the digital world of facts and figures. Nevertheless, we are still sticking to age-old traditions of textbook. Academic timetables are heavily packed, and assignments, loaded. If teachers don’t find enough time in their schedule to encourage students to move to a more comprehensive method of studying, or if the execution is not effective enough, this might end up being a mere gesture and not a step towards an inclusive education system.
ABIR SONI, III, B.Tech (IT), Jaypee University of Information Technology, Solan
The move is an advancement towards a digital India. No textbook is self-sufficient when it comes to learning. As students, we have used the Internet a night before the exam for the knowledge of concepts that did not have any explanation in the textbook, and for a better and more practical understanding of the same. Also, the NCERT council should think of starting up an e-portal/repository similar to the NPTEL that could be a life-saver for students.
