Anju Anguraj is a teacher at Corporation High School, Pappanaicken Pudur (P.N.Pudur), Coimbatore, a AIF Digital Equalizer affiliated school. She has been involved with the DE program since 2014. She has integrated technology in her classroom for effective learning. In her first trip to the US she shared her work and her impressions about America .
Please tell us why you were visiting the United States?
I was invited by the American India Foundation to speak at the AIF New York Gala and to share my experience as a teacher who has been trained in the Digital Equalizer Program. During my trip here, I have visited Washington DC, Richmond, New York and finally Boston.I have come along with Keerthana Vivekanandan, a student in 9th Grade at Corporation High School, Maniyakaranpalayam, Coimbatore, a Digital Equalizer affiliated school.
What does it means to be a DE teacher?
The DE way of teaching improves upon the traditional chalk and blackboard method. We are trying to integrate learning through technology in government schools so the students are well equipped for the 21st century. The Digital equalizer program of AIF does this through its program where we can teach many subjects using these aids.
How has it enhanced learning for students?
The DE way of teaching commands the attention of every student in the class. I have found that it makes the class very interesting but also helps students understand concepts because of visual and audio aids.I have seen good improvement in classroom participation and interaction between the students and the teacher. Students are always eager to come to a DE classroom. The use of smart boards for learning purposes over the traditional method of teaching has really helped me and the student to explore news ways.
You also implement the flip classroom methodology? Can you tell us more?
The flip classroom means we allow the students to explore learning in a group by providing them resources, participation in peer groups , and reflecting later about what they have learnt. Say for example they are learning about Coal and Petroleum and their uses, they will do their own research, talk among their peers and then present it . The teacher is present but is only an observer.This helps us evaluate how much they are able to grasp the concepts and help the kids who need help the most.
What are your first impressions of your trip to US.
I think I am very lucky to get this opportunity. I have never travelled in a aeroplane before and so I had to navigate my way for the first time in this country. Once we got here everyone at AIF took great care of us in all the places we visited. I feel america is a great country and the people very warm and helpful.Also the greenery is beautiful and the shopping areas are very good. I was also excited to see Ramanajum name in the math wing at the Museum of Science here in Boston. I was thrilled to see it.
Overall, it has been an unforgettable experience for me and Keertana.
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