Convergence Plus spoke with Mr. Sesh Kumar, Chief Executive Officer, Emantras Interactive Technologies, on the launch of its latest mobile learning platform, Mobl21.

CP: You have recently launched Mobl21 – a new Mobile learning platform. What is the vision behind it?

SK: Mobl21 is a product that truly delivers significant value to the learning eco-system and makes mobile learning accessible to a global audience. The value of mobile education is truly derived when it can be adopted across the board and can lend significant value to existing methods of learning - we believe Mobl21 does all these things and more. The unique pedagogy of Mobl21 helps create learning assets (of various media types) that compliment your formal courses, extending the learning opportunity beyond traditional barriers, Manage your content eco-system by making it accessible to users and groups, and publish content for “global accessibility” - to the desktop, social platforms, and to an iPhone / iPod Touch.

CP: What is the state of e-learning in the Indian SMEs sector? How different is it from the global market?

SK: Though the small and medium enterprises in India are not as evolved as the global market, they have also successfully started using e-learning to cut costs. They are realizing that there is lesser cost involved for travel, accommodation and seminar rooms. There is also improved flexibility in time and location, swifter and cheaper distribution of company and product knowledge and in the long run increased sales because they perceive e-learning as a sign of high competence and added value to their staff and partners. The traditional approaches to learning in the form of lectures, assignments and tests have also evolved to online versions today. Blended learning techniques that equip users to learn by doing tasks rather than mere reading have been found to be the most effective.

CP: There are many new technologies coming up every day. How would you keep the E- learners updated?

SK: M-learning, social media learning and game based learning are key areas where e-learning is rapidly making strides to engage the learner and capture their attention at different delivery points. The traditional approach to learning in the form of lectures, assignments and tests is slowly fading today. Blended learning techniques that equip users to learn by doing tasks rather than mere reading have been found to be the most effective. As students begin to absorb information through multiple consumption formats, it becomes important for e-learning to adapt to these changes.

CP: How do you implement educational gaming?

SK: Learning techniques that combine traditional teaching methods and interactive tools such as games rather than mere reading have been found to be very effective. This way the learner is engaged and empowered to learn the subject quickly. Emantras recently won the coveted Brandon Hall gold award for excellence in the Best Learning Game category. We developed this module for Lufthansa to teach Aviation English to ease understanding the language specifically of use to Asians and those for whom English is not their 1st language. Learning takes place by carrying out a variety of interactive tasks in various lessons and challenging games both of which offer an enhanced level for self motivation.

CP: What are the limitations of the E – learning technology?

SK: There is no doubt that technology is an extremely valuable addition to the educator’s toolbox. However, it does not replace traditional media or methods of educating. Simulations can never replace the benefits of working with real objects.

Technology does not remove the need for work on the part of the learner. The learner-centered learning offered by technology means learners have to take greater responsibility for their progress, though that progress should be of a higher quality.

Finally technology can never replace the human element. Learners still benefit hugely from interaction with instructors and fellow students, whether that interaction occurs physically or virtually.

CP: How do you plan to revolutionize the Indian e-learning market in the coming years? How open has been the Indian education system to undergo changes and opt for e-learning system?

SK: At Emantras we help our users achieve their full potential through customized e-Learning tools with direct internet interface. We also use blended learning techniques that combine traditional teaching methods and interactive tools such as games. With the significant growth of broadband use in India, more students are able to access interactive learning content. While this is primarily in the metros, larger cities and towns at the moment, the government is also taking steps to bridge the gaps to the smaller villages and rural areas to provide services to a much larger audience.

The Indian Education system is ready to undergo a change as it has understood that skill development through e-Learning will become a significant growth driver in the future. We need a national effort to improve the Indian educational system. Our problems are far broader, beginning with early childhood development and continuing through on-the-job training. Several schools around the country are taking the first step in using technology to enhance the e-learning experience, and the ministry is also taking positive steps in this direction.