– Dr Anita Kanwar, Principal, Vivekanand Education Society’s College of Arts, Science and Commerce (Autonomous)

Teaching methodologies in India have undergone a remarkable transformation over the centuries. From the gurukul system, which emphasised oral instruction and experiential learning, to today’s AI-powered classrooms, each stage of evolution has reshaped how knowledge is shared and absorbed.

The journey began with chalkboards in the 1800s, followed by whiteboards in the 1950s, overhead projectors and computers in the late 20th century, smart boards in the early 21st century, and now, digital platforms enhanced by artificial intelligence. Every transition has made education more interactive, accessible, and engaging for learners.

The chalkboard and whiteboard revolution
The chalkboard and later the whiteboard transformed classrooms of their time. They nearly doubled student retention by enabling teachers to visually represent knowledge to large groups. Teachers could highlight key points and draw diagrams, charts, or sketches to help students grasp abstract concepts.

Yet, these tools had limitations: drawing accurate diagrams was challenging, the board size restricted how much content could be shared, and revisiting earlier material during revisions was cumbersome.

The learning pyramid—developed by the National Training Laboratory—shows that learners remember about 10% of what they read, 20% of what they see and hear, 30% of what is demonstrated, and 50% of what is discussed. However, retention rises to nearly 90% when students teach others or actively participate. These findings underscore the importance of interactive and participatory learning methods.

The arrival of smart boards
The early 2000s marked a turning point with the arrival of smart boards in Indian classrooms. They combined videos, animations, and simulations with traditional instruction, enabling teachers to design visually rich lessons and encouraging active student participation.

Smart boards integrated textbooks, digital content, and artificial intelligence into a single platform. This expanded horizons for both teachers and learners, making lessons more immersive and accessible.

However, their effective use requires teachers to master not only subject expertise but also technological skills. While many assume smart boards save teaching time, the reality is different—teachers must invest effort in learning how to use these tools meaningfully. This shift has redefined teachers’ roles: from being knowledge providers to becoming facilitators who inspire exploration, collaboration, and critical thinking.

Transforming classroom learning
When used effectively, smart boards foster two-way communication, teamwork, and collaboration. They allow real-time demonstrations, interactive activities, and simulations that make abstract ideas come alive. Students can conduct virtual experiments, eliminating the need for costly chemicals or specialised equipment. Such practices save resources while broadening access to experiential learning.

These tools also promote peer-to-peer learning, with students collaborating on projects, sharing insights in real time, and receiving immediate feedback. Such engagement significantly boosts retention—often up to 90%.

Beyond the classroom
The applications of smart boards extend far beyond schools. They are powerful tools across disciplines including Arts, Science, Commerce, Management, Technology, and Medicine. Professionals such as scientists, engineers, architects, and project managers increasingly use digital whiteboards to brainstorm, collaborate, and refine ideas in real time.

Thus, smart boards have become not just educational aids, but collaborative platforms for innovation.

Challenges in adoption
Despite their benefits, challenges persist. Reliable, cost-effective devices are not universally available. Teacher training and adaptability remain critical to successful implementation. Moreover, rural schools still face infrastructural barriers, particularly with internet connectivity. While many urban institutions have embraced smart boards, their rural counterparts are yet to experience the full impact of this digital revolution.

A resilient education system
Despite these hurdles, Indian educators have steadily embraced change, moving from traditional methods to technology-enabled pedagogies. The shift—from chalkboards to smart boards, and now to AI-driven learning—illustrates the resilience and adaptability of India’s education system.

Ultimately, the evolution of teaching methodologies is not merely about changing tools. It reflects our collective aspiration to create inclusive, engaging, and impactful classrooms that prepare students for a rapidly changing future.

Also Read: Technology In High School Education: A Double-Edged Sword