The education system in India is changing rapidly with the advent of technology. Instead of relying solely on traditional classroom techniques such as textbooks, verbal instructions, and chalkboards, technology has enabled digital smart classrooms. 

This mainly includes digital smartboards, interactive displays, videos, and animations. Digital smartboards integrate technology with learning making the educational experience more interactive and dynamic. However, there are various challenges in India in transitioning from a traditional to a smart classroom. The main issue is the digital divide as 66% of Indians live in villages of which only 15% have internet access while internet access in urban areas is 42%. 

Additionally, people in rural areas are not aware of the benefits of digital smartboards in classrooms. Their installation is also expensive, including training, internet, and maintenance costs. Teachers' reluctance to adopt new technology is also one of the hurdles in installing digital smart boards in schools across India.

Understanding the benefits of digital smartboards, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB) has come forward. The company along with the Y4D foundation has installed digital smartboards in primary and high schools across various states in India. It is a part of the company's CSR program that aims to equip the schools with the latest technology and enhance the learning experience for the students.

The Start

Digital smart boards are the new norm in the Indian education system. The boards make the learning interactive through videos and images that make the students focused and engaged. It enables students and teachers to share files, access online sources, and learn together. 

However, the problem is that many schools in India still lack digital smart boards. The biggest reason behind this is a lack of awareness regarding the multiple benefits of smart boards. Schools are running on the traditional teaching style and are not willing to change because of increasing costs.

HCCB has been involved in several social welfare activities through its CSR program. The company invests in various fields including education, health, and skills development to raise the living standards of the underprivileged sections of society. 

In the education field, the company has undertaken several initiatives such as constructing sanitation and hygiene facilities, installing RO units, and upgrading school furniture among many others. Installing digital smart boards in schools across various states is one of those CSR initiatives through which the company is trying to enhance learning methods for students. 

Efforts

The CSR policy of Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages is to expand their business while creating a significant difference in the community in various sectors. The company has been showing constant efforts in the education sector through youth employability, infrastructure building, and expanding facilities in schools. 

Such efforts enhance the education quality and promote a healthy environment for the students. HCCB understands the needs of the communities and makes efforts to support them in different ways. 

The company always tries to enhance society’s value creation through its services, initiatives, and conduct to promote overall growth for the community. The company's CSR initiatives aim to operate the company's business responsibly by recognizing society’s interests. 

HCCB has collaborated with Y4D Foundation to install digital smart boards across ten states including Kerala, Goa, Karnataka, MP, Gujarat, Odisha, Maharashtra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. 

The main aim of the initiative is to integrate technology into classrooms of schools that lack appropriate infrastructure for modernizing. Installing digital boards is an effort to enhance children’s learning experience and teacher-student interaction fostering a positive classroom environment.

Impact Created

The collaboration of HCCB and Y4D Foundation has initially installed digital smart boards in 100 primary and high schools across 10 states. This will promote an engaging learning environment for around 15,000 students. 

Education is everybody’s right which serves as a key catalyst for transforming society. Integrating technology into classrooms is no less than an investment for our communities’ future. The smart boards modernise the classroom experience for students, enable teachers to teach more interactive lessons, and enhance students’ ability to understand complex concepts through various visual aids. 

The digital smart boards not only boost the students’ learning experience but also equip them with the latest critical digital skills. Learning the latest technical skills has now become a must and digital boards are one of the ways to upskill the students.

The digital smart boards result in collaborative learning in the classrooms through group work and sharing ideas. The boards enable sharing views by multiple users simultaneously which makes interaction stronger. The boards provide teachers with multiple tools such as videos, charts, images, and graphs that result in greater engagement and better classroom engagement. 

They also provide access to multiple digital resources such as e-books and online learning platforms one place that can be included in classroom activities easily to enhance learning. 

Smart boards save teachers' time by enabling them to save lessons digitally to reuse and update at any time. The visual and auditory aids with the digital smart boards are a boost for the students in today's fast-evolving world.

Way Forward

The initiative by HCCB to distribute digital smart boards in schools aligns with the company's commitment to preparing students to become tomorrow's leaders in the fast-evolving economy. HCCB makes continuous efforts to enhance educational infrastructure by installing hygiene facilities, raising awareness related to hygiene and sanitation through its initiative WASH, and distributing hygiene kits. 

Such efforts strengthen the school infrastructure and enhance the quality of education as well as ensure a healthy learning environment for the students. The company is committed to bringing positive change to society through its welfare activities. The CSR policy of HCCB is to act like a responsible citizen and create a positive impact on society. 

Apart from education, the company operates in various sectors such as health, women empowerment, and skills development for youth and employment opportunities to attain sustainable growth in society.