Catalyst: Technology-assisted collaborative and experiential learning for school students

Abstract

Advent of technology in the education domain has led to the emergence of new pedagogical models. However, there is very little study on the relevance of these models in developing regions. In this paper, we present a technology-enabled learning framework called CATALYST, which caters to technology-lean classroom environments particularly in developing regions such as India. The CATALYST framework combines concepts from experiential learning, collaborative and cooperative learning in education. The CATALYST framework is compared with the traditional classroom teaching in the context of teaching a 10th grade science concept of the Doppler Effect. Our user study on a set of 30 students demonstrates that CATALYST is more effective in improving students’ understanding while generating higher student engagement as compared to the traditional approach. Additionally, the unique design of group activities in CATALYST leads to higher interaction among low and high performers as well as across the genders.