How Teacher Amit Kumar empowers his students to become agents of change with Adobe Express
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, innovative methods are crucial to engage and empower students. Among these approaches is the concept of flip-learning, a teaching strategy that shifts the traditional classroom model.
Flip-learning entrusts students to learn the content at home as opposed to teachers delivering content during class time and assigning homework. Classroom time is then dedicated to creativity, communication and collaborative projects.
This method of teaching has been adopted by Amit Kumar, a teacher at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Una (Himachal Pradesh), India, who has harnessed its potential to empower his students to discover, learn, and share their knowledge with others. By equipping his students with the skills to teach, he is providing them with the capacity to influence an entire village and reshape its culture.
Amit’s journey into flip-learning started when he realised that traditional teaching methods were not effectively engaging his students who he saw as future leaders. He recognised that by shifting the responsibility of learning to the students, he could create a more dynamic and engaging environment. In doing so, his students have become facilitators of information beyond the four walls of the classroom.
The first challenge they tackled was to raise awareness of the dangers of cybercrime and bullying, issues that had been on the gradual rise amongst the youth in India.
The diverse group of students at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya are primarily from rural backgrounds, but what unites them is their desire to make a real impact in their communities. Understanding the looming danger of cybercrime and bullying in India, Amit knew his students needed a tool that could help them quickly communicate their ideas to tackle these issues.
Using Adobe Express, powered by Adobe Firefly generative AI, the students haveleveraged the innovative creative technology to create change in a way that was not previously possible with conventional tools.
“The feeling of transformation [in the students] from producer to transformer is extremely rare and is an inspiration to me.”
Amit Kumar, Teacher
Student Ipshita holds her ‘Cyber Safety Tip of the Day’ poster designed using Adobe Express
In 2000, the Indian Parliament enacted the Information Technology Act with its primary law addressing matters relating to cybercrime. Now with Adobe Express, these students are continuing the positive impact that the IT Act has had 23 years later, sharing powerful messages of digital safety and passing on this wisdom to others.
Their learnings were displayed through dynamic video presentations and posters shared around the campus. Grade 11 student Ipshita Kapila, who began the rolling poster campaign for the IT Act ‘cyber safety tip of the day’ using Adobe Express, explains, “we are able to enhance our ability and imagination, and express our thoughts in the best way possible.”
“When a student shares their creation in front of me, I can see that spark in his eyes that they have created something fulfilling, it’s a proud moment for them but also rewarding moment for me.”
Amit Kumar, Teacher
For many students, Adobe Express is the first tool they’ve used to creatively communicate their ideas. With the integration of Firefly, students are able to unlock a new side of their creativity and bring any idea to life through simple text prompts. As student Shivanish in Grade 9 explains, “it’s just like transferring our ideas into the computer, giving a right way to our imagination and uncovering our creativity.”
To become responsible members of the community, Amit has a keen focus on the students' growth and their ability to reach new heights. For him it is not about the school curriculum or the syllabus, but rather instilling critical skills that will set them up for success in the future, with a key focus on their creative exploration.
The impact of Amit’s teaching approach is unmistakable as his students have harnessed their creativity into learning experiences. Their genuine passion for creativity is a huge motivator for Amit as he witnesses their excitement in presenting their finished creations.
As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, teachers like Amit are essential in nurturing a generation of young minds who not only excel academically but are also prepared to make a positive impact on the world. By adopting his strategies and principles, communities across India can look forward to a brighter, more compassionate future where students are equipped to confront the challenges of our digital age.