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The success of the interactive based education methodology within the primary schooling arena has now had a knock-on effect on tertiary educational bodies, with State universities embracing these technologies.
To commemorate 50 years since entering the University of Peradeniya, the students of the 1968 Science intake generously donated smart interactive displays to all departments of the Faculty of Science. The idea for such a project was mooted by some of the past alumni using the global success of interactive based education methodology.
Dr. Kamal Weerapperuma (on behalf of the Reunion Committee – 1968 Science intake to the University of Peradeniya) during the handing over of the donation reminisced: “The creation of a residential university in a spectacular setting conducive to intellectual discourse and learning was a vision of Sir Ivor Jennings that enabled the birth of University of Peradeniya. The university offered numerous sports facilities, exposure to Performing Arts, an exceptionally good library, interesting lectures of diverse topics ranging from cultural anthropology to relativity and residential accommodation, making Peradeniya unique. While these facilities offered a broad education, solid academic content in a chosen field of study prepared us exceptionally well to face the world.
“The exceptional education we received from our alma mater was free of charge, and we, the 1968 intake considered it apt to reciprocate. Towards this end we decided to donate Smart interactive displays, one for each department, of the Science Faculty. These displays are used as interactive teaching tools and will probably replace black boards in the future. We wish our initiative would spur interactive teaching initiatives. It is now established that teaching techniques such as problem-based learning is pivoted on the foundation of interactive teaching. Such teaching, we believe will help the university in producing educated and functionally productive graduates that contribute to society.”
Dr. Weerapperuma further commented: “Dean Science, Prof. Saluka Kodituwakku and Prof. H.M.N. Bandara, President University of Peradeniya Science Alumni (UPSA), have been supportive of this project and we thank them for their support. The Reunion committee wishes to thank our batch mates and corporate sponsors for their generous donations that made this project a reality.”
As such, EWIS’ smart interactive board was launched at the University of Peradeniya recently. The smart interactive displays have been installed in the Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science and Statistics, Geology, Mathematics, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Physics and Zoology departments, all within the Faculty of Science.
The formal ceremony of handing over the units took place recently at the Upper Chemistry hall, with the attendance of the Dean of the Faculty of Science Prof. Saluka Kodituwakku, the heads of the respective departments belonging to the Faculty of Science along with over 80 distinguished past students of the University of Peradeniya 1968 intake.
In today’s era, academic and professional dynamics are changing. Keeping pace with this change means embracing digitisation and technology.
“The University of Peradeniya has always been a forerunner in creating change, whether it is creating course content or delivering those courses to students, we want to be the best and want our students to be ready to grab hold of the opportunities the world has to offer. The use of technology in lecturing provides the platform we seek, to create that differentiation we seek and give our students that edge over the rest of the world,” stated Prof. Kodituwakku.
The all new smart interactive display, which is the foundation of the smart lecture hall, was installed and facilitated by E-W Information Systems Ltd., a pioneer within Sri Lanka’s ICT industry. This smart interactive display is said to be able to co-exist with the traditional whiteboard, transforming the way lecturers educate students in a lecture hall in addition to providing a better and more interactive, learning experience for the students.
“The EWIS smart interactive display and the relevant components along with the aid of interactive software and tools will enable university lecturers to deliver course content in a more interesting and interactive manner,” commented E-W Information Systems Chief Operating Officer Nirmal Pieris.
“The students of the University of Peradeniya will have the opportunity to interact and learn using the Smart Interactive Display. This introduction of technology in the lecture hall would certainly boost the levels of attention and engagement, paving the way for the auditory, visual and kinaesthetic learner to get the best possible outcome when being examined,” Pieris further commented.
The EWIS smart interactive display combines the features of a smart television and a computer. The main features include the 10-finger multi point touch facility, with a superior resolution which has the capacity to even play ultra high definition videos and multiple ports which can be utilised to connect external displays or storage devices. Based on the customer preference; the device can be provided in three screen sizes (65», 75» and 85»).
The project was funded by the students of the 1968 intake to the Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya. In addition to this, generous sponsorships were received from Phoenix Industries Ltd. Chandrasiri Mayakaduwage, Chairman – Alpex Marine Ltd., Board of Directors of Flex Film International Ltd., ACL Cables PLC, People’s Bank, IMS Holdings Ltd., De Soysa Agencies, China Construction Ltd., Dong Fang Electric Engineering Corporation, Maxbase HK Ltd., Semini Motors, IPMP, CDB, Solartherm, Lanka Tiles Ltd., Mackson Paints Ltd. and Soil Tech (Pvt.) Ltd.
Since it made its foray into the IT industry by paving the landscape for IT products and services which were relatively new to Sri Lanka, EWIS continues to revolutionise and transform the industry with a reputation for reliability, quality of solutions, teacher and lecture training, support services and unparalleled dedication in ensuring customer satisfaction.
Over the years, the company continues to integrate its existing processes and enhance value creation across all its businesses as a total IT solutions provider. Based on its corporate philosophy of being a total IT solutions company, maintaining sincere and strong business relationships to ensure unmatched service standards and most importantly, a passionate and proud Sri Lankan organisation aiming to take education to the next level.
