Our stereoscopic 3D approach helps students learn faster and more efficiently: Saras-3D CEO

While preparing for competitive exams, students need a solid foundation on their conceptual knowledge and testing their concepts in various formats similar to the competitive entrance tests. To supplement their learning, students need to test their knowledge and fill their learning gaps quickly. Our adaptive testing system gives great test-taking practice across topics for JEE/NEET and many more competitive exams. Bipin Dama, founder & CEO, Saras-3D, Inc Genius 3D Learning in an exclusive interview with BIZZ BUZZ talks about Genius 3D Learning, India's first stereoscopic 3D technology-based learning experience that uses the power of interactive visualization to help students gain a deeper understanding of science and mathematics concepts

As a serial tech entrepreneur, what prompted the focus on the education space?

The divide between those who do and do not have access to high-quality education determines a students' opportunity to reach their full potential. With better access, students will be able to shape their lives and fulfil their dreams.

Saras-3D's Genius 3D Learning solution claims to be India's first 3D stereoscopic learning solution. Can you elaborate on this? What makes it so different from the rest of the products available in the market?

To stay engaged, students need a way to mimic real-world learning experiences. Genius 3D Learning uses 3D simulations and virtual hands-on learning methods to create stimulating, highly engaging learning experiences. This empowers students to interact and play with scaled models that depict concepts the way they exist in real life. By learning through exploration, students are engaged just as profoundly as they would be learning in a real-life laboratory. We also utilize virtual labs and 3D videos with online learning fundamentals such as quizzes and analytics. This way, students are guided through multiple media to understand each concept thoroughly.

This technique is based on stereoscopy, a technology that combines special eyeglasses with a booster box to create a three-dimensional, interactive experience. Students can learn twice as fast through interacting with realistic, scaled models because they learn through doing rather than simply learning about concepts. This leads to deeper understanding and better recall. In fact, many students are already using this technology to master competitive exams like JEE and NEET.

Medicine and Engineering have always been preferred streams for both parents and students in India. How are you helping students prepare better for these career streams and the competitive entrance tests?

While preparing for competitive exams, students need a solid foundation on their conceptual knowledge and testing their concepts in various formats similar to the competitive entrance tests.

Research has shown that hands-on interactive learning in stereoscopic 3D helps students learn 2x faster learning with a deeper understanding and better recall. We also see our students commenting that their time to learn a new concept has significantly improved. Also, each concept covers theoretical description and in-depth video explanations. So, they are guided through different media that suits their requirement for learning and revision.

To supplement their learning, students need to test their knowledge and fill their learning gaps quickly. Our adaptive testing system gives great test-taking practice across topics for JEE and NEET and many more competitive exams.

Even before study from home (SFH) became a reality, we saw a growth in the number of edtech startups and solutions. Does this expose a lacuna in the current education system?

Have you ever observed a toddler make sense of the world? She uses all tools (5 senses) at her disposal to experiment with everything in her environment constantly. School-going children primarily rely on a teacher's attention, skill and dedication. It is supplemented by reading material and their imagination to further their learning. Edtech solutions can't fully replace the role of a teacher, but students need extra tools to reinforce their classroom learning and enhance their concept recall skills. They have brought wider distribution through technology with video and digital content, giving access to a high standard of learning. But this is not enough to fully engage a student.

What is Saras-3D doing to address those gaps?

We believe Genius 3D Learning is the next step in the evolution of learning, filling two significant gaps in the market. First, we noticed that other solutions relied solely on passive learning, i.e., watching videos & reading text. Secondly, we also understood that according to NSSO, only 24 per cent of households have reliable internet access.

We designed Genius 3D with a three-dimensional approach so that students can have a hands-on, interactive learning experience, just as if they were in a real-life laboratory. It promotes sustained engagement and helps students learn faster and more efficiently. Then, unlike our competitors, we designed Genius 3D to be accessible without an internet connection so that students across the entire country can use it.

Physical in-classroom teaching has been an important part of a student's life. In the new normal, that interpersonal connect is missing! How is Genius 3D helping bridge those gaps?

Through three-dimensional learning, students explore and play in a hands-on, interactive way, just as if they were in a real-life laboratory. This hands-on engagement helps students better understand the material and create meaningful connections.

Genius 3D Learning also comes with 3D video lectures & theory descriptions that thoroughly explain the concepts, breaking down complex concepts into more specific elements, helping students understand the theories better and more deeply. It helps bridge the gap between in-classroom and at-home learning so that students can learn quickly and efficiently, no matter where they are. We are also working with schools, so teachers have more tools at their disposal while conducting online classes.

Today students and parents have multiple choices when it comes to digital learning solutions. How do you see this panning out once schools reopen?

We see the demand for digital learning solutions to increase. As students return to the classroom, more schools will be incorporating digital learning tools into daily lessons. This digital layer will help teachers better engage students and help them learn more interactively. This hands-on learning approach helps students understand concepts more deeply and better retain knowledge.

We now understand how difficult it is for students to study from home. Parents know that the students who study from home with supplemental material will have a distinct advantage over those who do not. That's why we're seeing high demand among parents who want their children to develop this advantage. We expect this demand to increase, especially as more students prepare for JEE and NEET exams.

How do you think technology can impact the education industry? How can it help in achieving universal access to education?

Technology has the power to democratize high-quality education throughout the world. With thoughtfully designed technology, students in rural areas can now have access to the same caliber of education as their wealthier, more urban counterparts. By creating a virtual, interactive experience, students can explore the material just as if they were in a real-life laboratory. This creates more opportunities for students to reach their full potential, no matter where they grew up. That's why it was so crucial for us to provide access to our content without the internet. It opens the possibility for more students to use it and reach their full potential.

The market for digital learning solutions has been largely limited to urban areas with the upper and middle class forming a bulk of the users. Do you think Tier-2 and 3 cities can be a potential market for edtech companies such as Saras-3D? How do you plan to penetrate that market?

Affluent urban students have had access to digital learning solutions first because they are among the few with reliable internet access. We designed Genius 3D Learning so students can access content without the internet to cater to the 76 per cent of households without a reliable internet connection. Students in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities can now enjoy the same caliber of learning as their wealthier, more urban peers.