New technologies, combined with unconventional teaching methods, such as digital whiteboards, help children learn to read and write.

Can educational projects with alternative approaches positively impact learning outcomes in literacy? In 2023, Brazil reached 56% literacy among children in public schools by the end of the 2nd year of elementary school, according to the National Institute for Educational Studies and Research Anísio Teixeira (Inep). Despite being an improvement, returning to pre-pandemic levels, the reality remains concerning. Almost half of the children do not reach the expected literacy level at the right age, posing an urgent challenge for the Brazilian educational system.

The Ministry of Education (MEC) aims for 80% of children to be literate at the correct age by 2030. To achieve this, it will be necessary to invest in third-sector educational projects to recover learning and strengthen literacy skills.

Digital Whiteboard and Literacy Table  

Faced with this reality, the Ramacrisna Institute, with over six decades of educational and social projects, develops innovative initiatives to improve the literacy process. The idea is to combine fun, technology, and learning. One of the tools frequently used by the Institute is the Digital Whiteboard, as part of the Ramacrisna Educational Support Center (CAER).

With an interactive approach, the whiteboard uses visual and dynamic resources that facilitate the understanding of basic content, such as reading and writing. This technology allows educators to present content in an engaging way, promoting greater student engagement. Through this, the Institute aims to improve literacy rates in a playful and effective manner, helping children learn to read and write more quickly and consistently.

With the Digital Whiteboard, learning becomes more accessible and tailored to the specific needs of each student. Through interactive activities, educational games, and visual tools, children can explore the world of letters and words in a way that sparks their interest and motivation.

Another technology used as an ally in education is the Digital Literacy Table. Students become familiar with written language by placing colorful blocks on a large electronic panel. As they fit the blocks, the letters are recognized by special software and displayed on a computer screen. In this way, children participate in interactive activities, learning to recognize the alphabet, build words, find meanings, discover accents, and interpret texts. The table assists students in subjects like Portuguese and math, as well as in activities that include fables, proverbs, nursery rhymes, tongue twisters, and more.

The table is so successful among students and teachers, delivering excellent pedagogical results, that the institution recently acquired another, more modern version. The new table features a multitouch screen and recognizes both human touch and objects, making it accessible to children with motor limitations. With this, children can play and interact directly on the screen using their fingers or support tools like brushes, pointers, or adapters.

What’s New

Recently, Ramacrisna launched the Expanding Frontiers 4 project in partnership with Brazil Foundation and Partage Shopping Betim. The initiative promotes the holistic development of children and adolescents aged 6 to 15, during after-school hours. Students participate in Portuguese and math tutoring, reading encouragement, educational robotics, and chess.

The classes use modern methodologies, such as problem-based learning, blending traditional teaching with digital resources. Additionally, students in Expanding Frontiers also participate in reading activities, such as reading mediation and storytelling at the Institute’s Library.

The project also includes Educational Robotics workshops at the Ramacrisna FabLab (Fabrication Laboratory). In these classes, children develop logical thinking and learn math and programming content.

By incorporating technology as an ally, the Ramacrisna Institute is directly contributing to the educational development of children who might otherwise have less access to these resources.

Other Initiatives

In addition to the Digital Whiteboard and the Digital Literacy Table, Ramacrisna promotes various educational projects focused on literacy. The methodology used in its classes values creativity, critical thinking, and active participation in the learning process. This is achieved through activities such as reading workshops, hands-on activities, and projects that encourage writing.

The Institute also understands the importance of family support in this process and works to involve families in educational activities. By encouraging reading at home and parental involvement, children’s learning is strengthened in a more comprehensive way. Initiatives like lending books to the entire family help foster students’ development.

Undoubtedly, changing education is not an easy process. The future of childhood literacy in Brazil depends on joint efforts like those Ramacrisna has been implementing. More than just traditional classrooms, the best results are achieved when innovation, dedication, and social commitment are integrated. Help continue this work and transform lives.