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Learning with the right tools


Avinash: It is important to remember that students have diverse needs and require different tools to succeed.

I USED to see learning as chipping away at an iceberg – slow, frustrating and often draining.

For a long time, I lacked the right tools – like using a plastic spoon when what I really needed was a chisel.

Everything changed when the Covid-19 pandemic came along. It introduced resources that made learning easier and forced me to rethink my approach.

That was just the beginning of my ongoing journey in this digital world.

At the time, students the world over had to learn to use digital tools like Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams and Kahoot! for lessons. Now, they are a staple in many classrooms.

Yet, I found these teacher-directed tools somewhat inflexible. I prefer resources that let me take control of my own learning.

I have always believed in the power of learner-led platforms. Inspired by an app called Duolingo, I took up French and experienced its gamified approach to language learning. Its founder aimed to make learning as engaging as social media –and it delivers.

The app encourages consistency with features like the daily streak system, personalised goals, and even a ranking system to spark friendly competition. And when I started slipping? Its cheeky reminders kept me surprisingly motivated.

With apps that work for you, you get a lot more satisfaction and enjoyment from forging your own path. 

Despite the flashy appeal of online learning tools, traditional methods of learning – with teacher-student connections and well-worn workbooks – are still relevant.

I especially appreciate how no other job in the world prioritises the growth of learners quite like teachers do. Their human touch and adaptability matter.

Take my rough start with learning a musical instrument. I enjoy big band jazz music and had dreamt of playing the trumpet or saxophone. But when I joined my school’s brass band, I was handed a trombone instead.

From there, it was a bumpy road. I kept pushing the sliding mechanism out too far, risking breaking a music stand – or somebody’s back. Not to mention, my first attempts sounded like an elephant letting out a shaky, warbling toot.

Close to giving up, I turned to my band teacher for extra practice. She let me use her music room during lunch, offering guidance as I worked on beginner songs to build my skills.

Warm-ups like scales and breathing drills kept me grounded – even during band performances later on.

Her willingness to let me practise in her classroom every day showed her dedication to helping me improve. I am grateful for her support – it made all the difference.

Of course, not every skill needs to be learnt this way. While tactile skills like playing an instrument or driving a car require real-world practice, many other skills can be learnt online, thanks to the Internet.

Online learning expands your pool of teachers beyond the classroom.

However, like many, I am often unsure whether to trust man or machine for learning.

When it came to improving my Bahasa Malaysia (BM), I used to rely on Google Translate for help with grammar and sentence structure.

Before ChatGPT and DeepSeek, Google Translate was one of the first widely accessible artificial intelligence (AI) tools for language learners. However, it often missed the nuances of BM, making my writing sound stiff.

Context is key in language, yet AI tools – including Google Translate – still struggle with idioms and slang. It is because they can’t grasp culture the way a human can.

Digital-age learning now stands at a crossroads: tradition versus technology.

But it is important to remember that students have diverse needs and require different tools to succeed.

Because of that, teachers are already starting to use more adaptable digital tools.

Apps like Anki let students revise online flashcards at their own pace, while AI-powered platforms like Khanmigo support both teachers and students in learning.

Ultimately, though, no technology can replace the human desire to learn.

Avinash, 15, a student in Kuala Lumpur, is a participant of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team. For updates on the BRATs programme, go to facebook.com/niebrats.

 

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BRATs , online learning , digital tools

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