Pedagogical Innovations in the 21st Century Classroom

Teaching Hindi in High-Tech Environment of NC State University

Dr. Nilakshi Phukan

North Carolina State University, USA

Hindi language learners at NC State University have been exposed to blending learning through several technology-related projects to engage in, including interacting with native speakers at a Diwali celebration using Virtual Reality; inscribing literary quotes, words, phrases, cultural expressions including names in Hindi using a 3D Printer; creating skits to present writing, speaking, and storytelling skills using a Green Screen, enhancing presentations on literary works e.g. “Abhijyanam Shakuntalam and The Chess Players” using a 360-degree Visualization lab. Such experiences have increased student interest in Hindi and prove how language and literature classes can be integrated with computer science, engineering, graphic designing, and other STEM disciplines. These activities are encouraging students to create a fun project that not only allows each student to create their own designs but also develops a deeper level of the mutual understanding of cultural competence to participate in various societies. Through these technologies, humanities students are sharpening their tech-related literacy skills to get success in today’s workplaces. My presentation will be focused on the techniques involved in creating Hindi materials to go along with the American educator’s philosophy of using technology in language classes to “flip the classroom.”

Bio: Dr. Nilakshi Phukan is an Associate Teaching Professor at North Carolina State University. She has been teaching language, literature, and culture courses at multiple UNC Campuses. She has taught Urdu courses to military personnel at Fort Bragg as part of Project GOLD (Global Opportunities for Leadership Development). She has completed certification as an ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) Tester and she is also a certified STARTALK Instructor. She has been working as a lead Hindi Instructor for two STARTALK Summer Language and Cultural Programs (US Federal government projects). She had volunteered in NC Hindi Pathshala for K-12 students for a decade. She has published two books, several articles, and translations in various literary magazines in India, the USA, and Canada. She is interested in teaching, physical activities (Taekwondo black belt holder), folk dancing, writing, and reciting poems. She is also a licensed Ashtanga Yoga Instructor and has been teaching yoga for 10 years.