Innovative learning technology to be used in 100 schools of Moldova

Students from 100 schools of Moldova will use an innovative technology in their studies, which will provide opportunity to physically interact with digital educational materials, facilitating a deeper understanding of such subjects as mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, geography and history.

The Memorandum of Understanding that will allow the large-scale piloting of the Haptilica platform in the country's schools today was signed by Minister of Education and Research Dan Perciun, Rector of the Ion Creanga State Pedagogical University Alexandra Barbaneagra and the founder of the company that launched the platform, Emil Chichioi.

The partnership aims to integrate the educational platform Haptilica into 100 schools, thus becoming the first global initiative that introduces haptic technology and augmented reality into the teaching and learning process.





Minister Dan Perciun said that the new technology would be used in schools starting from the new school year and authorities hope that its enforcement application would diversify teaching methods and enhance students' interest, especially in exact science subjects, such as physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics.

'This is our second experience of this kind, when a local company, with a distinguished product, is piloting it in Moldova. We will thus have an on-field evaluation of the effectiveness and impact of these cutting-edge technologies related to augmented reality, becoming a premiere not only for Moldova. There are not many educational systems in the world that have managed to integrate this technology,’’ said Dan Perciun.





‘’We are launching a pioneering product for Moldova. It is for the first time that haptic technology will be introduced and piloted in the education process,’’ said Rector of the Ion Creanga' State Pedagogical University, Alexandra Barbaneagra.

The founder of the company that launched the platform, Emil Chichioi, explained how it works and what students will discover when applying the new technology in lessons. According to him, the company developed a platform using augmented reality, so that students can study certain objects from the exact sciences not only on paper, but also discover them in their real form on a phone screen and simultaneously feel as if they are holding them in their hand.





 

‘’Today we mark a premiere. A project that achieves world records is launched in Moldova. For instance, at present, students are learning geometry on paper, which is more difficult, and the inner plan of a geometric shape is harder to perceive. Thus, we developed an experience called augmented reality, by which students can study planimetry, the inner sequences of an object. In this way, students can move the body and feel like they are holding it in their hand. It creates the impression that there is a real physical body in their hand. In biology, students can study certain objects in a 360-degree mode. For example, when studying the heart, students can use the new technology to see the blood circulation in valves and discover how this organ works,’’ said Emil Chichioi.

The company that launched the platform is the only team in the region and among the few teams worldwide working in the field of haptic technologies. The evaluation of the pilot project's results will be based on a string of indicators, including the level of students’ involvement, progress in skills’ development, performance in national and international tests, and the satisfaction level of teachers and students. At the same time, the initiative aims to stimulate interest in the learning process, increase the frequency of participation in classes and strengthen the relationship between teachers and students.