R&D : Digital Products and Solutions (DiPS)
Digital Products and Solutions (DiPS) was formed in 2006 with the following vision:
To become a world class content development facility that creates/manages the creation of pedagogically sound educational content that is
- extremely high quality
- the largest in terms of learning objects
- most cost-effective
Over the years DiPS has created a library of stunning animations and great depth. Educomp’s content library covers all subjects (Science, Social Studies, Mathematics, Economics and Business Studies) across all classes from K-12. There is a wide coverage across different curricula across the country, ranging from the National Boards like CBSE and ICSE and going on to various state boards.
The unique feature of the content library—thatmakes it the best in its class—isthe large number of stunning 3D animations on all subjects. In addition, there are (when suitable) real-life videos, 2d animations, or simply textual materials such as test items (objective and subjective), CCE activities, assignments, board preparation materials, etc.
In addition to the content, DiPS also creates software.
The software includes systems required to deliver the content. Examples include:
- Smartclass server and CTS: A system for teachers to use the content on smartboards in Educomp smartclass schools
- Educomponline.com: A web-based system used by schools to interact with their students and parents.
- mathguru.com: A web-based maths learning system with a aim of training children to get 100/100 in math exams!
People
At the time of writing this page (July 2014) DiPS has about 300 members. Most are located in the development center located in NOIDA.
The people at DiPS are in the following categories:
- Academic subject experts: These are experts in various subjects, with possibly some teaching experience. There are also some editors and instructional designers who work across subjects. Most members of this group have a Masters or Ph.D. degree in their area. Their job involves thinking deeply about their subject matter, and to help visualize and present the material in an engaging manner.
- Media experts: These are typically artists, who are experts in 3D development, movie editing/special effects, 2D animations, etc. This set of people work closely with the subject experts to make rich media content. Their job is to make stunning materials, that compete favorably with the games and movies that children enjoy!
- Software engineers: The software team is responsible for creating systems that have to work in thousands and thousands of classrooms all across the country. The team consists of technical experts, with an engineering or software development background.
Design Philosophy
Design Philosophy: The subject is interesting in its own right.
We believe that the pursuit of knowledge has its own rewards. We believe that Physicists find Physics beautiful, for Mathematicians, mathematics is “real” and not abstract. Similarly, we believe that every subject is interesting in its own right. Our efforts are to simply make that beauty apparent in our modules. Then students will themselves want to become good in the subject, and our job as educators will become easy.
The famous mathematician George Polya remarked: “Beauty in mathematics is seeing the truth without effort”. Polya’s words are true for other subjects as well.
Our entire effort is to show the truth, so students get it without any effort on their part.