What is a Smart Classroom? – Definition, Types, & Advantages
A smart classroom is a digital classroom that uses technology to enhance the learning experience for students. In a smart classroom, teachers use sophisticated advanced technology like interactive whiteboards, collaborative software, and multimedia capabilities designed to enhance student engagement and facilitate active learning.
What is a Smart Classroom, and Why do Schools Need One?
A Smart Classroom is an educational ecosystem that integrates advanced technology to enhance the teaching and learning experience. By integrating audio, video, animations, images, and other forms of multimedia, smart classrooms aim to increase student engagement and facilitate a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Smart classes are equipped with a variety of engaging educational technology tools, such as:
Smart classrooms are designed to provide a more immersive and interactive learning experience for students, making the learning process more engaging, interesting, and effective. These classrooms are built to incorporate advanced technological features and provide a modern learning experience for students.
One such example of a smart classroom solution is Extramarks’ Smart Class Plus, which is an all-encompassing digital learning solution designed to improve the teaching-learning process.
Countries like the US, UK, and China have been early adopters of the concept of smart classrooms, and their education systems have benefitted from this technology. They have implemented digital tools like virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and gamification to enhance the learning experience of students. Similarly, it is crucial that schools in India also take advantage of this technology. Many schools have done so and seen great results for their staff, teachers and students. Smart classrooms not only enhance the learning experience but also help prepare students for the digital world and the ever-evolving job market.
Students engaged in a lesson on fractions, facilitated by the Extramarks-enabled digital classroom, enhancing interactive and visual learning.
Types of Smart Classrooms
Smart classroom is categorised under three main types, each catering to diverse learning needs and objectives:
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Standard Smart Classroom
A standard smart classroom is a teacher-led learning space equipped with fundamental technology, including a computer, interactive whiteboard, and projector. While teachers lead the class in a traditional setup, smart technologies empower students with more opportunities for interaction with the content, the teacher, and their peers.
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Intermediate Smart Classroom
The intermediate version takes it up a notch. It includes everything in a standard smart classroom plus extras like a digital podium, laptops, and other digital devices. In this kind of classroom, there may not be enough devices for each student, so they are shared. This mix of teacher-led and independent learning is the focus here.
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Student-led Smart Classroom
A student-led smart classroom is a fully integrated smart classroom where each student has personal devices and access to a range of educational technology, including virtual reality headsets, tablets, and laptops. This approach empowers students to engage with content on an individual level.
Advantages of Smart Classrooms
Smart classrooms are making education more interactive and accessible. Imagine using a smartboard to bring history to life with videos and interactive maps—suddenly, your students aren’t just reading about a topic, they’re experiencing it. This hands-on approach doesn’t just capture their attention; it helps them understand and remember concepts better. At the same time, it allows you to manage lessons more easily and keep every student engaged. In line with this, NEP 2020 emphasizes the use of technology-driven education, encouraging schools to integrate smart classrooms for a more engaging and effective learning experience. Let’s take a closer look at how these smart classrooms are benefiting both you as a teacher and your students.
How Smart Classrooms Improve Student Outcomes?
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Improves Understanding of Complex Concepts
Smart classrooms make a real difference in how students understand challenging concepts. For instance, when learning about the human digestive system, students can watch a 3D animation that shows how food moves through the body. This visual approach makes the process easier to understand compared to traditional textbooks, which may leave some details unclear.
Our study also found that 85% of students feel that practice tests from Extramarks help them understand concepts better.
Just like the visuals in a smart classroom, these practice tests give students the chance to apply what they’ve learned, making it easier for them to remember and use that knowledge in exams and everyday situations. This mix of interactive learning and practice helps students connect ideas and perform better overall.
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Enhances Engagement & Collaboration
Technology in a classroom encourages active learning, keeping students engaged in ways that traditional teaching methods often don’t. Take a history class, for example. Instead of reading from a textbook, students can explore historical events through interactive maps, virtual museum tours, and multimedia presentations. These tools make learning exciting and help students connect with the material in a more meaningful way.
Teachers using interactive modules in the Extramarks platform report that 90% of them feel these tools make their classes more engaging. By making lessons more interactive, students are more likely to participate, ask questions, and stay focused on the lesson.
Want to learn more about how smart classrooms can improve student learning?
Check out our blog on active learning and discover how tools like Extramarks are making classrooms more interactive and fun for students. Don’t miss out!
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Develops Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills
Tools like digital whiteboards, online platforms, and interactive apps make it easy for students to work together and learn from each other. They can join group activities, share ideas, and collaborate on projects—even if they’re not physically in the same room. This helps them build important skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication, which are necessary for success in today’s world.
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Creates Opportunities for Personalised Learning
With access to digital resources, students can explore subjects that interest them, go over lessons at a speed that suits them, and spend more time on things they find tricky. Teachers can track progress using assessments and adjust their lessons to provide extra help where it’s needed or offer more challenging tasks to students who are ready for them. This personalised approach helps every student move forward in their own way.
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Results in Better Academic Performance
Using smart tools and interactive lessons can also lead to better academic outcomes. This is because students who engage with interactive content and have access to practice tests and feedback are better prepared for exams. They understand the material more thoroughly and perform better under test conditions.
Our study showed that 71% of principals reported an improvement in board exam performance thanks to the use of smart classroom technology by Extramarks.
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Prepares Students for 21st-Century Skills
In today’s world, it’s not just about memorizing facts—it’s about building skills that will help students succeed in the future. Smart classrooms teach students critical skills like problem-solving, digital literacy, and critical thinking. With platforms like Extramarks’ Smart Class Plus, students can practice these skills through simulations, quizzes, and interactive lessons.
In fact, 70% of students say they’ve developed essential skills through platforms like Extramarks, preparing them for the future workplace.
How Smart Classrooms Support Teachers?
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Streamlines Lesson Planning
Planning lessons can take a lot of time, but smart classroom platforms like Extramarks Smart Class Plus makes it easier. The platform gives teachers access to pre-made, high-quality content that they can use for their classes. This saves a lot of time and effort that would normally go into preparing lessons from scratch.
Teachers have found that 82% of students are more responsive to the lessons when using Extramarks for preparation. In addition, 90% of teachers say that the platform helps them get their classes ready more quickly. This means teachers can focus more on teaching, rather than spending hours on planning, making their work more efficient.
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Improves Student Engagement
Keeping students interested and engaged in lessons can be tough, but smart classrooms make it easier. They have visuals and audio to make lessons more engaging and easier to understand. The combination of interactive content and visuals helps students grasp complex concepts more easily and keeps them focused. This approach makes learning feel more enjoyable, helping students stay engaged and learn better.
According to 71% of principals, students learn better when the lessons are delivered using the AV-driven content on the Extramarks Smartboard.
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Helps with Classroom Management
By tapping into technology, teachers can better maintain attention, reduce distractions, and ensure a more productive atmosphere for better classroom management and reduced work load. These classrooms help manage the flow of lessons and activities, making the overall classroom experience much more organised.
Smart classrooms offer tools for attendance tracking, seating charts, digital reminders, and organized lesson scheduling, enabling teachers to maintain discipline and manage their classroom more efficiently.
In fact, 80% of teachers say that using Extramarks Smartclass Plus helps reduce their workload.
Read our blog if you’re looking for some actionable classroom management strategies along with some tips. -
Upgrades Assessments and Feedback Time
Smart classrooms help in creating assessments, homework assignments, project guidelines, etc so teachers can focus on teaching. They also help with faster feedback which is more efficient for teachers.
For example, 82% of teachers find that homework assignments and assessments are easier with Extramarks templates and automatic grading. Similarly, 92% of teachers say Extramarks helps them quickly spot areas where students need improvement, so they can provide more focused and helpful feedback.
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Encourages Creativity in the Classroom
Smart classrooms encourage creativity by giving teachers the tools to make lessons more interactive and interesting. With technology, teachers can move beyond traditional methods and offer students fun activities, group work, and hands-on projects that inspire them to think differently and come up with new ideas.
What Types of Learning Methodologies Benefit from Smart Classrooms?
Smart classrooms create the perfect setup for blending technology with teaching, making learning more engaging and flexible. Here’s how different teaching methods benefit from this tech-driven environment:
1. Blended Learning
Blended learning mixes online lessons with traditional classroom teaching. With tools like videos, quizzes, and apps, smart classrooms help make lessons more interactive. Teachers can combine digital and face-to-face learning, giving students more flexibility and a chance to review materials at their own pace.
2. Flipped Classroom
In a flipped classroom, students go through lesson materials at home, like videos or digital notes. Class time is then used for discussions, problem-solving, and group activities. Smart classrooms support this by providing tools like interactive whiteboards and collaborative apps that make in-class sessions more engaging and productive.
3. Personalised Learning
Smart classrooms make it easier for teachers to customise lessons for individual students which ultimately leads to growth in personalised learning. AI-based tools and adaptive software adjust the content based on a student’s progress, allowing them to focus on areas where they need improvement. This makes learning more targeted and effective for everyone.
4. Project-Based Learning (PBL)
Smart classrooms enhance project-based learning by providing interactive tools like digital whiteboards, AI-driven research assistants, and real-time collaboration platforms that enable students to brainstorm, design, and present their projects seamlessly.
5. Gamified Learning
Gamification in lessons can make learning more fun and engaging. Smart classrooms include features like quizzes, leaderboards, and digital rewards that motivate students to participate and stay focused. This approach helps students enjoy the learning process while reinforcing important concepts.
6. Experiential Learning
Smart classrooms bring hands-on learning to life with tools like virtual labs, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR). These tools let students explore topics in a more immersive way, whether it’s conducting experiments or exploring historical sites. This makes learning more exciting and easier to remember.
7. Collaborative Learning
Collaborative learning is easier with digitalisation of classrooms, thanks to shared digital documents, smartboards, and online discussion tools. These features help students work together, exchange ideas, and complete projects as a team, even if they’re not in the same location.
8. Inquiry-Based Learning
Inquiry-based learning focuses on asking questions and exploring answers. Smart classrooms provide students with research tools, data analysis software, and real-time feedback to help them investigate topics and build their critical thinking skills.
9. Competency-Based Learning
Self-paced lessons and digital assessments make competency-based learning more practical. Students can work through lessons at their own speed and track their progress, making sure they fully understand each concept before moving on.
10. STEM and STEAM Learning
Smart classrooms are a great fit for STEM. Coding software, robotics kits, and simulations let students dive into hands-on projects and solve real-world problems, sparking both creativity and curiosity.
11. Smart Learning
Smart learning is all about making learning more engaging by combining technology with traditional methods. Tools like interactive screens, personalised content, and instant feedback help students stay on track and better understand the material.
12. Problem-Based Learning
Smart classrooms support problem-solving activities by offering tools like interactive displays, research resources, and collaboration platforms. Students can work together to analyse real-world challenges and develop creative solutions.
Smart Classrooms vs Traditional Classrooms
Here is a detailed comparison between smart classrooms and traditional classrooms to help you understand how they differ in teaching methods, resources and more.
| Feature | Smart Classrooms | Traditional Classrooms |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Uses tools like smartboards, tablets, and interactive screens to make lessons engaging and easier to understand. These tools help students interact with the material in a new way. | Relies on blackboards, chalk, and basic projectors. These tools are simple and get the job done but don’t offer much variety in teaching methods. |
| Learning Materials | Includes digital options like e-books, online videos, and interactive simulations. These resources are easily updated and accessed from anywhere. | Focuses on printed textbooks, handouts, and worksheets. Updating these materials requires reprinting and often takes time. |
| Student Engagement | Encourages participation through multimedia lessons, live quizzes, and gamified activities. Students stay more involved with interactive tools. | Learning often involves listening to lectures or writing notes. Interaction is mostly limited to occasional class discussions. |
| Flexibility | Let’s students learn at their own speed using personalised lessons or online platforms. Content can be adjusted to suit individual needs. | All students follow the same pace, which can be difficult for those who need more time or those who grasp concepts quickly. |
| Collaboration | Makes teamwork easier with online collaboration tools and shared digital spaces. Students can work together on projects even outside the classroom. | Group work happens in person during class time. While effective in some ways, it doesn’t offer the same flexibility for collaboration. |
| Teacher’s Role | Teachers act as guides, helping students use digital tools to explore topics and develop critical thinking skills. Their role shifts from just delivering lectures to supporting exploration. | Teachers primarily focus on lecturing, explaining topics, and leading discussions, with limited use of additional resources. |
| Assessment | Uses digital platforms for quizzes, assignments, and tests. Teachers get immediate insights into how students are doing and can adjust lessons accordingly. | Assessments are done through written tests, oral exams, or assignments, which take time to grade. Feedback is often delayed. |
| Learning Environment | Classrooms are designed with modern layouts and technology. This makes learning more dynamic, with tools like digital displays and flexible seating arrangements. | The setup is traditional, with rows of desks facing a blackboard. It’s practical but doesn’t leave much room for adapting to new teaching styles. |
| Cost | Requires a bigger upfront investment for technology and software. However, digital resources reduce the need for physical materials over time. | Has lower starting costs, but recurring expenses for supplies like paper and books can add up. |
| Adaptability | Can adjust to different learning styles, offering tools for visual, auditory, and hands-on learners. This makes it easier to cater to a wide range of students. | Offers a one-size-fits-all approach, which can be limiting for students who need more customised learning support. |
| Accessibility | Comes with features like screen readers and text-to-speech tools to help students with disabilities. It’s easier to include everyone in the learning process. | Accommodating students with special needs usually requires extra effort, such as physical adjustments or additional assistance, which aren’t always available. |
| Teacher’s Preparation | Teachers need to learn how to use the technology and spend extra time integrating it into their lessons. Planning can take longer but allows for more creative teaching. | Teachers mainly focus on creating traditional lesson plans and gathering printed materials, which are simpler to prepare but can limit creativity. |
| Feedback and Tracking | Tracks student progress in real time, helping teachers identify and address gaps quickly. Students can also see their progress and take responsibility for their learning. | Feedback is based on tests or assignments, which are graded after submission. It’s not as immediate, so addressing issues takes more time. |
Hear From School Leaders
Challenges of Implementing a Smart Classroom
Let’s talk about the common challenges faced when integrating a digital smart classroom solution and how to overcome them.
Infrastructure Readiness
- Lack of internet connectivity, network stability, bandwidth, and hardware capabilities pose challenges.
- Schools need to ensure they have the necessary infrastructure to support smart classroom equipment.
Teacher Training and Familiarity
- Teachers need to learn how to operate smart classroom technology effectively.
- Partnering with EdTech providers like Extramarks can assist in setup, support, and training for teachers and staff.
Privacy and Security Concerns
- Addressing privacy and security concerns is crucial.
- Choosing a solution that integrates well with existing infrastructure and learning management systems is vital.
Financial Investment
- Implementing a digital smart classroom solution requires a significant financial investment.
- While the initial cost may be daunting, the long-term benefits and impact justify the investment.
Time and Effort
- Integrating a digital smart classroom solution takes time and effort.
- With the right approach and solution provider, these challenges can be overcome to create an engaging learning environment.
Are your classrooms achieving their best performance?
Get free access to a school’s ultimate guide to maximizing potential with smart classroom.
The Role of Extramarks in Integrating Smart Classroom Technology
Extramarks Smart Class Plus includes a range of features and benefits that align with evolving educational needs, enhancing the overall learning experience for both students and teachers.
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Here’s how Extramarks Smart Class Plus can significantly contribute to the integration of smart classroom technology in your school:
Interactive Whiteboard
Extramarks Smart Class Plus offers an interactive whiteboard equipped with various tools that support teachers in their daily teaching tasks.
Recorded Lectures
Teachers can create recorded lectures, which students can access at their convenience, allowing them to revisit material or catch up on missed content.
Cloud-Based Service
Extramarks’ smart classroom system stores all data on the cloud, ensuring easy accessibility and eliminating the need for teachers to carry heavy educational materials.
Engaging Features
To make learning more enjoyable, Smart Class Plus includes interactive pop-up quizzes and brain teasers that increase student participation and involvement in the learning process.
Wide Range of Content
Smart Class Plus covers content for various educational boards, from CBSE and ICSE to state boards, providing a comprehensive learning experience.
Question Paper Templates
Creating question papers can be time-consuming, but Smart Class Plus simplifies the process with ready-made templates that enable teachers to prepare question papers quickly.
Instant Test Grading
Teachers can grade online and offline tests instantly as soon as students submit their work.
Student Progress Reports
In-depth student and class reports help teachers identify areas where students may be struggling, allowing for personalised support to help them improve.
Practice Resources
Students can access unlimited practice resources such as Score Boosters, NCERT Questions & Solutions, and more, encouraging self-learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Role of the Teacher in a Smart Classroom?
In a smart classroom, the teacher's role goes beyond traditional teaching to guide and support students in a more interactive and technology-driven environment. Here’s a closer look at what this involves:
- Helping Students Build Future-Ready SkillsToday’s students need skills like critical thinking, communication, and creativity to succeed in the modern world. As a teacher, you help them develop these abilities while also introducing digital skills that are now essential for most careers. This combination prepares students for challenges they will face in the future.
- Making Learning Interactive and EngagingTechnology on its own doesn’t guarantee an engaging classroom. Teachers play an important part in bringing lessons to life. By using digital tools like videos, animations, and audio aids, you can explain concepts in a way that captures students’ attention and makes learning more enjoyable.
- Giving Feedback and GuidanceIn a smart classroom, feedback is a big part of the learning process. Teachers review students’ work, provide constructive comments, and guide them on areas for improvement. Regular feedback helps students stay motivated and understand how they’re progressing.
- Providing Learning ResourcesTeachers in smart classrooms create and share materials like quizzes, digital worksheets, and online assessments. These resources give students extra support and allow them to explore topics at their own pace. By curating relevant materials, teachers ensure students have what they need to succeed.
The teacher’s role in a smart classroom is to create a supportive environment where technology and teaching work together to make learning more meaningful.
What are some examples of smart classroom equipment?
Examples of smart classroom equipment include interactive whiteboards (IWBs), also known as digital or smart boards, document cameras, projectors, audio systems, tablets or laptops for students, response systems (clickers), multimedia software applications, etc.
Is it necessary for schools to invest in smart classroom technology?
The decision to invest in smart classroom technology depends on the unique needs and resources of each school. While it can significantly enhance the teaching and learning experience, its adoption should be tailored to specific educational goals.
Are smart classrooms expensive to set up?
The cost of establishing a smart classroom largely depends on the type and extent of technology implemented. Although the initial investment can be substantial, it often results in long-term cost savings through reduced paper consumption, increased operational efficiency, and improved student outcomes.
What are smart boards in a classroom?
Smart boards in a smart classroom are interactive whiteboards that seamlessly integrate with technology to enhance teaching and learning. They enable touch, writing, and multimedia functionalities, making lessons more engaging and interactive.
Learn more: Digital Board for Teaching in Smart Classroom
How do I set up a smart classroom?
To set up a smart classroom, you’ll need to install digital devices, and they need to be connected to a central computer and relevant software.
Extramarks offers comprehensive training programs to help teachers effectively leverage smart classroom equipment. Through tailored guidance, we ensure that the technology becomes an asset rather than an obstacle to effective teaching.
Read more: Smart Classroom Design
What are the key factors to consider when purchasing a smart classroom solution?
When purchasing a smart classroom solution, several key factors should be taken into account to ensure that the technology meets the educational needs, is accessible to all students, and is sustainable over time. Here are the main factors to consider:
- User Security: Prioritize robust data protection.
- Educational Intelligence: Seek analytics for learning insights.
- Technology Accessibility: Ensure it’s accessible to all students.
- System Diversity: Supports various teaching and learning styles.
- System Interconnectivity: Seamless integration between technologies.
- System Simplicity: User-friendly and simplifies educational processes.
- System Sensitivity: Responsive to classroom needs.
- System Adaptability: Evolves with changing educational needs.
- Platform Affordability: Fits within your budget.
What is an intelligent classroom?
An intelligent classroom, also known as a smart classroom, is a learning space that has been enhanced with educational technology to improve teaching and learning experiences.
Last Updated on April 9, 2025
Reviewed by
Priya Kapoor | AVP - Academics
Priya Kapoor is an accomplished education professional with over 18 years of experience across diverse fields, including eLearning, digital and print publishing, instructional design, and content strategy. As the AVP – Academics at Extramarks, she leads academic teams in creating tailored educational solutions, ensuring alignment with varied curricula across national and international platforms...read more.
