Digital Innovations and ICT Tools in Teaching Applied Entomology: A Review
Dwarka
Department of Entomology, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, College of Agriculture, Panna, Madhya Pradesh- 488001, India.
Supriya Tomar
Medicaps University, Indore, Madhya Pradesh- 453331, India.
Neha Tomar
RVSKVV, College of Agriculture, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh- 474002, India.
Maneesha
RVSKVV, College of Agriculture, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh- 474002, India.
Anand Milan
Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, College of Agriculture, Panna, Madhya Pradesh- 488001, India.
Nisha Chadar *
Department of Botany, MCBU, Government Post Graduate Excellence College, Tikamgarh, Madhya Pradesh- 472001, India.
Yogita Sonwani
Department of Biotechnology, IGKV, Raipur, Chhattisgarh- 492012, India.
Shivani Suman
Entomology, Agriculture Extension Officer, Department of Farmer Welfare and Agriculture Development, Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh- 471515, India.
Anand Kumar Panday
Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Lakhimpur Kheri Campus, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, College of Agriculture, Uttar Pradesh- 262701, India.
Sanjay Kumar Tripathi
Department of Crop Physiology, College of Agriculture, Lakhimpur Kheri Campus, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, College of Agriculture, Uttar Pradesh- 262701, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
In the digital age, education has rapidly transformed through the integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). This transformation is highly evident in the teaching of applied entomology, a domain traditionally reliant on hands-on fieldwork, microscopy and taxonomic expertise. This review synthesizes recent innovations in digital pedagogy and ICT tools such as e-learning platforms, mobile applications, simulation software, virtual microscopy, 3D modeling, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), MOOCs and interactive taxonomic keys and evaluates their impact on teaching applied entomology. With a focus on accessibility, learner engagement and knowledge retention, the paper provides insights into the global adoption of these tools, highlighting case studies and citing relevant literature. The review concludes with a forward-looking perspective on emerging digital strategies and the need for collaborative, open-source development of entomology-specific educational resources.
Keywords: 3D modeling, augmented reality, virtual reality, MOOCs and interactive taxonomic keys