BLENDED HERE TO STAY, AVER EXPERTS
New Delhi: It was a mere coincidence that the APAC SchoolTech Innovation Conclave coincided with the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development that falls on May 21 and was apt in more ways than one as school leaders from across the diversity that is India came together to speak their minds out on the concluding day here on Friday.
APAC SchoolTech Innovation Conclave, a virtual conclave organised by APAC News Network in association with Eduten, Financepeer and shivaami witnessed lively debates on important issues such as the challenges in rolling out the NEP 2020, reskilling teachers and mental and social wellbeing of students and teachers.
Speaking on the implementation challenges of NEP 2020, Atul Bengeri, Chief Learning Influencer, Acumen Today said, “NEP talks about a holistic approach and for that training teachers, developing infrastructure and looking at accessibility, availability and affordability becomes crucial.” He also added that the pandemic has helped the ecosystem to leapfrog a decade ahead. Delivery of curriculum and assessments changed but is learning is happening only time will tell. He advocated for a digital plus physical approach.
Swoyan Satyendu, COO, ODM Educational Group was of the view that companies need to come up with solutions where students even can answer subjectively. One cannot confine them to only answering MCQs. He also drew the attention for getting prepared to meet the teacher requirement that would go up to 2 crores in the coming years.
While all speakers accepted the role of technology and that blended learning would be the way forward, they were also of the view that a judicious mix of the physical classroom is essential for the development of mortar and cognitive skills. Geetika Bahuguna, COO, Millennium Group of Schools was concerned with the difference in the salary of govt and private school teachers. The former has reasonably good salary but lack in mindset and the latter have enthusiasm but are paid low salaries. This could be addressed if the whole education system were to meet global standards.
It is a foregone conclusion that the teaching fraternity rose to the challenges thrown by Covid and as it were, a few leaders also said that it was a blessing in disguise as for decades’ teachers were being coaxed to get onto the online bandwagon but were reluctant. However, a year later, the effect it has had on the mental wellbeing had taken a toll. Manju Gupta, Education Advisor, Kothari International School said that happiness is the core value and during the pandemic, teachers have also turned counselors and the social and mental well-being of students, teachers and the community was paramount. Towards this end, joke sessions were organized that reduced stress levels to a great extent. Nita Arora, Principal, Sri Venkateshwar International School said, “Taking feedback from parents, tweaking the number of online hours, training teachers, collaborating with all helped schools wade through the difficult times.”
