The way technology permeated into school system in the last one year, it could not happen in the last ten. Every stake holder punched above their weight to jump onto the technology bandwagon and the future of schools is based on a hybrid model said experts at the APAC SchoolTech Innovation Conclave, a virtual conclave Organised by APAC News Network in Association with Eduten, Financepeer, Acumen Today and shivaami.
Speaking in the inaugural, Ranber Singh, Regional Officer, CBSE, Dehradun said that though technology is important and helped keep the educational system up and running during the pandemic, all should keep a watch and see that it is not misused. He also went on to add that the CBSE made sure that material was distributed on time to all, especially in Uttarakhand and all education boards in the country look up to CBSE.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Saroj Sharma, Chairperson, National Institute for Open Schooling said that NEP 2020 is based on integrating the cultural values and ethos of India and every literate person is not educated. Education is modification of behaviour.”
Bringing a comparison with the UNESCO she said that NEP also talks about holistic development and emphasises on access, equity and quality. She said, UNESCO has suggested four pillars of education that includes learning to know, learning to do, learning to be and learning to live together.
Dr. Biswajit Saha, Director (Training & Skill Education), CBSE stressed on innovation. “While technology is important, innovation could be a top priority at school and home at this point of time,” he said.
In the panel discussion, future of school education and admissions 2021, Abhimanyu Basu, Dean of Academics, Dhirubhai Ambani International School said that as per the in-house survey conducted by the school, 50% of the students wished to come back to school. On the challenges with respect to admissions, he said that it was done online. Amol Arora, Vice chairman & Managing Director, Shemrock & Shemford Group of Schools said that every school has its own strategy and each one would have to chalk out one as per their need and dynamics.
During the pandemic there has been a lot of discussion on making learning fun. Makke Leppanen, Head of Global Partnerships & Co-Founder, Eduten said that gamified learning platform and making students not be just passive listeners is the key. Avan Goel, Business Head, SE Asia Eduten said that Eduten has 500 pilots with Indian schools and the training program helps transform traditional classrooms to digital classrooms.
In the panel discussion- ‘Significance of Emerging Technologies in School Education’ speakers were of the opinion that whilst all were caught unawares by the pandemic last year, now that one cycle is over, all are better prepared. Dr Niyati Chitkara, Vice President – Schools, Chitkara International School said that Chitkara University has designed a technology curriculum and the university is conducting classes for our children robotics, drone technology, energy, miniaturised electronics, 3D printing.”
The day ended with the panel on ‘Learnings from Online Education’ and there was a unanimous opinion by all speakers that the future of schools is going to be that of hybrid learning.
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