Antony Koshy, Principal, Global Indian International School
The education space is changing at an unprecedented pace, and technology is seeping into all aspects of it. In order to remain relevant, educators and learners need to capitalize on the skills and attributes that robots, machines, and AI cannot replicate. It is said that the only thing that is constant in life is change, and this could not be truer, especially when it comes to the field of education. The way we learn has changed dramatically over the years and will continue to do so. We live in an era of rapid transformation and evolution- a revolution, if you will- and it is vital that we prepare our students for what lies ahead. They need to be future-ready!
We need an approach to education that emphasizes the importance of developing skills that will enable students to thrive in a rapidly changing world. These skills include (but go beyond) critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, and communication. Schools and educators need to focus on deeper learning and provide opportunities to students to think critically to actually apply the skills they develop in real-life contexts. In addition, we must empower students to take ownership of their learning through developing advanced learning skills, providing encouragement and motivation, increasing engagement and cultivating initiative. At Global Indian International School, we focus on creating a learning environment and culture that promotes our students’ acquisition and refinement of 21st-century skills. We believe in educating the whole child- mind, body and soul- and preparing them for success in all aspects of their lives.
Educators need to realize that the focus needs to shift on soft skills and attributes such as flexibility, leadership, initiative, productivity, sociability, empathy, and more. The learning environment should be positive and inspiring. Only play-based approaches should be adopted in early childhood and slowly shifted to research, inquiry, problem-solving and personalized learning approaches as they move on to primary, middle and secondary stages. Emphasis needs to be placed on collaborative tasks that help students identify shared goals and negotiate strategies for success. Teachers need to understand that it is vital to recognize and include the strengths of all individuals so they can demonstrate confidence in their personal ability to make the group better as a whole. For instance, GIIS focuses on creating a learning environment and culture that promotes the Four Cs of Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking and Creativity to encourage holistic development in every student.
The future of work is ever-changing, and with the rapid pace of technological advancements, it’s more important than ever for students to be prepared with the skills they’ll need to succeed. Education technology has a significant role in ensuring that students are future-ready and is one of the most essential tools we, as educators, have at our disposal to help prepare students for life. It has the power to level the playing field and provide opportunities for all learners. With its vast array of resources and capabilities, Edtech can help us deliver educational excellence and create exemplary learning environments that nurture global citizens. Educators can create engaging and interactive learning experiences that will equip students with the skills they need for success in school and beyond with the right tools and resources. By harnessing the power of technology, we can give all learners the opportunity to reach their full potential.
A number of progressive schools across the world are already using future-ready learning programs to educate their students. Manifold more see the urgent need for improvement and are investing considerable efforts to apply it in their classrooms. It goes without saying that adopting future-ready technologies and methodologies to learning can be a complex process that necessitates a substantial change from what most academic institutions currently offer. However, schools can benefit from the copious advantages that come from being able to access the learning outcomes of ideas and experiences of those who are currently leading the way in this space. Thanks to schools’ and education academies’ developing networks within nations, regions, and across the world, it has become more possible than ever before to make the shift rather swiftly. Developing these future-ready learning skills and qualities will equip our youngsters with the tools they need to manage their increasingly complex world and uncertainty ahead. It is critical that children be educated in a way that prepares them for the future. Nurturing our children with future-relevant abilities and characteristics would provide them with a solid foundation for life. This will put them in an advantageous position to unlock the numerous possibilities that emerging technologies will provide in the time to come, not just for their personal transformation but also to resolve the tricky challenges we face as a species and help make our planet more sustainable.
This article was shared with Prittle Prattle News as a Press Release.
