Me, being a 21st century teacher- rather a ‘facilitator’, sometimes wonder if it is a child’s play or a tight rope to walk to be a teacher in today’s modern technological times. But even after thoughtful deliberations, this dilemma still stays.
Let me share the thoughts which propel me in saying- “Of course, It’s easy!” Teaching in an International school with all the modern technologies like Interactive Panels, Air-conditioned classrooms, State of the art Labs, Digital Library makes me more productive as I can use my time and energy on ideation of new teaching methodologies, thus, making the entire teaching learning process efficient.
The interactive panels allow use of multiple tools, helping me to restructure my lessons. To bring in the creative and innovative element to the lesson, the open-source resources prove beneficial. Redundant and routine tasks like lesson planning, maintaining records, report cards, exam paper making are well taken care of by the various technological tools like LMS and Artificial Intelligent tools. AI-powered personalized learning paths also ease out the stress of achieving the learning outcomes for learners with different academic capabilities. Collaborative learning, digital classrooms and online remote e-Learning are the new normal with all kinds of device support and 5G internet speeds.
Just in the past week in school, I taught the topic- ‘Parts of the flower’ using traditional dissection method along with the use of microscopic camera in my mobile phone showing the learners beyond the visible parts of the flower. And I realized what difference a microscopic camera can bring to arouse the interest of the learners. Last month while teaching the functions of various blood vessels of the circulatory system- arteries, veins and capillaries, instead of drawing entire road system on panel for an analogy, the learners suggested me to use Google Earth to locate our school (considered as tissue) and the Expressways, highways, roads, lanes and by-lanes to reach our school (considered as arteries, arterioles, venules, veins and capillaries respectively.)
Being a science teacher, the challenge is to bring the world to the classroom. Interactive games, multimedia content, simulations, Augmented Technology, Virtual Reality technologies are always welcome. Thinking of what Metaverse will bring to the table of a teacher, it fills me with excitement.
Nirmal Hriday Educational Society has been very instrumental in changing my outlook to the fast-pacing times of AI. My Journey with NHES started in 2019 with the launch of ‘AI Integrated Multidisciplinary Pedagogies’ program. Many programs followed like Intel Digital Readiness, Integration of AIoT (Artificial Intelligence and Internet of things) pedagogies, AI for Youth for which bootcamps were held not only for educators but for students as well. My present school became the first international school in Maharashtra to be recognised as an ‘AI-Ready School’. Many showcases and participation in National and International level competitions ensured that the good work done by the students and teachers reached the community at large. It has been an amazing learning so far with this very motivating and aspiring team. I have also been able to translate this learning in international settings for discussions around use of AI in education.
Teaching is not just a bed of roses in this technological world. There are few thorns which do prick every now and then. Going into the classroom with the intellectual knowledge and subject mastery is not enough. You have to be a wizard in technological advancements because your learners will always be a step ahead of you. So, you have to be a magician creating the magic in lessons with the ‘Technological Wand.”
With each sentence you speak, you are being judged by the learners. You may be asked a question not to know the answer but to test you. Learners are always well abreast with the topics, thanks to the information openly available. The teacher need not worry on that aspect but rather fathom on how to feed their impatience and restlessness.
I very vividly remember how my teachers taught various topics during my schooling, but I wonder if these learners will even remember which video or trick by teacher helped them ace the topic. The exclusiveness of traditional ways of teaching is long gone. In fact, we no longer are called ‘teachers’, but ‘facilitators’- facilitating learners with the wise use of technology, avoiding unwanted distractions, protecting digital learning spaces, breaking conceptual myths and misconceptions and guiding them on use of Google Baba, Mata ChatGPT or Gemini Devi- not to follow them blindly but TTTT (Trust Teacher Than Technology).
Who says we can’t make our own social media jargons or meaningful Acronyms!
By Shveta Dhand
Cambridge International Assessment Facilitator
As a parent, I truly appreciate the way you’ve highlighted the impact of technology on modern education. Your thoughtful insights reflect the positive changes that make learning more engaging and accessible for our children. Well done!
Dear Shveta,I really enjoyed reading your article!
You explained so well how technology has changed teaching and made it more creative and exciting. I loved the examples you shared, like using a microscopic camera and Google Earth in lessons,it shows how much effort you put into making learning interesting. It’s inspiring to see how you balance technology with teaching and still keep the focus on students.😍
Enjoyed every word while reading the article. There is clear distinction defined by writer between teacher and technology capabilities. How teacher have opened the floodgates of learning for students through use of technology is clearly stated. But it is up to the students to understand that humans are driving the technology and while getting taught the human element must there otherwise learning will get boring.
Interesting write-up on adapting with the changing scenario and beautifully captured the importance of a balance between the use of technology and the knowledge/experience of a teacher. Also a good perspective for teachers who now have to act more as a facilitator and and a mentor, opening avenues for the learners to we explore and reflect.
A very well written blog!