Effective Principals 2020|Usha Reddy, CEO of Meridian Schools
Post-COVID-19, public education systems must use technology to ensure equal access to learning and administrative efficiency
Until the spread of Covid-19 across the globe, the history of educational technology was marked by the increasing complexity and sophistication of devices.
There were exaggerated claims of effectiveness made by technology advocates and sporadic implementation was carried out by classroom teachers with little evidence about the effectiveness of technology employed and the difference it made to student learning.
Although technology proponents have from time to time claimed that technology will replace teachers, this has not occurred.
The typical view among educators is that technology can be used effectively to supplement instruction by providing instructional variety, by helping to make abstract concepts concrete, and by stimulating interest among students through audio visual education.
With the spread of Coronavirus across the globe lockdown was a necessary measure to curtail the spread of the virus and more importantly assess and equip health care systems to deal with the situation.
All educational institutions were shut suddenly and educators were grappling with the scenario to find means to ensure that learning continued.
The physical schooling system had come to a standstill but remote learning was ensured through the use of technology.
Technology in education however, suddenly became the only modus operandi.
Teachers were exploring new platforms for delivery of online classes and soon picked up adequate skills for engaging online teaching.
The initial teething problems were overcome by more awareness on effective use of technology to share content, use the whiteboard and various apps for teaching and assessment.
This has suddenly become a way of life for the student and teacher and has become the ‘new normal’ It has become evident that education systems will never be the same again and the use of technology is here to stay and provide access to learning across economic backdrops.
But it is also a fact that there is a digital divide and the necessary infrastructure is mandatory to provide equal learning opportunities to all.
Though the initial investments on part of the government is huge, this would have many benefits as students can have to access to the best open source resources and learn at their own pace.
The new era has already began by creating self-learners who have the world at their finger-tips and the best of resources and guidance from professionals.
If Malala said, “One pen, one book, one teacher can change the world” I rephrase it today to say “One gadget, one click and one mentor can make a difference in this world.”
CEO, Meridian Schools
Effective Principals 2020 | Dr. Usha Reddy, CEO of Meridian Schools
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