‘Incorporate technology to transform education’

Divya Sharma

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, October 12

The Tribune Trust, in collaboration with Chandigarh University, organised a Principals’ Meet and Excellence Award ceremony here on Friday. A number of school heads and dignitaries took part in the event to discuss innovation and technology for transforming education.

Chandigarh University Vice-Chancellor RS Bawa and Hardeep Singh, head of computer science at Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) highlighted the aspects of innovation and technology in the education sector. A total of 55 principals from Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran and Pathankot attended the programme. 

Aspects of innovation

RS Bawa discussed innovation, its meaning and gave insights into developing traits of innovation in schoolgoing children. “One has to understand the meaning of innovation. It is a trait which has to be inculcated in the students at a young age. We can begin at least from ninth standard Innovation is about judicious use of technology to create a generation which is not only information driven but knowledge driven,” he said.

Need of the hour 

According to Bawa, “Producing a student securing 80-90% is no longer relevant. Enabling them to understand the socio-economic scenario of the country as professional is the need of hour.” The understanding of the socio-economic situation will help them create better facilities for others. Educational institutions are not only producing professionals, but responsible citizens, he said. He presented a presentation highlighting the working, facilities and achievements of Chandigarh University.

The Vice-Chancellor also threw light on the role of educators in the age of technology and job opportunities. “There might be no job in specific sectors, but a student has to be guided by their educators to choose a sector offering ample of job opportunities.”

Use technology in teaching

Guest of honour Hardeep Singh from the GNDU deliberated upon making students ready for industry with the use of technology. “A number of people are spending a lot of time on social media platforms. Every kind of information is available at just one click. Educators have to ensure that the classroom teaching is conducted with help of technology to produce world-class graduates.” He also highlighted importance of knowledge in life and comprehended the meaning of difference between knowledge and information. 

Importance of teacher 

Hardeep Singh also briefed the audience about teaching in the times of technology and steps taken by the educational institutes recently. He said, “A number of educational institutes have replaced teachers with technology, but in my opinion technology cannot replace teachers. We have to use technology to enhance learning of students. One has to learn, unlearn and re-learn.”

He also talked about the job opportunities and mechanisms to be adopted by any institute.

Principalspeak
Principals of around 55 schools from Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran and Pathankot say they will implement what was discussed during the event.

"It was an excellent session. The experts were to the point in explaining us how technology can be used in transforming education for students." — Satinder Nijar, chairperson, Wood stock public school, Batala

"The world has become a small place due to the technological advancements. In such an atmosphere, it becomes imperative for us to train and develop students to meet world-class standards." — Capt Harinder Singh, Director, Captain’s school of excellence, Fatehgarh Churian

}The topic chosen was relevant to the present scenario. I had recently attended an international-level event where these topics were discussed. Such events must keep happening to learn new things." — Harpreet Kaur, principal, rose bud public school, chheharta

"he session was an informative one. RS Bawa and Hardeep Singh highlighted all informative points, like the use of technology and its pros and cons. The use of technology has to be kept in mind for betterment." — Sister Osia, Vice-Principal, St. Francis convent school, Fatehgarh Churian, Gurdaspur

"Holding a meet like this is a great idea. We as educators must introduce technology in classroom teaching and have smart classrooms. We must use innovative charts and other techniques." — Rajeev Kumaria, Principal, PBN senior secondary school, Amritsar

"I have been attending such meetings regularly. Experts highlighted relevant points of present times. Innovation is the need of hour for children. This trait has to be developed at a very young age." — Nirmal Singh Bedi, Principal, Brightway holy innocent school, Chheharta

}I had a good time attending the meeting. It gave me a perspective and was an eye-opener in many ways. I want such discussions and events to be organised frequently for educationists." — Anchal Mahajan, Principal, Ashok Vatika Public School, Amritsar 

Awards in five categories

Excellence in academics

• The Senior Study II, Amritsar 
• RD Khosla DAV Model Senior Secondary School, Batala 
• Holy Heart Presidency School, Amritsar 
• Baba Gurmukh Singh Baba Uttam Singh Senior Secondary School, Khadur Sahib 
• Sri Guru Harkrishan Senior Secondary Public School , Amritsar 

Excellence in sports 

• St. Solider Elite Convent School, Jandiala Guru
• Saint Soldier Elite Convent School, Chawinda Devi
• Woodstock Public School, Batala
• Police DAV Public School, Amritsar 
• Holy Heart Presidency School, Amritsar

Outstanding community initiative

• The Senior Study II, Amritsar 
• Jiya Lal Mittal Dav Public School, Gurdaspur
• Ryan International School, Amritsar 
• Saint Soldier Elite Convent School, Chawinda Devi
• Aatam Public School, Amritsar 

ECO-friendly schools 

• Jiya Lal Mittal DAV Public School, Gurdaspur
• Prabhakar Senior Secondary School, Amritsar 
• Ryan International School, Amritsar 
• Khalsa College International Public School, Amritsar 
• St. Solider Modern School, Batala 

Outstanding contribution to education 

• Dr Dharamveer Singh, Principal, Sri Guru Harkrishan Senior Secondary School, Amritsar 
• Anjna Vijay Seth, Director, Holy Heart School