REINVENTING SCHOOLS

Schools have been traditionally the primary centre of imparting the knowledge and skill set that is necessary for individuals to survive and thrive. Consequently they have been embedded within and been a mirror to the requirements of the society. For example in the past when agriculture was the primary occupation, schools taught basic skill and made time for students to help in the farm. In the industrial phase, when there was a need for some basic skills and simple factual knowledge that was common to most individuals, schools did precisely that. They churned out students with similar skill and knowledge sets with uncanny precision and teacher centered pedagogy.

Today, technology has blurred the spatial barriers between places and institutions. Just like it is possible to work from home, it is possible to study at your pace, in your style, at your place. The demands of being successful are critical thinking, evolving skills, generation of multiple approaches, teamwork, compromise and communication; on a lifelong basis. These demands have been fuelled and facilitated, both, by technology.

For this to be enabled, one has to look beyond data processing as the ultimate use of technology. It also entails changing the mindset of the teacher as the warehouse of knowledge. She takes on several other roles like those of being a facilitator and mentor. She also is receiver in this new model of student teacher relationship. Together they embark on a journey of evolution. We have to be ready to take this quantum jump to be able to survive and flourish the rollout of the juggernaut of technology.