I have been in the business of Education System for over 60 decades. Education in the 21st century has become more important and focused in its approach. Technology is developing and changing very fast. This has forced educational technology to undergo a major change in recent years.
The object of the whole education system which is served by all those engaged in the industry is twofold. Firstly, it serves to provide for the present needs of all the children under 18 years and to help them lay the foundation for their future growth and adaptation to new situations. Secondly it serves to provide for the changing occupational needs of adults in a rapidly changing world.
In such an industry, the teacher is but a small vital cog especially to the children, young people and adults, each of whom shares a personal tutor or teacher with several others.
Machines and equipment of all kinds make it possible for a child to be instructed in many kinds of activities to a high level of efficiency but personal development as a human being needs contact with other human beings. They need encouragement, a sense of belonging and a sense of being valuable. None of these can be provided by machines or indeed through machines. The education system is so complex, and the teaching profession within it is also complex, including all of those whose job is to prepare material, as well as those of whose job is to guide and encourage young children and students. Hence, the need for an education system is to allow the meeting of all children of all ages to meet modern needs.
The education process has been divided into different parts varying in emphasis according to each individual age and their needs.
Firstly, a child’s natural and place of learning is in his own home. Today sophisticated and specialized learning can even take place at home. The immediate social needs have to be catered by the family group and tools and skills of learning through computers, telephones, televisions and programmed learning machines is a necessity.
Secondly, a child needs a group of people wider than his family group, yet small enough to know everyone and he also needs adults who are skilled in teaching or directing those activities which can be most probably learned in groups, by contact with other people, like for drama and sports.
Thirdly, the child needs a very large group of people of all ages and especially as he grows older, he needs expensive equipment to enable him to pursue his studies to a higher standard and level. These are all provided now in the Education System by our experienced teachers, who are trained periodically.
Today the technology is changing with Artificial Intelligence, Digital learning and may other tools that are available. I am afraid of where this Artificial Intelligence may take over our powers of brain, and our parents will become inactive, not able to think and find new technology, new ideas etc.
In today’s context the Head Teacher is the Managing Director, Welfare Officer, Front Advisor to all the teachers and also to the students, and probably to the parents also. All the dynamic institutions in the world today look forward to introducing and effecting a creative approach in the educational curriculum. Teachers play a major role in implementing and supporting the students to gain competence in their efforts.
Our planning and execution at NPS is confirmatory with the changing technology, and our teachers are trained to meet the challenges of the modern world.
Chairman - NPS, TISB and NAFL