TechEdu 2018- Technology in Education
View(s):TechEdu 2018 (Technology in Education)- showcasing technology used in classrooms to achieve better learning outcomes, was presented by E-W Information Systems Ltd (EWIS), in collaboration with Microsoft Corporation, on May 8 at the Hilton Residences, Colombo 2.
The two organizations having 32 years of experience in the IT industry, which includes 25 years in education, intend to bring modern classroom technologies from around the world to Sri Lanka. The technologies used, empower teachers with the tools they need to motivate their students, and engage classrooms with integrated technology tailored to specific learning needs.
TechEdu 2018 also afforded the teachers the opportunity to understand the future trends in technology in the classroom. With the beginning of the fourth industrial revolution, a constant transformation is evident in the education sector; teacher-led classrooms have become project-based learning, traditional classrooms are now flipped classrooms, independent learning has turned into collaborative learning and individualized learning is heading towards personalized learning. Teachers and students should be able to adapt to this shift from traditional ways of learning.
Dr. Rani Burchmore, the Education Partner Director for Microsoft Asia Pacific and keynote speaker at the event said, “To adapt to these changes we should equip our children with skills such as computational thinking, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, creativity, entrepreneurship, employability and economic development.”
Dr. Burchmore leads the Education Transformation Strategy for Microsoft Education Partner Ecosystem in Asia. She shared insights on the “Global Initiatives” taken to ensure effective use of technology in schools to achieve learning outcomes. Teachers were encouraged to learn how to teach with emerging technologies (Tablets, iPads, Smart Boards, Digital Cameras, Computers), while students are also supported to use similar advanced technology to shape how they learn. By embracing and integrating technology in the classroom, students are set up for a successful life.
“I can’t do it myself. We need technology to help us,” said Dr. Burchmore, while emphasising they want students to achieve more by engaging in personalised or student-centered learning. Lalith Mohan, Education Solution Specialist, Microsoft Asia Pacific, showed how the technological change is possible with Microsoft 365 Education, where access to Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher and Access are enabled.
According to Mr. Mohan, to move from conventional means of studying to personalized learning methods, creativity in every student, teamwork and collaboration and a simple and safe experience is imperative. CBC Commonwealth Academy & Learning Possibilities Managing Director-CEO Dr. Mehoon Sanghrajka described the capabilities of LP +365, the latest learning solution and collaboration platform from ‘Learning Possibilities’, developed with Microsoft. Here the users are able to share resources, communicate, collaborate and manage assignments in a simple engaging dashboard.
“In the next 5 years, 73% of jobs require ICT education,” stated Nirmal Peiris from EWIS, indicating the importance of technological education. He also explained the benefits of using Microsoft Imagine Academy in classrooms. The programme provides educational institutions the ability to access a complete curriculum solution for learning tools, for both teachers and students. - Musaffa Mafaz