PANEL DISCUSSION
ON
“Teacher Education in the Digital Era – Prospects and Challenges”.
Date: 08/09/2016

Every year, the School of Education discusses various critical topics in Education by bringing esteemed experts from a variety of backgrounds. The Panel Discussion held on 8th September served the same purpose and it was titled “Teacher Education in the Digital Era – Prospects and Challenges”.

Teacher Education has changed immensely in the last few decades, because of the drastic changes being made in the technology domain. With the advent of Web 2.0 technologies and the accessibility of technological sources available to the students in the school, there are numerous supplemental techniques available for the teacher to be effective in the classroom. It has become critical for us teacher-educators to ensure that our student-teachers are prepared for the Digital Explosion that we are seeing.

The panelists consisted of Dr. Savita Puri, Assistant Professor, School of Education, New Horizon College of Teacher Education, Ms. Dhivya Narayanan, Teacher of Computer Applications, Christ School ICSE, Mr. Vikram Bhat, Alumni, School of Education, CHRIST (Deemed to be University) and Ms. Reshmi Iyer, Student, School of Education, CHRIST (Deemed to be University). The panel was moderated by Dr. Sumita Rao, Assistant Professor, School of Education, CHRIST (Deemed to be University). The panel discussion was attended by Prof. Mallika Krishnaswamy, Dean of Humanities and Social Studies, HOD School of Education, Faculty and students of School of Education and a Few faculty and students of other department of CHRIST (Deemed to be University).

Dr. Sumita started the discussion with the moderator’s comments, where she rightly summarized the direction taken by Digital Innovations in the modern era and how it has become imperative for current teachers and student-teachers to adapt to the digital era. Mr. Vikram started the discussion on a very powerful note about using technology to enable a deeper understanding amongst the children. None of them could have summarized the prospects of the Digital Era like Dr. Savita, who said “Hook, Launch and Explore” as the strategy for budding teachers. Ms. Dhivya brought to the discussion a very valid perspective - Technology may come and go, but nothing would replace the teacher’s touch. Ms. Reshmi concluded the event with right punch. Her opening note that Teaching in the Digital Era is not just about technology drives home the message.

All students and faculty of the School of Education actively participated in the discussions and the afternoon was very informative and productive.