Teaching with Technology: Equipping Students with 21st Century Skills
Today’s children are growing up in a world where social media, mobile technology and online knowledge resources are the norm for communication and learning. In recent years, the increased speed of development, flexibility and penetration of technology into all parts of society have helped reduce the digital divide between the haves and the have-nots. This has enabled thousands of young people from developing countries to join the digital world.
Against this backdrop, it is important to consider the role of technology in education. In many countries, technology is transforming the way educators conceptualize and deliver knowledge and build skills amongst their students. With more and more access to high speed internet, smart phones and affordable PCs, education never seems to stop. Students lap up information wherever they may find it, and teachers are faced with the challenge of reaching out to students using methods that resonate and are relevant.
Microsoft Sri Lanka recently launched its Teaching with Technology (TwT) initiative in Sri Lanka. The initiative targets both educators and students, and helps both parties identifyhow information technology can enhance the teaching and learning experience and enable students to acquire 21st century skills.
The initial part of the TwT program wasa conference, hosted by Microsoft to guide educators and technology experts on how they could best use technology in schools. Focusing on the ‘End-to-End Experience of Teaching with Technology’, the conference gifted attendees an O365 Education Free Plan.
The culmination of the program was a competition that saw students from 150 schools and private education institutes participating. The students were required to submit proposals on how the use of technology could be increased in their schools, along with a plan for implementation.
Speaking of the competition Brian Kealey, Country Manager Microsoft Sri Lanka & Maldives said, “It was truly inspiring to see the passion and enthusiasm of the students who participated in this competition. It is important for us to empower the younger generation so that they can be well equipped to function in the digital age and this is in line with our objective of making Sri Lanka an ICT empowered nation.”
Belvoir College International was adjudged winners of the competition while Horizon College International was awarded first runner-up and Hejaaz International School second runner-up.
Speaking of the initiative, Principal Mr. TeranceWijesiri of Belvoir College stated, “This was a successful attempt by Microsoft to involve students and teachers in research about the latest technological advancements related to education. The team from Belvoir College International keenly engaged in the competition and we are delighted to have bagged first place. I believe this type of interactive communication between Microsoft Sri Lanka and schools can provide great opportunities to rethink and reinvent education to support the future generation.”