The landscape of the education system has undergone a major overhaul in the past few decades and especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering this change in the system, SPK Jain Futuristic Academy recently hosted an interactive educational session with renowned computer scientist and educational theorist Sugata Mitra. Mitra, who is an author, transformative leader and winner of the Ted Prize, spoke at length about his concerns regarding the changes in the education system as well as how a more conducive learning environment can be created moving forward.Best known for his experiment ‘Hole in the Wall’, which demonstrated that groups of children could use the internet to independently learn absolutely anything even without proper guidance, Mitra expanded on the subject during his talk at the institution. The initial study led to further findings and one of his most important contributions drawn from it is SOLE or Self Organised Learning Environment. He emphasised the fact that there should be no exams, only assessments in computing and that children should be made to learn to use computers even during exams. With a tinge of humour, he spoke about the futility of learning a subject like trigonometry. “What is the point of learning trigonometry…unless you were stuck in the middle of the ocean, which was hardly likely to happen,” he said. Mitra concluded his talk by talking on the subject of self-learning, which he thinks is the future of the education system. “Finding out is more important than knowing. You must question, investigate, and learn…the only assessments should be in computing, comprehension, and communication. Today we have a missing subject, the internet. There are no textbooks or teachers who teach this subject. But this is the only way to get an education, through self-learning,” concluded Mitra. Students, guardians and teachers of the institute attended the session. Glimpses:
“JFA has been founded with a vision to create a free and joyful learning environment, where every child will be encouraged to learn through exploratory experiences and experimentation. Learning in JFA will be a stress-free journey for the children wherein the ultimate aim would lie in creating self-motivated leaders and life-long learners,” said Shatabdi Bhattacharya, principal, SPK Jain Futuristic Academy.
Sardalmal Kankaria, president of SS Jain Sabha attended the event.
Pradeep Patwa, secretary of Jain Hospital joined in.
Jaideep Patwa, secretary of SPK Jain Futuristic Academy was present at the session.
(L to R) Sardalmal Kankaria and Jaideep Patwa felicitating Sugata Mitra.