Empowering Education for the Future: Insights from JBCN’s International Delegation Visit

In a rapidly evolving world, the field of education must adapt to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the future. Recognising the significance of international collaborations, ATLAS SkillTech University recently welcomed a delegation from JBCN International School to its campus in Mumbai. This delegation comprised educators and educationists from various countries, including Nepal, Indonesia, Turkey, Bangladesh, Spain-Canary Islands and North Macedonia. The visit aimed to foster knowledge sharing and provide valuable insights to enhance teaching methodologies and curriculum design.

ATLAS faculty members Ashutosh Deshmukh and Omkar Pandharkame conduced two diffent sessions for this delegation focused on Design & Innovation and Business & Entrepreneurship, respectively.

Session 1: Design & Innovation Insights by Ashutosh Deshmukh

Ashutosh Deshmukh’s session on Design & Innovation shed light on the benefits of Computer Aided Industrial Design (CAID) and its relevance in today’s industry.

Benefits of Computer Aided Industrial Design (CAID)

• CAID enables precise design simulations and rapid prototyping, leading to faster design and simulation cycles.
• It facilitates accurate user testing and improved communication between design and engineering teams.
• CAID aligns with industry demand and leverages ubiquitous rapid prototyping tools.

Industry Demand

Ashutosh highlighted the growing demand for CAID in the industry and its role in meeting market needs. The session emphasised the efficiency and effectiveness of CAID in enhancing design processes. The use of simulating techniques for electronics were also discussed.

Preparing Students for the Industry

Ashutosh emphasised how CAID equips students with essential skills and knowledge required for a successful career in the industry. He highlighted that by incorporating CAID in the curriculum, ATLAS ensures that the students are well-prepared to meet industry demands.

Key Takeaways

Educators play a vital role in preparing students for the rapidly evolving world by integrating new technologies like Computer Aided Industrial Design (CAID) into education. By incorporating CAID tools and techniques, educators can enhance students’ design skills, promote critical thinking and provide them with practical experience aligned with industry demands. Such integration enables students to become more adaptable and better equipped for the technological advancements they will encounter in their future careers.

Session 2: Business & Entrepreneurship by Omkar Pandharkame

Omkar Pandharkame conducted a session on Business & Entrepreneurship, focusing on the transition from being educators to edupreneurs.

Understanding the VUCA World

Omkar introduced the concept of a VUCA world, characterised by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity, and hyperconnectivity. The session highlighted the need for educators to adapt to the rapidly changing landscape and prepare students accordingly. The impact of technological advancements and automation on the job market was discussed, emphasising the need for innovative teaching methodologies.

Challenges and Expectations in Education

The session shared insights from a BOE India survey, highlighting students’ preferences for blended learning, reliance on digital sources and the importance of younger teachers who can connect with them effectively. The survey results underlined the shift in learning preferences and the need for schools to adapt to the changing dynamics. Teachers also expressed concerns about managing student attention and delivering experiential learning.

Characteristics of a 21st Century Teacher

Omkar outlined the traits of a 21st century teacher, including their utilisation of various sources for research, promoting collaboration, leveraging technology and encouraging student engagement. The importance of continuous professional development and adopting open-source materials was emphasised.

Framework and Strategy for Edupreneurs

The session presented a framework for teachers to become agile, adaptive, and awesome educators. The framework included being better at all times, adopting radical incrementalismnand considering human factors in teaching methodologies. The strategy highlighted the significance of crafting a future-ready vision, focusing on quality over quantity and promoting learning through practice.

Key Takeaways

No Teaching but Coaching: Educators need to shift from a traditional teaching approach to becoming facilitators and mentors who guide students in their learning journey.

Not Tech-Aided but Tech-Enabled: Integrating technology into education enhances the learning experience, enabling students to develop the necessary skills for the digital age.

Not Educators but Edupreneurs: Teachers should embrace an entrepreneurial mindset, adapting to the changing landscape and exploring innovative approaches to education.

The sessions conducted by Ashutosh Deshmukh and Omkar Pandharkame shed light on the importance of Design & Innovation and Business & Entrepreneurship in preparing students for the future. By incorporating cutting-edge technologies and adopting an entrepreneurial mindset, ATLAS SkillTech University strives to equip its students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a VUCA world.

The visit of the JBCN International School delegation to ATLAS SkillTech University provided an invaluable opportunity for knowledge exchange and collaboration. The insights shared during these sessions serve as a catalyst for educational institutions worldwide to embrace change, innovate their teaching methodologies and create a conducive environment for the holistic development of students.