TECHNOLOGY CANNOT REPLACE
TEACHER AND CURRICULUM FOUNDED ON VALUE SYSTEMS - DR. JOSHI
The
Minister for Human Resource Development and Science and Technology
Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi has said that technology cannot replace
teachers and curriculum should be founded on the value systems
that shaped the civility of a society. In the Indian context this
is much more important because of its multi-lingual and multi-religious
base. Dr. Joshi was giving away CBSE Awards to Teachers at a function
here today. He said curriculum is an important input for the holistic
growth of a student. The qualities of tolerance, patience respecting
others point of view are in-built in our thought process. In fact,
it is India which floated the concept ‘that world is one family’.
Dr. Joshi said that the government is making sincere efforts to
ensure that our curriculum reflects such sentiments and there
is no room for any other view. It will be the responsibility of
the schools and the teachers to consolidate these ideas and provide
an atmosphere of harmonious living.
Referring
to the debate on technology intervention in education, the minister
said that whatever be the technology, it cannot replace the teacher
who will continue to be the focal point of the learning process.
It is for the teachers to sensitise themselves to the technology
and integrate it to the extent needed for effective transaction
of the curriculum, he said. They should also meaningfully respond
to the emerging challenges by continuously updating their knowledge
and contribute to the growth and dynamics of educational system
in the country.
Dr.
Joshi wondered that why despite a large number of quality institutions
in the country, there is increasing demand for obtaining degrees
from foreign countries. It is necessary that gaps, if any, in
the content and style of the delivery of education are identified
and remedial measures taken. We must set benchmarks in our school
and university systems by providing quality education, and remove
the myth of foreign education.
Expressing
concern over incidents of teachers beating children, harassment
of girls in schools and colleges, Dr. Joshi pointed out that this
is due to lack of value systems in our education and we all must
ponder over this issue, to rid the society of this menace.
Earlier
the Chairman of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE),
Dr. Ashok Ganguly said education needs updating and modernising
along with the changing times. Even if education does not get
employment, it is still needed for a meaningful life.
Twelve
teachers received the awards which carried a cash prize of Rs
15,000 each and a citation. The winners are : Shri Ashok Kumar
Tangri, Principal Indian High School, UAE; Smt. Malathi Das, Principal,
Indian School Ajman, UAE; Smt. Sneh Verma, Principal, DAV Public
School, Delhi; Shri Jasbir Singh, Bal Bharti Public School, New
Delhi; Shri C.P. Mishra, Pirncipal, Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar,
Indore; Dr. Rajendra Kumar Sanguri, Assistant Master, Sainik School,
Gujarat; Smt. Madhu Bahl, Principal, Kailash Bahl DAV Centenary
Public School, Chandigarh; Smt Seetha Kiran, Principal, DAV Public
School, Hyderabad; Smt. Maya Mohan, Principal, Chinmaya Vidyalaya,
Kerala; Smt. Rita Kapur, Principal DPS, Ghaziabad; Shri Prem Kashyap,
Principal, Pestle Weed College, Dehradun; Shri Shatrughan Mishra,
Faculty Hr. Sec. School, Guwahati.
