In a pioneering move towards embracing technology in education, the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) Uttarakhand recently organized the first-ever Techno Fair in the state. The event, held at the Azim Premji Foundation Complex in Aamwala Dehradun, showcased the impressive integration of technology in teaching and learning processes. Education Secretary Ravinath Raman, along with the Director of Academic Research and Training Bandana Garbyal, various experts, and dignitaries, commended this initiative, emphasizing its potential to elevate the quality of education and enable real-time evaluation of educators' work.
Inauguration
Secretary of School Education stressed that technological innovations are occurring at an unprecedented pace. To prepare students for the demands of the future, educators must be proactive in integrating these advancements into the curriculum. He appealed to IT experts to share their knowledge and skills with educators. Their expertise can help bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that students acquire the practical skills needed in the modern job market. By collaborating with technology experts, educational institutions can create holistic learning environments that blend classroom instruction with cutting-edge digital tools. This approach can enhance the overall educational experience and empower students to become tech-savvy, critical thinkers.
In his address, he underscored the importance of technology in the modern era, highlighting its transformative impact across all sectors. In conclusion, Bandana Garbyal's address at the Techno Fair served as a clarion call for collaboration between the education sector and the tech industry. Her message resonated with the audience, emphasizing the urgency of integrating technology into the curriculum and highlighting the valuable contributions that IT experts and ICT awardees can make to the educational system. This collaborative effort holds the potential to equip students with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing technological landscape, ultimately shaping a brighter future for all.
Objectives:
The primary objective of the Techno Fair was to promote the responsible use of technology in teaching and learning. The fair's theme revolved around Digital India, Cyber Security, Organizational Ethics, and Awareness, aligning with the nation's vision for technological advancement.
Students from various schools across Uttarakhand showcased their technological innovations in three categories: Class 'A' (grades 6 to 8), Class 'B' (grades 9 and 10), and Class 'C' (grades 11 and 12). A total of 39 students and their 13 accompanying teachers, who had secured the first position at their respective district levels, participated.
Expert Lectures
As part of the event, guest experts Dr. Ankur Dumka and Dr. Priya Mata delivered insightful lectures on technology's role in education and modern technologies' current trends and applications.
Recognizing Excellence
The event celebrated the achievements of Uttarakhand School Education Department teachers who had received ICT awards at the national level. Their valuable experiences and contributions to education were shared with the audience, and they were honored by the Secretary of School Education along with jury members of the events. The director of Academic Research and Training Bandana Garbyal pointed out and highlighted the expertise of ICT Awardee teachers and asked them to be in the mainstream of technology integration in school education so that their contributions can be shared and integrated into forthcoming projects of the SCERT Uttarakhand. In a bid to foster innovation and technological advancements in the education sector, Director of Academic Research and Training, Bandana Garbyal, delivered a compelling address at the recent Techno Fair. Her message resonated with educators, IT experts, and ICT awardees alike, urging them to play a pivotal role in transforming the educational landscape.
Exhibitions
The exhibition area featured demonstrations by various organizations, including CIET, NCERT New Delhi, CLAP, Jio Embibe, Fiji Tech, ITDA DA RC, Curious Learning Foundation, School of Technology Doon University, showcasing new methods of teaching, educational broadcasts, science-based experiments, virtual labs, drone technology, and more.
Class 'A' Winners
First Place: Prince from Government Inter College, Nagarajadhar, Tehri
Second Place: Aditya Rawat from Government Inter College, Sendhikhal, Pauri
Third Place: Soumya Verma from Government Inter College, Chhiddarwala, Dehradun
First Place: Deva Vishwas from Atal Excellent Government Inter College Rudrapur Udham Singh Nagar
Second Place: Akshita from Government Inter College Chiddarwala
Third Place: Rabia from Marwar Kanya Pathshala Roorkee, Haridwar
Class 'C' Winners
First Place: Sudarshan from Government Inter College Sendhikhal, Pauri
Second Place: Sheetal Rawat from Government Inter College Ranakot, Tehri Garhwal
Third Place: Neeraj Bhandari from Government Inter College Bageshwar
Conclusion
In the concluding session, the Director of Secondary Education in Uttarakhand, Seema Jaunsari, praised the students for their outstanding contributions to technology in education. She emphasized that such events play a vital role in increasing awareness of technology and fostering a deeper interest in teaching.
The event concluded with the distribution of awards and certificates to all participants, a gesture of recognition for their commendable efforts. Additional Director SCERT, Ajay Naudiyal, extended his gratitude to the Azim Premji Foundation for its support in making the Techno Fair a resounding success.
The Uttarakhand School Education Techno Fair exemplified the state's commitment to embracing technology as a powerful tool for enhancing the quality of education and fostering innovation in the classroom. It served as an inspiration for educators, students, and stakeholders alike, highlighting the limitless possibilities of technology in education.
At the valedictory session, Deputy Director (IT) Shailendra Amoli wrapped up a vote of thanks to the chief guest and other participants and experts of the events.