What teachers in 2030 will look like

Being tech-savvy, upholding the highest values of nobility and serving as ardent advocates of peace are the preferred qualities in teachers in 2030, according to a discussion at the fourth Global Education and Skills Forum (GESF).
The discussion, 'How teachers in 2030 will look like', moderated by Tony Jackson, vice-president of Education Asia Society in the US, witnessed a debate on the impact of technology on teachers and whether the two are mutually exclusive. However, the verdict was undivided: Technology can only serve as an enabler, while teachers, with their face-to-face interaction and counsel will be as relevant as ever.
William Samoei Ruto, Deputy President of Kenya, said: "Technology must be leveraged as part of building the capacity of teachers to ensure that they can deliver what gadgets and technology will never be able to offer."
Anies Basweden, Minister of Education and Culture of Indonesia, emphasised the role of technology in delivering better teaching experience, adding that the biggest challenge today is that "while teachers and students are 21st century, the classrooms are 19th century. There is an urgent need to improve the quality of education infrastructure".
Basweden said teachers must be provided an environment where they are encouraged to be continuous learners. "With the rapid changes around us, and some of the current jobs set to be obsolete, it is important that teachers learn continuously to prepare our students for the future," he said.
Furthering the teacher versus technology debate, David Edwards, deputy general secretary of Education International in Belgium, said technology cannot make up for poor teaching, "what it does is amplify good teaching".
Teachers of 2030 should have the ability to instil strong social skills in the students, said Beatrize Cardoso, executive director, Laboratorio De Educacao of Brazil, adding that the future is one of hybrid teaching models - where there is always face-to-face learning supported by the tools of technology.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

NA130316-LS-GLOBAL EDUC - William Samoei Ruto, Deputy President of Kenya at the panel "The Teachers of 2030: what will they look like?" at the Global Education and Skills Forum at The Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai on Sunday, 13 March 2016. Photo by Leslie Pableo