Hyderabad: Technology could be helpful in improving and facilitating the teaching and learning process, but it cannot replace the teacher. Eminent academician Prof. Furqan Qamar, Professor, Centre for Management Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi and former VC of Central University of Himachal Pradesh & University of Rajasthan, today expressed these view at Maulana Azad National Urdu University while delivering the Teachers’ Day Lecture on “Technology, Teachers and Transformation of Higher Education”.
Dr. Mohammad Aslam Parvaiz, Vice-Chancellor, MANUU presided over the function held at the DDE auditorium.
The School of Education and Training, Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) organized Teachers’ Day lecture on the occasion of birth anniversary of a former president of India and educationist, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
Addressing a jam-packed auditorium, Prof. Qamar who also served as Secretary-General, Association of Indian Universities, asked the teachers to equip themselves with better technology to improve the quality of teaching.
He described technology as a tool to improve quality. Elaborating the impact of technological advancement on the teaching and learning process, he said that the whole world is watching you and the expectations are huge. He rejected the idea of providing education wholly through technology.
Prof. Furqan Qamar rued the fact that in most of the cases the ability & eligibility criteria for the appointment of a teacher is compromised at the selection level. While stressing the need to improve the ecosystem of education, he pointed out that a good teacher inspires others to emulate him.
However, a corrupt system can spoil a good teacher, he cautioned. Teachers need to improve if they expect respect from society. Non-performance by the teachers will give an excuse for privatisation and under-investment in higher education.
He described the present-day youth as more creative as they are exposed to technology. He also advised the students to improve their reception level. Mere physical presence in the classroom is not enough for learning, he remarked. Students share two-third while one-third responsibility lies with the teacher, he said while summing up his enlightening and entertaining lecture.
Dr. Mohammad Aslam Parvaiz in his presidential address described both knowledge and technology as non-static. We have ruined the education system by linking it with employability, he complained.
Earlier, the programme started with the recitation of Holy Quran by Dr. Sayyad Aman Ubed. Prof. Fatima Begum welcomed the gathering and introduced the guest. Prof. Noushad Hussain, Dean, School of Education & Training spoke about the importance of Teachers’ Day. Prof. Siddiqui Mohd. Mahmood conducted the proceedings and Dr. Shaheen Shaik proposed the vote of thanks.