“Framework for the implementation of AI with an international bureau check is necessary,” UNESCO-MGIEP Director Dr. Anantha Duraiappah

Hyderabad : The Centenary Educators Conference at the Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet kicked in today with more than 700 prominent educators and dynamic thought leaders, and experts from various disciplines within the educational sphere as they chart a brilliant unparalleled pedagogical course. The three-day conference that began today at the Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet, is intended to provide direction in the further development of The Hyderabad Public Schools to becoming global institutions of educational excellence. The Chief Guest, Mr. Syed Akbaruddin, Former permanent representative of India to the United Nations and Dean of Kautilya School of Public Policy and The Guest of Honour, Smt. V. Karuna, I.A.S. Secretary to Government Education Department, Govt of Telangana, Chairperson, HPS- B.O.G and addressed the august gathering. Prof. Dr. Anantha Durraiappah, Director, UNESCO – MGIEP, the first UNESCO category 1 Institute of Education in the Asia Pacific was the Keynote Speaker at the event. The conference also intends to enhance teaching methodologies, fostering innovation, promote collaborative learning environments, and chart a roadmap for the future of education and upskilling of teachers.

The Chief Guest Mr. Syed Akbaruddin, Former permanent representative of India to the United Nations and Dean of Kautilya School of Public Policy said, “We are in an era of education being transformed, more than in any time our living memory. AI and ChatGPT are shaping up classrooms. These are tempting tools, but don’t envisage robots will teach you quantum physics or values. Teachers will be the repositories of values. Let’s not ignore the concerns: 1. Instead of mastering foundation skills will AI not lead to muscle atrophy of their neural learning process? 2. Will students lose their natural ability to write? Look at technology and beyond through its thoughtful applications, what it means and for humans collectively. Let technology augment humanity but does not overshadow it.”

In his keynote address, Prof. Dr. Anantha Duraiappah – Director, UNESCO MGIEP said, “Globally, 70% of kids at the age of 10 cannot read. The other major problem is mental health. There must be a quantum of social and emotional resilience. Each child has some form of learning difference. Personalized learning fundamental to UNESCO Article 26 & SDG4 has a Whole Brain approach C.A.S. E (Cognitive – working memory and executive function | Academic | Social and emotional competency as a non-academic integrated skill) – necessary condition for human flourishing. Framework for the implementation of AI for ethics and guidelines are necessary. Intergovernmental bureau on AI for education involving Government and multi-stakeholders, and even youth networks will oversee AI as a neural body. They will regulate and manage all the learning platforms. Selection of AI for different learning outcomes for generic learning; and AI for teaching should be a list AI identified, audited against ethical standards, and certified.”

The Guest of Honour, Smt. V. Karuna, I.A.S. Secretary to Government Education Department, Govt of Telangana, Chairperson, HPS- B.O.G said, “Teachers have the power to make difference in students’ lives. We need to make our children more and more relevant. The moral values have a critical role in the conflicting world. Education is also what you are as a person, how you are in your professional relationships, what responsibilities you carry as a citizen.”

The inaugural began with an invocation dance by the students followed by a plenary address by Mr. Gusti J Noria, The President of HPS Society who said “Education has evolved into a social experience, encompassing networking, passion exploration, and personality enhancement. Our teachers must embrace technology as a powerful tool for education in this digital era. Adapt. Our teachers must foster partnerships within and with other educational institutions, industries, and experts, culminating in a dynamic and pulsating learning ecosystem. Adopt a personalized learning approach, acknowledging that each student possesses unique strengths and passions. This approach ensures that we cater to individual needs and dreams.”

Dr. Skand Bali, Principal HPS-Begumpet in his welcome address said, “At the crux of our endeavours lies the profound theme of Shaping the Next Century of Educational Excellence. We stand at the precipice of moulding future generations into luminaries of knowledge, poised to illuminate the world with brilliance and carve an indelible legacy of educational distinction for the future. This educational conference will foster collaboration, comprehensive problem solving in modern education and empower students with intellectual acumen in an ever-evolving world.”

The keynote speech was followed by panel discussion on ‘Shaping Global Leaders for a rapidly Evolving World’ with panellists including Mr. Pankaj Bhalla – Manager, Little Scholars School, Kashipur; Mr. Mahesh Balakrishnan – Development and Recognition Manager, International Baccalaureate; Mr. Ranjan Mitter – Principal, Future Foundation School; Mr. Jacob C Keeley –  Model United Nation Consultant for Michigan College Alliance; Dr. Sunitha Rao – Principal, DPS-Secunderabad; Ms. Kalpana Kannan – Teacher, Dept. of Physics, HPS-Begumpet and the moderator being Ms. Sonali Roy Chowdhury – Cambridge Co-ordinator, HPS-Begumpet.

Yet another panel discussion was held on ‘Emerging Technologies in Education and AI: Opportunities and Challenges’ with key panelists being Mr. Saad Sait – Executive Director, The Legacy School; Ms. Avnita Bir – Principal, RN Padar School; Mr. Varathkant E – VP, Content and innovation, Educational Initiatives; Mr. Malcolm Nicolson – Head of School, Sreenidhi International School; Ms. Neetha Reddy – Teacher, Dept. of Computer Science, HPS-Begumpet and  Mr. Phani Kondepudi – Consultant for TS in Education, Chief Expert for IT at WorldSkills and Mentor at T-HUB, Angel Investor & HPS Alumni as moderator.

A series of workshops on topics ranging from leadership to emerging technologies in AI and education conducted by experts in the education domain.

The conclave is a step towards achieving the ‘School Vision 2050’, which is a road map for the further development of its four schools, over the next three decades. The school has earmarked an investment of 12-15 cr in the next 5 years for upskilling educators, teaching and learning support, and counselling as the Educator’s conclave is set to be an annual affair.

Following the inaugural day, the conclave is gearing up for rest of the two days featuring keynote addresses from renowned educators and visionaries, sharing their insights on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the education sector. These workshops will delve into effective classroom strategies, technology integration, and student engagement techniques. Engaging panel discussions will bring together educators, students, researchers, and policymakers to discuss critical topics.