IPDA India hosts international webinar on adaptations of teaching and learning resulting from COVID-19

This second International webinar in collaboration with Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia was organised by Partap College of Education, Ludhiana. Nearly 180 teachers, teacher educators, researchers, and scholars from countries like Russia, Italy, U.K, U.A.E, and India attended this informative symposium held by digital platform. 

Speakers

• Dr. Manpreet Kaur, Principal, Partap College of Education, India
• Prof. Alessia Scarinci from University of Bari, Italy
• Prof. Laura Sara Agrati, Professor at University of Giustino Fortunato, Italy
• Ms. Swastika Khosla from GEMS New Millennium School Al Khail U.A.E 
• Ms. Raina Sood from GEMS New Millennium School Sharjah U.A.E 

Panelists

• Prof. Balwant Singh, Director, Partap College of Education, Chair, IPDA India
• Prof. Hazel Bryan, Chair, IPDA and Dean of Education and Professional Development at University of Huddersfield, U.K
• Prof. Tatiana Pimenova, K.F.U, Russia, Prof. Leila Salekhove, K.F.U, Russia

The focus of this webinar was to explore ‘Adaptation in Teaching and Learning due to COVID-19 Pandemic in the world’, it included presentations and discussion on the agenda points- Ground reality about continuity of education and the psyche of Students, Parents and Teachers under existing circumstances, Impact of online teaching and learning on students’ performance, Challenges involved in online teaching for skill-based curriculum and internship, Guidelines and support system for education of respective governments in COVID affected countries. Ms Alka Joshi, Asst. Prof. welcomed the eminent speakers, panellists and all attendees across various countries and acted as moderator.

Prof. Radif R. Zamaletdinov, Director, Institute of Philology and Intercultural Communication, KFU, Kazan, Russia delivered the inaugural dialogue in which he welcomed all and expressed his glee for impressive congregation of teachers, teacher educators, researchers and scholars on digital platform to discuss topics of great importance. He also asserted that this webinar will definitely draw out some important frameworks and measures to face present prevalent challenges being faced in teaching and learning process and will help teachers and teacher educators to improve pedagogies. He assured that they will continue to conduct such events for the development of institutes and of all who are associated with it. Prof. Balwant Singh set the tone of this enlightening session through his welcoming gesture and valuable words.

Prof. Alessia Scarinci spoke on the topic “Italian scenario for emergency teaching in the COVID Pandemic”. She expressed that due to pandemic teaching learning environment do has changed but aims and principles of education are still the same. Thus, distance learning activity has become ordinary but mandatory. She also highlighted the issues faced by students and teachers, impacts of remote learning on quality and equality in educations and institutional changes.  

Another learned speaker from Italy Prof. Laura Sara Agrati, presented her views on topic “Transforming the traineeship (Practicum) for teacher training into online mode in the COVID- 19 emergency”. She brought into light the effects on educational activities, in service teachers and teaching programs in Italy. She asserted that numerous experimentations on digital learning environment has been conducted by the researchers so far, so it cannot be stated that we were completely unprepared for the emergency. It is right time to implement all those results, learnings, experiences and suggestive measures practically.  

Ms. Swastika Khosla covered two agenda points in her presentation. She shared the root level realities and common concerns of parents in U.A.E regarding the health, safety and education of their children. She told that from August 23^rd schools in Dubai are going to be opened and all the institutions would adhere to the guidelines being provided by U.A.E government such as – Physical distancing, no food sharing, hygiene, segregation of students’ school days and timely evaluation for quality education. She also shared the results of survey conducted on outcome of online teaching and learning conducted by KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority), Dubai. 

Another informative presentation was delivered by Ms. Raina Sood. She discussed the positive and negative effects of E-learning on students’ performance. She stressed on motivating the students to best utilize the time for honing their creativity and channelizing their abilities efficiently. 

Dr. Manpreet Kaur being teacher and administrator presented thought provoking notions of present scenario. She expressed the concern for well-being of teachers as well as of students and quality education as she asserted that remote learning is not helpful for creative ideas and democratic discussion.  

During the panel discussion, panelists interacted with the speakers and attendees. Prof. Hazel told the adaptations in education system in England and support provided by the U.K government to all learning institutes and she also expressed concern on special education and teacher trainings. Prof. Balwant Singh exposed the true ground reality of Indian education system and discussed the new guidelines provided by U.S government for certification of teachers. Prof. Tatiana Pimenova also narrated the mind set of students and parents during COVID. She also highlighted the positives and negatives of the situation. Prof. Leila focused on motivating the students for online teaching as it is vital for healthy relationships between students and teachers.

All the participants expressed their appreciation by participating in healthy discussion. Many students and student teachers came up with deep rooted concern and intriguing queries for opening of schools and college, how to make online teaching and learning more captivating and fruitful. Availability of technology, internet and gadgets/ equipment are the challenges in underdeveloped countries. All such riveting questions were answered by Prof. Balwant Singh. He proclaimed the teacher as the Super Hero and teacher being reformer and torch bearer can overcome the distressing situation of pandemic with courage, patience, skills and knowledge. 

The webinar was concluded with informative words and vote of thanks presented by Dr. Manpreet Kaur.