Teachers demand representation on education technology committee

A teacher simultaneously conducts online and offline classes at Parle Tilak Vidyalaya in October. File pic

Is technology for education or education for technology, teachers have asked the state education department in view of the formation of the State Education Technology Forum (SETF), which does not have a single representative from the teaching community. According to teachers, if the committee is formed to ensure maximum and qualitative use of technology in education for greater efficiency, some among them should also be a part of the policy-making committee. However, a Government Resolution (GR) issued in this regard does not mention the presence of any teacher on the panel.

A letter of disappointment is being circulated among teachers with a demand to dissolve the committee. The letter, addressed to Maharashtra School Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad, also demands the GR be scrapped and work on the SETF restarted with adequate teaching representation. Currently the letter is being circulated among teachers to get support signatures and will soon be sent to Gaikwad.

Speaking to mid-day, Shilpa Gore, a teacher from Khopoli and member of Active Teachers' Forum, which is voicing the concerns, said, "There are different types of schools and equally different kinds of students. Everyone does not have the luxury of technology at hand for the purpose of education. The pandemic has clearly shown us the divide. Making use of technology for more effective teaching and learning will definitely be helpful, but only if it is done correctly. This is the reason why the committee needs teachers on board, as they are aware of the ground realities."

The letter states, "The 17-member committee formed to frame policies on use of information technology in education has eight officials from the government's education department and nine technology companies, of which eight are private organisations. Of these, five companies are multinational conglomerates. But there is not a single teacher or expert educationist on the team."

Commissioner of Education, Vishjal Solanli was unavailable for comment on the matter.