S.M. Shivaprasad, scientist and visiting professor at the Indian Institute of Technology, Dharwad, has said the lifestyle of human beings will see a significant change in a span of 10 to 15 years owing to advances in technology. However, the education system is hardly prepared to equip children for the changing times.
He delivered a special lecture on ‘Changing Technologies and Education’ at a programme organised by Bahumukhi, a cultural organisation in Shivamogga, on December 30.
Advances in nanotechnology, biotechnology and artificial intelligence will bring in major changes in the way human beings eat, drink and study. The research in nanotechnology and biotechnology will have a bigger impact on human life than artificial intelligence. “Are we prepared to face these changes? We are not even getting ready for them. Our teachers need to think beyond examinations and scores. They should encourage students to pursue their areas of interest. Similarly, parents should also understand that every child is unique and differently qualified,” he said.
Great scientists have observed the elements of nature and studied them thoroughly to present their findings in the form of theories, which have been incorporated into syllabi. “The job of teachers is to relate these theories or concepts to the outer world instead of restricting them to classrooms. We are in need of excellent teachers who can evoke interest among students and teach them with empathy,” he stated.
Listing the changes that advances in technologies could bring, Mr. Shivaprasad said professionals in many sectors could lose jobs in the next few years. Robots and machinery will replace human beings. However, the change in technology could create new jobs, and the task of education is to equip students with skills to adapt to these changes. “From now onwards, the changes will be rapid. Within five years, new technologies may emerge and bring in significant changes in the way we act and think. Children need to adapt to the changes fast,” he stressed.
Further, he hoped that science becomes the religion of the future, and people give up discrimination on the basis of caste, religion and boundaries.
H.S. Nagabhushan, retired principal of Kamala Nehru College, and others were present.
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