siliconindia | | JUNE 20248Teacher participation in decision-making regarding technology is widely recognized as important for its effective integration in education. When teachers are actively engaged in selecting and implementing technology tools, they are more inclined to endorse and incorporate them into their teaching methods, which benefits both students and educators. When teachers participate in decisions concerning curriculum, instruction, assessment, professional development, school culture, and policy, it enhances their sense of empowerment, motivation, commitment, and job satisfaction. Also, such involvement fosters collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation among colleagues. Importantly, integrating teachers into technology decision-making ensures that educational programs and policies are more pertinent, responsive, and successful, leveraging teachers' firsthand experiences and insights into student needs. Therefore, including teachers in technology decision-making not only acknowledges their expertise but also optimizes the positive impact of technology on teaching quality and student outcomes.India's First AI Teacher Have you heard that recently, KTCT Higher Secondary School in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, introduced Iris, a humanoid teacher developed in collaboration with Makerlabs Edutech Private Limited. This innovative step marks a significant advancement in educational technology. Iris is powered by AI and designed to conduct interactive learning sessions, capable of communicating in three languages to cater to diverse student needs. Equipped with voice assistance, mobility, and integration with robotics and generative AI technologies, Iris aims to transform classroom learning by offering a personalized and engaging educational experience. This initiative reflects a futuristic approach to education, leveraging AI to increase teaching methodologies and make learning more accessible and effective in today's digital era.Enhancing Teaching in the Digital AgeIn today's classrooms, educational technology plays a crucial role, offering ways to improve teaching methods, involve students more, and customize learning. Tools like interactive whiteboards, learning systems, and adaptive software are widely used and always changing. Yet, their success depends not just on how they work but also on how well they fit the goals of teaching and the needs of teachers and students. As AI and machine learning are more commonly used in schools, teachers face new challenges. These technologies can make learning better, but teachers need to learn how to use them effectively. Maintaining a focus on their role in cultivating creativity, critical thinking, and essential skills in students remains paramount. Educators are encouraged to view AI and ML as tools to support and enrich these educational goals, preserving the vital human connection between teachers and students amidst technological evolution.Rohit Manglik, CEO of EduGorilla, says, "It gifts the treasure of online learning materials available in almost every subject that can be translated into any language through a multitude of free & affordable language converters. The aim is to educationally empower and enlighten students from even the remotest of regions of the country".For educators stepping into the world of AI and machine learning, understanding these technologies is crucial for developing fluency and harnessing their potential. Mastering foundational concepts such as algorithms, data analytics, and neural networks is essential. Staying updated on the latest advancements in educational technology through professional development, conferences, and EDITORIAL EXCLUSIVESHOULD FACULTY HAVE A VOICE IN TECHNOLOGY DECISION-MAKING?
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