The Aga Khan University's Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED) initiated Day 2 of its 12th International Conference at the Karimabad campus, centering on 'Technology, Pedagogy, And Society: Critical Appreciation of The Present and Prospects for The Future.'
More than 200 participants engaged in 40+ workshops on diverse topics such as Teaching in the Digital Era, Educational Robotics, Facilitating Brave Spaces in the Hybrid Realm, Use of Technology in Special Schools in Karachi, and Integrating Art into Mathematics Education.
Advocating for a radical shift in mindset, Dr. Nauman Naqvi, Associate Professor at Habib University, delivered a thought-provoking Lightning Talk titled 'Forget Modernity! Reorienting Cognition in the Anthropocene.' He emphasized, "In the face of catastrophic failure, we need to reimagine our future by challenging the modern project, paving the way for a transformative journey toward sustainable and meaningful existence."
In a captivating keynote, 'Fostering Equitable Learning Spaces: What We Can Learn from Different Cultures,' Dr. Maha Bali, Professor of Practice Center for Learning and Teaching, American University in Cairo, Egypt, explored intertwining care and equity lenses. She sparked crucial dialogue on reshaping educational practices for inclusivity, stating, "We need to embrace diverse cultural perspectives in our pursuit of equitable learning spaces."
Day 2 also featured a dynamic panel discussion, 'Practitioners' Perspectives on Technology, Pedagogy, and Society.' Panelists, including Baela Jamil, CEO, Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi (ITA); Farhad Merchant, CEO, AKES, India; Kashif Saleem, Senior Manager, Digital Learning, AKES Pakistan; and Athar Osama, Founder and Executive Director, STEMx and World Science Collaborative Ltd., discussed the pivotal role of pedagogies in leading EdTech reform and connections between practice, research, and various implementation contexts. The session was expertly moderated by Azra Naseem, Director, Blended and Digital Learning, AKU.
The conference emphasised the transformative potential in reshaping educational practices for inclusivity and empowerment. The various discussions delved into revisiting traditional educational challenges, evaluating technology-supported instruction, addressing ethical concerns tied to emerging technologies, and assessing implications for workforce development. The event also highlighted the intricate connections between practice, research, and various implementation contexts, showcasing the importance of pedagogical leadership in navigating the complexities of technology in education.
The event highlighted the intricate connections between practice, research, and various implementation contexts, showcasing the importance of pedagogical leadership in navigating the complexities of technology in education.