B2B Market Media | The Founder Media recently organsied SchoolTechX 2024 in Delhi, which served as a platform for discussions on the integration of technology in education, aiming to equip students for future challenges.
Having the theme “Empowering Next-Gen Learning through Innovation,” the conclave commenced with an inaugural address by Dr Ved Prakash Yadav, Chairman, Board of School Education, Haryana, who emphasised on the critical role of technology in modern education. In his address, Dr Yadav said, “Students must not be handed with technology; instead, they should be taught first how to use it and teachers must be empowered with technology.”
He also suggested that to not fall behind, schools should incorporate technology in their education system.
Integrating advanced technology in classrooms is no longer optional, it is essential for preparing students for the future.
Principals, school heads in education and technology expressed their views while discussing the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in personalised learning. In this session titled “EdTech Trends Transforming K-12 Education: Enhancing Engagement and Accessibility,” the panellists discussed the rise of personalised learning, integration of AI in classrooms and leveraging EdTech to improve access to quality education in underserved communities.
The conclave also saw a keynote address by Akshal Agarwal, Co-Founder, NatureNurture, on “My Journey from Kindergarten to Harvard University.” In his address, he spoke of the challenges that are limiting education. These are premature scaling, resource allocation issues, customer acquisition cost, management distraction and overextension. Further, according to him, the 20th century domains include language development, physical development, creative thinking and expression, and mathematics, that are necessary to enhance today’s education system.
Some of the panellists explored the topic “Cybersecurity and Data Privacy in Schools.” They addressed the critical aspects of cybersecurity and data privacy concerns within educational institutions. Another panel discussion titled “Balancing Act: Screen Time vs. Quality Learning” took a critical look at managing screen time while ensuring quality educational outcomes.
While the use of screens for learning has opened up new avenues for interactive and personalised education, it also presents a challenge. The panellists in this session focussed on issues such as digital fatigue, decreased physical activity and impaired social skills. On the other hand, they opined that well-designed educational technology can enhance learning experiences by making them more engaging, accessible and tailored to individual needs.
The last panel discussion at the conclave “The Future of Assessments in the Tech-Driven Classroom” saw the panellists exploring alternative assessment methods that promote deeper learning, and how data can be used to inform instruction and personalise learning pathways. The panellists also addressed the issues of bias and privacy in EdTech assessments.
The key takeaways of the conclave included the importance of ongoing professional development for educators and the need for collaborative efforts to drive technological advancements in education.
SchoolTechX 2024 concluded with the SchoolTech X-Factor Awards that were presented by R C Jain, President, Delhi Public Schools Association and Satvir Singh Mavi, Chairman, Developing Independent Schools Alliance (DISA).
The award winners are as follows:
| Segment | Categories | Winner |
| EdTech | Best EdTech Company of the Year | Next Education India Pvt Ltd |
| EdTech | Best EdTech Solution of the Year | AASOKA |
| EdTech | Best Smart Classroom Solution Provider | Global Peripheral Solution Pvt Ltd |
| Individual | Best Principal of the Year | Rashmi Malik, Principal, Salwan Public School, Gurugram |
| Individual | Best Principal of the Year | Himani Asija, Principal, Ambience Public School, New Delhi |
| Preschool | Innovation for Curriculum Award | Li’l Miracles International Preschool |
| Preschool | Best Stand-alone Preschool of the Year | Li’l Miracles International Preschool |
| School | Educational Excellence Award | R.D. Rajpal School |
| School | Educational Excellence Award | Nalla Malla Reddy Foundation School |
| School | Most Progressive School of the Year | Dhruv Public School |
| School | Most Progressive School of the Year | R.D. Rajpal School |
| School | Best School for personalised Student Attention | Gurukul The School Crossings Republik |
| School | Educational Excellence Award | AECS Magnolia Maaruti Public School |
| School | Best Tech-savvy School of the Year | Ambience Public School, New Delhi |
| School | Best School for Futuristic Education | R.D. Rajpal School |
| School | Educational Excellence Award | GEMS International School |
| School | Most Innovative School of the Year | Ambience Public School, New Delhi |