Report on the National Seminar: “Unlocking the Potential of Teacher Education in the Digital Society”

On March 16, 2024, Partap College of Education, Ludhiana, in collaboration with IPDA India and its Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), hosted a highly engaging National Seminar on the theme “Unlocking the Potential of Teacher Education in the Digital Society.” This event was generously sponsored by the College Development Council (CDC) of Panjab University, Chandigarh.

The seminar commenced at 10:00 am in the college auditorium with a warm welcome from Dr. Manpreet Kaur, Principal of the college, provided a thoughtful introduction to the seminar’s theme. She emphasized the transformative role of digitalization in teacher education and the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance teaching and learning processes. Dr. Kaur highlighted the need for educators to leverage AI tools and various virtual platforms to improve educational outcomes in India.

The seminar was honored by the presence of the esteemed chief guest, Dr. Balwant Singh, Director of the college, who delivered the presidential remarks. Dr. Singh praised the efforts of the organizing committee for curating an insightful seminar. He highlighted the significant benefits of digitalization in education and urged a balanced approach to the use of technology, advocating for its prudent and effective integration into teaching practices.

Keynote addresses were delivered by distinguished speakers, each bringing a wealth of knowledge and unique perspectives to the seminar. Dr. Dilpreet Singh, a Senior Scientist at CSIR-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute, Ludhiana, explored the revolutionary potential of AI in education. He discussed AI-powered tools and strategies that could personalize learning and reshape traditional teaching methods, offering a futuristic vision of educational transformation.

Prof. Juanjo Mena, Head of the Department of Didactics, Organisation and Research Methods at the University of Salamanca, Spain, focused on the importance of immersive learning experiences. He emphasized how bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application through technology can enhance the educational experience and better prepare teachers for real-world challenges.

Adding to these insights, Mr. Mohit Gupta, Senior Business Manager for Technology, presented on the critical role of AI in teaching. His session marked a milestone in innovative teaching practices, showcasing how AI can be effectively utilized to support educators and enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.

The seminar also featured engaging presentations from scholars across various backgrounds during the technical sessions. These sessions allowed participants to showcase their research, creativity, and cognitive prowess, contributing to a diverse and rich exchange of ideas on the integration of digital technologies in teacher education.

Dr. Mandeep Bhullar echoed the earlier sentiments, emphasizing the necessity of incorporating technology-supported methods and virtual reality into teacher preparation programs. This integration, she argued, is crucial for developing a robust and adaptable education system in a rapidly digitalizing society.

The event concluded with a reflective valedictory session, where the session chairs shared their insights and learnings from the day’s discussions. Dr. Babita Arora, Associate Professor and Organizing Secretary of the seminar, extended a heartfelt vote of thanks to all participants, speakers, organizers, and sponsors. Her closing remarks underscored the seminar’s success in fostering meaningful discussions and exchanges, setting the stage for significant advancements in teacher education within the digital era.

Overall, the National Seminar on “Unlocking the Potential of Teacher Education in the Digital Society” served as a critical platform for educators, researchers, and policymakers to explore and discuss the pivotal role of digital technologies in modernizing and enhancing teacher education. The event not only highlighted the current challenges and opportunities but also paved the way for future innovations and strategies to ensure that education keeps pace with the digital revolution.

Report on the National Seminar: “Unlocking the Potential of Teacher Education in the Digital Society”