Ramaiah Institute of Management, Bangalore
1. Introduction
Education is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the rapid evolution of emerging technologies. From artificial intelligence and virtual reality to blockchain and adaptive learning platforms, these innovations are not just enhancing the way knowledge is delivered, but are fundamentally reshaping the very structure of education. As we move further into the digital age, it becomes crucial to explore how these technologies can bridge gaps in access, personalize learning experiences, and equip learners with the skills needed for the future.
RIM’s Centre for Leadership and the Industry Institute Interaction Cell organised this online Panel Discussion to support the admission intake initiatives of the institute.
2. Event Highlights
Setting the context and Welcome Address: The webinar commenced with a welcome address by the Dean of the institute; Prof. Arun Kumar A V. The Dean expressed his gratitude to the panel for taking their time out and in participating in the webinar and relevance of the topic for the webinar in existing education ecosystem.
He also thanked the team at RIM comprising of Dr. V. Padmaja and Mr. Niranjan M S for organising this pertinent and important webinar.
The panel discussed and deliberated on " Role of Emerging Technologies in Reshaping Education". The panel comprised of -
Dr. R. Jayakumar, Professor & Dean, Kalinga University
Dr. M. Srinivasa Rao, Director and Associate Professor, Anurag University
Dr. S. Balaji, Dean, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University
Moderator – Dr. V. Padmaja, Prof and Head, Centre for Leadership, RIM
Dr. V. Padmaja greeted the panellists and requested the panellists to give their view on the topic from their perspective.
Dr. R. Jayakumar spoke how technology has pervaded into the education space and making an impact to the pedagogy. However, he felt that these technology current benefits a few elite institutes and though the accessibility is available, affordability is a key challenge with many institutes. The implementation is currently on and will take time due to roll out across the length and breadth of the country.
Dr. M. Srinivasa Rao mentioned that unlearning and relearning is the key for technology adoption and educational institutes should bring in this culture across of technology to gain traction and to disseminated. Dr. Rao felt that Technology is a key differentiator for the success of the institute as the companies that come to the institute for onboarding of students look for these differentiators for selection of students.
Dr. Balaji mentioned that challenges exist in adoption of e-learning tools and felt that it’s imperative to understand and adopt as technologies cannot replace teachers, however teachers will be replaced if they do not adopt technology. He opined that teachers need to have an open mindset to learn and embrace technology which in turn would help them and also the student community along with the institute. Dr. Balaji mentioned that technology can never replace creativity and can only be an enabler.
The panel discussion provided insightful views, challenges, and opportunities in making the learning process at the institutes more meaningful, engaging and relevant to the teaching and student community.
3. Conclusion
Dr. Padmaja thanked the panelists for their support and for providing their valuable time for an engaging discussion on the topic and requested their support in spreading information about RIM PGDM programs to their students.
