This speech was delivered by our Founding Director, Dr Abdul Razak Ahmad during the International Economic Forum of Russia and OIC Countries, on the topic of 'Model for Joint Creation of Platform Solutions for the Development of Critical Infrastructure in The Field of Education' in Kazan, Russia.
Esteemed dignitaries and guests,
It is an honour to address you today on a subject of utmost importance—an urgent call to action in the realm of education. To delve into a ground-breaking model for the joint creation of platform solutions, aimed at constructing critical infrastructure in the field of education.
Over the course of the next decade, the realm of education will undergo a profound metamorphosis as it embraces full digitization. The impact of this transformation will be far-reaching, as it facilitates the massification of knowledge. No longer will education be confined by physical boundaries or limited access. Through the power of digitization, we have the opportunity to democratize learning, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their background, can participate in the pursuit of knowledge.
The roles of teachers and students will fundamentally change in this new world. Students, the beneficiaries of this revolution, will become independent learners, navigating a vast ocean of knowledge, developing their unique learning paths. No longer confined to the traditional classroom, they will be free to learn at their own pace, in their own style, and according to their own interests.
Teachers, on the other hand, will transition from their traditional roles to become managers of knowledge. They will guide students to the right resources, facilitating their learning journey rather than dictating it. They will become mentors, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a love for lifelong learning in their students.
In this globalized era of knowledge, the influence of technology companies cannot be underestimated. With their digital prowess and expansive reach, they are poised to shape the future of education. However, their potential can only be fully realized if they are equipped with a deep understanding of pedagogy. By encouragement collaboration, fostering creativity, and nurturing a comprehensive understanding of knowledge foundations and practical applications, we can unleash the true power of technology in education.
The future of educational platforms may well be inspired by social media models like Facebook. These platforms could constantly reinvent themselves, cultivating creativity, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of knowledge and its application. We see the beginnings of this revolution in platforms like Udemy, Coursera and Khan Academy which have opened new avenues for learning.
The typical learning platforms will be like personalized experiences, just like when you shop or use social media. They will understand each person's needs and provide customized learning throughout their lives. It won't be limited to specific classes or terms, but more like a continuous learning experience, just like watching shows on Netflix.
The future learning platform will have some important features. First, it will be designed in a way that allows different platforms to work together and share information. Second, it will break down learning into smaller, easy-to-understand parts, making it more enjoyable and accessible. Third, there will be a record that captures all of a person's learning achievements, which can be used to unlock new opportunities. Finally, there will be ways for learners to connect with others and get support, even if they are in different places.
Education will no longer be a full-time endeavour, but a lifelong journey. Students will opt for more flexibility, balancing education with work, learning while earning. With a plethora of educational opportunities to choose from, students will be more discerning, seeking degrees that offer tangible benefits and align with their career goals.
The advent of this era will herald significant changes. Governments will find their jurisdiction over curriculum diminishing as education becomes a global enterprise. The cost of education and qualifications will become cheaper, making it more accessible. The emergence of a liberalised regime of quality and accreditation will ensure that a certification from tech companies or reputable scientific organisations will hold more weight than a degree from a traditional university.
Ladies and gentlemen, the need for the creation of such platform solutions is not just urgent, it is inevitable. If traditional universities do not reinvent themselves, they risk becoming irrelevant.
To put this in perspective, consider this: the technology of flying, which began as a dream a thousand years ago, was perfected by Wilbur and Orville Wright just a little over a century ago. Yet, it took us only 25 years from that point to land a man on the moon.
The digital revolution in education is upon us, offering unparalleled opportunities for accessibility, flexibility, and lifelong learning. As we journey into this digital era, we must embrace the transformative power of technology and its capacity to revolutionize learning. Yet, we must also recognize that no learning platform will withstand the test of time. As technologies develop and new possibilities emerge, learning platforms will evolve alongside them. Let us remain open to change, fostering a culture of innovation, and continuously adapting our platforms to meet the evolving needs of learners in an ever-changing world.
Thank you.
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