“Embracing the New Normal in Education: Insights from Roja Ma’am, Principal of Meridian School”

Roja Paul K, Principal, Meridian School Uppal, Secunderabad emphasised “Teachers love being called the “proprietors of knowledge.””

What does the word “new normal” stand for you?

The New Normal is not new; it is quite normal to me. It’s quite normal in such forums where policymakers, bureaucrats, e-tech people, and academicians come together to discuss the larger scale of community impacts.

How does such a forum help you?

This forum helps by creating awareness about what’s happening around the world. When we get caught up in school activities, we often lose sight of global developments. This opportunity gives us a chance to understand and learn how to deal with them since we are part of the world.

Have any special initiatives been taken under your leadership for hygiene, safety, and security?

Every school takes such measures, but we focus on ensuring that children are protected from the negative impacts of technology. I stay updated by attending forums like these and share the knowledge with my school staff and students.

How easy is it to adopt new technology, and how do you train your teachers on it?

COVID was the best example for teachers to understand the need to move with the times. If they hadn’t adapted, teaching would have completely stopped. The teaching profession is resilient, and teachers always rise to meet expectations, including embracing new technology.

What measures have you taken to keep your teachers motivated?

Teachers love being called the “proprietors of knowledge.” Shifting their focus from being a proprietor to a facilitator takes time and training. Initially, there’s resistance, but when teachers see how it benefits the students and engages them, they embrace it.

What new technologies have been adopted in your school?

My school is fully digitally enabled. All classrooms are connected to the internet, but we limit student access to devices to ensure they are supervised. Teachers control the use of technology, ensuring it’s beneficial for students.

Can you briefly describe your institution?

Our branch is only 3 years old, having opened during the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. The school survived thanks to technology. As we move forward, we focus on making students ready for future challenges while ensuring environmental sustainability for a better tomorrow.

Would you like to give any advice to ArdorComm Media Group?

Keep doing the good work. Organizations like yours help us stay connected with global developments and understand the changes happening around the world.