Dr. V. Karthikeyan, with 39 years of teaching experience, has garnered extensive expertise in the field. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, followed by a Master’s degree and a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering. In a recent interaction with Keerthana, Correspondent, Higher Education Review, Dr. Karthikeyan Veerasamy, principal, Thiagarajar Polytechnic College, assisted us in examining the core values of a modern educational philosophy that values creativity, diversity, and the unrelenting pursuit of knowledge in the piece that follows.

There has been a radical change in the educational environment that is leading to an evolved learning culture. This paradigm transforms the conventional approach to teaching and learning by embracing cutting-edge technologies and new approaches. It includes flexible teaching methods that support a range of learning preferences while encouraging cooperation, critical thinking, and creativity.

In your opinion, what are the ethical considerations when implementing innovative educational practices?

Over the past decade, there has been a paradigm shift in education, moving from traditional teacher-centered learning to a more technology-integrated, student-centered approach. In the earlier model, teachers were predominantly focused on imparting knowledge through one-way communication, resulting in varying levels of understanding among students. This teacher-centered learning approach hindered innovation, critical thinking, and lateral thinking. Well, in recent years, the emphasis has shifted towards leveraging technology to enhance both teaching and learning, highlighting an ear where ethical consideration goes hand-in-hand with educational practices. This shift has completely normalized the adoption of many best innovative educational practices like student-centeredlearning, student facilitators, speaker forums, remedial classes, tech talk, and learning management systems. And moving forward, this shift aims to achieve more uniform knowledge transfer among students, minimizing variations in examination scores while ensuring uniform academic outcomes in an ethical way.

In your opinion, what is the most significant challenge in education today, and how would you address it with innovative practices?

The educational landscape has changed significantly in the last decade or so, particularly at technical education institutions, colleges of arts and sciences, and medical schools. The extensive use of electronic devices in the classroom by students has drastically changed the educational landscape. Gone is the custom of using libraries to obtain reference materials. It is inevitable that technology will advance, and as educators, we must welcome and value this development.With smartphones, iPads, and tablets in hand, today's students have unparalleled access to a wide range of instructional resources from the comfort of their seats. Students no longer need to physically visit libraries as earlier days because they may instantaneously download or view pertinent content. And, as a teacher, I completely recognize the power of electronic gadgets in enhancing students' knowledge and fostering innovation.I encourage students to use their devices as tools for improving understanding and promoting critical thinking. For instance, I leverage technology to explain complex concepts like the bending and deflection of beams with different load conditions through multimedia presentations. This student facilitation approach empowers them to remember, understand, apply, analyze, evaluate, and even create new concepts effectively. And, here comes in the biggest challenge, distraction. Despite various benefits, these electronic gadgets cause potential distractions that harms the education life cycle. However, it is important that we view these challenges as opportunities to embed technology in a way that directs students' focus toward meaningful engagement. By addressing these challenges, we not only mitigate distractions, but also empower students to navigate and utilize technology responsibly.

In your opinion, what are the key principles of innovative education, and how do they differ from traditional teaching methods?

In traditional teacher-centered learning, communication is unidirectional, focusing primarily on teaching rather than ensuring effective learning. This approach may leave students uncertain about their understanding. In contrast, student-centered learning fosters a dynamic two-way communication channel between teachers and students. Here, teachers not only disseminate information but also facilitate understanding through processes like remembering, understanding, applying, analyzing, evaluating, and creating—a concept akin to Bloom's Taxonomy. This method significantly differs from teacher-centered learning, where assessing students' understanding is more challenging, leading to a notable variance in exam scores.The most effective innovative practice involves engaging students, integrating technology, fostering critical thinking, and promoting collaborative problem-solving. This student-centered approach enhances students' communication skills and overall understanding. Notably, feedback from students in such environments is more satisfactory for teachers. This feedback becomes a catalyst for lifelong learning, as students continue to learn and adapt even after completing their formal education—a testament to the success of continuous learning initiatives.

How can we stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in education, and how should we incorporate them into teaching or educational programs?

In the pursuit of excellence in teaching, I have always emphasized the importance of continuous learning and professional development for educators. I believe that teachers must dedicate at least 30 minutes daily to staying updated through technical journals or magazines relevant to their domain. This commitment to ongoing learning ensures that instructors bring fresh insights and updated knowledge to the classroom, enhancing their ability to connect theoretical concepts with real-world applications.Beyond traditional sources, educators can leverage media, government communications, and social media platforms to share their research, achievements, and stay informed about global developments. Engaging with platforms like Twitter (X) and LinkedIn facilitates networking with peers and professionals, broadening perspectives.Furthermore, collaboration with colleagues within and outside the education sector is vital for professional growth. Teachers should actively seek opportunities to collaborate with professionals from other industries and universities, fostering interdisciplinary learning.Additionally, I emphasize the importance of developing a diverse skill set, aligning their skills with industry expectations, and cultivating a positive attitude.

While concluding this conversation, I stress that the world offers abundant opportunities, and with a combination of skills, effective communication, critical and creative thinking, students can confidently navigate their career paths. India, in particular, is a landscape of opportunities, and students are encouraged to seize these prospects, adapt to challenges, and emerge successful in their chosen endeavours.