The Institute of Business Management (IoBM) hosted the third International Conference on Education (ICE 2024) on Saturday, December 7, 2024. Organized by IoBM's Education Department within the College of Economics and Social Development (CESD), ICE 2024 aimed to introduce advanced global education practices to Pakistan's academic landscape. The conference theme was "Educational Revolution from Gen Z to Gen Alpha." The two-day conference offered educators a platform to explore and adopt innovative teaching methods like blended learning, flipped classrooms, and project-based learning.
The Chief Guest was Mr. Mohammad Abbas Baloch, Secretary, Boards and Universities, Sindh. Distinguished speakers included Mr. Carl Lander, Member of the Board of Directors, Council of British International Schools (COBIS); Dr. Athar Mahmood, Vice-Chancellor, Al-Kawthar University, Karachi; Dr. Sarala Thulasi Palpanadan, Deputy Dean, English Language and Linguistics Department, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia; and Dr. Nasir Mahmood, Vice-Chancellor, Allama Iqbal Open University.
Mr. Talib Karim, Conference Patron and President of IoBM, highlighted the urgency of the conference theme in his address. He stated, "As educators, we face the challenge of engaging a new generation of learners who are less receptive to traditional teaching methods. Faculty must adapt their approaches to effectively reach Gen Alpha, a generation characterized by its tech-savviness and access to vast amounts of information." He emphasized that the conference speakers would delve into critical educational challenges and offer valuable recommendations.
Dr. Nadia Ayub, Dean of CESD at IoBM, welcomed attendees, emphasizing that this Conference showcases IoBM's educational progress and provides a roadmap for future quality education, guiding us towards shaping the future of learning. She highlighted how the diverse discussions will bring together key leaders to develop solutions for Pakistan's educational challenges.
Mr. Mohammad Abbas Baloch, Secretary, Boards and Universities, Sindh, emphasized the need for our education system to evolve further to meet the changing demands of the global landscape. This can be achieved through initiatives such as fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills, integrating technology effectively into the curriculum, and promoting lifelong learning opportunities.
Mr. Carl Lander emphasized the need to recognize the unique learning styles and challenges of each generation, from Boomers to Gen Alpha. He highlighted how societal shifts have significantly impacted how children learn, necessitating a shift in our teaching approaches. Recognizing the advantages of Gen Z and Gen Alpha learners, Mr. Lander emphasized that Gen Z, in particular, possesses a skillset that surpasses that of previous generations. He stressed the importance of cultivating critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and strong social skills in Gen Alpha. Acknowledging the evolving landscape of education, including the emergence of technology-driven learning environments, Mr. Lander posed a critical question: "Will technology be the way forward?" He emphasized that while technology plays a crucial role, teaching remains a human art and science. Ultimately, the key to success lies in nurturing meaningful connections between teachers and learners.
Dr. Athar Mahmood presented a captivating overview of human progress, tracing our journey from pre-historic times to today's mobile-centric lifestyle. He emphasized the remarkable advancements in our ability to store, process, and share information throughout history. Dr. Sarala Thulasi Palpanadan delivered a presentation on the transformative role of AI in education. She emphasized that the transition from Gen Z to Gen Alpha signifies a profound shift in the educational landscape, driven by rapid technological advancements and evolving societal expectations.
ICE 2024 at IoBM fostered international academic collaboration, strengthening ties between Pakistani educational institutions and their global counterparts. This collaboration is expected to integrate global best practices into local education systems.
Other notable speakers included Shahzad Roy, Education Activist; Ashique Hussain, Additional Director, Directorate Curriculum Assessment and Research (DCAR), Sindh; Dr. Aftab Ahmad Shaikh, Director, BS-20, Education Policy, Commission, Sindh; Dr. Renato Peneluppi (Executive Director, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China); Dr. Mark Lipton, Professor, School of English and Theatre Studies, University of Guelph; and Danish Farooqui, Deputy Executive Director, HSS School System.