Preparing the Next Generation for a Data-Driven World

Dr. Jayanti Nair,

Principal,

National Public School, Banashankari

Dr. Jayanti Nair is a seasoned educator with over two decades of experience. She holds twin postgraduate degrees in English and public administration. She also holds a D. Litt. and a PGDCA degree. An eloquent speaker and trainer, she has spearheaded numerous training programs for educators and other aspirants nationwide.

Under her leadership, the school has received numerous awards and recognitions. The ‘Best School Excellence Award’ for the consistent performance of students in Board Examinations, the Times NIE award and the CEIR Mark of Excellence are some of them.

Dr Nair is a recipient of the ‘Sahodaya Rashtriya Shikshayaan Samman’ and has been an

integral part of various educational initiatives. She has also received the ‘World Class

Educator award from Spell Bee. She has served as a resource person for the CBSE.

training teachers in many schools. Additionally, she has been at the helm of the JEE and

NEET examinations as the Central Head and has been deputed by the CBSE in the

Inspection Committee of Affiliation.

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Artificial intelligence is reshaping our lives every day. As technology advances at lightning speed, the jobs of today may vanish tomorrow, while entirely new roles, still beyond imagination, will appear. Education and curriculum must adapt with immediacy, updating themselves almost daily to retain significance. A science or technology book read today may already feel antiquated a year later. It seems almost paradoxical that the older generation, shaped by the past, should prepare the younger for a future so radically transformed.

So, how do we prepare children? First, by training them to extract and use data judiciously. Information is only a click away, yet it may be authentic or distorted. The ability to discern truth from manipulation is indispensable. Alongside this, language refinement is crucial, for precise expression ensures accuracy in a technologically driven environment. Equally vital is comprehension, the capacity to understand, interpret and apply data in ways that matter.

Education must not cultivate the intellect at the cost of the body. Physical activity and systematic discipline must remain central to holistic growth. The preparation of this generation cannot rest upon schools alone; it requires cooperation between home and school. The role of adults today is to facilitate, mentor and guide rather than merely instruct, for knowledge is abundant and freely available.

In a world where living without gadgets risks separation from society and opportunity, we must ensure our children are ready for what lies ahead. They must grow into data-wise, articulate and critical thinkers with resilient health. Their learning must reflect refinement in thought, propriety in action, cultivation in values, sophistication in communication and exemplariness in conduct. These qualities will allow them not only to adapt but also to flourish in the uncertain world of tomorrow.