Manage digital temptations for effective learning, says NT Edu Fair 2024 chief guest

Published: 23 November 2024

NT Bureau
Doha

The modern world is filled with temptations like social media, games, and streaming platforms and establishing screen-free zones and using microlearning techniques can help students focus and utilize their time effectively, Fouzia Taranum, IAS, Chief Guest at News Trail Edu Fair 2024 has said.

The two-day Edu Fair 2024 opened at Regency Halls and will continue today.

“While technology offers valuable learning tools, setting limits and balancing online time with physical activities is essential. Small, consistent efforts contribute to long-term success,” Ms Taranum continued, in her speech on ‘Time Management for Students in an Era of Social Media and Information Overload’. Taranum is Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate, Kalaburgi, Karnataka, in India, and 31st rank holder in civil service exams in 2014.

The first day of News Trail Edu Fair saw an enthusiastic crowd of students, parents, and educators from various schools in Qatar. The highlight of the day was an inspiring speech by the chief guest who emphasized the importance of creating a supportive environment for youth to help them thrive.

In her address, Ms. Taranum stressed the pivotal role of mentors, teachers, and families in nurturing young minds. “Encouragement from mentors and celebrating small successes is just as important as goal setting. A growth mindset is crucial, as everyone faces obstacles and failures. Learning from mistakes and being persistent ensures continuous improvement.”

“Students should prioritize understanding concepts over rote learning, assess their strengths, accept their weaknesses, and reinforce knowledge through microlearning. Encouraging information literacy and staying updated with technology trends will prepare the youth to excel in a rapidly evolving world,” she added.

One of the highlights of the first day of Edu Fair was the preliminaries of the NT Edu Fair Quiz Competition, which saw an enthusiastic participation from schools. Six teams qualified for the grand finale which will be held today. Additionally, many meritorious students from Indian schools received awards in recognition of their outstanding academic performance in last year’s exams.

Today, Saturday, the fair promises a packed schedule of exciting events, including:

• Principals’ Conclave: A panel discussion on “A Holistic Approach to Inculcate Reading Habits in Students and Tame Their Social Media Impact.”
• NT Educator Award 2024: Honoring outstanding teachers in Qatar for their dedication and excellence.
• University Interactions: Opportunities for students and parents to connect with representatives from top uni-versities in India and Dubai.
• Awards for meritorious students
  Fouzia will deliver the second part of her lecture today at 2.30pm on ‘Civil Service as a Career Option: My UPSC Journey’.