Dr. Nihat Guvercin has been the CEO and founder of iLearn Schools Inc., since 2008. To learn more about his educational background, please visit Dr. Guvercin’s professional biography.
This interview has been edited for brevity and integrity.
With the growing importance of technology in education, how do you balance the integration of digital tools with the preservation of traditional teaching methods and values within your institution?
Merging tech and classic teaching is like walking a tightrope. Digital tools are becoming a big deal in education, but they shouldn’t replace teachers’ amazing work, only elevate it. It’s about keeping the real heart of teaching–personal connections–alive.
The key is about investing in our teachers through teaching and timeless teaching skills. Not ditching traditional ways of teaching, but blending them with new tech that fit students’ changing needs.
Tech makes learning cooler and more effective but never replaces face-to-face teaching. We use it for research or group work, supporting teacher-student bonds. It’s about enhancing, not replacing. We prep students for a tech-driven world while holding onto teaching’s core.
What strategies do you employ to foster a culture of inclusion and diversity in your educational organization, and why do you believe these values are critical to success in the 21st-century education landscape?
Our strength lies in diverse backgrounds and ideas. It’s vital to teach the value of varied experiences to our students, celebrating both our differences and commonalities, and enriching our learning community.
Directly engaging students reveals their appreciation for our inclusive environment, beyond technology or facilities. Their love for our diverse, welcoming vibe resonates deeply.
Sustaining this atmosphere means prioritizing diversity in every facet—lesson plans, clubs, staff training, and community engagement. Everyone’s voice matters. Creating a safe, respectful space fosters self-expression and story-sharing.
Embracing diversity and fostering inclusion are vital skills in today’s interconnected world. It’s not just about a rich school experience but equipping students with essential social tools for their future success in a diverse society. Our ongoing commitment to diversity isn’t just for now; it’s a crucial foundation for their future endeavors beyond our school.
As a leader, how do you envision the future of education, and what key trends or developments do you see as pivotal for educational institutions to embrace in the coming years?
Education is on the brink of a monumental shift, akin to past revolutions in communication or transportation. Despite classroom basics enduring, like desks and textbooks, a major transformation looms.
The big things to watch in the next few years are AI, digital platforms, and innovative teaching methods that will redefine what and how we teach, reshaping the learning landscape. We’re moving towards a more personalized, flexible, tech-driven education, departing from traditional classroom setups.
Amidst challenges, immense opportunities arise. Integrating tech must enhance learning—more engaging, accessible, and tailored to individual needs. Equally crucial is preparing teachers for this shift, equipping them with skills to blend new tech with teaching.
I’m thrilled by these prospects. Embracing AI and digital platforms offers a chance to not merely adapt but to lead in this new era. It’s not just change to navigate; it’s a chance to revolutionize education for all students, preparing them for what lies ahead.
