Page 17 - ADU Campus Chronicles

17

Technology

in Education

Hello all fellow educators!

Dr. Nitin Serva
Instructor of Mathematics

WhatsApp’s journey to success teaches us a valuable lesson: it was not the first
of its kind, nor was its concept original. However, its outstanding execution led
to its billion-dollar success. This reflects in our educational practices, where
success doesn’t solely hinge on innovative strategies like flipped classrooms
or gamification but significantly on our execution of these strategies.

Even a traditional teacher-centered lecture can remain engaging as long as the
teacher is a good orator and a great storyteller. It’s the delivery, the interaction,
and the personal touch that transform the educational experience.

In my classes, I employ three core elements to breathe life into lessons:

• Big Idea Connect (5-10 minutes): I begin by linking math concepts to real-world applications or
historical figures, making the subject relatable and showing its relevance beyond the classroom.

• Interactive Main Matter (85-95 minutes): My focus is on interactive dialogue rather than passive
listening. Even with the simple technique of Think-Pair-Share, the class stays dynamic through peer
discussions.

• Exit Ticket Insight (5-10 minutes): Each lesson ends with a quick quiz to assess comprehension and
link to upcoming topics, reinforcing the continuity of learning.

It’s essential that my students feel my genuine concern for their education and overall well-being. At this
juncture, I find it fitting to share a quote that resonates deeply with our mission: “I’ve learned that people
will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them
feel.” - Maya Angelou.

To further underscore the lasting impact we aim to have as educators, let us remember: “A teacher affects
eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” - Henry Adams.

Abu Dhabi University | ADU Campus Chronicles Issue 1