The Principals’ Forum of Qatar Chapter, under the aegis of CBSE Gulf Sahodaya organized the first-ever webinar on the topic “The Influence of Remote Teaching Tools in Competency Based Education” on 4 July, 2020. The session, aimed at accoutering the teaching fraternity with innovative tools and techniques to facilitate competency-based education, was live streamed on ‘YouTube’ and ‘Facebook’. Dr. Subhash Nair, Principal (Shantiniketan Indian School) welcomed all the participants and introduced the topic.

The moderator, Mr. A.P. Sharma (Principal, BPS) introduced the panelists Ms. Asna Nafees (Principal, DPS- Modern Indian School), Ms. Shifa P Shaikh (Principal, Loyola International School), Mrs. Hameeda Kadar (Principal, MES Indian School) Ms. Meenal Bakshi (Principal, DPS-Monarch International School) and commended the efforts of the teachers in adapting to the changes with a spirit of innovation and bridging the learning gap during these unprecedented times.

The panelist, Ms. Asna Nafees (Principal, DPS- Modern Indian School), while speaking on the topic ‘Remote Learning Tools and inclusive Competency based Education’ underscored the need of inclusion of all types of learners in the mainstream of education. ‘No one should be left behind as education is for all, she said and shared information about exemptions and concessions given by CBSE in order to promote it. She discussed about the stress levels Special Education Need students are under in the changed scenario and advised the teachers to be authentic, graceful, patient, empathetic and engage students in activity-based learning to stimulate their interests and enhance competency. Emphasizing that inclusion should not be an afterthought, she outlined the role of all the stakeholders in offering a conducive atmosphere to the special learners and educated the attendees about various apps, websites. e-platforms and individualized e-learning programmes to bring a positive difference in the lives around.

Ms. Shifa P Shaikh (Principal, Loyola International School) familiarized the viewers with different e-platforms and innovative tools of learning in order to enhance the teaching-learning process. Mrs. Hameeda Kadar (Principal, MES Indian School) through her presentation highlighted the importance of visual thinking as it complements holistic learning and makes education more engaging, inclusive, and equitable. The last panelist Ms. Meenal Bakshi (Principal, DPS- Monarch International School) explained the difference between evaluation and assessment and shared information about different assessment digital tools to assess learning outcome and assist skill-based learning.

The panelists answered all the queries satisfactorily in the question-and-answer session. It was an edifying session and guided the teachers to opt for innovative applications to create memorable learning experiences.