In an era where education is rapidly embracing digital transformation and online learning takes precedence over traditional classroom settings, Prof. Som Naidu, Principal Associate at Technology, Education and Design Associates in Melbourne, Australia, advocates for a fundamental shift in teaching methodologies and a renewed focus on the student learning experience.

Naidu emphasizes the need for an evaluation of the teaching approach that transcends surface-level modifications, urging educators to delve into deeper structures of teaching. Addressing the evolving landscape of education, he asserts that to achieve a future-oriented learning environment, a reimagining of both educational and institutional strategies is imperative.
 
Speaking on August 8, 2023, during a 2-day Guest Lecture and Round-table Discussion commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Regional Training and Research Institute for Distance and Open Learning (RETRIDOL), in collaboration with The African Centre of Excellence on Technology Enhanced Learning (ACETEL), Naidu's insights shed light on the changing dynamics of education.

The theme of Naidu's discourse, 'Reimagining Education Futures at the Intersections of Technology, Education, and Design,' encapsulates his vision for an education landscape characterized by innovative use of technology, instructional design, and effective teaching strategies.

Naidu underscores that this transformative approach entails an all-encompassing evaluation, stretching beyond the actions of teaching to encompass the design, efficiency, effectiveness, and engagement capacity of the teaching process. For Naidu, design encapsulates the foundational intentions and beliefs underpinning teaching, while efficiency pertains to the execution of the crafted learning and teaching experiences.

Effectiveness, as highlighted by Naidu, delves into the tangible impacts of teaching on students and their learning journey, while the capacity to engage hinges on the teacher's adeptness in articulating clear learning outcomes, designing engaging learning experiences, and curating suitable learning resources that foster motivation and interaction with the learning process.

Underscoring the pivotal role of education, Naidu affirms, "Education for all is fundamental to creating a peaceful and prosperous world." He underscores the power of education to provide individuals with knowledge and skills that promote health, employment, and tolerance – foundational pillars for societal well-being.

Navigating the ever-evolving landscape of education, Naidu emphasizes the need for continuous upskilling of educators to harness the potential of modern tools and technologies, whether in conventional classrooms or online spaces. As the educational paradigm continues to evolve, educators must seize opportunities to effectively integrate technology to achieve desired learning outcomes.

The anniversary event's highlight, the Round-table Discussion, featured insightful input from distinguished personalities such as Emeritus Professor Olugbemiro Jegede, Professor Carlos A. Pereira d Oliveira, and Prof. Mercy Ogunshola, alongside Prof. Francis Egbokahre as the moderator. The discussion emphasized the imperative to develop content and designs that facilitate real-world application, the necessity for teachers, learners, and classrooms to adapt, and the overarching changes that the post-Covid era has ushered in.

As education embarks on a transformative journey, Prof. Naidu's insights resound as a clarion call for educators to recalibrate their approaches, embrace innovative technologies, and cultivate a dynamic learning environment that prepares students for the challenges of the future.