Reflections from Emerging Literacies Session - 18th July 2026

Quick recap: Chapter 2
Sandeep Dutt led a book discussion session on Yuval Noah Harari’s “21 Lessons for the 21st Century,” focusing on the future of work and automation. He explained how artificial intelligence and robotics are transforming jobs, noting that while some traditional roles will be automated, new human-AI collaboration opportunities will emerge, particularly in healthcare and creative fields. Sandeep Dutt emphasised the importance of developing character and citizenship skills rather than just the traditional 4Cs (critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication), arguing that character is fundamental for success in the changing job market. The session included technical improvements to the meeting format, removing registration requirements and waiting rooms to make it easier for participants to join, and Sandeep Dutt announced that future sessions would continue this more open access approach. 

Dolly Chandoke - Jodhamal Public School, Jammu
Work: When You Grow Up, You Might Not Have a Job,” made me think deeply about how rapidly technology is changing our lives. Harari explains that artificial intelligence, automation, and robotics are no longer replacing only physical labour but are increasingly capable of performing cognitive and creative tasks as well. This could fundamentally reshape the job market in the coming decades. 

One of the most striking ideas in this chapter is that the future of work is uncertain. Unlike previous technological revolutions, AI may replace many jobs faster than new ones are created, making continuous learning and adaptability essential. This challenged my belief that education alone guarantees lifelong job security. Instead, Harari emphasises the importance of developing skills such as critical thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence, and the ability to learn new things throughout life.

Sahar Banu, Sunbeam School Ballia
Technology is changing the way we live and work. Some jobs may change or even disappear, but people are always more important than jobs. We should help people learn new skills and grow with changing times. Every person deserves care, respect, and equal opportunities. Machines can do many tasks, but they cannot replace kindness, creativity, or human values. Real progress is not just about better technology; it is about making life better for everyone.

Beyond The Blackboard - Gurdeep Kaur

Differences exist, and it’s okay for them to exist. Understanding students' diverse needs is crucial for effective education. In business, we teach a concept called SLEPT analysis (Social, Legal, Economic, Political, Technological). This framework helps companies understand the market, scan the environment they operate in, understand their customers, and make informed decisions regarding marketing strategies, product design, and more.

Why not apply this same framework in our classrooms? Just like businesses analyze their customers’ needs to develop effective strategies, we can use SLEPT analysis in education to better meet the needs of our students.

• Social: Teachers must recognize that students come from diverse backgrounds. This understanding helps create an inclusive curriculum and address issues like bullying or mental health, fostering a supportive environment for all.
• Legal: Teachers must stay informed about educational laws, student rights, and safety, ensuring a fair and equitable learning environment for every student.
• Economic: By understanding students’ economic challenges, teachers can make the best use of available resources and provide additional support to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Political: Teachers should stay informed about educational policies and political stability and understand how these developments may affect their classrooms. (All teachers should read NEP 2020 for a better understanding.)
• Technological: After COVID, technology has transformed education, but access is still uneven. The digital divide persists. Teachers play a key role in bridging this gap by using tech tools equitably to ensure all students succeed.

Applying SLEPT analysis in education allows us to create an inclusive, equitable, and effective learning environment that prepares students for success in life. Let’s go beyond the blackboard.

Gurdeep Kaur
The Teacher's Academy 
GK@LearningForward.org.in

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Our current read: The Man Who Saw Tomorrow, the story of Shomie Das, a teacher who is a role model for the world.

Courage and Patience - Kusum Sharma

Courage and patience go hand to hand because we need the courage to keep patience. Just related to this, I have recalled a stressful situation of a child due to examination pressure and parents' high expectations. It was one fine day of winter, I was enjoying my holiday. An email notification popped up on my screen. It was a wonder for me that I did not access my Gmail then how could I get a notification. I tried to find out about this, and the day passed away. Next day when I went to school, I tried to discover the matter.

After a lunch break, a child rushed to me to inform me of something. As I was busy teaching, I asked him to meet me after a lesson. The child came to me and was about to cry. I consoled him and asked the matter. Firstly he felt sorry and stated that due to exam pressure and his father's strict behaviour, he tried to open my email for the exam paper and after a few attempts, he was successful in accessing my mail Id. And after that in great fear of being caught by me, he formatted his gadget. I listened to everything patiently and dealt with him affectionately. I praised him for his courage of being truthful and also advised him to use his skill of technological advancement in an affirmative manner. I also explained to him a few ways to deal with exam pressure. The child listened carefully to all the ways to reduce stress from me and was very happy. Today he is a very good techie student and always tries to help his friends and teachers to make the technology easier for them.

Kusum Sharma, The Fabindia School