Jain Education for the Digital Generation

The direction and techniques

YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE

“First is knowledge then compassion; that is how the disciplined live. How would an

ignorant discriminate between good and evil”

- Dashvaikalik Sutra of Shayambhava

Truth is multifaceted

• There are many paths that lead to the ultimate goal.

Hence it is wrong for us to believe that our chosen path is the only right one and others are wrong.

• Learned men present truth in many different ways

This is the basis for the Jain theory of Anekantvad.

Accept the Challenge

• Process of evaluation and analysis

• Avoid dogma, Blind faith and Absolutism

• Constant Communication

• Be open to Changes

Accept The Challenge

• Mahavir challenged us to discipline ourselves, to bring out the inherent qualities of our soul. To be fearless and free from dogma, superstitions and ceremonies.

• Instead of accepting this challenge, we sometimes get tangled up in ritualistic activities and gross codes of conduct.

Action speaks louder than words

• If the next generation observes that we are better human beings because of our philosophy, they will most certainly adopt it.

Digital Generation

• Computer savvy, loves electronic gadgets

• Checks their e-mail every hour

• Short attention span. Needs to see quick results

• Generally well read and thinks logically

• In search of self identity

• “Why?”

-Does not accept anything blindly

Train the leaders

• Not the herds of blind followers

Seedling to plant

Remove the boundary of the pot

Train the leaders

• Take Ahinsa beyond vegetarianism

• Champion problem solving through Anekantvad

• Environmentally friendly world

Our Vision

• In our pathshala we must have a refreshing sense of openness, as opposed to the traditionalism and dogmatism.

• Desire to experiment with new concepts, approaches and techniques.

• Re-evaluate our practices as well as the paradigm they are based on.

Our Vision

• The basic principles of Jainism are scientific and the ‘truths’ presented in our scriptures are universal, however, their interpretations and thus the applications have to be made in the context of time and space in which we find ourselves.

• The principles of Jainism do not require us to believe in things contrary to our common sense.

Question Everything

• Mahavir said to Gautam:

“Accept not what I say as truth because it is backed by tradition, or because it is the law

of the land, or because it sounds good, or because it comes from your teacher. Accept as truth only that which is sagaciously acceptable to

reason as well as to sentiment”

Use Dynamic tools

• Learn current marketing techniques

• Communicate using video, computers, internet, multimedia presentations

• Hook using quiz, games, live demonstrations, stories, etc…

• Stories that children can relate to

Take inspiration from each-other

• NEW TOPICS

“What Jainism means to me and how do I communicate this with others”

Interfaith research and presentations

Curriculum by Design

• Common approach

• Alternate approach

What is Backward Design?• To begin with end in mind

• To start with a clear understanding of your destination

Curriculum by Design

Stages in the backward design process

IdentifyDesiredResults

DetermineAcceptableEvidence

Plan LearningExperiences

and Instruction

W.H.E.R.E.

• W - Help students know Where the lesson is going

• H - Hook the students, hold their interest

• E – Explore the issue, Experience the ideas

• R – Provide opportunity to Rethink and Revise

• E – Allow students to Exhibit their understanding

Challenges

• Resistance from the “traditionalist’ to any change

• Material development

Don’t forget the BASICS

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Who Wants to

be a

Jain Scholar

50:50

C: Acharang Sutra D: Tatvartha Sutra

50:50

“First is Knowledge then compassion”

A quote from…

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B: Kalpa SutraA: Dashvaikalik Sutra

Conclusion

• Practice your values

• Give Examples

• Be an Example to others

• Who can stop us then?

• March forward TOGETHER