Staff Animation; Blending Tradition with Innovation
Animation of staff in any institution plays a vital role in enhancing their capacity to educate trainees and actively participate in institutional activities. Through structured animation programs and meaningful staff development initiatives, institutions can significantly strengthen staff competencies and overall performance.
With this vision, a Staff Animation Program was organized on 28th and 29th September for the teaching staff of Don Bosco Pvt. ITI. The sessions were led by Fr. Ashok Kujur from Don Bosco Technical Institute, Lucknow. The theme of the program, “Shaping Tomorrow: Blending Tradition with Innovation,” inspired staff to embrace innovation while staying rooted in core values.
The animation program was full of ideas about how we can better connect with our trainees, especially Gen Z kids, and tackle challenges like their obsession with phones. The discussions felt real, practical, and full of energy, reminding me why I love teaching. The heart of the seminar was about adapting to today’s trainees. Gen Z is a different breed; they are glued to screens, expect quick answers, and want lessons that feel relevant. One session showed us how to meet them where they are, using tools like smartboard to turn boring lessons into interactive ones. We tried creating activities like social media-style debates or modern type examples that hook their attention. I loved seeing how a simple change could make a theory lesson feel like a game, keeping students engaged without losing the point. Then there was the big topic of mobile addiction. Its no secret kids can’t put their phones down, and it’s messing with their focus. A panel of teachers shared ideas that hit home: things like “tech breaks” to reset their attention or using apps like practice paper to make studying feel like a challenge instead of a boring task. One teacher talked about turning vocab drills into a game where students compete in teams-it was such a simple tweak, but it worked. These strategies weren’t just theory; they were things we could try the next day. We also got to work together in groups, designing lessons that pull Gen Z in while steering them away from mindless scrolling. Hearing other teachers share their wins, like turning a distracted class into a lively one, made me feel like we’re all in this together. It was a reminder that teaching has to evolve with the times, blending the old-school stuff like group discussions with new tricks that speak to today’s kids.
The animation program was a game-changer for me. As someone who’s passionate about teaching, I’ve seen how hard it is to keep Gen Z with phones tempting them every second. The ideas we explored, like making lessons interactive or using tech in smart ways, felt like tools I could actually use. It made me realize we don’t have to fight the digital world; we can work with it to spark curiosity. I felt feeling pumped up to try these ideas in my classroom and keep growing as a teacher. It’s all about meeting trainees where they are and helping them shine.
Mr. Anurag Ekka, Machinist instructor