@Hendra
Hi Hendra, thank you for sharing your experience!

I’m a fine art teacher in a Tunisian middle school. One of the major challenges we face here is the lack of resources, especially in art education. Materials are often limited or of poor quality, which makes it difficult to support students in hands-on creative work. In addition, students come from very diverse social backgrounds, and many of them are more engaged with digital tools like smartphones than traditional learning methods.

This pushes me to integrate technology into my teaching—using digital drawing apps, photography, and video editing to make art more accessible and relatable. Another issue is the limited time allocated for art in the curriculum, which restricts our ability to go in-depth or develop long-term creative projects.

Despite these challenges, I try to create a space where students can think critically, express themselves freely, and become more responsible through art. In fact, I’m planning to apply this digital-based approach in my upcoming lessons to better engage my students and make learning more inclusive.

Looking forward to hearing more from you and others here

What about integrate smartphones in fine art lessons? What do you think?
This project aims to engage 7th grade students in a creative, inclusive, and modern exploration of a core visual arts concept: "distance in art" — the varying degrees of representation of reality (realism, stylization, abstraction, etc.).

In response to limited school resources and reduced student interest in traditional art methods, the project leverages a widely available tool: the smartphone. Most students, despite different socio-economic backgrounds, own mobile phones. This project transforms those phones into tools for artistic experimentation and learning.

I feel truly honored and deeply grateful for all the votes, kind messages, and the meaningful connections I’ve made throughout this competition.
Thank you to everyone who supported me , and to all the respectful and inspiring teachers I’ve had the chance to meet along the way.
Each project was a source of inspiration, showcasing the dedication and creativity that teachers around the world bring to their classrooms.
This competition was more than just a contest, it was a space for sharing, recognition, and international connectivity in the service of 21st-century education.

We’ve witnessed sincere efforts to make learning more accessible, innovative, and human.
To every participating teacher, I say: bravo and thank you.
You truly deserve to be recognized for the amazing work you do every day. ️ 🥰

In today’s fast-moving digital age, students are surrounded by screens, AI content, and virtual distractions. But in many cities around the world—especially in poor or under-resourced neighborhoods—students face a double challenge: lack of opportunities in the real world, and confusing illusions in the digital world.

As teachers, our mission is more important than ever. We must help students:

Think critically about what they see online

Stay connected to their real communities

Use digital tools to build, not escape, their future
Grow through creativity, empathy, and awareness
In many disadvantaged areas, education may be one of the few stable tools students have. How can we make it meaningful in this century?

Let’s share:

-What is your vision for teachers today?

-How do you teach real-world thinking in a screen-heavy culture?

-How can we uplift students in poor neighborhoods through education?

Let’s unite around this mission—no matter where we teach.

Re: Connect to start collaboration for international school projects

After reading previous comments, I felt inspired by the creativity and motivation of fellow educators. What if we take it further by co-creating international projects based on Bloom’s Taxonomy?
Our goal: design shared activities (Knowledge → Comprehension → Application...) that foster critical thinking, cultural exchange, and creativity among students.
Let’s share ideas, co-develop resources, and build a collaborative activity bank for 2025/2026.
Together, let’s turn education into a bridge between cultures.

@Afshan
I completely agree : the work of our Pakistani teachers is truly impressive!
Their creativity and dedication really shine through. You can feel how passionate they are about making learning easier, engaging, and more meaningful for their students.
I was truly inspired, and that’s why I voted for many of them!
Each project reflects not only innovation but also a deep care for students’ growth.
Truly well-deserved recognition!
@Zakiasoomro @Mariya-Rajpar @Sayeda-Afshan @Samreen-Tahir @Shaista-Begum @Shaista-Kalhoro @Namra @Sanaa @Bakht54a5e4eb47 @Mishael-Naqash @zeeshan-mahboob

Re: Should traditional classrooms be replaced by fully virtual learning environments by 2025?

Reading through this conversation, I’m truly fired up. One thing’s crystal clear: yes, education is evolving — fast, brilliantly, digitally. But in this great transformation, we must never let it lose its soul.

We’ve celebrated how digital tools can personalize learning, boost engagement, and open doors in the most underserved corners of the world. That’s powerful. That’s necessary. But let’s not forget what really keeps students coming back — not apps or algorithms, but adults who care.

A teacher isn’t just a content provider. They’re a lifeline. A safe place. A spark of hope when everything else feels dark. For the student weighed down by problems at home, drowning in silence, or on the verge of giving up — it’s not the latest software that saves them. It’s the teacher who sees them. Who leans in and says, “Hey… I’m here. I believe in you.”

Let’s face it:

Some students don’t need more tech — they need more trust.

They don’t need faster Wi-Fi — they need someone who won’t give up on them.

Let’s remind ourselves:

A caring look can turn a whole day around.

A kind word can rewrite someone’s story.

A teacher’s belief can light a fire that lasts a lifetime.

So here’s the real question we should be asking: In a world rushing toward digital, how do we keep room for empathy, compassion, and healing?

Imagine a classroom where: Technology frees up time — not replaces care.
Digital tools spark creativity — but never eclipse humanity.
Every student feels safe, heard, valued — and loved.

Let’s build a future where no child is left behind — not because we had the best tech, but because we had the biggest hearts. ️

So… what if the most groundbreaking innovation in education isn’t AI, but empathy?

Let’s talk.
#HumanFirst #EdTechWithHeart #TeachersMatter #InnovationWithSoul

Hello inspiring educators!

As I read your amazing projects, one thing stands out:
We all want to go further. To open doors. To teach beyond borders.

So let’s do it : Together! 🧭

This forum isn’t just a platform : it’s an opportunity. Let’s use it to:
Share ideas that can travel across countries
Co-create simple, fun, cross-border projects
Connect our students for real global experiences

You choose the topic : art, science, languages, environment…
I’ll connect you with teachers from Tunisia and we’ll bring classrooms together!

Not sure how to begin? Here are some tips to make your ideas shine:
️ Start with a big question or hook
️ Ask others how they’d do it
️ Invite collaboration directly: “Who’s in?”
️ Respond to comments and keep the spark alive!

Let’s not wait for change. Let’s be the change with creativity, courage, and connection.

So… Who’s ready to collaborate beyond borders?
Drop your subject and your dream idea below and let’s start building together.

HAZAR a fellow teacher from Tunisia

What a fantastic initiative! Yes, I’ve explored audio-based projects as well, last year, I experimented with student-created podcasts through our participation in the national oral reading competition. At first, most of my students were shy and lacked confidence. But with consistent training and encouragement, they became more motivated and enthusiastic. It was amazing to see how their voices grew stronger, not just in articulation, but also in self-expression. By the end, more and more students wanted to join the experience! I’m now considering developing a full podcasting project next year, integrating it more deeply into our curriculum. Audio really opens new doors for reflective and expressive learning.

Hi everyone!
For the 2025 Teaching in the 21st Century competition, I’m designing a project that blends traditional visual arts with digital tools like smartphones, editing apps, and even AI. The idea is to help students explore different ways of representing reality. So they can be able to move from observation and realism to more imaginative, expressive styles.

I'm curious:
How are you integrating technology into your creative or art classes?
What tools or strategies have helped students engage, express, or reflect more deeply?

Let’s share ideas and inspire each other, maybe even collaborate!

@Sayeda-Afshan
Congratulations Sayeda
Your journey from a village school to the world stage is nothing short of inspirational.
You’ve shown us all that true passion, heart, and resilience can break every boundary and light up the world.
This isn’t just your moment , it’s a moment for every silent classroom, every unheard voice, and every dream waiting to rise.
Bravo, teacher of hope!
You made us all believe a little more in the power of education ️

@Mariya-Rajpar
Dear Mariya,

Thank you for your beautifully thoughtful response, your words resonate deeply.
I especially loved how you framed the idea that "the heart of creation remains the same," regardless of the medium.
That’s exactly what I hope my students can feel when they shift from paper to screen, from pencil to stylus.

You raise such an important point about intention and it makes me wonder:
How do we, as educators, help students develop that sense of purpose behind their creations?
Can emotional depth be taught, or is it something that grows through lived experience and reflection?
And finally, in a world full of instant tools and filters, how do we keep authenticity alive in digital art?

I’d love to hear your thoughts. This exchange is exactly the kind of reflective dialogue that keeps our practice evolving with meaning.

Warmly,

@Mariya-Rajpar
Dear Mariya,
Thank you so much for your generous words. they truly mean a lot to me.
This experience has shown us how powerful and inspiring our global educator community can be. Like you said, it was more than a contest , it was a celebration of heart, purpose, and meaningful connection.
I’m deeply grateful for this journey and for voices like yours that make it even more special. Let’s keep moving forward together with hope, passion, and unity. ️

Warm regards,

@Sanaa
Dear Sanaa,
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kind and soulful message.
Your words resonated deeply with me — they captured the essence of what this journey truly meant: connection, inspiration, and shared purpose.
Like you beautifully said, this wasn’t just a competition; it was a meeting point of hearts, dreams, and the unwavering belief that education can light up the world.
I'm deeply honored to have walked this path beside such passionate and generous educators like you.
Let’s keep this spirit alive beyond the forum, beyond the event , and continue planting seeds of change, one act of love, one child, one classroom at a time. ️

With heartfelt gratitude,

@Samreen-Tahir
Hello Samreen,
Thank you so much for sharing this inspiring work!
It’s wonderful to see how you’re empowering your students,; your girls; to explore important global issues like climate change through both creativity and technology.
The idea of combining visual design with audio is brilliant! It not only builds their confidence in speaking but also helps them express their ideas in a more personal and impactful way.

We can now have a real example of the student’s work, and it’s amazing to see it !
It gives us a clear idea about the level, creativity, and quality of the students involved. Truly impressive.
Looking forward to see more of their creationsand keep up the amazing work! You're not just teaching skills, you're shaping future changemakers. 🥰️️

Warm regards,

@Samreen-Tahir
Your video and description clearly show how the Sustainable Learning Circle combines language learning with digital literacy and civic awareness , a powerful and meaningful blend.

Despite the challenges, especially with limited access to devices and internet, your commitment and creativity are truly admirable. You’re not only teaching English, you’re also empowering young girls to become active, informed, and confident citizens.

Bravo for aligning your work with the SDGs in such a practical way!
Looking forward to seeing how this journey evolves and learning more from your experience.

How do others here integrate digital tools and SDG themes into their teaching, especially when resources are limited? Would love to hear different perspectives

@Izzeddin-Qasem
Thank you for your inspiring words. Despite the war and travel difficulties, you found ways to bring ideas and learning beyond borders. Your Faseeh project is a great example of inclusive education, making complex topics accessible to all.
It’s been an honor sharing this journey with you. Wishing you all the best in the final stage!

@SOBIARANAM-IRFAN
Dear Sobia,
Thank you for your kind message
I truly feel the same . This platform has been a beautiful space to grow, share, and learn from one another.
Your dedication and positivity shine through, and I’m so glad we connected through this journey.
A big thank you as well to the amazing UNESCO organizers for making it all possible!

@Samreen-Tahir
Dear Samreen,
Thank you for your beautiful and thoughtful words.
I completely agree that behind every project is a passionate educator working with heart and hope. This competition was truly a global classroom, full of inspiration and shared purpose.
I’m equally grateful to have crossed paths with changemakers like you.
Wishing you continued success in shaping strong, independent minds. ️

@Shaista-Kalhoro
Absolutely right, Miss!
This UNESCO 3.0 journey taught us not only new ideas and methods, but also about behavior and meaningful relationships.
Proud to be part of it!
Wishing you the best for the jury evaluation!