DHRUV PATEL -

TRANSCULTURAL EDUCATION: BRIDGING THE GAP WITH 21ST CENTURY TEACHING : LITERACY AND 21ST CENTURY SKILLS IN ELT

We believe that everyone has equal value and we have made it our mission to make high-quality learning opportunities accessible for all learners, regardless of their health, personal situation or geographical location. Our 21st-century online platform means that students cannot be judged on their age, background or level of education. Students can interact with their peers and teacher during our live classrooms through their headset or via the chat function. They can chat with the whole classroom and also privately with just the teacher if necessary. At Nisai, we take action when discrimination is experienced by students. Our teachers and students are frequently encouraged to address unfair behaviour by reporting this to the Customer and Student Support Team. Our online platform, the Nisai Virtual Academy, offers anonymity and the security of this has been proven to build confidence. Students also have the ability to login with an alias name so they feel comfortable in the classroom. The platform is built in a way that offensive language is detected and banned. Therefore, any hate speech or act of discrimination in our live online classes is close to impossible. Our teachers regularly remind our students that everyone deserves respect, acceptance and safety in the classroom, despite their differences. Our students feel safer with us and the chances of being bullied are less – our teachers are always ready to intervene when offensive comments are made. We teach our learners acceptance and promote diversity in the classroom. Through education, we are able to make a direct impact on both goals 5 (Gender Equality) and 10 (Reduced Inequalities) within the Sustainable Development Goals 2030. Across Nisai Learning, Nisai House and Lammas School, we can support all learners by providing a safe and secure environment – the care and progress of our learners are at the forefront of the offer.

Dhruv Patel is the Chief Executive of The Nisai Group, an organisation dedicated to providing solutions for students around the world. For over 22 years, Nisai Learning has utilised online and virtual technology as an effective and innovative way of granting access to education.