“We turned over a new leaf in education”
Speaking at the Türkiye Educational Technologies Summit, President Erdoğan said: “Since the first day we took office, we have turned over a new leaf in education. From physical and technical facilities to class sizes, we have provided our educational institutions with a modern and strong structure that addresses the needs of the age.”
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a speech at the Türkiye Educational Technologies Summit in Istanbul.
“EDUCATION SYSTEMS THAT CANNOT KEEP UP WITH THE AGE ARE DOOMED TO FAIL”
“In today's world, digital technologies, big data, artificial intelligence, quantum computing and many other innovations have a strong presence in every field from economy to transportation, defense to diplomacy, agriculture to trade. While access to information is easier than ever before, the processes of processing, analyzing and using information have accelerated to the same extent. As Türkiye, we are among the countries that are adapting to this dizzying change the fastest and even leading the way in many areas,” President Erdoğan said. “Education is one of the most vital spheres for a country, not only with its physical conditions and technological dimension, but also with its intellectual infrastructure. Education systems that cannot keep up with the age in terms of their curriculum, educators, facilities and capabilities are doomed to fail.”
“WE RENEWED THE CURRICULUM AND FACILITATED ACCESS TO EDUCATION”
“Since the first day we took office, we have turned over a new leaf in education. We put an end to injustices such as the coefficient practice and headscarf bans. From physical and technical facilities to class sizes, we have provided our educational institutions with a modern and strong structure that addresses the needs of the age. We have renewed the curriculum and facilitated access to education. We have significantly improved the technological infrastructure. We have rebuilt an education system that is people-centered and knowledge-oriented, based on our cultural and civilizational values, and in harmony with our national and spiritual characteristics,” President Erdoğan said.
Stating that they will continue to raise competent, well-equipped, self-confident and virtuous young people in every field with the Century of Türkiye Education Model, which takes into account not only the needs of today but also the future, President Erdoğan said: "We cannot deny that the increasing use of artificial intelligence in every field as well as education brings about various problems. This opportunity, which makes research, accessing and interpreting information much easier, unfortunately also encourages laziness and plagiarism.”
Expressing his desire that social media and digitalization exist and add value to life without destroying tradition, values and nature, President Erdoğan said: “With the spread of digitalization at the speed of light, we as humanity feel ourselves facing a digital siege. The organic relationships that can be established with nature, with the ordinary situations of life are being replaced by new products and new tools of the internet and digitalization. As a result, digital bullying and lynch culture threatens and frightens everyone, children, youth or adults alike.”
Noting that aggressive behaviors such as insults, threats, slander, exclusion and humiliation through digital channels pose a serious threat to the mental health of children, President Erdoğan said: “Traumas, anxiety disorders and even suicide cases show how digital bullying and lynch culture can turn into a scourge. Preventing digital bullying, which has become one of the biggest fears of everyone, especially our children, should be among our priorities. While encouraging the use of technology in education, we cannot leave our children, who are the guarantee of our future, at the mercy of digital overlords.”
Stating that freedom does not mean disorder, ignorance of rules, laws and values, President Erdoğan emphasized that they cannot stand by and watch global technology companies, social media channels and digital platforms, whose monthly revenues exceed the annual budgets of many states, invade every aspect of life under the pretext of freedom.
“We cannot allow digital platforms to treat our citizens, youth and children as market materials. Like everyone else, these companies and platforms must act responsibly, not only with profit maximization but also with a sense of responsibility. As Türkiye, we will maintain our decisive and uncompromising stance on this issue,” President Erdoğan said.
