WSiP exhibits at this year's Expo of Technologies & Equipment for Education

WSiP president Mr Jacek Garlicki

WSiP exhibits at this year's Expo of Technologies & Equipment for Education.

Discussing new technologies in education, the role of publishers in process of introducing innovative solutions and the WSiP's presence at the autumn educational feast -the Exhibition for Education. The interview with WSiP president Mr Jacek Garlicki. 

The greatest event in the sector of educational in this part of Poland is on the horizon. The first Expo of Technologies & Equipment for Education accompanied with the Expo of Technologies & Equipment for Education is a comprehensive event - it discusses most topical issues for Polish education and presents innovative solutions and products cut out for kindergartens, schools, higher universities and educational centres. This year's Kielce Education Expo list of exhibitors includes the brand that has shaped the educational market - WSiP. 

Targi Kielce:  You have been present in the market for over 70 years. The educational publisher has gone through several reforms of the Polish educational system. What is now the biggest challenge for WSiP?

Jerzy Garlicki: Now, in 2016's autumn? Time. Never before has time been in such a great demand as it is now. This is the result of changes in education. On a more serious note - changing expectations and needs of our customers: i.e. students and teachers pose the biggest challenge. Everything is changing rapidly, teaching and learning patterns change in the wake of what happens in the world. E-education, smart phones and educational applications have proliferated.  Thus we help teachers "tame" the new developments; at the same time we try to meet the needs of students. 70 years' history is our obligation, it also authorises us to set new directions.

T.K.: The modern technologies, WI-FI ubiquity, students completely emerged in the Internet, mobile devices - does it have an impact on your products for schools (books, software, systems, etc.)?

J.G.:  Certainly - even though schools are not that willing to embrace the change.  Traditional teaching aids like books, collections activity books, atlases are still the most important. However electronic education has already been settling in our homes and schools.  This trend will intensify with automatic test and homework checking, progress analysis and around the clock access to all the tools.

T.K.: Educational platforms and software as well as a number of trainings offer you direct contact with teachers and school principals. How open is the teaching staff for new technologies?

J.G.:  This question cannot be answered a simple way. Much depends on the education segment, age and teacher in-service experience as well as the school's technological capabilities. I know of schools where whole education process fits in just a tablet and the share of traditional aid is negligible. I know those on the opposite pole, a teacher is afraid to open up a computer in order not to be ridiculed by the class. This requires a large systemic correction. I believe that in few years' time many teachers' and schools' resistance will be crushed.

T.K.: How can a publishing house support a teacher who looks for a way to embrace technological advancements while students have already become digital natives. How to help teaches keep abreast with the changes?

J.G.:  This question should relate to the publishing house's real activities, rather than potentials.  We have been engaged in the process for a few years. First and foremost through trainings manuals, instructional videos. It is a typical approach.  You can teach one only is that person really wants to. We develop our e-offer and show benefits foe a teacher. Or in other words, how much they lose when neglect to use modern developments. Sometimes this type of motivation is the most important so that the teacher willingly explores new technologies.

T.K.: What are you going to present during this year’s Expo of Technologies & Equipment for Education?

J.G.:  Our company: 70 years in business, experience, books for general and professional education, electronics, new courses in mathematics and English for high school last-graders, study aids, and our teacher-training facility ORKA.

T.K.: Why do you think it is worth visiting Targi Kielce and your stand from 5 to 7 October?

J.G.:  Firstly because it is a expo format which abounds with very interesting and important companies; normally we are all a little afraid of these novelties, here together we can have a closer look. I tame them... We look forward to seeing you in Targi Kielce and WSiP's expo stand.

T.K.: - Thank you for the conversation.

The European Education Forum - New Technologies & Innovations in Education and the Expo of Technologies & Equipment for Education are held in Targi Kielce from 5 to 7 October 2016. 

We look forward to seeing you.