Revolution in global education

In a small village in Maharashtra, India, a young teacher named Ranjitsinh Disale faced a daunting challenge: how to bring education to children, especially girls, in a community where schooling was not a priority. Armed with determination and an unyielding belief in the power of education, Disale developed a groundbreaking solution, QR-coded textbooks, that would go on to transform not only his classroom but also the lives of millions of students worldwide.

This innovative idea propelled Disale to win the prestigious Global Teacher Prize in 2020, in Dubai, solidifying his status as a global education icon. His journey, however, is not just about accolades; it is a testament to how creativity, compassion, and a commitment to change can redefine the role of education.

The story of QR-coded textbooks began with Disale’s quest to make learning accessible to girls in his village. Recognising the barriers they faced including being confined to their homes due to cultural norms, he sought a way to deliver education directly to them. Initial attempts using video and audio files hit technological roadblocks, but inspiration struck when he discovered QR codes during a visit to a local shop. The simplicity and versatility of QR codes became the foundation of his idea: textbooks embedded with codes linking to interactive multimedia content.

“The idea came from a simple observation,” Disale recalls, in an exclusive interview to Friday. “I saw a shopkeeper scanning a QR code, and I thought, why not use this to store and share educational content? That moment sparked a revolution in my classroom.”

Disale’s first experiment with QR-coded textbooks in his fourth-grade class was a resounding success. Students engaged more deeply with the material, and learning outcomes improved significantly. “I designed 27 QR-coded textbooks containing video lessons, audio explanations, and interactive assignments,” he explains. “The results exceeded all my expectations, proving that technology can bridge the gap between resources and learners.”

Encouraged, he expanded the initiative to 300 schools, training teachers and parents on its usage. Within a few years, the state of Maharashtra adopted the model, eventually scaling it nationwide to impact 20 million students.

“In my village, girls’ school attendance reached 100 per cent, and learning outcomes improved by 30% per cent” Disale shares. “Families started prioritising education, realising its transformative potential.”

The global impact of innovation

Disale’s QR-coded textbooks have become a global exemplar of accessible education. Their success underscores a broader lesson: innovation doesn’t have to be complex to be impactful. By addressing real-world challenges with practical solutions, Disale has inspired educators worldwide to think creatively about overcoming limitations.

Winning the Global Teacher Prize in 2020 amplified his voice and provided a platform to advocate for equitable education. “Winning the prize was deeply transformative for me, both personally and professionally,” he says. “It emphasised that education is not just about imparting knowledge but empowering young minds to think critically and creatively.”

Since his win, Disale has spoken at over 1,200 events. “These engagements have included meaningful interactions with education ministers and policymakers, where I’ve had the privilege to influence six nationwide education policies that focus on improving teacher support systems, integrating technology into classrooms, and enhancing equity in education.”

His appointment to the World Bank’s Technical Advisory Team further highlights his role in shaping global strategies to address challenges like accessibility and equity in education.

“Being part of the World Bank team has been an opportunity to bring grassroots perspectives to global education policies, ensuring they are aligned with the real needs of teachers and students.”

Disale’s contributions extend far beyond technology. His teaching philosophy emphasises student-centred learning, tailored to individual needs and learning styles.

“Every student is unique,” he explains. “Some learn best through visuals, others through discussions or hands-on activities. My goal has always been to identify these differences and design lessons that resonate with their strengths.”

One of his most impactful techniques is the use of virtual field trips. With just a smartphone and the Skype app, Disale enabled his students to “visit” 76 countries, exploring iconic landmarks and engaging with experts worldwide. “These experiences broadened their horizons,” he says. “They learned to ask thoughtful questions, interact with peers globally, and imagine possibilities far beyond the boundaries of their village.”

Disale’s journey was not without obstacles. Teaching in a resource-limited environment, he often had to rely on his creativity and determination to overcome challenges. “It’s not the resources that make a difference; it’s how you use them to create meaningful learning experiences,” he says.

For instance, in classrooms without electricity or computers, Disale used mobile devices to introduce interactive learning. He trained nearly 100 other teachers in his state to adopt similar techniques, creating a ripple effect that improved education across the region.

Despite the demands of his global advocacy work, Disale remains deeply connected to grassroots teaching. “Balancing these roles is challenging but fulfilling,” he admits. “My global efforts are rooted in the realities of the classroom, ensuring that every initiative I support addresses real-world needs.”

Education as a tool for change

The visionary teacher firmly believes that education is the most powerful tool for transforming lives and communities. He envisions a future where every child, regardless of gender, background, or location, has access to quality learning opportunities. “The future of education lies in its ability to be inclusive, adaptable, and transformative,” he asserts.

Teachers, he argues, are at the heart of this transformation. “They are not just facilitators of knowledge but change-makers who bridge gaps in access and equity,” he says. “By fostering inclusivity, leveraging innovative tools, and advocating for systemic changes, educators can ensure no child is left behind.”

Teaching is often undervalued as a profession, but Disale’s journey highlights the profound impact educators can have on society. He advocates for public recognition of teachers’ contributions. “Teaching is one of the most noble and impactful professions, yet it often doesn’t receive the respect and recognition it truly deserves,” he says. “Teachers are not just educators; they are mentors, innovators, and builders of the future. They shape young minds, nurture talents, and lay the foundation for thriving communities and nations.”

He feels that one way to change society’s perception is by publicly celebrating teachers’ contributions. “Singapore provides an excellent example. If a teacher in a city or village does exceptional work, their achievements are recognised in public spaces like trains, buses, and airports. There are audio and video announcements highlighting their accomplishments.”

Investing in teachers is equally important, he says. “Providing professional development opportunities, fair pay, and the resources needed to succeed sends a clear message, that teaching matters.

“Additionally, involving teachers in policymaking and education reforms is essential. Teachers are on the front lines of education — they know the challenges and solutions better than anyone. When their voices are heard, society starts to see them as thought leaders and agents of change.”

A call to action

Disale’s story is a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of education. His innovations have not only improved learning outcomes but also challenged societal norms, particularly around girls’ education. “Education is not just a tool for personal growth,” he says. “It’s a vehicle for societal change, capable of breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for everyone.”

Education, the award-winning teacher believes, is about more than just imparting knowledge. “It’s about sparking curiosity, nurturing creativity, and empowering young minds to see themselves as change-makers. These interactions have reinforced my belief that true progress in education lies in bridging the gaps — between access and opportunity, policy and practice, and innovation and equity. They’ve inspired me to think bigger, act bolder, and work tirelessly to ensure that education is a tool for empowerment for every child.”

His vision of a future includes a space where education embraces technology not as a replacement for teachers, but as a tool to enhance their capabilities. “Imagine classrooms where personalised learning is the norm, where each child’s unique potential is nurtured, and where collaboration across cultures and geographies becomes part of the curriculum. This is the kind of education system I envision; one that equips students with critical thinking skills, empathy, and a global perspective.”