AI Push Expands the Horizons of Knowledge in Higher Education: Prof. (Dr.) Sibaram Khara, Sharda University

Sibaram Khara

Many universities and educational institutions worldwide have recognised the growing importance of AI and have introduced courses and programs in this field, shared Prof. (Dr.) Sibaram Khara, Vice-Chancellor, Sharda University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh in an exclusive interview with Sheeba Chauhan of Elets News Network. Edited excerpts:

The Sharda Group of Institutions has been a provider of world-class education since 1996. Please let us know, what were some of the major challenges in the path. How is technology helping in mitigating the challenges?

The Sharda Group of Institutions, as a provider of world-class education, has faced several challenges throughout its journey.

  • Limited resources: Educational institutions often face resource limitations, including infrastructure, faculty, and teaching materials. Technology can help overcome these challenges by offering blended classrooms, digital textbooks, LMS, e-content, Video lectures, and digital libraries including journals and textbooks. These digital resources have improved the effectiveness of classroom teaching and have brought quality resources and students closer.
  • Personalised learning: Every student has unique learning needs and abilities, and catering to individual differences can be a challenge in traditional classroom settings. Technology can assist in personalised learning by providing adaptive learning systems, intelligent tutoring systems, and data analytics. These technologies can track student progress, identify areas of improvement, and provide customised learning experiences to meet individual needs.
  • Communication and collaboration: Effective communication and collaboration between students, teachers, and parents are crucial for a well-rounded education. Technology tools such as online mentoring, online grievance handling, real-time availability of data of students in terms of attendance, marks, grades etc, online forums, video conferencing, and collaborative platforms facilitate seamless communication and enhance engagement among stakeholders. This helps in creating a connected and supportive learning environment.
  • Keeping pace with changing trends: The education landscape is constantly evolving, with new teaching methods, research findings, and technological advancements. Keeping up with these changes can be a challenge for educational institutions. However, technology can play a vital role in staying updated by providing access to talks, and sessions by academicians and industry experts from anywhere in the world. Also, the availability of online courses specific to certain topics or areas expands the horizon of information and knowledge. It enables educators to expand their knowledge base and keep abreast of the latest developments in their respective fields.

What is your vision behind the recently launched Skill Development Center in the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) department of your university?

Sharda University’s decision to launch a Skill Development Center indicates a commitment to enhancing the skill sets of its students and promoting overall quality in education. The Center emphasises equipping students with relevant industry-specific skills to enhance their employability and career prospects.

The Skill Development Center shall serve as a dedicated space where students can receive specialised training, guidance, and support to develop and enhance their skills. This would include both technical skills relevant to their chosen field of study as well as soft skills such as communication, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. The center shall offer high-end and basic-level workshops, training programs, seminars, and other activities aimed at fostering the holistic development of students. We plan to empower our students with enhanced soft skills and enable them to perform better in life through placement or their own entrepreneurship venture.

It may also facilitate a streamlined approach to monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of these skill development initiatives.

Catering to present AI push in the education ecosystem, do you have any specific courses for undergraduate or postgraduate students?

Many universities and educational institutions worldwide have recognised the growing importance of AI and have introduced courses and programs in this field. Sharda University had developed specific courses and specialisations for undergraduate and postgraduate students to cater to the AI push in the education ecosystem. Specialisation like AI and Machine Learning is offered at B.Tech Programme. Besides this courses like AI, AI in the Business Environment, Computation Agents for AI, etc. are offered in various Programmes.

Do you believe that the recently introduced guidelines by the UGC, allowing completion of degrees or diplomas based on earned credits rather than the duration of the course, are a positive step towards accomplishing more in a shorter timeframe?

The guidelines issued by the UGC in India, allow the completion of degrees or diplomas based on earned credits rather than the duration of the course.

Flexibility and customisation: Allowing completion of degrees or diplomas based on earned credits can provide students with greater flexibility in designing their own academic paths. They can choose courses based on their interests, strengths, and career goals, enabling a more personalized learning experience. Time-saving: If implemented effectively, this approach has the potential to enable students to complete their degrees or diplomas in a shorter timeframe. By earning credits at an accelerated pace, motivated students can graduate earlier and enter the job market sooner.

Focus on competency: This system emphasizes the acquisition of skills and knowledge rather than the rigid adherence to a fixed duration. Students who can demonstrate proficiency in a subject area can progress faster, while those who require more time to grasp concepts can have the flexibility to do so without being constrained by fixed timelines.

Curriculum and Credit Framework: The implementation of credit based degree completion requires robust mechanisms to ensure the maintenance of academic standards and quality. The flexibility in choosing extra courses as credit courses will also enhance the quality of student graduating.

Infrastructure and resources: The successful implementation of credit-based systems requires adequate resources, including faculty, infrastructure, and support services. Institutions need to ensure they have the necessary infrastructure to handle increased course load, provide support to students, and maintain a balanced student-faculty ratio. This initiative will improve the quality of education.

Transition challenges: Shifting from a time-based to a credit based system may require significant adjustments from both students and institutions. There might be challenges related to curriculum restructuring, faculty training, and aligning with the industry’s expectations. A smooth transition would require careful planning and coordination.

The World Education Summit has been igniting transformation in the education industry since its initial edition. What are your thoughts on being a part of the 26th edition of this global platform on 4-5 July in New Delhi?

Participating in the World Education Summit can offer benefits such as networking opportunities, exposure to innovative ideas and practices, insights into emerging trends in education, and the chance to contribute to discussions on shaping the future of education. It allows universities and educational organisations to stay updated with the latest developments in the industry and establish partnerships with stakeholders from around the world.


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