MHRD launches National Repository of Open Education Resources

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August 16, 2013

New Delhi: The HRD Minister Dr M M Pallam Raju recently launched the National Repository of Open Education Resources (NROER). Addressing the Conference on ICT for School Education in New Delhi, he said that the school education has in the recent times witnessed immense growth. Having promised our children the right to education, leveraging technology is important to expand school system.

The National Repository is a collaborative platform which proposes to bring together the best of digital resources for different subjects domains, across different stages of the school system and in different languages.

The Minister of State for HRD, Dr Shashi Tharoor said that Ministry of Human Resource Development is continuously working towards inclusiveness of Education. In order to make education inclusive, the use of ICT would be quite beneficial. Although technology may not replace the teacher yet it will make teaching more attractive.

The Secretary for Higher Education Mr Ashok Thakur said that ICT initiative is not only promoting school but teachers as well as students also. He said that at present we are connecting 400 Universities and 20,000 Colleges through ICT highways.

The Secretary for School Education and Literacy Mr Rajarshi Bhattacharya said that ICT which is developed by NCERT will improve teaching quality at school level.

Over 200 delegates from the Government, NGOs and the private sector participated in the two-day Conference organised by MHRD and NCERT. The National Conference brought together a variety of stakeholders- policy leaders, practitioners, researchers, implementation agencies and developers of content to examine the policy in the light of their insights and impressions, identifying gaps in the system and suggesting a roadmap for implementing the policy.

The Conference aimed to evolve a roadmap for using ICT into schools and help teachers and children make best use of the opportunities that ICTs provide. Based on National Curriculum Framework, the ICT Curriculum for teachers and students intends to provide a holistic introduction to ICT in education.

Mumbai University to launch virtual classroom

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digitalLEARNING Network

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August 16, 2013

Mumbai University will start an automated virtual classroom from the coming weekend. The inauguration event to be held on August 17 at the University’s Kalina campus will be live-streamed across affiliated colleges through the facility.

The system is supposed to be modelled on the virtual classroom at Harvard University. The room with 58 seats will also be connected to an auditorium with a capacity of over 300.

All the facilities on the internet will be made available under the NME-ICT (National Mission Education through Information and Communication Technology) of the ministry of human resources development, and the A-VIEW virtual learning tool designed by Amrita University.

The facility will lead to maximum utilisation of limited resources and solve the problem of shortage of qualified teachers. It will also make interactive learning possible. Furthermore, students and teachers of the University colleges in remote places will now be able to attend important conferences or meetings that will be conducted at the university and transmitted in their classrooms.

The University will initially use the classroom to live-stream special lectures by eminent resource persons, workshops and conferences, but it hopes to bring about a huge change in academic activities at the university and its affiliated colleges in the long run. The session videos will also be available on the University’s site for students who wish to view it later.

Nearly 420 out of 700 colleges affiliated to Mumbai University have already enrolled for the digital system, A-VIEW.

Cyber & Information Securities introduced as a subject at UG and PG levels

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digitalLEARNING Network

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August 16, 2013

The University Grant Commission (UGC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) have asked Universities and Technical Institutions to introduce Cyber Security and Information Security as a subject at the Under-Graduate and Post-Graduate levels. This was stated by Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Dr Shashi Tharoor in Lok Sabha recently.

He said that based on the recommendations of the Task Force on the National Security System constituted on the direction of the Cabinet Committee on Security, the UGC has requested the Vice Chancellors of all the Universities to ensure that Cyber Security/ Information Security is introduced as a subject in the universities and technical institutions at the under-graduate and post-graduate levels. AICTE has intimated that following the recommendations of the the Task Force, it has made provisions in the Approval Handbook that out of the two divisions allotted at the Post-Graduate and Post-Diploma levels, one shall be on Cyber Security or in Cyber Security related courses in the Computer/ IT branches of Engineering/Technology.

The Courses on this vital field have been started in 34 institutions at 15 States and one Union Territory.

Allahabad University to soon implement concept of mobile learning

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digitalLEARNING Network

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August 14, 2013

Authorities of the Institute of Professional Studies (IPS) at Allahabad University are all set to introduce the concept of mobile-learning. Currently, the University is finalising the needed infrastructure for this technique and it would soon start its trial run on the campus.

The new technology based initiative will use mobile technology enabled learning solution for imparting English proficiency and work-place skill. The programme was launched recently at Centre of Food Technology where a joint training programme of teachers and learners was held.

mEducation, enables anytime, anywhere learning through any portable device, such as a tablet, laptop or even mobile phone that provides access to educational content through mobile connectivity (2G, 3G, or 4G complemented by mobile-based Wi-Fi).

The portable language lab consists of 21 tablets (20 student version + 1 teacher version), packed in a trolley (which provides storage, wireless access point, transportation & charging). Internet connectivity is provided through a CISCO router. The trolley also has a projector and speakers so that teacher can project from anywhere. The tablets are pre-loaded with the course work, English Edge designed by LIQVID, a Noida based company.

Through the new initiative the University authorities aim to improve the way education is imparted and thereby enhancing learning outcomes which includes simplifying access to content and experts, overcoming traditional constraints of time, location and collaboration.

CBSE-Trinity College partner to impart assessment training on communication skills

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digitalLEARNING Network

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August 14, 2013

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has tied up with the Trinity College, London to train the teachers of schools affiliated to the board for the implementation of the assessment of speaking and listening (ASL) skills. CBSE introduced ASL in all affiliated schools for classes IX and XI in an attempt to integrate English language in the curriculum. In the CBSE curriculum document for secondary schools there is a provision of 20 marks weightage for assessing ASL in IX and X.

As part of the tie-up, the school Principals will identify senior teachers of English from their respective schools who will be eligible to take the online screening test to qualify for examiner trainers in the ASL. The teachers who qualify will be invited to the examiner trainers workshops scheduled in August, September, November this year and in January 2014. The examiner trainers would then be responsible for cascading the assessment training to teachers in schools in India and affiliated schools abroad.

In an increasingly competitive world, good communication skills play a pivotal role as they raise the self esteem of a student, and CBSE aims that the students acquire proficiency in it by the time they leave school. Over 12000 schools are affiliated to CBSE.

Government initiates opening up of 2,500 model schools under PPP mode

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August 13, 2013

The process of setting up 2,500 model schools under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode has been initiated by selection of entities. This was stated by Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Dr. Shashi Tharoor in Rajya Sabha recently. He said that, however, the estimated number of schools to be set up is dependent upon the interest shown by the private entities. The Ministry has identified 3,203 blocks in the country, which are not educationally backward.

The private entities will acquire land and then develop, design, build, finance, provide infrastructure, operate, maintain, manage and own these schools. The Government will contribute to the recurring cost on a per capita basis for the 980 select students of a maximum student strength of 2,500 per school permitted under the scheme. Besides, a sum equal to 25% of such support for each sponsored student, not exceeding an amount equal to 10% of the capital investment in the school, shall also be provided as infrastructure grant. The initial agreement for such provision of quality education would be for 10 years for each school, which is extendable by mutual consent.

The Government has decided to set up 6,000 model schools at the rate of one school per block as benchmark of excellence. Out of these, 3,500 schools are to set up through the respective State/UT Government in educationally backward blocks (EBBs) and the remaining 2,500 schools are to be set up under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode in blocks which are not educationally backward. The model schools are to be set up based on the Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) template with infrastructure and faculty as per norms of the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan.

ELS India Launches Australia Counseling Division

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digitalLEARNING Network

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August 12, 2013

ELS International Education Pathways Private Limited (ELS India), an Educational Service company specialised in admissions and counseling services, has announced the expansion of their operations by launching the Australia counseling division for prospective students aspiring to study in Australia.

The noble launch started with the lighting of the Lamp by Michael Carter, Trade Commissioner and Consul Commercial, Australian Trade Commission, Australian Consulate, Chennai followed by the “ELS Australian Brochure Release” that enlightens student pathway opportunities for studying abroad in Australia.

ELS India for the past two years has been successfully providing overseas education counseling and admissions services to Indian students exploring education in the USA and other countries. With the launch of the Australia counseling division, ELS opens its doors to students interested in pursuing their higher education in Australia. ELS will continue to provide counseling to students to meet their educational goals and financial capabilities. The Australian counseling service is free of cost and students will be guided by Australian-educated and ELS certified counselors who have also successfully completed their Education Agent Training Course (EATC) Certification. Assistance would be offered to students with short listing of universities, application processing, visa guidance, pre-departure and post-arrival services.

ELS India aims to help students at every stage of their preparations to study abroad through its various services. With established Indian Headquarters in Chennai, ELS has already expanded its counseling offices to Bangalore and Coimbatore and planned to open eight more offices in all major and developing cities in India.

Mallik Sundharam, Director, ELS India shared, “ELS India is committed to extending its unbiased and quality counseling to students choosing Australia as their study destination. Australia is a young, dynamic and multicultural country that attracts the third largest number of international students in the world.”

Intelivisto to assess students’ entrance test preparation

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digitalLEARNING Network

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August 12, 2013

Intelivisto Consulting Pvt Ltd, an e-learning solutions provider will conduct a National Assessment Test (NAT) from October 2 – October 4, 2013 through its online portal. This exam will be conducted separately for students studying in class XI and class XII in an online mode from home, schools or cybercafes. Students shall compete for top prizes worth more than 2, 00, 000 and 50 prizes worth rupees 50, 000. The test has been designed with an objective to provide timely assessment of students preparing for exams like JEE Mains, JEE Advance, BITSAT, IPU CET, UP SEE, etc and helps them to work upon weak areas as well before the actual entrance exam. This exam also helps students to go through a national comparison matrix and predict their possible rankings among a wider audience.

Students taking the test are entitled to a detailed performance analysis report highlighting the time weightage report, historical analysis, Percentage and Percentile analysis and detailed solutions. Besides these benefits, they also get access to 12000+ practice questions with solutions as well as free doubt clearing classes for the next three months. Moreover, students can create their own test, challenge their friends and participate in discussion forums where sharper minds meet.

Gaurav Pal, CEO, Intelivisto, commented, “This exam is designed to help students do a self-assessment and prepare themselves for the actual entrance exams. It is our endeavor to provide as much assistance as possible to these students in their preparations.”

A minimum cost of Rs 250 is chargeable from students to enroll for the NAT 2013 online. Students from economic weaker sections will be exempted from this registration fee.

Meritnation.com launches special I-Day Campaign for students

Corporate Updates

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digitalLEARNING Network

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August 12, 2013

Meritnation.com, India’s largest online education portal for school students, has announced a ‘Meri Padhai Meri Aazadi’ campaign commemorating India’s 67th Independence anniversary celebrations. It has announced a 15-day Free Trial offer for all the students who register on www.meritnation.com/freedom.

As a part of this offer, students who register on the website on or before the midnight of 15th of August 2013, will have access to the entire range of resources for their class for a period of 15 days. Students will therefore be able to explore multimedia tutorials, revision notes, chapter tests, model test papers and LIVE test series for their class at absolutely no cost.

Core to the belief behind the launch of the Meritnation ‘Meri Padhai Meri Aazadi’ initiative is the idea of giving access to quality educational resources to the students so that they can effectively evaluate power of ‘anytime anywhere’ learning.

“Thanks to technology, learning now is now all pervasive. Online learning aids complement classroom learning. With the help of online resources, students can now clarify the concepts that are taught in the class and can even prepare themselves for topics that will be covered in the future. The idea of setting their own pace for studies liberates students and accelerates their learning curve” adds Pavan Chauhan, Co-Founder & MD- Meritnation.com.

Sushma Berlia bags Exemplary Leader Award

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digitalLEARNING Network

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August 12, 2013

Sushma Berlia, President, Apeejay Stya Group & Svrán Group was recently conferred the ‘Exemplary Leader Award’ for her ‘Outstanding Contribution towards Industry & Academia’ in the fourth edition of Asia’s Best Employer Brand Awards 2013, held in Singapore.
The award ceremony was hosted by the Employer Branding Institute and World HRD Congress with CMO Asia as Strategic Partner. It was endorsed by the Asian Confederation of Businesses.

Sushma Berlia has unveiled the souvenir for the event. Organised for a professional cause, the awards are presented to organisations and individuals who have surpassed several levels of excellence and set an example of being a role model and an exemplary leader. The objective at core is bench-marking talent and HR practices.

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