Innovations in Online Learning: How Colleges Are Adapting to the Digital Age

Article

By

-

May 11, 2023

Online education which seemed like an alien concept is now a par for the course owing to the pandemic years. Colleges and universities are adapting this form of education a little more every day and also working on optimizing its use and utility as they go along this journey. Many colleges are augmenting their online course offerings by developing new online courses or converting traditional courses into online formats to meet the changing demands of students.

Colleges are utilizing VR and AR technologies to create immersive learning experiences. Students can participate in virtual labs, simulations, and field trips, providing them with hands-on learning opportunities without being physically present on campus. Besides this many colleges are adopting blended or hybrid prototypes, which combine online learning with in person instruction. This allows students to have the best of both the worlds.

Colleges are harnessing various technologies to aggrandize the online learning experience. This includes using learning management systems (LMS) that expedite and simplify course management, student engagement tools such as discussion forums and virtual classrooms, as well as including multimedia elements such as videos, simulations, and interactive content into online courses.

LMS platforms are widely used in online studies to manage course content, assignments, assessments, and student progress. Many colleges are adopting modern LMS solutions that provide intuitive interfaces, mobile compatibility, and analytics to track student engagement and performance.

Adaptive learning technologies are being used to personalize the learning experience for individual students. These technologies use data and analytics to identify the strengths and weaknesses of students and provide customized learning paths to meet their distinct needs.

AI is being used in online studies to provide personalized learning experiences. Adaptive learning platforms use AI algorithms to analyze a student's learning patterns and provide tailored feedback and recommendations to enhance their understanding of the material. Moreover colleges are using virtual labs and simulations to provide interactive learning experiences in online courses that traditionally required physical presence in a lab. Virtual labs and simulations allow students to conduct experiments and practice skills in a safe and controlled online environment.

Incorporation of gamification elements into online courses is another norm being followed by colleges and universities to increase student engagement and motivation. Gamified learning platforms use game-like features such as badges, leaderboards, and rewards to encourage students to complete assignments, quizzes, and other learning activities. Colleges are also utilizing simulations and interactive content, such as virtual labs, interactive videos, and multimedia presentations, to create engaging and interactive learning experiences. These technologies allow students to explore complex concepts and apply their knowledge in a practical manner.

Online education is likely here to stay, after the COVID-19 pandemic this phenomenon has been adopted at an accelerated pace and many colleges and educational institutions have invested in infrastructure, resources, and technology to offer online learning options. It undoubtedly has its challenges like the need for dependable internet access, concerns about academic integrity, and the importance of social interactions; it has become an established and evolving form of education.

Views expressed by Mrinaal Mittal, Director, Unity Group

Revitalising Higher Education through Emerging Technologies: Current Trends, Proven Strategies, and Challenges

Article

By

digitalLEARNING Network

-

May 10, 2023

Higher education is constantly evolving, and emerging technologies are playing a pivotal role in reshaping the landscape of learning and teaching. This dynamic panel discussion will delve into the exciting realm of how emerging technologies can revitalize higher education institutions. From artificial intelligence and virtual reality to blockchain and data analytics, the panelists explored the current trends, proven strategies, and the inherent challenges in integrating these technologies effectively at 25th Elets World Education Summit in Dubai. Edited excerpts:

Dr. Leena Wanganoo, Discipline Lead in Business, Murdoch University, Dubai, UAE shared, “The topic of technology and education has gained significant importance in recent times, particularly after the Covid-19 pandemic. The sudden shift from traditional face-to-face teaching to a hybrid model has posed various challenges for educators and learners alike. These challenges have become particularly pertinent to discuss because of the emergence of advanced technology such as Chat GPT. This is an opportune time to discuss the transformation of higher education and how we can reinvent ourselves to meet the changing needs of our students. We must refine and redefine our entire strategy for higher education to ensure that we adequately prepare students for the future.”

Dr. Sudhindra Shamanna, Academic President, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai, UAE shared, “Firstly, I want to take a slightly philosophical perspective and discuss how we can use technology without being replaced by it. In my opinion, it’s not a question of whether technology will replace most of our traditional teaching methods in higher education, but rather a matter of when it will happen.”

“Secondly, I would like to focus on how quickly and effectively we can integrate technology into our traditional teaching methods, and how it can augment and enhance our teaching practices. This integration will depend on the maturity and sophistication of these platforms. We have heard a lot about fantastic services available in the form of technology, including the latest addition of Chat GPT. However, as academicians, we need to focus on understanding how these tools can be useful in our daily operations and how we can address the challenges associated with them. In this regard, there is still a lot of work to be done from an academician’s perspective. Addressing these issues will enable us to use technology more effectively in our teaching practices.”

Prof. Rao Bhamidimarri, President, Institute of Advanced Research(IAR), Gujarat, India shared, “Technology has been present in education for a long time, particularly in the field of Information Technology (IT), which started with the emergence of platforms like Web CT and Blackboard in the early 1980s. Although the level of technology varied across different fields of study, COVID-19 has accelerated its use. However, it’s essential to note that emerging technologies, current trends, proven strategies, and challenges play a crucial role in effectively integrating technology in higher education.”

Jan Horn, Managing Director, SAE Institute, Dubai, UAE shared, “We live in an exciting time where technological advancements happen every day, and chat GPT is the buzzword of the moment. However, technology in education is not new; it has been around since the days of ink on paper. The theme of this panel discussion is revitalizing education, but it’s more about catching up with technological advancements because technology will always be one step ahead of our ability to adapt it to our schools and educational institutions. We will always find better ways of transferring knowledge, and I am looking forward to discussing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

INIs to be brought under the Higher Education Commission of India

Higher Education

By

digitalLEARNING Network

-

May 10, 2023

The proposed single higher education regulator, the Higher Education Commission of India, is expected to include Institutes of National Importance (INIs), such as IITs, IIMs, NITs, and IISERs, according to the reports.

At the moment, neither the University Grants Commission nor the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) have any authority over central universities (CUs) or INIs (Institutes of National Importance), which are administered by their respective Acts of Parliament. The IITs, IIMs, and NITs deal with the ministry directly on financial problems, whilst the central institutions continue to depend on the UGC for the release of their budgetary funding.

Sources claim that the Education Ministry contemplated include INIs and BUs inside the proposed HECI’s purview while considering the various laws and capabilities of the proposed institution. If the government goes through with the plan, it will undoubtedly give IIMs heartburn because they have been fiercely protective of their autonomy, especially since the IIM Act was passed.

The potential of placing all technical education institutes under the authority of HECI was raised at a presentation by the then-AICTE chairman Anil Sahasrabudhe in December 2021, according to an IIM director who spoke on the condition of anonymity. However, a few IIM directors together submitted a letter to the ministry rejecting the concept in the first few months of 2022.

There are currently 160 INIs, including AIIMS, IITs, NITs, and IIMs. These institutions are able to confer degrees, hold their own examinations, and receive government money. They are also administered by their own senates or boards of governors, but the government does participate to some extent.

ixamBee raises 11 Crore in pre-Series led by S Chand & Co., IP Ventures, and Others

Corporate Updates

By

digitalLEARNING Network

-

May 9, 2023

ixamBee, a well-known online learning platform that specialises in career preparation for students from small towns, was successful in securing equity funding totaling INR 11 Crore. Famous investors, including S Chand & Company, IPV (Inflection Point Venture), Mukesh Sharma Family Trust, Keiretsu Forum, SAN Angles, Mumbai Angels, and Keyur Joshi (co-founder of MakeMyTrip), have contributed to the investment. The investment deal also included a $3 billion secondary transaction. Chandraprakash Joshi, Arunima Sinha, and Sandeep Singh launched ixamBee with the goal of helping students in small towns prepare for tests for employment that are primarily in the government.

ixamBee tackles the issue encountered by students from Tier II and III cities, small towns, and villages who have limited access to high-quality education, with around 80 million graduates in India preparing for diverse occupations in the public and commercial sectors. The platform has a freemium business model and provides free practise examinations for more than 100 exams. Over 12 million students have currently used ixamBee, and 1.9 million of those students have enrolled on the platform.

S Chand & Company and Inflection Point Venture have joined ixamBee as investors, said Chandraprakash, Co-Founder and CEO of ixamBee. “We are thrilled to have S Chand & Company and Inflection Point Venture join ixamBee as investors,” he said. We observe strong business synergies with S Chand being a renowned publishing organisation for competitive exams. Furthermore, the IPV’s current corporate network will be crucial in supporting student employment in the private sector. The reach of ixamBee Learning Experience (iLX) will rise significantly as a result of this relationship. The money generated will be used to fuel expansion by introducing more learning programmes, making investments in content creation, marketing campaigns, and technological advancements.

S Chand & Company underlined the business overlaps when they announced the funding. We are thrilled to be a part of ixamBee’s mission to bridge the gap between higher education and employability by enabling students for employment opportunities in both the public and private sectors. The focus on offering semi-urban and rural students quality and cheap education chances is exactly in line with S Chand’s objective of providing quality and accessible educational possibilities. According to Mr. Himanshu Gupta, Managing Director, S Chand Group, “We identify several synergies with ixamBee in terms of content development, marketing, and meeting the aspirations of the country’s future workforce.”

The Founder and CEO of Inflection Point Venture, Vinay Bansal, recognised ixamBee’s enormous potential in the expanding ed-tech market. He said, “The ed-tech market for higher education is one of the fastest-growing categories within the business and continues to increase significantly. The market opportunity for ixamBee is expanding as thousands of candidates take competitive exams each year. Millions of students are using the platform to access exam papers and study resources as they get ready for their futures. We decided to invest in the company because we connect with its mission.

Edtech firm Cuemath lays off 100 employees

Corporate Updates

By

digitalLEARNING Network

-

May 9, 2023

Cuemath, an edtech company, lay off 100 workers across all functions, blaming it on conservative funding markets, quickly evolving technology, and AI ecosystems.

Manan Khurma, the company’s founder, said on LinkedIn that several jobs and duties are being reorganised to reflect Cuemath’s increasing emphasis on LCX and retention. “While some great individuals who have made significant contributions to Cuemath will be impacted by this, we are dedicated to providing our impacted colleagues with all the assistance they require to facilitate a seamless transition into the next stage of their professional lives. And we are sincerely appreciative of them for contributing to the math mission thus far, he continued.

More importantly, he continued, “given the need to deeply focus on building a great learning and consumer experience (LCX), he will get back into the role of running the company day-to-day as CEO.” The existing CEO of Cuemath, Vivek Sunder, will step down from his full-time position and continue to advise Khurma and the team on topics like acquisition funnels and GTM (go to market) strategies.

The edtech ecosystem, according to Khurma, is at a turning moment because to conservative finance markets, quickly evolving technology & AI ecosystems, and other factors. “Creating learning outcomes for the final stakeholder, the student, must be completely rooted in the future for education enterprises, including Cuemath. We are changing a few things at Cuemath in light of this, he continued.

Effective Leadership for Building Agile & Innovative Higher Education Institutions

Article

By

digitalLEARNING Network

-

May 9, 2023

Effective leadership plays a crucial role in building agile and innovative higher education institutions. In today’s fast-paced and constantly evolving world, educational institutions must adapt quickly to stay relevant and provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. A leader with a clear vision and the ability to inspire and motivate their team is essential in this process. They must be able to navigate the complexities of the education landscape, while also fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration within their organization.

Effective leaders must also stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in education, some of the best minds and leaders joined the discussion on the same at the 25th Elets World Education Summit in Dubai. Edited excerpts:

Dima Rachid Jamali, Dean of the School of Business at the University of Sharjah in the UAE, suggests “that with the easy accessibility of technology and information through Google, traditional methods of classroom learning such as PowerPoint presentations and simple readings are no longer enough. Instead, she proposes that teaching methods need to be completely redefined to make them more interactive, engaging and enjoyable for students.”

Dr. Sunita Singh, the Pro-Chancellor of IES University in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India, believes, “that failure is not the end but the beginning of success. She points out that skill-based education is now a top priority and can be achieved by integrating technology into the learning process. With technology, students can overcome failures and learn through innovation, which is more valuable than just obtaining a degree.”

Dr. Christopher Abraham, the CEO and Head, Senior Vice President of the SP Jain School of Global Management in Dubai, UAE, shared, “that failure is essential for success. He proposes that a culture of celebrating failures should be developed, and students should be encouraged to adopt a “fails fast, fail forward” approach to learning. He cites examples of successful people like Thomas Edison, Oprah Winfrey, Lionel Messi, and Walt Disney, who have experienced multiple failures before achieving success.”

Hani Asfour, the Dean of the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI), suggests, “that this generation of students has access to more knowledge than previous generations. Therefore, traditional teaching methods need to be updated to accommodate this. He proposes structuring classes with co-teaching or having students lead the class by conducting research and sharing their knowledge with their peers.”

Pedagogic Research: An ongoing process to upskill & uplift educators globally: Dr. Harshita Sharma, Brainstorm International

Interviews

By

digitalLEARNING Network

-

May 9, 2023

Quality Early childhood education, restructuring school curriculum, assessment reforms, vocational, skill-based learning and teacher’s professional development can set the new benchmark of excellence in education shared Dr. Harshita Sharma, Founder & Director, Brainstorm International in an exclusive conversation with Sheeba Chauhan of Elets News Network. Edited excerpts:

According to UNICEF, Over 600 million children and adolescents worldwide are unable to attain minimum proficiency levels in reading and mathematics. What do you consider the issue in developing foundational skills in literacy and numeracy?

Children across the globe are denied access to school and learning for various reasons. One of the most stubborn obstacles is poverty and the home environment. Children who experience economic insecurity, political unrest, armed conflict, or a natural disaster are more likely to be excluded from education than other children, including those who are disabled or members of racial or ethnic minorities. Even gender inequality in many nations is also a big hindrance.

A shortage of qualified teachers, and poor educational resources also leads to a lack of motivation. Transforming school’s curriculum by replacing the traditional method of teaching and learning process to empowering learning for life. A perfect combination of IQ + EQ + SQ. Socio-Emotional well-being of children should be considered on priority. The lessons should be more pleasure than pressure.

English should be taught as a skill rather than a subject. A balanced literacy approach combined with Phonics and a whole language approach for teaching literacy curriculum will also reduce the number of struggling students to attain the minimum proficiency in literacy. The focus should be first on strengthening basic skills rather than focusing on all the subjects in the early years. Raising a happier and healthier child along with attaining basic literacy and numeracy skills in early years will build a strong foundation for life.

Quality Early childhood education, restructuring school curriculum, assessment reforms, vocational, skill-based learning and teacher’s professional development can set the new benchmark of excellence in education.

Some two-thirds of the world’s school-aged children do not have an internet connection in their homes. Do you think the digital divide can be a major drawback of the digitization of education?

YES!! A hybrid model acts as the fuel to energize and activate our skills. A digital divide that is of growing concern is compounding these inequities can be a major drawback as education ecosystem has undergone major revolution and still rural schools and homes are deprived of basic amenities.

An estimated 93 million children worldwide live with a disability and these children are overlooked while making educational policies. What are the programs, you have at your school for these differently abled children?

The numbers are increasing every day !!!!! Yet these children are overlooked while making educational policies, isn’t it shocking ???? The rural-urban partnership can be a big support and awareness programs for mainstream teachers and parents should be on priority.

We believe children learn at their own pace in their own style of learning. We are redefining equitable and inclusive education with immersive and engaging learning experiences for children with different needs. We need empathetic teachers who give children a place to grow and learn. The customise blended learning programs are integrated with therapy sessions along with academic needs. Effective intervention programs help children with dyslexia, learning difficulties, ADD/ADHD(Attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder) to achieve foundational literacy skills without stress. We use Arts base therapy and Emotional wellbeing intervention models for effective learning and holistic development. We need to rewire why and how we teach.

How do you see global collaboration in education? Do you think, it can help the foundational stages?

Education should be seen in the broader context of community, economy and development with global collaborations. Pedagogic research is an ongoing process to upskill and uplift educators globally to improve teaching-learning experiences with collaboration in education. We can keep up with the rapidly evolving ecosystem and focus on keeping education relevant, responsible and responsive by raising global leaders who thrive on innovation and creativity. With the adaptation and testing of new techniques that can supplement their areas of expertise, global collaboration helps teachers improve their practises and leaders enhance their professional skills.

How do you think global summits like World Education Summit Dubai can bring innovation and development to the landscape of education in India?

Global summits like the World education summit give the experience of a lifetime and bring together innovation, best pedagogies, and new edge technology under one roof for transforming the education ecosystem. It opens doors to the idea of unlearning to re-learn and make a difference in the life of students globally. Decoding International education, connecting with all stakeholders and brainstorming on transforming teaching-learning processes to be well prepared to deal with the challenges of the 21st century to evolve and revamp in perfect tandem with changing times to innovate design thinking solutions.

This will definitely bring new innovations and development to the landscape of education in India.

Holistic development was one of the major pushes of the New Education Policy. How do you implement the same at your school?

We have a track record of 99 per cent of the children in our institute are confident communicators and excelling in English reading and spelling with joyful learning experiences.

We have included core life skills that includes social awareness, self-awareness, relationship skills, responsible decision making and self management which increases academic achievement and reduce physical aggression. We focus on conceptual understanding, competencies and character learning for holistic development of children.

We have effective interventions for emotional well being of students and teachers. We use 5 step processes by introducing a topic/concept with stories and establish a connection by asking questions, exploring and experimenting. Then conceptual understanding and practice with multisensory approach, activities to apply the acquired understanding in the everyday life experiences and expanding through conversation with friends, role plays, games, singing etc. We ensure a pedagogy that is part of Prakriti (nature), Sanskriti ( Culture ) and Anubhuti (experiential learning).

We inspire and empower teachers towards creative learning, design thinking and mindful classroom management teaching strategies to raise happy rockstar readers and global leaders !!!!

Unleashing the Power of AI in Electronics and Communication Engineering

Article

By

digitalLEARNING Network

-

May 8, 2023

The electronics and communication industry is a technological powerhouse, brimming with innovation and growth. According to Google Scholar, nearly 13 lakh research papers, reports, and patents published since 2017 include at least one of the words – ‘electronic’, ‘communication system’, ‘telecommunication’, or ‘wireless’. From microelectronics to wireless communications, this industry is a multifaceted wonderland of possibilities, with global markets for electronic goods and telecommunication services expected to reach 2.1 and 3.5 Trillion USD, by 2030. However, India currently only holds a 3% share in global hardware electronics production and imports 80% of its domestic demand for electronic goods. India’s electronics export is only 1/58, 1/11, and 1/8 compared to China, Taiwan, and Vietnam, respectively, and also lower than Malaysia, Mexico, Thailand, Philippines, etc. Despite some good growth in electronics manufacturing, India is still far from National Electronics Policy’s 2025 target of $400 billion turnover and 10 million jobs. It’s high time for the country to step up its game in electronics production.

Computing Technologies in Electronics and Communication Engineering

Since its beginning, computing has had a symbiotic relationship with Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE). Computing technologies and ECE are inextricably linked, with each field relying on and supporting the other. ECE provides the physical layer for computing systems and the cyber world. For several decades, computing has played a significant role in all subfields of ECE, including microelectronics, analog electronics, digital electronics, consumer electronics, embedded systems, power electronics, signal processing, communication systems, microwave, etc. It helps in the research, planning, design, development, manufacturing, testing, installation, and maintenance of electronic and communication components, equipment, and systems.

Some early CAD tools for electronic design were developed in the 1960s and 1970s. IBM’s AIDE, HP’s MAC, Tektronix’s ANACAD, UC Berkeley’s CALMA, MIT’s DYNAMO, UC Berkeley’s SPICE, and University of Deusto’s Boole-Deusto, paved the way for today’s highly sophisticated Electronic Design Automation (EDA) software tools with a huge global market, expected to exceed 25 billion USD by 2030. In early March 2023, Naukari.com showed nearly 5,500 EDA job postings.

The origins of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) date back to the 1940s and 1950s with the advent of digital computers. The development of DFT and FFT algorithms in the 1960s and microprocessors and digital signal processors in the 1970s laid the foundations for advanced signal processing techniques leading to applications like speech recognition, speech synthesis, and machine vision. By 2030, the global markets for digital signal processors and machine vision are likely to exceed 120 billion USD and 41 billion USD, respectively. This along with the global sensor market exceeding 525 billion USD, the IoT market surpassing 620 billion USD, and the embedded system market reaching nearly 300 billion USD by 2030, highlights the growing importance of DSP technology. Embedded computing plays a critical role in many sectors including industrial automation, consumer electronics, vehicle electronics, medical devices, agriculture automation, etc. In early March 2023, Naukari.com showed nearly 41,500 job postings for IoT, embedded systems, and DSP engineers.

During the 2nd world war computers were used by radar and encryption systems. The 1950s and 1960s saw the reliance on digital technology and computer control to manage call routing, billing, and other tasks. Bell lab used IBM/360 computer in their Electronic Switching System. In the 1970s and 1980s, the introduction of DSP technology enabled more efficient and reliable transmission of voice and data signals over telephone networks. The development of packet-switching technology further increased the need for powerful computers in communication systems. Computers have been used in satellite communication since the 1960s to manage satellite positioning, encode and decode signals, and control data transmission. DSP was also used to improve signal quality and reliability. The 1990s and 2000s saw the introduction of broadband satellite communication systems that relied on computers for data compression and encryption. Cellular networks and other digital communication technologies further increased the role of computers in telephone networks. In early March 2023, Naukari.com showed nearly 52,000 telecommunications and 5 G-related job postings.

Artificial Intelligence in Electronics and Communication Engineering

The ECE community has been at the forefront of using AI technologies to improve electronic components, equipment, and systems. AI has been playing an increasingly important role in improving electronic design, signal processing, and communication systems, enabling greater efficiency, accuracy, and personalization. Two of the earliest bibliographies on AI were published in 1959 and 1961 by the Electronics Research Directorate of the US Air Force, and IRE Transaction on Human Factors in Electronics, listing 239 and 559 publications, respectively. Expert systems were developed for VLSI in 1980.

AI is used by Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools for design optimisation, verification, synthesis, electronic component placement, reducing power consumption, predicting complex circuit behavior, and data analysis. AI can also identify design errors, check design rules, and optimise processes. AI in EDA tools enhances the design process, reduces design time, and improves device reliability. It is used in the semiconductor industry for process control and optimization, quality control, and testing and characterization of devices. It can also be used in device modeling and design, power management, and chip testing. AI enabled robots perform a range of activities in the semiconductor industry, including wafer fabrication, testing, and assembly. Integration of electronics and AI is also rapidly propelling the global AI chip market, offering a wide range of specialized processors ranging from low-power chips for mobile devices to high-performance processors for data centers, and projected to exceed 260 billion USD by 2031.

AI is used for noise reduction, filtering, feature extraction, detection, and classification of signals in real time. It can perform speech synthesis, speech recognition, speaker identification, music recommendation, as well as object recognition and tracking. It also supports biomedical signal processing for disease detection, diagnosis, and treatment. It is applied in telecom for network planning and optimization, network slicing, resource allocation optimisation, network virtualisation, function virtualisation, smart traffic management, network automation, quality of service monitoring, service personalisation, predictive maintenance, network troubleshooting, detecting and preventing cyber threats, automating customer support, personalising customer interactions, and fraud detection. AI is also used for predictive analytics of network usage data and customer behavior for future planning and customer churn prediction. Global AI in the telecommunication market size is projected to reach $38.8 billion by 203.

Microwave engineers use AI for the design and optimisation of antennas, microwave and millimeter-wave circuits, beamforming, and wireless communication systems, and also process radar signals. AI is also being used in microwave imaging and sensing for medical imaging, security screening, and environmental sensing. Other applications include the prediction of EMC and testing and measurement of microwave circuits and systems, detection and prevention of unauthorised access to wireless networks, as well as spectrum management and allocation.

Automotive and consumer electronics are using AI at multiple levels, including in systems such as smart cars and smart healthcare, as well as edge data centers and micro data centers. End devices like speakers, televisions, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant also use AI. Some smart sensors used in industrial and healthcare applications also incorporate AI, allowing them to detect anomalies and provide real-time feedback. AI applications in consumer electronics include voice assistants, smart home automation, personalized content delivery, predictive maintenance, image and video recognition, fraud detection, and smart shopping to improve the user experience, performance, and efficiency, enabling automated control of devices and services, as well as fraud prevention. Automotive electronics uses AI for autonomous driving, driver assistance, predictive maintenance, traffic prediction, natural language processing, and personalization to improve the driving experience, reduce downtime, and optimize fuel efficiency. The global automotive AI market size is projected to exceed 19 billion USD by 2030.

Interdisciplinary education for preparing Electronics and Communication AI Engineers

Industry 4.0 involves integrating physical, biological, and digital worlds to create new technologies and systems. ECE provides the necessary glue and interface for integrating these disparate worlds. The infusion of AI in ECE has enabled significant advancements in electronic design, signal processing, and communication systems, leading to greater efficiency, accuracy, and personalisation. It is crucial for India to invest in developing and using domain-specific computing and AI technologies to significantly increase India’s share in the electronics and communication industry and also reduce overdependence on imports for meeting domestic demand. Electronics and Communication AI Engineers combine knowledge of ECE and AI to develop intelligent systems to support the planning, design, manufacturing, operation, and maintenance of electronic and communication components, circuits, and systems. Either ECE or CSE graduates can pursue these roles.

According to Klaus Schwab, the founder and chairman of the World Economic Forum, Industry 4.0 requires a multi-perspective approach to problem-solving, where we leverage the strengths of multiple disciplines, technologies, and ways of thinking to create innovative solutions. To equip engineers for the Industry 4.0 era, the engineering curriculum needs to provide a well-rounded education that includes exposure to diverse engineering fields, computing technologies, and non-engineering subjects, in addition to their core discipline. Computer Science and Engineering programs should supplement computer science courses with physical engineering-related courses. Collaborative, interdisciplinary courses should be jointly developed that combine elements of physical engineering, mathematics, and computing and be taught by faculty from multiple departments. Active demonstration of interdisciplinary teamwork by faculty through these courses is crucial to fostering such skills among students.

Common engineering core courses should include topics related to mechanical mechanisms, CAD, computer programming, contemporary production and construction techniques, digital electronics and embedded systems, engineering measurements, mechanical and electrical machines, digital signal processing & communications, automation & control systems, sensors, actuators, data analysis, IoT, etc. Each University can integrate these topics differently based on its strengths and focus, creating different sets of interdisciplinary courses. Conventional mathematics courses in the engineering curriculum can be transformed into computational engineering modeling courses, providing students with a contextualized and integrated understanding of mathematics across various engineering disciplines. Finally, active, integrative, reflective, and collaborative pedagogical engagements are even more crucial for shifting towards outcome-based education (OBE) in engineering education.

Views expressed by Dr. Sanjay Goel, Director, The Institute of Engineering & Technology, JK Lakshmipat University, Jaipur

UAE-India partnership and other international collaborations: Dr. Vishal Arora, JAIN (Deemed-to-be-University)

Article

By

digitalLEARNING Network

-

May 8, 2023

Based on the millennia-old cultural, religious and economic interaction between the UAE and India, the partnership still stands tall and strong. Regardless of what the sector is, the ties between these two countries are held in high regard to the contributions and growth they experience.

India’s extended neighbourhood with the UAE has gained strategic importance due to its geostrategic location, availability of adequate energy resources, home to a significant number of Indians, as well as an important source of remittances to India, and growth prospects for social sectors such as education and health.

Since the beginning of the diplomatic relations between India and UAE, people-to-people contacts have brought in change that promotes and improves social justice, security and confidence of the people in both countries. Given that the UAE is aspiring to transition from an oil-dependent economy to a knowledge-based economy, the India-UAE relationship has the potential to expand to critical areas such as space, Artificial Intelligence, health, science, technology and innovation.

The growing bilateral trade and a growing share of the world economy are shared by India and the UAE on a mutually advantageous basis. Both countries have implemented the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) from May 1, 2022 to boost bilateral trade and investments in the coming years. In the entire term of this partnership, Indians have emerged as important investors within the UAE. With India’s newfound strength in exports, a trade agreement with an important country such as the UAE would help sustain the growth momentum. A trade agreement is also an enabler for two-way investment flows.

With a curriculum filled with promoting skill development, the educational sector in India and UAE works to foster humans who can think logically and analyze properly. With the collaboration between the two nations, skill-based education is promoted for students to develop the most in-demand skills in the market. The education system in these two nations strongly stands on the belief that students should be made industry ready and gain exposure to the corporate world.

There is no doubt in saying that quality education is a primary factor that distinguishes certain countries as top destinations for higher education. Today, India is one of the most preferred destinations for International students because of the quality education, affordable fees and safe and healthy environment for students. Thousands of students from the UAE are driven towards India every year to achieve their career aspirations.

Being a cerebral destination with an illustrious history of talent, India works towards providing quality education with the best faculties for students from everywhere. Several universities, like JAIN (Deemed-to-be-University) provide contemporary education, New-Age industry integrated programs relevant to the global needs at affordable cost.

There are several students who opt for Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Pune as their destination for higher studies. Among these cities, Bangalore is the education hub for students from UAE. Being a city that is a powerhouse to multiple prestigious institutions that give the students the best opportunities to learn and grow in their desired career option. The city serves as a platform for leading global companies inspiring entrepreneurship and groundbreaking work for students to gain the best work experience.

It is not just one sector, but many others where the India-UAE partnership seems to flourish. Regardless of whether it is Automotive, Financial Services or Media & Telecommunications, UAE and India share the common environment of a global network.

Authored article by Dr. Vishal Arora, Associate Director, International Admissions, JAIN (Deemed-to-be-University).

The Emergence of the Middle East as a Coveted Knowledge Destination

Article

By

digitalLEARNING Network

-

May 5, 2023

The Middle East has emerged as a coveted destination for knowledge in recent years. With a rich history and diverse culture, the region is home to some of the world’s leading educational institutions, including universities that are globally recognized for their academic excellence. These institutions offer a wide range of academic programs in various fields, from business and engineering to humanities and social sciences, attracting a growing number of international students seeking high-quality education and unique cultural experiences.

At the 25th Elets World Education Summit that happened in Dubai, a wonderful set of panelists discussed the challenges and opportunities that the middle east provides to the education industry. Edited excerpts:

Aditya Berlia, Co-Promoter, Apeejay Education, India shared, “Over the past few decades, the region comprising UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and other countries has undergone a significant transformation. If we look back to 20 years, 10 years or even 5 years ago, it would have been difficult to imagine the level of development, focus, and industrial growth that we see today. Those of us who are present in the audience have been a part of this journey.”

“Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, the region has handled the situation remarkably well, even better than many other countries in the world. As a result, the region has become a neutral place where everyone is welcome, irrespective of their nationality, race or religion. Furthermore, the region is open to global talent and provides ample opportunities for people from all over the world to work and thrive. As the global talent war looms, this region is the only place where everyone can come together and contribute to its growth and development”, he added.

Dr. Hamad Odhabi, Vice Chancellor for Administrative and Financial Affairs, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, UAE shared, “If you are considering sending your child to study abroad, it is important to choose a high-quality program that offers valuable experiences both inside and outside the university. This includes connections with the industry, which is one of the three essential pillars of a successful educational experience. Fortunately, in the UAE, we offer all of these components. Many universities in the US and UK may rank higher, but it is important to consider the opportunities available in the UAE, which is a multicultural country with a thriving economy and a strong focus on research. “

“The UAE Ministry provides support for program accreditation, faculty development, and standards. Additionally, the rulers of the UAE have opened up many opportunities for international talent, including the golden visa program. At Al Bahr University, we have seen an increase in our international student body, which reflects the many opportunities available here. Ultimately, the UAE is a beautiful and forward-looking country that offers endless possibilities for students who are looking to succeed”, he added.

Dr. Mohammad Khaled, Member of the Board of Advisors – Engineering and IT Programs & Member of the Board of Advisors – CSIT Industrial, British University in Dubai & Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, UAE shared” If I were to go back in time, I would say that I wouldn’t choose to study at university again, much like Elon Musk. However, regarding the debate on whether vocational education or academic education should come first, both are crucial. Personally, I believe that vocational education should be prioritized. But ideally, both should be mixed and balanced in parallel. “

“The academic system should have a mix of two years of vocational education and two years of academic education to prepare students for the future. However, currently, no university in the world offers a mixed education system like this. So, someone should take the lead and implement the change to balance with the market demand from the hiring perspective rather than relying on business practices that may require trial and error”, he added.

Prof. Sasmita Samanta, Vice Chancellor, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, India shared, “I cannot say eliminating, I would say creating opportunities for others also”, I would rephrase it as “Rather than focusing solely on elimination, I believe in creating opportunities for others as well. This can be achieved through traditional means or by providing diverse experiences that allow individuals to join our academy and share their knowledge with students.”

“Universities should prioritize converting knowledge into wealth. However, this approach may not be suitable for everyone as academic success does not necessarily equate to financial gain. Instead, I believe that academic profits are personally fulfilling and provide a sense of achievement that cannot be measured in monetary terms. We should aim to convert knowledge in ways that benefit society and promote personal growth”, she added.

LATEST NEWS

Top Trending News

Top Trending Categories