Bringing Class Education to the Mass

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July 5, 2012

http://myra.ac.in

Shalini Urs, Executive Director, Myra Business School, in conversation with Sheena Joseph Cherian, shares her vision for furthering the goals of education through her institution

Tell us about the mission and vision of Myra Business Institute.
The institute’s founders, including me, have been in the academia for the last 35 years. I have also founded another institute and my husband has also been associated with the National Accreditation Assessment Council for the past 15 years. We were inspired by the idea of improving the quality of education and hence Myra Business Institute came into being. I would like to quote Mahatma Gandhi here, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” So, we thought of starting and setting up of this Institute. Apart from the quality engine in it, we also have world class faculties. Today Myra is a globally recognised B-School with world class faculty and infrastructure.

Tell us about your employee training programme for companies.
We are in touch with companies like Intel, Infosys and Dell. We are talking to them in terms of their requirements and accordingly some of the programmes have been customised. The state university is collaborating with Myra School of Business to offer these executive education programmes. So these are jointly organised and jointly certified. The centre for executive education at Eastern Illinois State University (EISU) and our centre have collaborated to come up with these corporate training programmes.

What is the major ICT Initiative taken in Myra?
ICT is interwoven in all we do. For example, our admission process is completely online. So the one showing interest to Myra School can apply online and submit the application. We have an online application system through which one can complete the admission process, and upload their documents and make the payments. Secondly, for our day to day activities, like news updates we are using Facebook. Many of the students get to know what we are doing through Facebook updates. Apart from our all inclusive website, we also use YouTube channel.

Do you think regulations and regulatory bodies are hampering/ promoting the cause of education in India?
I don’t think that the regulatory bodies are hampering the growth of education sector as such. We need to have a regulatory body. As I see it, whether it is AICTE or any regulatory body, they are basically setting up minimum standards so that every institution caters to it and ensures the provision of such minimum standards whether it is infrastructure or faculty or any other thing, in terms of library, books and other resources, like labs. So the regulatory bodies set up the minimum benchmark. Once we have satisfied this benchmark, we can start aspiring for global benchmarks. For example, as per the regulation set by AICTE, you need to have a particular classroom size. I think the regulatory bodies set up a standard to ensure the delivery of education. I do not think that they are actually hampering education.

Are there any unique innovations going on in Myra School?
Besides the world class faculties and reasonable fee structure there is lot of innovative ideas that we use in our system of education. Based on the educational psychology concept called ‘Absolute Engagement’, which means that a person will be engaged only on one object at a time, the absolute engagement has been designed. The retention, absorption and the detention are high. The second innovation is the research based learning model. This model encourages our students to think. Beyond the classrooms, we are giving opportunities to our students to interact with industry leaders. We are also developing a ‘Network of Mentors’. Every alternate Friday, or once in 2 weeks, we bring one mentor to Myra institute for a face to face interaction with students. This mentor spends one and a half days with the students in very informal settings.

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digitalLEARNING Network

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July 5, 2012

The Pearson chain of schools was established in 2008, with the aim of delivering world-class education at an affordable
price. Pearson Schools manage, operate and build high quality schools that focus on quality control and standardisation.
Started off with an ambitious target of having 100 schools within 5 years, today Pearson Schools is the fastest
growing chain of schools in India, with over 27 schools in India and Nepal. Pearson School offer complete solutions to
schools. Different schools in India using Pearson solutions share their experience with new innovative tools in education.

A Tablet for Healthier Education

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digitalLEARNING Network

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July 5, 2012

Major breakthroughs usually happen when what is feasible suddenly meets what is a desperate necessity. We are talking about the Tablet PCs, which have taken the world of education by a storm within a relatively small period of time and we have taken it up as the cover feature for the month
One of the first initiatives of the new elected Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh was to announce free tablets for every student who has completed Class X. Not to be left behind, Goa’s new Chief Minister too announced that all Class V and VI students in the state would be given tablet computers. Ministry of Human Resource Development has also been endorsing the Aakash tablet with an objective to close the digital divide.
Many schools, colleges and universities have begun experimenting with tablet computers and classroom integration initiatives that vary from campus-wide distributions to small-scale, single-class pilots. These programmes are designed to provide evidence of improved student learning and engagement. We have collected the views of all sections of the Tablets space – the hardware makers, the software solution providers and finally the institutes where the systems are actually being deployed.
There is no doubt that the top-quality Tablets based learning platforms could enable budget-strained institutions in the country to bring vibrancy to their classrooms. Teachers and the students will have the ability to download the best lectures, and all kinds of interesting courseware. When you look at magnitude of the problems that we face in the education space, the Tablets seem to be very good news. Of course, lot of work needs to be done to ensure that the quality of hardware is good, and the content is conducive for better learning outcomes.
Despite the bottlenecks arising out of poor infrastructure and traditional mindsets, the impact of the digital learning industry has been rising steadily. In this issue of digitalLEARNING, we have focussed on some of the core areas of education. We have explored ERP in schools and higher education, CCE in schools, STEM education in schools. To bring out the factual position of the industry in each case, we have interacted with a host of stakeholders, who are actively engaged in creating the solutions. We have also collected the views of the institutions where the solutions are being implemented.
There is a need to explore these topics deeper and other fields need to be acknowledged. We look forward to continue these discussions in the World Education Summit, the most prestigious education event, scheduled for 23rd and 24th July, 2012, at Le Méridien, New Delhi, where educators, practitioners, service providers, policy makers from around the world will converge on for two days of knowledge sharing and discussion. The July issue is part of the special series that is focussed on making an in depth analysis of the education space in the country. It gives me great pleasure to invite all of you to be a part of the World Education Summit, where we will be having an invigorating discussion on the best ways of improving educational outcomes in the country. Finally, I would like to thank Professor S S Mantha, Chairman, AICTE, for being the guest editor of the entire series of issues of digitalLEARNING that have been brought up in the run up to the prestigious World Education Summit.

Manipal Global Education in Association with Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Offer Banking Training Program

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digitalLEARNING Network

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July 5, 2012

Manipal Global Education Services (MaGE), in association with Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Ltd (TMB), has announced the launch of a customised Banking Training Program with the signing of a MoU in Bangalore.

The Banking Training Program is a customised six months full-time residential program that has been designed to equip trainee officers of Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Ltd with necessary domain knowledge in Banking, and also enhancing competency and soft skills. Upon successful completion of the program, the trainee officers will be awarded a Diploma in Banking Certificate by MaGE. The first batch is scheduled to start in August 2012 at Bangalore.

Speaking on the occasion K B Nagendra Murthy, Managing Director and CEO, Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Ltd said, “We are happy to announce the start of this program in association with Manipal Global Education Services. The program is aimed at equipping officers with that extra knowledge and skills that reflects excellence in banking & services.”

V Sivaramakrishnan, Executive President, Education Services, MaGE said, “We are delighted to enter into this partnership with Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Ltd. MaGE aims to provide quality education, training and skills with strong industry connect and this program with Tamil Nadu Mercantile Bank reflects that deep interest and commitment. This MoU reinforces MaGE’s role as an end-to- end integrated learning & training solutions provider.”

The Banking Training program, conceptualised and designed by the Tamilnad Mercantile Bank and Manipal Global Education Services, will be run at Manipal’s Bangalore training campus.

Pressmart Launches Tablet Based Interactive Application

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digitalLEARNING Network

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July 3, 2012

Pressmart, Online publishing provider, has announced a Mobile Learning Classroom Application (MOCA). It is tablet based end-to-end solution for schools.

The Hyderabad-based firm announced deployment of its application by La Salle Green Hills (LSGH), a school in Manila, Philippines. It also plans pilot projects in India, Singapore, Malaysia and Australia in the coming months.

MOCA allows school going children to access text book
s and worksheets in a digitised format on an Android-based tablet. The solution costs $100 for a year’s education.

V K Torpunur, Chairman, Pressmart, said, “MOCA is based on a private cloud-based interactive education system aimed at making learning an interesting, enjoyable and collaborative experience on mobile devices.”

The e-tablet initiative involving Pressmart, MOCA consists of a five-phase implementation. The first, on-going, phase involves merely replacing textbooks with the tablet devices. MOCA will be sold in India at the price range of Rs 4000 – Rs. 7000 for institutions.

S Vaitheeswara Replaces Anand Sudarshan at Manipal Global Education

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digitalLEARNING Network

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July 2, 2012

Manipal Global Education Services (MaGE) has announced the appointment of S Vaitheeswaran as its MD & CEO. He takes over from Anand Sudarshan who has led the company for the last six years, and has steered the group commendably to become a key player in this space both in India and Globally. Anand will continue to be member of the Board of Directors of MaGE, while pursuing his other interests.

Vaitheeswaran has been part of MaGE since last September as its Chief Operating Officer and has brought with him expertise in the areas of operational & business excellence, both in Indian and global markets. Prior to joining MaGE, Vaitheeswaran was associated with Infosys BPO for over six years. As Vice President for Business Excellence and Head of India Business there, he was responsible for driving global service delivery excellence across all businesses. His experience at Eicher Motors saw him cultivate expertise in the areas of Sales and Marketing, Supply Chain Management, Operations and International Business.

Remarking on the change, Anand said “This has been in my radar for a while now and has been part of the succession plan at MaGE. Vaithee has been very quick to settle down, and, the Board and I are confident he is the right leader to steer the company to greater heights. I congratulate Vaithee, and I wish him & his team the very best”.

Speaking on his new role at MaGE, Vaitheeswaran said “MaGE has over the last few years forayed into diverse segments and grown rapidly. At the same pace, it has leveraged technology to empower students with its quality education and innovative learning methodologies. MaGE is now poised to move in its next phase of enhancing its global footprint with campus based units & education services. I am excited and look forward to contributing to its success globally, in addition to new growth levels in the domestic markets in corporate education, training and continuous learning space.”

Kunskapsskolan Opens Its Doors in Gurgaon, Haryana

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digitalLEARNING Network

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July 2, 2012

Kunskapsskolan a Sweden based pioneer in personalised school education has announced its entry into India. Operating a chain of 37 schools across Sweden, the US and the UK, Kunskapsskolan School Company is renowned for its novel approach that ensures excellent student performance. Having already created waves in other countries, Kunskapsskolan has set up Kunskapsskolan Eduventures Pvt Ltd – a joint venture between Kunskapsskolan Education and Gyandarshan Eduventures – to establish its footprint in India. Accordingly, Kunskapsskolan Eduventures will open its first Kunskapsskolan School at Gurgaon in April 2013, offering K12 education to Indian and international students.

The announcement was made by the former Education Secretary of Sweden and Executive Vice President of Kunskapsskolan Education, Mr Odd Eiken, Mr Kunal Bhadoo Chairman & CEO, Kunskapsskolan Eduventures Pvt. Ltd and Mr Prashant Bhalla, Director, Kunskapsskolan Eduventures, at a press conference in New Delhi.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Kunal Bhadoo, Chairman and CEO of Kunskapsskolan Eduventures said:

“Indian students need to master global challenges, for which the educational style and delivery have to evolve apart from the content. Students at our schools will benefit from a truly global exposure in terms of teachers and interaction with their student counterparts in other global locations. Our students will be groomed as Leaders through a unique blend of personalised mentoring yet becoming independent and taking responsibility of their development from a very early stage, with a structured global curriculum that includes local CBSE requirements. Students will experience the allure of a learning system that facilitates the full blossoming of their innate potential. This will be a one of its kind educational concept in the country”.

About Kunskapsskolan’s entry into India, Mr Odd Eiken, Executive Vice President, Kunskapsskolan Education said: “As one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, India has immense potential in the education sector, which has yet to reach its zenith. Considering our tried-and-tested methodology that produces a higher number of students graduating summa cum laude, Kunskapsskolan School’s entry into the country could augment the robust pool of talent produced every year. We are also hopeful that in the years ahead, Kunskapsskolan alumni will make their presence felt in different verticals of the Indian economy.”

The curriculum at Kunskapsskolan will be adapted to the IPC (International Primary Curriculum) and Indian CBSE exam board. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to master content from Kunskapsskolan Schools following the American, UK and Swedish boards, to provide a truly global knowledge outreach.

The Swedish name ‘Kunskapsskolan’ means “The Knowledge School” in English. Kunskapsskolan Education was founded by social entrepreneur Peje Emillson in January 1999, fired by the vision of creating a school where personalized education was the hallmark. Since its inception, each Kunskapsskolan student is allowed to be different – a difference that’s respected and encouraged to ensure students receive the best beginning in life. Kunskapsskolan’s academic record in national tests is higher than the average for Swedish schools, with more than 60% Kunskapsskolan schools ranked among the best-performing schools in their districts.

While the main task of the school is to impart knowledge that students imbibe at their own pace, Kunskapsskolan aims to provide each pupil with additional skills for personal development, which is imperative in today’s world so full of vast flows of information, rapid transitions and innovative technologies. Kunskapsskolan’s student-friendly methods ensure students inculcate the self-assurance and wherewithal to confidently meet any unexpected challenges in their personal and professional lives.

Guided by teachers and parents, each student sets his or her goals and develops strategies to meet the goals. Given Kunskapsskolan’s novel teaching methods, the teachers, timetable and learning spaces are adapted to the specific needs of students who are at the centre of all activities – not the other way around, as in conventional schools. With the teaching-learning process centred around students’ needs, goals and ambitions, teachers act as the partner, coach and mentor in achieving long-term goals.

As it prepares for the 2013 launch in India, Kunskapsskolan School’s Mr Prashant Bhalla, Director Kunskapsskolan Eduventures believes its student-friendly, creative teaching system will establish new paradigms in Indian education and produce students who thereafter become leaders in the various verticals they enter.

NSE, IIM Shillong Join hands to Offer PG Programme in Financial Markets

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digitalLEARNING Network

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June 30, 2012

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Indian Institute of Management, Shillong (IIMS) have come together for a unique partnership. The two institutions are planning to start the first ever two year full time Post Graduate Programme in Financial Markets (PGP-FM), offered by an IIM.

Ravi Narain, Managing Director & CEO of NSE and Ashoke K. Dutta, eminent academician and Director of IIM Shillong has signed an agreement at the NSE office in Mumbai, to take this forward.

The government has been focusing on developing infrastructure and creating job opportunities in the North East. Since education and skill development is one of the focus areas, this tie up with IIM Shillong is a move to contribute towards the development of this region.

Speaking on the occasion,Ravi Narain, Managing Director & CEO, NSE said, “We are happy to be associated with a prestigious institute like IIM Shillong and we hope that this post graduate programme will help in honing the trading and investment skills of students and working professionals and make them more eligible for the job market.’’

Ashoke K Dutta, Director, IIM Shillong said, “The collaboration will go a long way towards capacity building and creating expertise in areas in which the demand exceeds supply. This will help accelerate the development of the financial sector and the growth of our economy.”

In addition to the two year PG programme, NSE and IIM Shillong will also offer a number of advanced level certifications and Management Development Programmes in financial markets.

The PGP-FM course will be a combination of general management subjects and highly specialized subjects in financial markets such as Financial Valuation and Modeling, Equity Research, Technical Analysis, Derivatives trading strategies and financial engineering.

The PGP students will be able to get a global perspective as the programme will include a visit to international markets. The students will be able to simulate market conditions and develop trading, investment and portfolio management skills through a simulated market software, specially designed by NSE.

Open-Book Exam on the Cards for CBSE Students

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digitalLEARNING Network

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June 30, 2012

Inspired from US and UK, the Indian HRD Ministry planning to introduce open book examination system for class X and class XII CBSE students from next year. The objective is to do away the rote learning system.

A committee on school examination reforms, headed by CBSE Chairman Vineet Joshi, is working to give final shape to the proposal. The ministry is keen on introducing the new examination system in the CBSE schools in 2013.

Under the system, situation-based subjective type questions would be set that would require a student to think, analyse and apply his knowledge to arrive at the answer.

This will assess the students’ understanding of their subjects and encourage critical thinking instead of their capacity to memorise and reproduce the same, which causes much “stress” on their minds.

Although, it is being termed as open-book examination, students will not be allowed to answer questions while keeping books with them in the examination hall. They will rather be informed in advance about the passages or chapters in their books from where questions will be asked.

“The basic objective behind introducing the open-book examination system is to encourage students towards understanding the subject rather than just memorising the contents of their books and reproduction of the same in the examination. A shift in emphasis to testing the competencies away from memory would certainly reduce stress among children,” a ministry official said.

Another aspect is that it will have a “tremendous impact” on promoting the right mental sets in both learning and teaching, subsequently adding value to the education system, he said.

The system has been successfully introduced in countries like the US and UK where analytical question papers are prepared to assess students’ understanding of a subject than their memory.

In these countries, though candidates are allowed to keep their textbooks with them in the examination halls, they are of no use as questions are set in such a way that they cannot find direct answers just by flipping pages, the official said.

Prof M S Ananth, Ex Director, IIT- Madras Joins CMC

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digitalLEARNING Network

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June 29, 2012

CMC Limited, a subsidiary of Tata Consultancy Services Limited, announced that the Company’s Board of Directors has appointed Prof M S Ananth as Independent Director with effect from June 27, 2012.

Prof Ananth is a B.Tech from Madras University and ME/PhD from University of Florida, USA. He was Director, IIT-Madras from 2001 to 2011 and is a visiting Professor of India Institute of Science, Bangalore. Prof Ananth has made significant contributions to Research in Chemical Engineering and Thermodynamics and also authored a number of publications. He was primarily responsible for the creation of IIT-M Research Park. This has increased our unique environment for innovation and entrepreneurship and has promoted extensive collaboration between Institute and Industry.

Prof Ananth was on the Board of Tata Chemicals and at present he is a director of Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited and UCAL Fuel Systems Limited.

“Prof Ananth’s extensive experience in Research will enrich the deliberations of the CMC Board and I am sure that his contribution and counsel will be of great value to the Company in the years to come,” said S Ramadorai, Chairman, CMC.

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