Indian Education- A guiding light for achieving the shared vision of G20: Jaspreet Lidder, Oxford International School

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April 3, 2023

Education is one of the critical drivers of economic growth and development. The G20, a group of the world’s largest economies, recognizes the importance of education and has identified it as a critical area for achieving its shared vision of sustainable and inclusive growth.

India has made significant strides in education over the past few decades. The country has one of the largest education systems in the world, with over a million schools and nearly 40,000 higher education institutions. The government has also launched several initiatives to improve the quality of education and increase access to it.

One of the most significant initiatives in this regard is the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) program, which aims to provide universal elementary education for all children in the country. The program has successfully increased the enrollment of children in schools and improved the quality of education.

Another important initiative is the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), which focuses on improving the quality of secondary education. The program has helped increase the number of schools offering secondary education and improve the quality of education at this level.

India has also been at the forefront of digital education. Several initiatives are launched yearly to promote digital learning, including the SWAYAM platform, which offers free online courses to students across the country. Additionally, the Indian government has also launched the National Digital Library, which provides access to millions of books and journals to students and researchers.

India’s efforts in education have been noticed. It has made phenomenal progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. India has also been praised for promoting gender equality in education.

In conclusion, India’s education system has the potential to be a guiding light for achieving the shared vision of the G20. The country’s initiatives to improve the quality of education and increase access to it, as well as its efforts in promoting digital education and gender equality, are all steps in the right direction. With continued efforts, India can further strengthen its education system and contribute to the G20’s vision of sustainable and inclusive growth.

Views expressed by Jaspreet Lidder, President, Oxford International School, Hoshiarpur.

GISA urged independent schools in India to collaborate with schools around the world

Schools News

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digitalLEARNING Network

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March 31, 2023

The Global Independent Schools Association, the first global representative body for the K–12 independent education sector, urged the more than 340,000 independent (private) schools in India to collaborate with schools from around the globe. (GISA). The organisation’s main goal is to share knowledge to enhance education provision globally and across all sectors, in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

According to recent data from the World Bank, more than 50% of secondary school students and 13% of primary school students in India are enrolled in independent institutions, whether they are run by non-profit organizations, religious institutions, special interest groups, foundations, or for-profit businesses.

The newly formed organisation has issued a pressing call for knowledge exchange between the private sector and governments to advance education throughout the globe. In order to achieve SDG4—ensuring inclusive, equitable, high-quality education for all by 2030—GISA must speak out as a respected partner.

This global association seeks to co-ordinate, represent, and give a voice to the global K-12 independent education sector – filling a “representation void” of a sector that educates 350 million children around the world – including 52% of secondary school children in South Asia and 45% of primary school children in Latin America.

“I am delighted to represent Nord Anglia Education, India, and join other providers of international education in India to launch the GISA India Chapter”, said Christopher Short, MD Nord Anglia Education India.

“GISA gives us an excellent platform to promote the benefits of international schools in India and highlight how we can work alongside the National system to promote high standards and educate the next generation of leaders”, he added further.

The goal of GISA is to establish itself as the independent education sector’s “go-to” advocate, highlighting its significance and serving as a contact point for governments and international organisations to reach out to in times of need. It will give the industry a platform to exchange its enormous amount of amassed knowledge and expertise with the independent sector. In addition, it aims to collaborate with governments and policymakers around the globe to help raise standards in educational institutions of all types, including public, independent, and third-sector institutions.

How is upskilling transforming India’s learning community?

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digitalLEARNING Network

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March 28, 2023

Sayantan Biswas, Co-Founder, UniScholars

Driven by technological advancements, the global job market is rapidly changing towards a knowledge-based economy. In such a dynamic scenario, upskilling has become the need of the hour for the Indian learner’s community, as it offers a pathway to staying ahead in an intensely competitive job market. The COVID-19 pandemic has further caused a major upheaval in the job market, significantly impacting workers globally. Over a third of the workforce has either faced job loss or had to accept reduced working hours due to business closures or slowdowns. This situation underscores the critical importance of individuals continuously upgrading their skills and knowledge to remain adaptable and resilient in the face of unforeseen disruptions.

By 2030, the global e-learning industry expects to reach an astounding $648 billion, which reflects the increasing demand for upskilling programs worldwide. In India, upskilling has gained significant traction, especially with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies like ChatGPT. The surge has disrupted the traditional job market and intensified the need for digital skills, making it imperative for individuals to stay current with their knowledge and expertise.

Upskill trends that have evolved in 2023

Upskilling has become the driving force behind career development as new trends emerge to meet the demands of the ever-evolving industry. According to a recent report, 83% of Indian professionals view upskilling as crucial for career growth and success.

One notable trend that has gained traction is the popularity of online courses and e-learning platforms, which have witnessed over 13.6 million Indian learners enrolling in at least one of the following courses to upgrade their skill sets:

Data Science and Machine Learning
Digital Marketing
Cloud Computing
Artificial Intelligence
Agile Project Management
Cybersecurity
Blockchain
Business Analytics
DevOps
Metaverse

Additionally, employers now emphasise soft skills like communication, teamwork, and adaptability. They seek candidates with technical prowess and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. On top of that, there is a growing demand for cohort-based certifications and specialised MBAs as they provide targeted training and networking opportunities that can help individuals gain practical skills and industry-specific knowledge.

Emerging Educational Hubs for Student Upskilling

The pursuit of upskilling has become a worldwide phenomenon as students from various corners seek opportunities to enhance their career prospects. A study by VmapU revealed that more than 1.5 million students plan to go overseas in 2023 for potentially lucrative job opportunities. While European countries like Germany and Switzerland are good options for further education, the United Kingdom continues to top the list of preferred upskilling destinations due to highly-ranked universities and excellent extracurricular and post-study opportunities for students. Countries like Singapore, Japan, and Australia have also emerged as attractive destinations for upskilling, thanks to their cutting-edge technology, cultural diversity, work opportunities and courses aligned with industry demands.

Top choices of Indian students for Management and Executive Education

Although the increasing use of automation worries many, it appears to have a significantly lower impact on individuals holding advanced university degrees. Such individuals are confident in their ability to avoid being replaced by machines, leading to a surge in demand for upskilling among learners (particularly in management and executive education). Consequently, India has experienced a 68% increase in such demand. Many students now seek admission to top universities both domestically and internationally, motivated by a desire for knowledge and skill enhancement.

Some of the most sought-after institutions among Indian students looking to enhance their skills and knowledge include Harvard Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, the Indian Institute of Management (IIMs) and the Indian School of Business (ISB). These universities are renowned for their innovative teaching methods, strong reputations in finance and entrepreneurship, and high demand among Indian learners.

Understanding Indian students’ preferences for skills development

According to a recent survey, Indian students tend to prioritise digital and IT fields such as software development, data analysis, and digital marketing, which has resulted in India ranking 56th globally in this domain. Moreover, more than half of the engineers surveyed have expressed a keen interest in pursuing online certification courses that can help them enhance their knowledge and skills relevant to their current or future job demands.

Also Read | “Learning is not limited to textbook, it is an outcome of holistic development of a soul”: Abhishek Bagchi, MIT World Peace School

While technical skills are undoubtedly crucial, soft skills such as communication, leadership, and teamwork are also highly valued in the job market. Nearly 50% of recruiters give priority to candidates with excellent soft skills. Overall, Indian students are enthusiastic about upskilling and are actively seeking out online courses that are not only affordable but also relevant and valuable to their career goals. As a matter of fact, the percentage of individuals leveraging online education providers or mobile applications for learning purposes (48% and 36%, respectively) has seen a significant surge since 2018.

The bottom line

Investing in oneself is a wise decision that can bring many benefits, and upskilling is an excellent way to achieve this goal. By acquiring new skills and knowledge through upskilling, individuals can unlock significant career growth and improved job prospects. However, the advantages of upskilling are not just limited to career advancement; it also presents opportunities for individuals to explore new avenues and possibilities.

Views expressed by Sayantan Biswas, Co-Founder, UniScholars.

NCERT to update textbooks for the academic session 2024-25 as per NEP 2020

Schools News

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digitalLEARNING Network

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March 28, 2023

The NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) will shortly update its textbooks for the 2024–2025 academic year. NCERT Textbooks will be updated in accordance with NEP 2020, according to Ministry of Education authorities. The books would be made accessible following this revision starting with the 2024 session.

The National Curriculum Framework, or NCF, which was recently approved by the Education Ministry for India’s foundational level education, will also be taken into consideration when developing the textbooks. The implementation of NCF is anticipated to extend to the other senior ranks as well. On the basis of this strategy, the texts will be updated.

A senior official of the Ministry of Education said, “The new textbooks are likely to be introduced from the 2024-25 academic session. It is a tall task, but we are aiming for that. The textbooks will be revised as per the new NCF, work on which is already going on.”

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant change in education towards online modes. In order to make the new and updated textbooks accessible to students and instructors, digital versions will also be made available.

The official added, “Since COVID-19 has taught us that there is an appetite for digital learning, all the new textbooks will concurrently be made digitally accessible so that anyone can download them.

The NCERT Textbooks would be printed in 22 languages in addition to English, making them more approachable to people who do not study English as their primary language.

International summits can foster innovation and development in the Indian education sector: Prof (Dr.) Sanjiv Marwah, Maharaja Agrasen Business School

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March 27, 2023

International summits that focus on fostering innovation and development in the Indian education sector can play a significant role in promoting collaboration, sharing best practices, and identifying areas for improvement, shared Prof (Dr.) Sanjiv Marwah, Director, Maharaja Agrasen Business School, Delhi in an exclusive conversation with Sheeba Chauhan of Elets News Network. Edited excerpts:

How will Maharaja Agrasen Business School (MABS) stand out in the country keeping in consideration foreign universities’ plans to set up campuses in India?

Maharaja Agrasen Business School (MABS) is an integral part of the esteemed Maharaja Agrasen Technical Education Society. Our institution is committed to achieving national and international recognition as a premier higher education institution that excels in meeting the challenges of the future through interdisciplinary approaches.

At MABS, we uphold the values of practical independent thinking and provide our students with the skills and knowledge necessary for their success. Our students come from diverse backgrounds, but share a common goal of achieving their individual career aspirations. We foster this commitment by creating an academic environment that is responsive to the changing needs of the workplace while providing robust career planning support and personalized attention to the needs of each student.

Our students enjoy a vibrant campus life that promotes personal growth and prepares them to become responsible professionals in an ever-evolving world. We are dedicated to meeting the corporate and institutional training requirements and continuously strive to exceed them.

Maharaja Agrasen Business School (MABS) is pleased to announce the launch of its pilot batch for the flagship PGDM program. This two-year full-time program is designed to prepare students for the dynamic requirements of the industry. The program is divided into six trimesters, and students will undergo rigorous academic and practical training during their tenure at the institute, making them job-ready and helping them secure well-placed jobs.

MABS stands out as a business school with its Triedge focus, consisting of three main pillars:

• STRONG INDUSTRY – ACADEMIA INTERFACE – MABS has a corporate-academia blend that enables students to experience real-world scenarios in a controlled classroom environment. The institute prepares students to adapt to the rigorous corporate culture while they are still studying. Inquisitiveness and risk-taking abilities are two important attributes that MABS tries to instill in all its students. The institute has various initiatives, rigorous training programs, and exposure opportunities that equip students for the globalized world. MABS designed its core pedagogy to nurture the leaders of tomorrow, which involves hands-on experience with case studies, applications based on real industry data, live projects, and extensive industry connections via industry veterans handling academic delivery.

• BEYOND CLASSROOM LEARNING ENVIRONMENT – MABS focuses on real-time projects with industry professionals to give students firsthand experience of real-world scenarios. The curriculum is based on innovative techniques like teaching-learning models, blended learning, flip classrooms, multimedia technology, experiential learning, and student-centered learning pedagogy. The institute’s curriculum helps students discover how to take their innovative ideas from the classroom to real life and vice versa. Activities performed outside the classroom help students sharpen their problem-solving and management skills.

• INNOVATIVE TECH SAVVY CURRICULUM – MABS updates its PGDM programs regularly to be in sync with the current industrial trends, helping students learn the new and ongoing concepts and practices of business management and entrepreneurship. Hybrid learning is an integral part of the learning modules, and students can bring their bold ideas to fruition in the institute’s dynamic tech campus.

MABS is committed to providing the best education to its students and grooming them to become successful leaders. As a pilot batch, we welcome students who are passionate about learning and exploring the world of business management. We believe that our unique Triedge focus, innovative curriculum, and practical learning approach will help students achieve their career goals and prepare them for the challenges of the corporate world.

Is Maharaja Agrasen Technical Education Society (MATES) planning to do any international collaboration on the education front in the near future?

Maharaja Agrasen Technical Education Society (MATES) has been associated with several foreign universities in the past and has benefited greatly from these collaborations. As the business environment evolves rapidly, we are continuously exploring new avenues for international collaboration on the education front.

We believe that international collaboration is essential for providing our students with a global perspective and preparing them for the challenges of the future. Through these collaborations, we can exchange knowledge and best practices, develop joint research projects, and offer our students opportunities to study abroad or participate in exchange programs.

We are actively seeking new partnerships and collaborations that can enhance the quality of education and research at our institution. We are committed to exploring new opportunities and expanding our global reach to provide our students with the best possible education and prepare them for success in a rapidly changing world.

We hosted the 25th Elets World Education Summit in Dubai this time. What are your thoughts on international summits that foster innovation and development in the Indian education sector?

International summits that focus on fostering innovation and development in the Indian education sector can play a significant role in promoting collaboration, sharing best practices, and identifying areas for improvement. Such summits can bring together experts, educators, policymakers, and other stakeholders to discuss and exchange ideas on various aspects of education, including curriculum development, teacher training, technology integration, and pedagogical practices.

These summits can also provide a platform for showcasing innovative ideas, projects, and initiatives that are already underway in the Indian education sector. By sharing successes and challenges, participants can learn from each other and work towards achieving common goals.

International summits that foster innovation and development in the Indian education sector are crucial for several reasons:

● Exposure to new ideas and best practices: International summits provide an opportunity for education leaders, policymakers, and practitioners from India to learn about new ideas and best practices from around the world. This exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences can help spark innovative solutions to address local challenges and improve the quality of education.

● Collaboration and partnerships: International summits also provide a platform for networking and collaboration. By connecting with other education stakeholders from around the world, Indian education leaders can form partnerships and collaborations that can help them leverage new resources and expertise to drive innovation and development in the sector.

● Access to funding and resources: International summits often attract investors and donors interested in supporting education initiatives. By participating in these events, Indian education stakeholders can learn about new sources of funding and other resources that can help them implement innovative programs and initiatives.

● Increased visibility and recognition: Participating in international summits can help raise the profile of Indian education initiatives and showcase the country’s commitment to innovation and development in the sector. This increased visibility can help attract further investment and support for education initiatives in India.

Please brief us about the eminent personality behind the success of the Maharaja Agrasen Technical Education Society (MATES). As International women’s day is around the corner, our readers will like to know about the women behind the success of MATES and MABS.

Dr. Nand Kishore Garg is the Founder and Chief Advisor of Maharaja Agrasen Technical Education Society (MATES), and his vision has been the driving force behind the society’s success. He is a renowned educationist, philanthropist, and political figure who has devoted his life to the betterment of society.

Dr. Garg’s contributions to the field of education have been immense. He founded MATES with the aim of providing quality education to students and making them job-ready. Under his leadership, MATES has grown into a leading educational institution that offers a wide range of programs in engineering, management, and other disciplines. He has been instrumental in bringing together various stakeholders, including faculty, students, industry experts, and policymakers, to create a vibrant learning community that fosters innovation and excellence.

As a three-time MLA of Delhi Vidhan Sabha, Dr. Garg has been actively involved in shaping public policy and promoting social welfare. He has been a champion of women’s empowerment and has worked tirelessly to create opportunities for women in education, entrepreneurship, and other fields. In recognition of his contributions, he has been awarded several accolades, including the Delhi State Award for Outstanding Services in Education.

In conclusion, Dr. Nand Kishore Garg’s visionary leadership and invaluable support have been instrumental in the success of MATES and MABS. He serves as a shining example of how individuals can make a positive impact on society and inspire others to work towards creating a better world for all.

Women comprise only 13.76% of the total entrepreneurs in India according to the Ministry of Statistics. Do you think MATES will contribute to improving these numbers in the near future?

The representation of women in entrepreneurship requires a multifaceted approach that addresses a range of challenges. MATES has always been committed to promoting entrepreneurship and innovation among its students and alumni. The institute offers various programs and initiatives to support aspiring entrepreneurs, including business incubation and acceleration, mentorship and coaching, access to funding, and networking opportunities.

In recent years, MATES has also launched several initiatives to encourage and support women entrepreneurs. For instance, the institute has organized seminars, workshops, and networking events specifically for women entrepreneurs. MATES has also collaborated with various organizations and institutions to provide funding and mentorship to women-led startups.

Some of our initiatives include –

● Providing mentorship and support: MATES provides mentorship and support to women entrepreneurs. This includes connecting them with experienced mentors who can guide them through the challenges of starting and running a business. Additionally, institute also offers access to resources such as funding, training, and networking opportunities.

● Increasing awareness: Many students are not being aware of the opportunities that exist for entrepreneurship. Our institute conducts awareness campaigns time-to-time to highlight the success stories of women entrepreneurs and showcase the benefits of starting a business. This way we encourage more women to consider entrepreneurship as a viable career option.

● Providing skill-building workshops: MATES offers skill-building workshops and training programs that equip women with the knowledge and skills necessary to start and run a successful business. These programs cover a range of topics such as financial management, marketing, and business planning.

● Addressing cultural and societal barriers: In many cases, cultural and societal norms prevent women from pursuing entrepreneurship. Our Institutes address these barriers by providing safe spaces for women to network, offering resources to support, and advocating for policies that support women entrepreneurs.

“Learning is not limited to textbook, it is an outcome of holistic development of a soul”: Abhishek Bagchi, MIT World Peace School

Interviews

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digitalLEARNING Network

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March 27, 2023

World Peace School is formed with a similar mission and vision, to justify the legacy of MIT and carry the torch forward toward greater goals and aspirations. We are determined to create the able 21st Century glocal (global + local) generation with the right scientific as well as cultural mindset shared, Abhishek Bagchi, Director & Principal, MIT World Peace School, Pune in an interactive conversation with Sheeba Chauhan of Elets News Network. Edited excerpts:

Can you tell us about the history and background of MIT World Peace School, and what led to its establishment as a centre of scientific and educational research?

MIT or Maharashtra Institute of Technology is an organisation with a legacy of more than four decades. It has a widespan range of academic institutions that includes Universities, Colleges, Technical Institutes and Schools following different boards. MIT World Peace School is one such branch of schools with three units situated in Pune, Latur, and Indore at present.

World Peace School, established in 2018, is a state-of-the-art K12 institute with a 20-acre sprawling green campus with all the modern amenities required to run a 21st-century school.

The very foundation of MIT is based on the philosophy of a perfect amalgamation of science and spiritualisation. World Peace School is formed with a similar mission and vision, to justify the legacy of MIT and carry the torch forward toward greater goals and aspirations. We are determined to create the able 21st Century glocal (global + local) generation with the right scientific as well as cultural mindset.

What initiatives have you implemented to promote peace education and create a positive school culture, and how have these initiatives been received by the students and staff?

Peace comes when we reach at a level of self-actualisation and take ownership of our learning and actions. At MIT World Peace School, we have created an environment where instead of reprimanding the mistakes, we correct them and learn from them. In our school, our students are free to approach the seniors with any query, ideas, or views. This open-door policy for all staff and students has created a beautiful positive culture and helped peace establish. The green environment is supported by the complete ban on plastics within the campus followed by gardening and farming by the students themselves.

Students and staff at our school converse without any fear or doubt in their minds. This enables them to think beyond learning which is an automatic intrinsic process. We celebrate the process and encourage the installation of a research mindset among all our WPS members.

MIT came up with Bharat Asmita National Awards to celebrate the contribution of iconic personalities from various fields. Your comments on this?

Bharat Asmita National Award, incepted in 2005 by MAEER’s MIT group of institutions inspired many generations of management gurus, people involved in mass awakening, and people at the forefront of Indian Parliamentary Practices for their meaningful contribution in the process of Nation Building.

For all of us, this is a certain medium of expression and surely inspiring thousands of MIT family members. The exposure and the recognition of the outcomes surely benefit all our students. It helps create a positive mindset among all our students and gives them the determination to contribute to the process of becoming better citizens of this country and this planet.

How does MIT World Peace School measure its success in meeting the long-felt need for a centre of scientific and educational research, and what are the future plans for the school in terms of growth and development?

Success is the result of the recognition that you get when no one is promoting your work. It is that extra minutes of claps you get when the whole crowd was supposed to end clapping. Our students at MIT World Peace School, learn in the right ecosystem where critical thinking and problem-solving are the order of the day. We are a strong believer in UNICEF Sustainable Development Goals and on that line, our students work on different problemsolving assignments. Three of our students made a working model of a Water Audit System that they presented in a National Level competition conducted by IIT Kharagpur. Their water management solution grabbed the top six positions among more than a thousand competitor schools from all over the world. Our students in World Peace School developed the maker space mindset where they approach problems and apply their critical thinking and scientific temperaments to find out innovative solutions. They even started exploring future technologies like Artificial Intelligence and using chatbots to analyse different outcomes of a problem.

The future of our students at MIT World Peace School is bright since we have not restricted them within a stipulated syllabus.

Each one of them is becoming an explorer, a researcher, and a scientist in their own right.

What initiatives does MIT Group have in place to support student learning and development, and how does the organisation foster a culture of innovation and collaboration among students, faculty, and staff?

Students learning and development are not limited to textbooks only at MIT World Peace School. As mentioned above, our students are learning to use all resources in their environment as a source of learning. They explore and innovate, never afraid to inquire and research.

At MIT World Peace School, we have designed initiatives like Marketplace where students make their own products and sale them to our parents and other visitors. Through this process, they are exposed to the true meaning of experiential learning and take the right ownership. The items they make are created using their own pocket money and they share the profit or loss among themselves.

Our assemblies are unique where students conduct the whole process without any teacher’s intervention. They conduct regular Yoga sessions, panel discussions and also a hotseat session when they get the chance of questioning the principal of the school.

In future we are creating a makerspace for students to explore, innovate and solve problems initiated during their academic classes. The space is transdisciplinary in nature where science, art and all other disciplines of learning are integrated. In addition to that we are even designing a Student Led Conference forum where students from the schools all over the country will come and participate in discussions related to the relevant topics of the present and future world.

MIT World Peace School students are getting ready for one of the most disruptive future that our next generation is going to witness. Some of our kids will even witness the 22nd century and will explore distant galaxies and planets. Quantum science, artificial intelligence, singularity, genetics and many other uncertain future transformations will be taken on a stride by our students of MIT World Peace School.

GrowthSchool sets new standards for edtech in India, integrates No code AI and chatGPT in its courses

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digitalLEARNING Network

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March 24, 2023

People can now use AI tools like Open AI’s ChatGPT in their work, thanks to a groundbreaking effort launched by the rapidly expanding ed-tech platform GrowthSchool. In order to give professionals like marketers, designers, product managers, and founders as well as other learners an unrivaled edge in a rapidly changing digital environment, the company has incorporated the know-how of No code AI and chatGPT into its courses. The objective is to keep them ahead of the curve by enabling them to increase their output as well as advance in their careers more quickly.

UX Design, Product Management, Management Consulting, Marketing and Content, and Growth Hacking are just a few of the many classes that GrowthSchool has to offer. The company is poised to revolutionise how professionals learn and work by incorporating AI tools into its curriculum. The ed-tech startup develops high-impact workshops and cohort-based courses that offer hands-on learning experiences and produce real-world outcomes by collaborating with the top 1% of instructors.

Vaibhav Sisinty, CEO & Founder of GrowthSchool said, “In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, it’s essential for professionals to stay ahead of the curve. We are the first company to integrate the use of AI tools like ChatGPT into our programmes. The initiative is expected to have a lasting impact on their professional growth and the future of work at large.”

“We are very excited to be the pioneers in integrating AI tools into the programmes we offer and step into the future. Marketers can harness their power to analyse data and generate creative content, while designers can rapidly prototype concepts, making the design process a breeze. Product managers and founders can rely on AI insights for strategic decision-making, task prioritization, and trend identification, Vaibhav Sisinty added further.

GrowthSchool is committed to giving the next generation of trailblazers the tools they need to succeed in the competitive job market of today. The ed-tech startup has quickly established itself as a go-to platform for professionals looking to upskill and stay ahead of the curve thanks to its emphasis on offering practical learning experiences that produce real-world results. In a funding round last year that was co-led by Sequoia Capital India and Owl Ventures and included more than 80 angel investors, including Kunal Shah, Tanmay Bhat, and foreign angels like Austen Allred (founder of Lambda School), ShaanPuri, and Eric Siu, the company received $5 million.

Metaverse meets education- Opens a new world of innovation

Interviews

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digitalLEARNING Network

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March 24, 2023

The metaverse is a digital space that uses advanced technologies like virtual reality
(VR), augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), cryptography, and
blockchain, among others, to mirror the real world, shared Ranga Jagannath,
Senior Director, Agora in an exclusive conversation with Sheeba Chauhan of
Elets News Network. Edited excerpts:

How has the metaverse impacted the education sector?
Even though the metaverse is in its nascent stage, it is safe to say that it has already
penetrated multiple sectors, education being one of the most prominent ones. The
metaverse is an immersive experience, and this is one of the reasons why it’s here
to stay. Developers are building metaverse experiences with accessibility in mind.
Features such as avatars, soundboards, voice-changing apps, and 3D audio enhance
hybrid physical-world/metaverse experiences. These features reduce the friction
students with any particular physical, or emotional needs might experience in the
classroom. When metaverse meets education, it promises to open a new world of
innovation, solving the problems of physical barriers and more. Making education
entertaining and accessible is bound to gain traction. Therefore, the benefits of a
metaverse in the education sector extend to teachers and students, allowing them to
explore new learning methods and deliver content.

How does RTE enable metaverse?
The metaverse is a digital space that uses advanced technologies like virtual reality
(VR), augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), cryptography, and
blockchain, among others, to mirror the real world. RTE makes the metaverse
more inclusive. With RTE, one can bridge the gap between the limitless virtual and
physical worlds. RTE delivers metaverse connectivity from one-to-one to one-to-
many using any device, anywhere.

There are three pillars to RTE: shared context, interactivity at scale, and ubiquity.
Each is equally important when creating the necessary metaverse illusions

Also Read:- Metaverse meets Education: Transformation beyond traditional trajectory

Agora’s award-winning real-time engagement platform enables connectivity
between metaverses. Additionally, VR and AR are two components of RTE that
facilitate seamless interaction in the metaverse – leading to a more unparalleled, connected, and engaging user experience. RTE also removes entry barriers by
simplifying access to the metaverse to something as ubiquitous as a web browser.
In this context, real-time engagement will be the metaverse’s center. Educators and
platforms must, therefore, make that extra effort to find partners who can support
it, thereby making metaverse learning a better alternative than distance and even
in-classroom learning.

What are some of the solutions Agora provides in the education sector?
Education is one of those sectors that witnessed a significant transformation during
the pandemic. Frequent updates had to be incorporated by several ed tech players
to be relevant during the period. Agora provides everything one needs to build a
custom, branded virtual classroom at any scale. With Agora, one has complete
control of the branding and functionality of their app while keeping users’ sensitive
data safely in the hands of the end users, brands, and app owners.

Currently, some of the solutions Agora provides in this sector are:
● Customizable technology: Customize virtual tutoring spaces with high-
quality video/audio calls, real-time messaging, and engagement tools,
including Breakout Rooms and an Interactive Whiteboard.
● Immersive technology: Transform language training by building an
immersive environment with social activities and video/audio chat rooms
● Recording facility: Empower live proctoring with single/dual camera
settings and cloud or on-premise recording
● Meaningful engagement: Increase classroom efficiency with a suite of
collaborative and interactive tools
● Scalability: Quickly and easily scale the class from 1-on-1 to up to 1 million
students.

Agora provides real-time messaging, a courseware resource center, annotation
tools, and many more for possible use in the education process.

What are some of the future trends in the metaverse in the edtech sector?
The pandemic forced a massive shift in EdTech. Before the pandemic, teachers
were comfortable taking up a book and starting to teach, but the situation changed
almost overnight. It was nearly impossible to predict how virtual reality, the
metaverse, and its application, would change the educational landscape. In
response, educational institutions and Edtech firms started using online real-time mediums to eliminate geographical and physical obstacles to learning. However,
many need help adapting to it due to the application’s complexity. Metaverse helps
overcome this complexity. In the future, we anticipate the metaverse to
revolutionize education through techniques like virtual 3D classrooms, virtual
campus activities, and imitating real-world scenarios. The opportunity to study,
practice, and improve one’s skills is enormous, given the metaverse’s rapid
development.

In this regard, some of the trends we foresee are:
Augmented reality will be a crucial enabler: The metaverse helps people
understand concepts by bringing theories and facts and simulating realistic
scenarios to help students deal with complex topics.

Virtual reality will help overcome challenges: The virtual reality experience
provided by the metaverse will help overcome the gap between face-to-face and
virtual interactions. It offers a healthy setting to alter conventional learning
techniques with a real holographic character that comes to life. It gives students the
confidence to develop their social communication skills, form networks, and
access the virtual experience of being in a class at home. Students can
communicate with anyone from the comfort of their homes.

Playful learning is the next big thing: By fusing digital data with artificial
intelligence, metaverse pulls the past into the present, bringing imagination to life,
and has been widely used in the Edtech industry to transform the entire experience.
The AI-supported educational programs may introduce enjoyable learning to the
classroom. The ability to learn is improved when the surroundings are attractive or
alive.

How do you see the growth of 5G impacting the Metaverse in India?
5G is one of the critical enablers of the metaverse and will help make Web 3.0 a
reality. According to the Ericsson ConsumerLab report, 5G users, on average, are
already spending one hour more per week on metaverse-related services than 4G
users. They also expect two hours of more video content to be consumed weekly
on mobile devices, 1.5 hours of which will be on AR/VR glasses by 2025. 5G will
allow extended reality to connect anytime and anywhere in the (physical)world to
their preferred (digital) metaverse and embrace exciting and novel applications and
services. 5G will lower latency and bring computing power closer to the user.
Many opportunities are made possible by 5G networks’ ultra-low latency, especially in augmented reality (AR). 5G and metaverse interactions will help both
technologies advance and become more widespread. Thanks to the metaverse,
companies may now interact with and provide for their customers in fresh and
unexpected ways.

Electrifying Electrical Engineering with AI: Dr. Sanjay Goel, JK Lakshmipat University

Article

By

digitalLEARNING Network

-

March 24, 2023

The electrical engineering community has been at the forefront of experimenting, using,
and developing AI technologies to improve electrical components, equipment,
machines, and systems. AI is used to improve their design, performance & optimization,
adaptive & fault-tolerant control, fault detection & diagnosis, condition monitoring & predictive maintenance, reliability, and cyber security. As early as the 1960s, expert systems were developed for power system scheduling, machine analysis & design, power electronics systems, etc. In 1990, the IEEE Control Systems Magazine published a special issue on “Neural Networks in Control Systems.”

According to Google Scholar, over 10.7 lakh, 6.6 lakh, and 6.5 lakh electrical
engineering-related papers, reports, and patents include the words ‘artificial
intelligence,’ ‘neural network,’ and & ‘machine learning,’ respectively. AI infusion in
electrical engineering is growing rapidly. For example, the market for AI in the energy
sector is expected to increase five-fold by 2030 and the market for smart lighting and
control system is likely to double within the next five years.

AI predicts and manages electricity demand and supply, optimizes power plant
operation, detect faults, and predicts power system behavior. It also helps to predict
renewable energy generation and manage smart grids that monitor and control
electricity flow, manage energy storage, and prevent failures and cyber-attacks. AI is
helping in demand-side management by adjusting appliance usage in response to price
or supply changes, reducing peak demand. It can help to optimise building energy
consumption by learning occupants’ behavior and adjusting energy usage accordingly. It
can be used to optimise the operation of electric vehicles and charging stations.
Chatbots can help power utilities in customer interaction. Natural Language Processing
(NLP) can be used to analyse maintenance and injury reports for improving
maintenance and operations. Computer vision can automatically detect violations of
safety and other work protocols. Power utilities use intelligent robots and drones for
inspecting, cleaning, and maintaining high-risk, time-consuming, and difficult-to-access
assets. The global market for robotics in the renewable energy sector alone is expected
to reach 11.6 billion USD by 2025. AI along with advanced communication networks,
phasor measurement units, and sensors can implement the self-healing capabilities of
the smart grid. Development of intelligent digital twins, virtual replicas of physical
machines and systems, is increasing for monitoring, analysing and optimising physical
assets’ performance and energy consumption, predicting and preventing failures, and
improving reliability, efficiency, and safety, while also reducing costs and environmental
impacts.

Interdisciplinary education for preparing Electrical AI Engineers

The challenges of Industry 4.0 and Circular and NetZero economies call for
interdisciplinary engineering solutions. Industry 4.0 involves integrating physical,
biological, and digital worlds to create new technologies and systems, while the goals of
Circular and NetZero economies require increased environmental focus through policies
like green credits and renewable energy certificates. AI, a worthy daughter of electrical engineering, is being integrated with contemporary computing and electrical
technologies to ensure an uninterrupted, high-quality electricity supply, increase energy
efficiency, and mitigate negative environmental impacts of electricity generation,
distribution, and consumption.

An Electrical AI Engineer combines knowledge of electrical engineering and AI to
develop intelligent systems to support the planning, design, manufacturing, operation,
and maintenance of electrical components, systems, and infrastructure. Either electrical
engineering or ‘computer science and engineering’ graduates can pursue these roles. It
requires the electrical engineering curriculum to also include some relevant computing
topics like digital instrumentation and control systems, embedded systems, IoT,
robotics, M2M communication, computational methods for electric engineering, smart
grid, etc., along with generic computing and AI. At the same time, the CSE or AI
programs should also include a few topics related to physical engineering disciplines,
e.g., electric and mechanical workshop, machines, sensors, instrumentation and control,
and also some in related computing, e.g., embedded systems, IoT, robotics,
computational engineering analysis, CAD, simulation, etc.

Also Read:- AI Beyond Chatbots: Revolutionising Civil Engineering

In order to groom engineers for successful careers in the Industry 4.0 era, the
engineering curriculum should offer a multidisciplinary education including their core
engineering discipline with a balanced exposure to other engineering fields, computing
technologies, and non-engineering subjects. The ‘computer science and engineering’
programs too must supplement ‘computer science’ courses with physical engineering-
related courses. Further, the creation of active-learning-based interdisciplinary
educational engagements is even more crucial. This requires an overall transformation
of engineering education and the dismantling of silos between physical engineering and
computing and fostering of inter-disciplinary team teaching by multiple departments.

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

“E-learning platforms are transforming the education sector in the country”: Rashmi Singh, Poddar Brio International School

Interviews

By

digitalLEARNING Network

-

March 23, 2023

The youth must be encouraged to exploit the unlimited prospects for entrepreneurship in sectors such as tourism, hospitality, agri-business, and several other areas shared, Rashmi Singh, Principal, Poddar Brio International School, Badlapur, Maharashtra in an exclusive conversation with Sheeba Chauhan of Elets News Network. Edited excerpts:

Recently, Education Minister launched The Yuva Sangam portal which will concentrate on organising youth-exposure tours for students from North Eastern States to other states and vice versa. How do you think such initiatives are going to develop multicultural education in Indian students?

The Yuva Sangam is an initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to build close ties between the youth of the Northeast Region and the rest of India under the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. Under the initiative, over 20 thousand youth will travel across the country and gain a unique opportunity for cross-cultural learning. Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Yuva Sangam will focus on conducting exposure tours of youth between the 8 North Eastern States and other States.

I strongly believe that such tours will provide an immersive experience of various facets of life, development landmarks, recent achievements and youth connections in the host state. The opportunity for the youth to experience a multi-dimensional exposure under five broad areas – Paryatan (Tourism), Parampara (Traditions), Pragati (Development), Prodyogik (Technology) and Paraspar Sampark (People-to-people connect) will undoubtedly strengthen the unity in the diversified culture of our country. Moreover, after having understood the above-mentioned parameters the youth of the country which is one of the major strengths of the country will be able to closely understand the needs of the society, and accordingly, they will have opportunities to apply their skills to meet such needs of the society and hence, contribute towards the progress of economy of the country.

According to the economic survey 2022-23, enrollment at the pre-primary level decreased from 1.1 crores [11 million] in 2021 to 1.0 crores [10 million] in 2022. Your comments on the same The number of children entering pre-primary classes in 2021- 2022 saw a further decline, resulting in 30% fewer students in this school section as compared to the pre-COVID period as younger students with less access to remote learning continue to bear the biggest brunt of learning loss during the pandemic, according to a report released by the Ministry of Education. Also for the first time since the pandemic, the report records a decline in the number of schools due to closures as well as a lack of teachers. There were 20,000 fewer schools in 2021-2022 as the total number of schools dropped from 15.09 lakh to 14.89 lakh.

I feel that parents of all age groups look for a progressive school that is capable of delivering quality education keeping all the significant parameters of wholesome development of students in its implementation. I believe that such schools never had experienced any decline in preprimary section enrolments. All the stakeholders in the field of education must ensure that the learning in the school should be regular and progressive and the child should experience a happy learning environment to keep the balance between the enrolments and quality education.

With the crashed job market across the world, how are you going to train your students to be competent citizens in the outside world? Do you think ‘ Becoming job providers, instead of job seekers’ will improve the unemployability rate in India?

It is observed that “Professional universities of developed countries are roping in students from all over the world to enhance their own economies. It should be the prerogative of our universities to empower students to contribute to our nation’s economy,” However a majority of the youth population still sees government jobs as the ideal career. The youth rather must be encouraged to exploit the unlimited prospects for entrepreneurship in sectors such as tourism, hospitality, agri-business, and several other areas. As stated by our former president, Dr. Ramnath Kovind, “It is the knowledge that will allow us to find solutions to the problems we face in our world, nation, and society. Research and innovation hold the key to lifting our people out of poverty, ensuring their health and well-being or attaining food and energy security,” he also said. The goal of our central universities should be to constantly grow and upgrade themselves as per the best of global standards.

I strongly feel that market crashes will never emerge for those businesses which keep upgrading and enhancing, entrepreneurs, must keep close track of the changing needs of society and accordingly work to meet the changing needs. Hence it is significant for the youth to understand that their role as job providers rather than job seekers would boost their own ability to contribute towards the sustainable growth of society and to their own self.

What are your thoughts on the usage of AI tools like ChatGPT, Bard etc for creating content and various other uses? Do you think it will hamper the quality of education in the long run?

AI helps streamline the student education process by offering access to suitable courses, bettering communication with tutors, and giving them more time to focus on other life aspects. AI enhances the personalisation of student learning programs and courses, promotes tutoring by helping students improve their weak spots and sharpen their skills, ensures quick responses between teachers and students, and enhances universal 24/7 learning access. Educators can use AI for task automation, including administrative work, evaluating learning patterns, and grading papers; AI gives teachers a clear picture of the lessons and subjects requiring reevaluation. AI gives students a customised learning approach depending on their unique preferences and experiences. Through AI tools, classrooms are now globally available to students, including those with visual or hearing impairments or who use different languages. When many students give the wrong answers to their homework assignments, the system alerts the professor and offers future students customised messages that provide hints the correct answer. They grade tests, evaluate homework, fill out the needed paperwork, make progress reports, organise lecture resources and materials, manage teaching materials, and more. This means they might spend too much time on non-teaching activities, leaving them overwhelmed. With the help of automation tools and solutions, educators can automate manual processes giving them more time to concentrate on teaching key competencies. Intelligent tutoring systems, including AI chatbots and tutors, and tutoring programs are designed to handle customised feedback and guidelines for one-on-one teaching. Nonetheless, they can’t replace teachers because they aren’t advanced enough to teach the way humans can. They help in cases where teachers aren’t available for subjects that can be taught and assessed online. Smart content may include digital guides, textbooks, videos, instructional snippets, and AI, which develop customised environments for learning organizations depending on goals and strategies.

I feel AI will enhance the quality of education by personalization in the education sector, which is a future world trend that can be achieved by pinpointing the areas where AI solutions can play a role.

The emerging edtech has gained immense success in the education space but the ride has seen many bumps in between. How do you see the changing landscape of the edtech industry and will it impact the school education ecosystem?

E-learning platforms are transforming the education sector in the country by bridging the gap between supply and demand. With affordable internet charges, even the rural sectors can use such platforms for personal and professional development. Language learning, online tutoring and technology skills development are the dominant themes in the education landscape of the country. The fast-paced emergence of Edtech has transcended beyond classroom boundaries within no time. The education system is evolving and attaining a more holistic approach. With industries directly connecting with e-learning institutions. the content has never been so up-to-date. All this put together makes e-learning platforms complete, and students and working professionals future-ready, in a matter of months.” The eLearning penetration is observed in various large and medium-sized organizations for a cost-effective mode of skill development and training sessions. In the current scenario of technological disruption, professionals have to re-skill themselves every 4 to 5 years for being relevant to their existing job roles. As already hinted, the Government of India is taking a lot of initiatives to boost and accentuate the e-learning sector. Thus it is adapting to the technological revolution. “E-learning platforms are bringing a measurable difference in students’ engagement and performance. It is reducing gaps in the delivery of education and giving a new dimension to the education space.”

According to renowned educator Welton Fitzwater, “The Future of the world is in my classroom today.” The statement is true to its core with the emergence of the new-age classroom in the era of digital transformation. Edtech is one of the major sectors that have been affected by digitisation. The multi-channel approach to the education sector has enabled students to gain knowledge via various mediums besides classrooms, like smartphones, desktops, laptops, tablets etc.

I strongly feel all such online platforms and learning sites contribute to the fast-growing Edtech sector of the nation. Besides the online platforms, schools and colleges also take part in the educational revolution and it will better the school education ecosystem.

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