Hyderabad to Organize Fourth Edition of Indo-Global Education Summit

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May 5, 2012

Hyderabad is going to organize the fourth edition of the Indo-Global Education Summit 2012 starting from September sixth onwards. The objective is to advance research and academic collaborations, promote universal equitable access to education, and to make India an economic competitor in the global market.

CD Arha, Chairman, of the Indus Foundation shared, “The Indian economy is transforming into an international powerhouse, which requires India to have the best possible educational opportunities. We are seeking meaningful collaborations for making values to exchange undergraduate programs, to access global knowledge etc”. The collaborations will mainly work towards tackling issues like global warming.

AR Reddy, vice-chancellor of Yogi Vemana University said, “Andhra Pradesh alone requires around 30 universities to meet the current level of demand. We should first strengthen our state universities to gain more benefits from these global educational partnerships”.

The Indo-Global Summit will see the participation of top 200 foreign universities and over 1,000 Indian universities.

Coaching Centers of India See Improved Market Potential in Formal Schools

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May 5, 2012

Several leading test preparation companies are diversifying from the unregulated supplementary education segment to the formal school education space, perceiving improved market potential and a more sustainable business model.

Beyond being a logical extension of the education business, the government’s effort to cut students’ dependence on coaching centres to crack entrance exams for the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and medical colleges has fuelled the trend in a sector that’s becoming more corporate-like.

Satya Narayanan R, CEO and chairman of CL Educate Ltd (formerly Career Launcher), said his firm had so far invested about Rs. 250 crore in the school business. It’s now running a chain of 23 K-12 (kindergarten to class XII) schools across India and has plans to open nearly 80 more in the next four-five years, for which it will invest Rs. 800-1,000 crore.

“There is no doubt that test-prep as a vertical will grow, but schools are a much bigger market,” he said.

Housing Development Finance Corp. Ltd and Gaja Capital invested Rs. 50 crore in Indus World Schools, a unit of CL Educate last year.

According to a Crisil Research report, the tutorial business is expected to grow from Rs. 40,187 crore in 2010-11 to Rs. 75,629 crore in 2014-15. Satya Narayanan said that while test prep captures around 5 per cent of the total education market, the school segment occupies around 60 per cent.

Pramod Maheshwari, CEO of listed Career Point Ltd, another leading coaching outfit in the country, is also optimistic about business prospects.

“What we were doing through coaching is a supplementary job…then we went to integrate programs with schools. But there were differences between school managements and the coaching institute management. Finally, we have to evolve a holistic model to impact the students’ lives,” Mr. Maheshwari said.

“The second reason is the business reason. We know when a student comes to a coaching centre, it’s largely for two years, but in a school atmosphere, it’s 12 years. So, schools seem a more sustainable business. Looking at the demand for quality schools in India, it’s a natural progression for established players,” he added.

Career Point is running one school in Rajasthan and is set to open two more in the forthcoming academic session. “Thereon, we have plans to add five schools year-on-year,” he said. The company has “already invested Rs. 35 crore in the schools’ segment and more will be invested in due course”.

Activity-based Learning Yield Huge Success in TN: Who Should Follow Next?

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May 5, 2012

The Center for Public Policy, IIM-Bangalore organized a day long seminar recently where experts weighing in on the issues affecting education today, especially in rural areas and government institutions. Vijay Kumar, IAS retired Secretary of Tamil Nadu parimary Education asked, “We have children going to schools. But, are our students learning?” He opined that despite state governments having resources that will get young children to enroll in schools with schemes, such as mid-day meals and bus passes, students were still not retaining and understanding knowledge.

“According to NCERT survey that was recently conducted, it was found that students in India have absorbed only 40 percent to 50 percent of what was taught in a classroom. If a corporate were to function this way, it would declare bankruptcy. Learning outcomes in India are just bad,” he further added.

He said that teaching faculty was not to blame for this failure. However, he pointed out that the key was in “empowering teachers”.

“Teachers have to deal with absenteeism in rural India where students won’t simply come to school during harvest season and during festivals. In Tamil Nadu, we introduced an activity-based learning atmosphere. It was a success,” he added.

This eliminated final exams, ranking system and allowed students to pick up where they had left off academically, in case they were absent for a while.

Higher Education in India Issues, Challenges and opportunities: May 2012

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May 4, 2012

Guest Editorial
Technical Education in the New World Order: Prof S S Mantha Chairman, AICTE

Editorial
The Challenge of Higher Education

Cover Story
The Scenario for Higher Education in India
Issues, Challenges and New Opportunities

Academia Speak

Prof S K Sopory, Vice Chancellor, Jawaharlal Nehru University

Dilip K Bandyopadhyay, Vice Chancellor

Sushma Berlia, President, Apeejay Stya group

Anand Sudarshan, Managing Director & CEO, Manipal Education Services

Dr Darlie O Koshy, Director General IAM & ATDC, Apparel Export Promotion Councile

Prof Ranbir Singh, Vice Chancellor, National Law University, Dwarka

Dr Anup K Singh, Director, Jaipuria Institute of Management

Dr D K Modi, Founder-Chairperson (Chancellor)

Dr S C Jain, Vice Chancellor, Mangalayatan University

In Conversation

Rajeev Shorey, President, NIIT University

Dr Rajendra Kumar Pachauri, Chancellor, TERI University

Opinion

Technology Platforms for Open Ended Learning
By Prof C Shanath Kumar

Policy Matter

J S Saharia, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of School Education, Government of Maharashtra

On its Second Anniversary, RTE Inspires a New Round of Debates

Dr Vandana Lulla, Director and Principal, Podar International School, Mumbai

Amol Arora, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Shemrock & Shemford Group of Schools

Sujit Bhattacharya, Director, Indus World School

Tech Focus

Shaji Thomas, Executive Director (Business Development), Entab Infotech Pvt Ltd

Rajendra CM, Managing Director, Asia Pacific & EMEA, Talisma Corporation

Karan Garg, MD, IFW Techno Creations Pvt Ltd

Corporate Diary

Vinod P John, Senior Director (Sales), Ellucian

Perspective

Social Media in Education

News

Policy

Corporate

Now Attend AIEEE Exam Online

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May 4, 2012

A central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) notification has said all those students who were not able to appear for the offline exam of All India Engineering Entrance Examination (AIEEE) on April 29 will be able to appear for online tests on May 12, 19 and 26.

The circular also mentions that a different date can also be allotted by the CBSE to the candidate in case the seat is not available on the selected date.

The online exam that started this year has not received a good response from candidates. Hardly any candidate from different coaching centres has opted for the online test. Vaibhav Bakliwal of the Bakliwal tutorials said, “The online exams have got a very bad response this year. While it is good that candidates have been given a second chance, it is probable that the ones who decided not to sit for the exam have done so on purpose.”

On its Second Anniversary, RTE Inspires a New Round of Debates

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May 4, 2012

Financial and psychological aspects are being cited as the prime causes for non adherence to RTE norms by many schools. So what is the explanation from the point of view of the School administrators and leaders…

By Pragya Gupta, Elets News Network (ENN)

Second Anniversary of Right to Education (RTE) has been celebrated with another high decibel message. The message is one that has come in the form of a verdict passed by the Supreme Court. With the intent of offering equal opportunities to millions of children who cannot access quality education because they are economically unpowered, the court has passed the verdict stating that schools must reserve 25 precent seats for economically weaker sections.

“We welcome the Supreme Court judgment as this will pave the way for millions of our children to access good quality education. At Educomp, our mandate has always been to promote quality and access across the education spectrum. We sincerely hope that the RTE Act will be implemented in its correct form and spirit, in coordination with all important stakeholders, and this will hold the key to its success.”

Government introduced Right to Education Act in April 2010. The Act envisages that all poor children aged between 6-14 years should be given free and compulsory education within their neighbourhood. This included unaided minority institutions, but these institutes have been removed from the ambit of the RTE Act by the Supreme Court verdict. The Act is operational in 32 states. The Central outlays for implementing the RTE-SSA programme have practically doubled since 2009-10 (Rs 13,100 crore in 2009-10 to Rs 25,555 crore in 2012-13). The government will reimburse private schools for admitting poor students, but only to the extent of the expenditure made by the government schools.

“There will be challenges in implementation and there are still some areas that need greater clarity, but all stakeholders must come together and clear all doubts and allay fears so as to create a workable implementation plan. We have created scientific teaching systems that provide an opportunity to all children to shine. We will also be counting on the support of all like-minded parents to ensure that transition and eventual integration is smooth”

Mixed response from schools

The judgment has got mixed response from the education community. The decision has been opposed by many schools throughout the country; in addition to financial issues, some educationists have also highlighted psychological impacts of this decision.

“A New Beginning will have its Teething Problems“

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May 4, 2012

By Pragya Gupta, Elets News Network (ENN)

Dr Vandana Lulla, Director and Principal, Podar International School, Mumbai

On Supreme court’s verdict on RTE

I personally feel that the Supreme Court’s verdict on RTE will be a welcome change to a society that has a great economic and social divide. More than deliberations, we need to focus on how to smoothen the process for the children and teachers at large. This social initiative by the Supreme Court is definitely good but I only hope that this integration does not make the disadvantaged section of society more aware of the divide.

Impact of the Judgment on Schools

The judgment by the Supreme Court will impact schools to a certain extent. In the sense, schools now have to think about ways and means on how to implement the RTE successfully. Definitely, any new beginning will have its teething problems but schools will have to work out a way of making this process as problem free as possible. The only impact from the school point of view will be working out the finances, once the school takes in 25 percent of children from the weaker sections. The concern that probably will arise is funding the gap between government subsidy and actual cost.

Any psychological impact on the children

Children might develop an inferiority complex studying alongside children from better homes. They may try to ape their life styles. Thus, to tackle this problem that could arise, the school needs to appoint counsellor to handle such children.

What are your plans to cover the expense on these 25percent students? Will it shift this financial burden on those 75 percent by hiking fees?

AGPS is a Charitable Trust and has been providing education free of cost to students from disadvantaged section.

Expectations from the government

The only expectation from the government is to improve the environment in state run schools. Education can surely be used as a tool to break down social barriers and thus the government should build more schools.

“Why do States Decide how Much they Pay us”

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May 4, 2012

By Pragya Gupta, Elets News Network (ENN)

Amol Arora, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Shemrock & Shemford Group of Schools

On Supreme Court’s verdict on RTE

Since education is the basic Constitutional right for every child, it will now be exercised and will give equal opportunities for all. However, the unfortunate aspect of RTE’s implications on private schools is that education at such institutions might turn out to be more expensive, which may be beyond the reach for people who can still afford private school education for their children. How can the government pay us only what they spend on the child when private schools spend much more per child – on better infrastructure, better curriculum, better teachers ,invest in teacher training?

Impact of the judgment on Schools

Unfortunately, the Judgment will have a direct impact on the fee structure of private schools. As there is uncertainty for finances, the private schools will have no other alternative, but to increase the fees for the rest 75 percent of students, to make space for the 25 percent of students they are liable to take as per RTE provisions. It is still unclear about how much grants will the private schools receive from the state government. Private schools are also concerned whether they will get timely reimbursement of the tuition fee from the state government. The RTE implications might prove to be a setback for those who wish to start their own schools, to enter and expand in the field of education.

Psychological impact on the children

Those schools who do not handle social integration will probably see fall out of students. The schools are required to bridge the gap between the have’s and have not’s, to avoid any bias on the grounds of social class. The schools should instill in students a sense of mutual respect and acceptance for each other irrespective of the diversity in the backgrounds. To lessen this psychological impact, the schools are required to handle the situation sensibly.

What are your plans to cover the expense on these 25 percent students? Will it shift this financial burden on those 75 percent by hiking fees?

Since there is no other alternative but to follow the RTE provisions, we are most likely to hike the fees for those 75 percent of students, to accommodate the expenses on the reserved category of 25 percent of students.

Do you have any further expectations from the government?

We would like less disparity in the amounts that the government is providing the private schools. Since we have the same book sets and uniforms across the country, have to pay teachers the sixth pay commission then why do states decide how much they pay us. The government should be encouraging private players to setup quality institutions and create a conducive environment for them rather than stifling the private school sector.

AICTE should Make ERP Mandatory for Institutions

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May 4, 2012

Karan Garg, MD, IFW Techno Creations Pvt Ltd, shares his insights with Pragya Gupta on the latest trends in implementation of ERP solutions in Indian institutions

Inefficiency of Manual, Paper-Based Processes generates the demand of ERP in education. How does ERP make the processes more efficient?

Data Duplication, removal of human errors, and automation of routine tasks are some of the main areas in which ERP solutions are a big help to educational institutions. ERPs save a lot of time by helping us safeguard the integrity of the data.

A lot of time is wasted in making the reports and data sheets related to attendance, exams, etc. for submitting to affiliating state Universities and to AICTE like approving bodies. ERPs like IFW College ERP provide readymade interfaces for all such records. Old models used by colleges for attendance, exam evaluation, leave management timetable settings, etc. have traditionally required a lot of paperwork. With the advent of ERP solutions these tasks have gone online and can be finished quickly and efficiently. There is also more transparency in the system.

Since, AICTE has made ERP solutions desirable for all technical colleges, there is renewed interest in these solutions. But, the rate of progress will be slow till the time AICTE makes it mandatory for institutions to have such solutions. The established colleges are eagerly implementing ERPs, but the new colleges are not showing similar enthusiasm.

What is the market size of the ERP vertical for higher education in India? What rate of growth are you expecting in times to come?

With approximately 1000 Universities and more than 10,000 technical and management colleges operating in the country, the market size is tremendous. New institutions are coming up every year, and as all of them must implement ERP at some point of time, the future looks very bright and exciting for this market. The day ERP solutions are made mandatory by State Universities and AICTE like bodies, this market will see a huge jump.

It has been noticed that not all the ERP implementation are success. What are the reasons for these failures of ERP implementation?

The following are some of the reasons due to which ERPs sometimes fail in colleges due to reasons like lack of adequately trained staff, lack of proper infrastructure, or lack of adequate research on the exact needs of the institution. There can be various other reasons for failure also.

The thing is that Rome was not built in a single day. Many organisations feel that they can create their own ERP solutions by deploying a team of developers. It’s not impossible. These organisations end up creating solutions that can only serve the purpose of hampering the process of standardisation. There can also be problems if the organisation makes wrong choice when it comes to ERP. For instance, if you are a University, you should not be going for a solution that has been developed with a School or College in mind.

Have you faced situations where institutions are unable to make proper usage of ERP solutions?

ERP Implementation is a race where everyone’s legs are tied up with each other. If one department fails it will necessarily create problems for other departments. ERP brings centralisation so that information can flow between different departments easily. If some of the departments do not work properly it becomes problem for the others. It is the prerogative of the ERP Manager to ensure that all departments are working in tandem with each other on the ERP front.

There are Tremendous Opportunities in ERP Space

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May 4, 2012

“The adoption of ERP systems brings all the departments on the same platform, leading to the creation of more efficient campus,” says Rajendra CM, Managing Director, Asia Pacific & EMEA, Talisma Corporation, in conversation with Pragya Gupta

Tell us about your views on how ERP solutions bring efficiency in management institutions?

Traditionally the higher education institutes have had processes that are manual and their data to a large extent is paper-based. The data is often resident to any single department and other departments might find it difficult to access and use the same data. That is why electronic data is important, as it facilitates the flow of information from one department to another. The adoption of ERP systems brings all the departments on the same platform, leading to the creation of more efficient campus. For instance, in admissions by adopting a simple online application processing solution, the institution can receive application forms on-line, collect payments on-line, and it can bring efficiency to the process of short-listing and selection of students.

How does ERP help the institutions in complying with regulations?

The Indian higher education sector is very diverse and one of the largest in the world. Hence, the ecosystem of regulators and governing authorities is also equally vast. The institutes are under constant surveillance from regulatory bodies for conforming to regulatory compliance. This calls for mandatory disclosures from the institutes to the regulators. Institutes today spend significant amount of time preparing for regulatory reports. Institutes can definitely look up to an ERP system for generating of accurate reports. Therefore, for a good ERP system it is necessary to have a comprehensive out-of-the-box regulatory compliance module that can bring ease to the creation of statutory reports.

Talisma’s Offerings in ERP The integrated CampusVue Ecosystem comprises of the following components:
•   CampusVue Student: Student Information System for integrating departments and workflows
•   Self-Service Web Portals: For students, faculty, administrators, advisors, and employers
•   LMS: Moodle-based e-Learning for online and blended academic delivery
•   Decision Support and Performance Analytics: For a 360° view of multi-campus, distance and continuing education
•   CRM Solutions: For communications, recruiting, admissions, retention, advising, and alumni relations
•   Finance, HR & Payroll
•   Enterprise Document Management System
•   Scholarships Management System
•   Social Media Solutions Placements Career Advancement Solution
•   Transportation and Facilities Management Solutions
•   Virtual Learning Platform
•   Library Management System
•   Regulatory Compliance System
•   RTI System

How challenging is it to convince institutions about the value you bring in?

Historically, adoption of technology in the Indian higher education system has been slow. Therefore, in general it is quite a challenge to convenience the value of an ERP for a traditional institute as against a forwarding looking school.

However, the good news is that in the recent past, the sector has shown high appetite for technology adoption as a result of globalisation and strong influence of global trends. This is definitely complimented by other factors such as call by the government to improve the performance, efficiency and transparency in the operational governance.

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