Artificial Intelligence: A novel wave of transformation in education

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November 17, 2022

The previous 25 years from 1997 to 2022, we all have seen the introduction of the internet, as well as Google, social media, and Gmail. They have entirely changed the way we all used to do business.

We are now able to connect with our old classmates with the help of social media. However, it was only a trailer from the last 25 years, and the whole tale is now beginning to emerge.

What we will witness in the next 25 years, till 2050, is a tsunami of AI revolution in every domain, especially in the education sector.

The use of AI and automation in the education industry is making examination writing and assessment easier.

People have long assumed that teachers, scientists, storytellers, and therapists will not be replaced by humanoids, and they have always felt, the positions that demands empathy will be protected.

Because of the rise of automation, not every teacher will be out of work, but it will make pave path for great teachers to be available all over the world.

Another great example is Grammarly, the software is quite extraordinary since it eliminates the need to consult a professional proofreader to ensure proper grammar. Grammarly has done an absolutely fantastic job in the recent times.

In today’s world, there are several automatic software that will produce the ultimate blog based on your specifications based on your keywords. So, automation has entirely pushed technology today and utterly revolutionised the educational landscape.

Creative domains, such as teaching, can really be automated as a result of the key developments occurring in the field of education with the help of Artificial Intelligence.

With COVID-19, the current world will be a milestone 25 years from now, and we will all appreciate the pandemic for highlighting technology in the upcoming years. Self-learning is becoming popular, and many individuals now acquire a variety of skills through YouTube.

We will have a basket of courses with the assistance of technology, and some of those courses will be learned in a classroom in the form of workshops, online laboratories, and so on.

Reskilling and upskilling is what we all need to grasp about education, and it is critical that all students become competent with the use of automation and AI.

Views expressed by V Pattabhi Ram, Author, Public Speaker & Teacher.

IIT Madras offers two-week long course on Advance Quantum Computing

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digitalLEARNING Network

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November 16, 2022

A two-week course on ”Advanced Quantum Computing’ with training on IBM QISKIT will be offered by The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT Madras) Pravartak Technologies Foundation.

It is offered in collaboration with Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) India and Mphasis Centre for Quantum Information, Communications and Computing (MCQuICC). As per IIT- Madras, the course will focus on introducing specialised topics to participants familiar with the fundamentals of quantum computing. Also introduce the default method for programming in IBM QISKIT.

The course will be conducted at the campus of IIT-Madras between December 5 and December 16, 2022. The course will be open to participation from both industry and government organisations. Participants can register till December 2.

The official link for registration –wsaqc.pravartak.org.in.

IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation is funded officially by DST (Department of Science and Technology) under the mission National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS). The aim is to develop and produce solutions in the areas of Cyber Physical Systems with special emphasis on the needs of India.

Vedantu launches Online Child Safety framework with Space2Grow

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November 15, 2022

Vedantu launched the Online Child Safety Benchmarking Framework along with Space2Grow, a leading social impact consulting firm. This will ensure that services to all stakeholders, especially children, are safe and standardized. Vedantu, a leading online learning platform, was the first to launch a child safety initiative in 2020 to create a robust prevention and redressal mechanism across all the online and offline touch points.

Vedantu celebrated child safety week which culminated into a multi-stakeholder event on 14th Nov 2022 to discuss solutions that have been implemented, the experiences of Vedantu’s students and teachers, and finally, the way forward for EdTech companies with respect to online child safety. Apart from the two organizations, the meeting was attended by the NCPCR Chairperson and Omidyar Network India representatives. The meeting also included a release of Vedantu and Space2Grow’s Online Child Safety Benchmarking and Internal Assessment Report 2022 – the first of its kind in the EdTech sector, on the performance of online safety standards.

Shri. Priyank Kanangoo, Honorable Chairman, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) on the occasion of the launch said “The Internet is a vital tool for everyone today and a way for children to not only learn but also stay connected to the world. In light of increased vulnerabilities of children in the online space, we applaud the initiative taken by Vedantu & Space2Grow for creating the Online Child Safety Framework that enables a safe learning environment where children can learn and flourish.”

Pulkit Jain, Co-founder & Head of New Initiatives and Culture, Vedantu, “Today, children have access to digital devices and online platforms for various activities, ranging from online learning and video streaming to online games and social media. At Vedantu, we believe that the safety of our children is of the utmost importance. We have achieved significant progress and increased compliance when it comes to child protection and its execution in the organization. Through constant review, audit and innovations that not only benefit the safety of children online, but also empower parents, teachers and students, we hope to create more awareness about online child safety.”

“With almost every child on the internet today, the need for standardized regulations and advisory for Edtech and other cyberspaces have become a priority. Since 2020, our #ChildSafetyFirst initiatives have ensured that every session is safe and secure with no unsolicited interruptions. The Space2Grow framework entails an internal assessment of the level of accountability, data privacy, awareness, reporting and redressal standards on online child safety. This assessment was conducted for Vedantu and its key stakeholders – parents and teachers, enabling advancement of our child safety policy. The need of the hour, is for EdTechs to adopt these key guidelines, and make every child safe”, stated Chitra Iyer, Co-Founder & CEO, Space2Grow.

Amit Shah urges TN govt to impart technical education in Tamil

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November 14, 2022

Amit Shah, Union Home Minister, urged the Tamil Nadu (TN) government to enhance and impart technical education in Tamil on Saturday. He also listed out the various initiatives from the centre towards the state over the years.

Shah said addressing the 75th platinum jubilee celebrations of The India Cements Ltd. “Under the leadership of Modi, the country has fast-paced economic growth and would achieve the USD 5 trillion economy goal by 2025.”

He further added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is showing special focus on the growth of the southern state.

“I appeal to the Tamil Nadu government to introduce Tamil as the medium of instruction in medical and technical education. A number of state governments have made this effort and students have started deriving educational benefits out of it,” he said.

Shah stated, Tamil as the mother tongue would help students understand their lessons better and will help them in attaining higher education and conducting further research in their subjects. He further added, for the development of national highways in Tamil Nadu, the government has allocated Rs 8,700 crore and apart from that, for laying up of 2,800 km roads, Rs 91,570 crore has been earmarked.

According to him, “If the Tamil Nadu government makes the move to provide medical and technical education in Tamil language, it will in itself be considered as a great service to the promotion of the language.”

S P Jain Global School of Management announces new campus in London

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digitalLEARNING Network

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November 12, 2022

The new school – S P Jain London School of Management (SPJ London) – will build on the global business education philosophy of The S P Jain Global Group and offer students from the UK and abroad the opportunity to study in London and also at S P Jain’s other campuses in Dubai, Singapore, Sydney and Mumbai.

The new campus will be located in the heart of London’s financial, business and tech district – Canary Wharf. Once a centre of naval commerce, Canary Wharf is now a thriving hub of business, culture and retail. The new campus will be just minutes from global financial giants such as HSBC, Barclays, JP Morgan, Citibank, American Express and Credit Suisse.

“People ask me – why London? Because students want to study in London! Simple. The number of students interested to study in the UK has doubled in the last year itself. We are a student-centric school and will go to any length to improve their learning experience. And why not London? With GMT 0, I call it the centre of our planet earth,” shares Nitish Jain, Founder & President of The S P Jain Global Group.

“Our new campus in the heart of London’s business district is designed to be a place where students, alumni, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs from across the UK can come together to ideate and collaborate on thought leadership. It also provides for an excellent location for part time jobs, internships and industry guest lectures,” adds Nitish.

“Many congratulations to SP Jain School of Global Management on selecting London as the location for their next international campus. Last year, over 108,000 visas were issued to Indian students – up 93% on the previous year – a sign of the magnetic attraction of UK education for people all across India,” shares Alan Gemmell, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for South Asia and British Deputy High Commissioner for Western India.

“We are delighted to welcome S P Jain to London! We have heard of their strong reputation and futuristic education. London is a centre of global business, and we are confident that students would have a superb learning experience. Though the UK is well-known for the quality of its higher education, a strong new provider would add to the choice both British and international students would have,” shares Sarah Chidgey, Head of International Education, Department for International Trade, UK.

SPJ London will begin delivering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes by mid-2023*. These programmes will be accredited by the Office for Students, Department for Education, UK, and will result in students graduating with a UK degree.

NAAC accreditation now in binary terms

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November 12, 2022

NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) announced that its accreditation will now be only in binary terms. The two terms used for educational institutions will be either with an already accreditation institution or yet to acquire.

Dr Bhushan Patwardhan, Chairperson, NAAC said, “The idea is to eradicate the fear associated with the NAAC accreditation process, and to make it more of a facilitator for all the educational institutions to thrive for excellence.” He expressed this while attending a day-long state level conference titled ‘Accreditation: The Way Ahead’ at the Mumbai University’s Kalina campus.

“We will also have various parameters for the NAAC accreditation for colleges or universities offering a different nature of the courses. Individual programmes run by a college or an individual department of any university will also have the opportunity to apply for the NAAC accreditation,” said Patwardhan.

Chandrakant Patil, Maharashtra Higher and Technical Education Minister said, “We have 4,494 colleges and 65 universities, out of which, 1,854 are NAAC accredited. Out of 1,177 aided institutions, 1,096 are NAAC accredited, and out of 2,141 non-aided educational institutions, 1,909 have not completed their accreditation process. This is a concern for us as we have been encouraging the accreditation process among all the colleges and universities for a better quality of higher education.”

Online PhD programme by edtech will not get recognition: UGC

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November 11, 2022

Edtech companies have developed online PhD programmes in collaboration with foreign universities. The University Grants Commission (UGC) released a notice to warn the students that it would not recognise online Phd programmes.

As per the notice, “Such online PhD programmes are not recognised by the UGC. Aspiring students and the public at large, are requested to verify the authenticity of PhD programmes as per UGC Regulation 2016 before taking admission.”

Earlier in October also, The UGC notice released by AICTE reaffirmed the UGC laws their revisions and said universities need to comply with the same when conferring doctoral degrees on their students.

As per UGC regulations–
UGC regulations have already warned that all higher education institutions (HEIs) in India must provide doctoral degrees to students as per adherence to the guidelines.
The UGC notice noted that the commission had announced the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of MPhil, PhD degrees) Regulation 2016 to regulate and standards for PhD degrees.

UGC revised the PhD rules in March 2022. As per the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of MPhil, PhD degrees) 2022, students who have cleared UGC National Eligibility Test (NET) or Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) should get 60% of the PhD slots in universities. The remaining slots of 40% will be covered by the university entrance exams for admitting doctoral students.

National Education Day – A journey from changing courses to transforming education

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Sheeba Chauhan, Senior Sub Editor

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November 11, 2022

Education is the gear that can push society forward and upwards. Indian democracy is seven decades old, and now is the ultimate time to evaluate our standing in the education space. The lever was pulled way back by our first education minister, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad; we have to just keep it rowing in the same direction. Today, the nation is celebrating ‘National Education Day’ to commemorate our first education minister on the day of his birth anniversary.

“Education imparted by heart can bring revolution in society” a very acclaimed saying of Maulana Azad still echoes in every educator’s ear as they begin their journey as educators or preachers. Maulana Azad laid the foundation stone of many eminent academic institutions including University Grants Commission (UGC), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Secondary Education Commission and others. Reputed institutions like IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) Kharagpur, Jamia Milia Islamia were also established during his tenure.

Educators today are walking on the pathways shown by Azad in the initial years of post-independence. He was very sure in imparting his vision of education for all. He even ensured that every child should receive a free education before the age of 14. His special focus was education for girl child, adult literacy, universal primary education, and a standarised secondary education for all.

To celebrate his immense achievements and to remember his thoughts on the education landscape, India started to celebrate 11 November as ‘National Education Day’ from 2008. The first National Education Day was inaugurated by then President Pratibha Patil on 11 November 2008 at Vigyan Bhawan, Delhi. The nation is energised with the new enthusiasm posed by our New Education Policy and we can only go towards an upward curve with this new enrichment in the education sector.

We owe our utmost regard to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and his endless life achievements!

Computerised home school & mechanical teachers – Future of education

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November 10, 2022

In 1951, Isaac Asimov wrote a science fiction story, set in 2157, in which the teaching-learning process happened oneon-one between a student and a mechanical teacher at home. Computerised homeschooling seemed a far-fetched fantasy half a century ago but during the pandemic, it became a reality and the new norm.

In the story, Asimov incorporated the modern concepts of the flipped classroom and personalised learning. However, the story itself was titled ‘The Fun They Had’ because the author seemed to feel that although the traditional education system had its drawbacks, the brick-and-mortar school, and the real student teacher interaction were so much more interesting and enjoyable.

The future of any discipline including education cannot be predicted but can only be speculated. In the past, many specialists have philosophised the importance of individuality and originality and how the system of education can impair both. Currently, research in the field of psychology and neuroscience has thrown insights into the process of learning and how it differs from person to person. Moreover, the values of modern society have moved individuality to the forefront.

Taking into consideration the philosophical, scientific, and social aspects of education in vogue today one can surmise that the following five concepts and ideas may dominate the education system in the future:

1. Personalised learning: Individual differences in learning will soon become a matter of high priority. An Individual Learning Plan (ILP) will have to be created for each student; so that education matches the needs, interests, and skills of the student.

2. Technological integration: With the advent of portable computers and the internet, technology has become an ineliminable part of life. Technology will no longer be an aid to education but will become an integral part of education.

3. Changing roles: The role of the teacher as a facilitator and mentor rather than an instructor will be put into practice. The students will be given an active role in choosing and forming not only their curricula but also assessment.

4. Hands-on approach: Hands-on learning is currently practiced only in higher education, especially with regard to professional courses. However, in the future hands-on learning will start right from the initial years of schooling. Field experience and project-based learning will replace rote-learning methods.

5. Flexible time and place: Currently, education is limited to the four walls of the institution. Modern concepts such as flipped learning have challenged this idea. In the future, the time and place where the teaching and learning happens will be flexible, especially with the help of eLearning tools which will take pedagogy beyond the classroom.

The overall growth of the student has been the goal of education for a long time. Unfortunately, this has always remained a theoretical ideology rather than a practical reality. Schools have always prioritised academics and undervalued arts and sports. In future, a holistic model of education will replace the academic one.

Views expressed by Sanjeev Sinha, Principal, Jain International Residential School, Bangalore, Karnataka.

Disentangling the knots – School education framework and the pathway ahead

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digitalLEARNING Network

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November 10, 2022

The ever-evolving digital space is continuously making a whirl in the education sector. Covid being the catalyst and technology being the driving factor, the entire system is set for the biggest revolution in the history of education. Focussing on the school education framework, the major ignition started with the National Education Policy 2020 and now the boundaries are even expanding in terms of development. With regards to the same, Sheeba Chauhan of Elets News Network had an exclusive conversation with Haseeb Faquih, Secretary, Orbis Education Society on the shift in the school education framework. Edited excerpts:

Post covid, we have come across a new ecosystem of school education. What are current changes that are apt for the holistic development of students?

Post covid very evidently the appreciation for teaching faculty and their role in the development of students has once again surfaced. Even the most traditional schools have adopted technology that brings to life new experiences beyond the four walls of the classrooms.

The proverb “necessity is the mother of invention” was well understood at least by the teaching faculty. Many innovative tools in the field of teaching have accelerated the grasping power of students. The ease with which differentiative teaching styles are implemented now is a major revolution in itself. The enhanced teaching-learning methodology is directly proportional to the confidence building in the students. A multidisciplinary approach that has come in very handy for the teachers is no doubt a building block for the holistic development of students.

The PM recently announced the PM- SHRI scheme to build approximately 14000 schools with modern infrastructure. How will you think such steps will help the school education ecosystem in India?

The need for revamping education in India ushered the NEP, this policy can only be implemented in letter and spirit if the schools are well stocked with the latest resources, especially modern technology. PM- SHRI is a very good initiative. The improved infrastructure of schools will facilitate better instruction and improve student outcomes. Peer teaching by these lead schools will have a rippling effect in the education sector. The focus on teaching pedagogy and the change in mindsets will change the entire scenario. At these exemplar schools, the assessments are proposed more for conceptual understanding and competencies rather than rote learning, this is self-explanatory of the fact that the learning gaps can be identified and accordingly dealt with in a systematic manner. Learning outcomes will be mapped with individual graphs and with the help of technology individualised remediation would be planned.

Hybrid Learning is somewhere reducing the role of teachers in students’ growth. Do you think the introduction of technology in the education landscape can completely erase the existence of teachers?

It is all a myth, nothing at all can replace the need for teachers in students’ growth. If this was true then attendance of students post-pandemic would not be as encouraging as it was for schools. A very small fraction of parents did resist the physical reopening only for safety reasons and nothing else. Education is not about completing the syllabus, there is a vast difference between gathering information and being knowledgeable. Where technology is a necessity in the 21st century the role of the teacher has also changed with the change in learning styles. The teacher needs to be the guide by the side and help to process the relevant information. Therefore there will always be a requirement for such trained guides to hand hold the students at every step.

After NEP, everyone is aiming at a multidisciplinary curriculum. How are you planning to inculcate the same in your school?

Our school strongly believes that learning should not be compartmentalised and that a multidisciplinary approach helps the learners to understand the concepts better and grasp them faster in an informal learning environment.

After NEP, our school is equally excited to enhance the scope and depth of learning through the multidisciplinary approach as we believe that the boundaries and barriers between various disciplines need to be done away with to stay relevant in these changing times. We are working to encourage our Science students an opportunity to study entrepreneurship and Economics, our Humanities students to explore the nuances of Computer Science, and our Commerce students to delve into disciplines like Fine Arts. The learning of diverse disciplines in our understanding gives our students varied perspectives and a liberal outlook.

Amendment in the education policy was much needed. What amendments do you still think are left unattended and not focused up to the mark?

National Education Policy has covered almost all areas of concern and has addressed issues for the majority of schools in India. Although for schools there are certain questions that remain unanswered with respect to teaching primary students in their mother tongue, the local or regional language. Being a land of diverse languages this may create issues regarding migration from one region to another. Language should not become a barrier in the global world. Secondly, the gap between Sr. Secondary and graduate courses should be bridged.

The Indian education system follows multiple boards like CBSE, ICSE, or state in their schools. Which board does your school follow and why?

We follow the CBSE board as it is recognised by the Indian Government and is a National level board. People who wish to relocate to other states due to various reasons are able to provide continuity to their children without many adjustments that further help in a smooth transition for the child. Being associated with CBSE for a long time now, as a school we find it the most evolutionary board that focuses on experiential learning and the overall development of children. CBSE syllabus is designed to prepare the children for professional courses after senior secondary.

What is your enhancement plan to transform India and its populace into a 100 percent educated nation? How is your school contributing to the same?

As a school, we promote ‘Each One, Teach One’ and other social responsibility projects taken up by the students of the school to make a small contribution and support the education of less privileged and disabled children. Regular sensitisation programs and awareness drives conducted by schools will surely help and contribute towards building an educated Nation.

Your school is contributing immensely to India’s education sector. What are your expansion plans for this year and beyond?

The school envisions the movement of self-motivated learners and will widen the circle of influence in the coming years. We look forward to providing a variety of skill enhancement and vocational training to our students and instilling emotional maturity in them. Through internships and by setting up a career counseling cell in the school we want to expose our students to the world outside and make them future-ready. Very soon we shall be launching new campuses and would leverage that to expand our reach to more and more students.

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