The Role of Indian Universities in the Digital Era – Emphasising Multidisciplinary Approaches in Education: Prof. (Dr.) Uma Bhardwaj, Noida International University

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August 7, 2023

UGC guidelines emphasise multidisciplinary approaches, broadening student’s skill sets and adaptability to various job roles. These courses integrate subjects like history, art, language, philosophy, and sociology, providing a holistic education that cultivates critical thinking, research skills, and creativity shared Prof. (Dr.) Uma Bhardwaj, Vice Chancellor, Noida International University in an exclusive conversation with Sheeba Chauhan of Elets News Network. Edited excerpts:

National education policy ( Nep 2020) Emphasis the promotion of Indian heritage and culture. Ugc has come up with guidelines for introducing courses based on Indian heritage and culture. will such courses pave the path for better job roles in the future?

The promotion of Indian heritage and culture, as emphasised in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the guidelines introduced by the University Grants Commission (UGC) for related courses, can pave the path for better job roles in the future. These courses offer several benefits that contribute to students & employability and career prospects. The Indian heritage culture makes strong individuals by developing spiritual thoughts along with intellectual thoughts.

Additionally, the UGC guidelines emphasise multidisciplinary approaches, broadening student’s skill sets and adaptability to various job roles. These courses integrate subjects like history, art, language, philosophy, and sociology, providing a holistic education that cultivates critical thinking, research skills, and creativity. These skills are highly valued in the job market and can lead to opportunities in academia, research, media, content creation, and cultural organisations.

Furthermore, the emphasis on Indian heritage and culture aligns with the growing demand for sustainable and responsible tourism, eco-cultural development, and indigenous knowledge systems. These emerging areas offer job prospects for individuals with expertise in Indian heritage and culture, enabling them to contribute to sustainable development and community empowerment.

In conclusion, the courses based on Indian heritage and culture introduced as per the guidelines of NEP 2020 can indeed pave the path for better job roles in the future.

Nurturing a deep understanding of Indian heritage and culture, fostering cross-cultural competencies, and developing multidisciplinary skills enhance graduates, employability and enable them to contribute to sectors that promote and preserve India & rich cultural legacy.

How does an international university support the holistic development of its student beyond academics are there any specific initiatives or programs in place to foster their professional growth.

Noida International University prioritises the holistic development of students by offering various initiatives and programs that extend beyond academics and focus on their professional growth. These initiatives include robust career, internship, and research at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, entrepreneur skills, and innovations.

Professional development workshops, seminars, mentoring sessions, networking events, etc. are organised for the holistic development of the students. The career and placement cell of the University provides guidance, career counseling, resources, and support to help students explore career paths, develop job search skills, and connect with potential employers, etc.

Internships and value-added courses allow students to gain practical work experience, apply their knowledge in real-world settings, and build valuable industry connections. Dedicated entrepreneurship and innovation centers support students interested in entrepreneurship by providing resources, mentorship, and guidance for starting their own businesses.

Mentoring programs pair students with experienced professionals or alumni who offer guidance, advice, and support throughout their career development journey. Networking events and career fairs enable students to expand their professional network, connect with employers, industry experts, and alumni, and explore job opportunities.

Moving towards the digital era, We now have digital universities. What is your take on digital universities?

Digital universities have emerged as a response to the increasing demand for flexible and accessible education in the digital age. These institutions utilise technology to offer online learning experiences, allowing students to pursue their education without the limitations of time and location. The primary advantage of digital universities is the flexibility they provide. Students have the freedom to access course materials, lectures, and assignments at their convenience, enabling them to study at their own pace and balance their education with other commitments. This flexibility is especially advantageous for working professionals, individuals with family responsibilities, or those who prefer a self-paced learning approach.

Digital universities also have the potential to reach a broader audience. Geographical barriers are overcome, as students from anywhere in the world can enroll. This opens opportunities for individuals who may lack access to traditional universities due to distance, financial constraints, or other limitations. Furthermore, digital universities leverage technology to create interactive and engaging learning environments. They incorporate multimedia resources, virtual simulations, and collaborative tools to enhance the educational experience. These technological advancements offer students a more dynamic and immersive journey of learning.

Internationalisation is an important aspect of many universities. Could you talk about the effort made by Noida international university to attract international students and foster a diverse and inclusive campus environment?

To attract international students and foster a nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment, we provide dedicated faculty members who are here to guide and support us throughout the educational journey. We offer a 50 per cent scholarship for international students, believe in the transformative power of knowledge, and dedicate ourselves to equipping them with the necessary skills and insights for success in their chosen fields. We have established collaborations with 50+ universities across the globe, allowing for an exchange program that enhances the international experience. It is important to remember that your time at the university is not solely focused on academics. It also presents an opportunity for personal growth, forming lifelong friendships, and exploring new interests and passions.

The world education summit had been indigenising transformation in the education industry since its initial edition. What are your thoughts on being a part of this global platform on 4 – 5 July in the New Delhi?

Yes, I am very much excited to be a part of this global platform to share and discuss the new initiative in transforming education. This a great platform to support Education 4.0 India which highlights the solution to strengthen the digital infrastructure for learning in India. This is the right global platform to discuss the building blocks of the education industry which are Curriculum, Content, Capacity, Community, and Digital Infrastructure which can connect the unconnected and can bridge the gap between education 4.0 and Industry Revolution 4.0.

Oracle Cloud Infrastructure to modernise ‘DIKSHA’

Government News

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digitalLEARNING Network

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August 4, 2023

The Indian Ministry of Education(MoE) has selected Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) to upgrade the nation’s Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing (DIKSHA) national education technology platform, according to a recent announcement from Oracle. By moving, DIKSHA will be able to cut its IT expenses while improving accessibility. The portal supports 1.48 million schools and is accessible in 36 Indian languages across India’s 35 states and union territories. OCI will work with the Ministry of Education to use DIKSHA to make educational materials available to millions of Indian students, instructors, and collaborators as part of the multi-year collaboration arrangement.

The Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)[1] project known as DIKSHA was created for foundational learning programmes and classroom education. It is one of India’s biggest and most successful DPI[1] efforts. The EkStep Foundation’s open-source Sunbird platform, created by the DIKSHA, assists teachers in promoting inclusive learning for impoverished and disabled student communities across the nation. More than 11,000 authors’ content is accessed by more than 200 million students and 7 million teachers from public and private institutions. From sources including the National Council of Educational Research & Training (NCERT), Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), and State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERTs), users of the platform stream 1.2 petabytes of text and video content per day. Since moving to OCI, DIKSHA has gained greater scalability, security, cost effectiveness, and the ability to adjust capacity based on demand, enabling DIKSHA to deliver more content and serve more students and teachers as the platform grows.

India continues to have one of the largest knowledge economies in the world, and education is a key pillar for economic progress. According to Dr. Indu Kumar, Head of Department, ICT and Training, Central Institute of Educational Technology (CIET), National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), Ministry of Education, Government of India, we must embrace modern tools and technology to make education more easily accessible and securely accessible to everyone.

“Moving DIKSHA to OCI will be crucial to improving India’s educational system. According to Nandan Nilekeni, Co-Founder and Chairperson of the EkStep Foundation, “DIKSHA helps India’s DPI ambitions in the area of education and is driving population-scale deployments, which can be difficult in a heterogeneous country like India. “This collaboration could serve as a model for other countries around the world and is an important step in our effort to realise Digital India in the age of AI.”

Embracing global education Equipping students for a connected world: Dr. Sunita Swaraj, The Heritage School

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August 3, 2023

The world is becoming more and more globalised, and this has a profound impact on education. In the past, education was largely focused on preparing students for the national workforce. However, in today’s globalised economy, students must be prepared to work and live in a globalised world. This means they must be able to think critically, solve problems and communicate effectively across cultures.

There are a number of ways educators can help students navigate education in a globalised world. One important way is to provide opportunities for students to learn about different cultures. This can be achieved through courses, field trips and guest speakers. It is also important to help students develop critical thinking skills. This will help them evaluate information from different sources and make informed decisions. Finally, it is important to help students develop strong communication skills. This will help them communicate effectively with people from different cultures.

There are a number of challenges educators face in preparing students for a globalised world. One of the problems is lack of resources. Many schools do not have the resources to provide students with the education they need to succeed in a globalised world. Another problem is the lack of qualified teachers. Many teachers are not prepared to teach students about different cultures or help them develop critical thinking skills.

Despite the challenges, there are a number of things that can be done to help students navigate education in a globalised world. By providing opportunities to learn about different cultures, developing their critical thinking skills, and helping them develop strong communication skills, educators can help students succeed in a globalised world.

In addition to the challenges mentioned above, there are a number of other factors that educators must consider when navigating education in a globalised world. One factor is the increasing diversity of the student population. More and more students come from different cultural backgrounds, which can present challenges for educators unfamiliar with these cultures. Another factor is the rapid pace of change in the global economy. The skills students need to succeed in today’s economy may not be the same skills they will need in the future. This means that educators must be flexible and adaptable in their teaching methods.

Despite the challenges, there are also a number of opportunities that exist for educators in a globalised world. One possibility is cooperation with educators from other countries. This can help educators learn about different cultures and develop new teaching methods.

Another opportunity is to use technology to connect students with people around the world. This can help students learn about different cultures and develop global perspectives.

Navigating education in a globalised world is a complex task, but one that is essential for the success of 21st century students. By understanding the challenges and opportunities that exist, educators can help students develop the skills they need to succeed in a globalised world.

Here are some specific strategies educators can use to help students navigate education in a globalised world:-

Incorporate global perspectives into the curriculum. This can be done by teaching about different cultures, religions and political systems. This can also be done through literature and films that reflect different perspectives.
Provide opportunities for students to learn about different cultures first hand. This can be done through field trips, guest speakers and virtual exchanges.
Help students develop critical thinking skills. This can be done by teaching them to evaluate information from different sources and make informed decisions.
Help students develop strong communication skills. This can be done by teaching them how to communicate effectively with people from different cultures.
Collaborate with educators from other countries. This can help educators learn about different cultures and develop new teaching methods.
Use technology to connect students with people around the world. This can help students learn about different cultures and develop global perspectives.

Using these strategies, educators can help students develop the skills they need to succeed in a globalised world.

Views expressed by Dr. Sunita Swaraj, Principal, The Heritage School, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi.

byteXL signs MoU with the AICTE to enable tech skilling

Corporate Updates

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August 3, 2023

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between byteXL and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). byteXL is one of the top IT skilling partners for engineering colleges in India. Sricharan Tadepalli, Co-Founder of byteXL, and Dr. Ravindra Kumar Soni, Advisor, AICTE, Government of India, signed the collaboration agreement on behalf of AICTE. This arrangement is a component of NEAT 3.0, a public-private partnership model between ed-tech businesses and the Government of India, even if it is being carried out by the AICTE. The government created Neat 3.0 as a single, unified platform to provide students the best-developed ed-tech products and courses.

As a member of the government’s advisory board with experience in the edtech sector, byteXL will participate in talks and offer recommendations for tech skilling solutions. With partnerships with more than 100 institutions in 7 Indian states, the company has a close relationship with the colleges in tier I, tier II, and tier III cities and a thorough understanding of their unique requirements. With the aim of making tech skilling accessible to everyone, byteXL will use its expertise in developing technologies to offer e-learning courses and its industry experts. Additionally, the organisation will offer its recommendations for modernising curriculum development and incorporating courses tailored to the requirements of the tech industry.

Regardless of a student’s socioeconomic status, NEAT 3.0 aims to close the digital divide and increase access to skill development for all students. The NEAT site currently offers more than 100 courses and e-resources to all students in order to improve their learning outcomes, increase their employability, and enable information sharing.

Boarding schools making Children Future-Ready in true sense: Dr. Prem Kashyap, The Pestle Weed

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August 2, 2023

From highlighting the importance and transformative role played by boarding schools in the holistic development of a child to speaking on the role of AI in education and the need to be cautious in its usage, Dr. Prem Kashyap, Principal, The Pestle Weed, opens up in an exclusive interview with Sheeba Chauhan of Elets News Network (ENN). Edited excerpts:

You have built a great boarding school in the foothills of Himalaya. We would like to know more about your organisation and challenges you faced and how you would like to define the benefits between the day school and the boarding school.

Having a boarding school instead of a day school offers numerous benefits. Boarding schools provide a structured daily routine that includes educational, extracurricular, and social activities beyond regular school hours. In contrast, day schools typically follow a standard schedule with classes during the day and extracurricular activities taking place after school.

In a boarding school, students reside on campus throughout the academic year, providing ample opportunities for their training and preparation for future challenges. With a limited number of students per class, boarding schools facilitate close and strong relationships among peers and teachers, allowing for greater attention to each student’s holistic development, which may be lacking in day schools. The close-knit community fostered in boarding schools leads to stronger bonds among students and a sense of camaraderie.

Moreover, boarding schools often offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, sports, clubs, and programs that go beyond regular school hours. This allows students to explore their interests, talents, and passions to a greater extent. While day schools also provide extracurricular activities, they are typically limited to after-school hours and may have a narrower focus on the local community.

Another advantage of boarding schools is the opportunity for students to develop independence and take on more responsibilities. Living away from home requires them to manage their time, studies, and personal needs independently, contributing to their overall personality development.

What is your NDA foundation course? Could you let us know more about the specific course offered to students belonging to class 9th and above?

I have developed a deep fascination and genuine affection for individuals serving in the armed forces. Over the course of the past 55 to 60 years, as a teacher, I have witnessed numerous gatherings where I have had the pleasure of hosting a substantial number of guests, many of whom hold esteemed positions within the Navy, Air Force, and Army. Within our educational institution, we have taken the initiative to embark on a journey with students aspiring to join the National Defence Academy (NDA) from as early as the 9th grade.

We provide them with a foundational curriculum tailored specifically to their aspirations. Moreover, we offer comprehensive guidance and assistance to those who are preparing for the NDA examinations and harbour a strong desire to serve in the Army, Air Force, or Navy. Notably, we have the privilege of having Samish Agarwal, a retired General Officer Commanding (GOC), and a team of other distinguished retired military professionals who diligently train these aspiring students, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge for their future endeavours.

AI is the prevailing phenomenon within the education sphere, with widespread discussions surrounding it, what is your comment on the same?

Artificial intelligence (AI) holds significant importance in our society, and its integration into educational institutions has already taken place. However, to my understanding, AI is not a recent development. Its utilisation can be traced back thousands of years to a particular era. While European countries are currently highlighting the prominence of AI, India also has the potential to follow suit. In fact, India has already made remarkable strides in leveraging technological advancements such as AI to revolutionise the education sector within the nation.

Nevertheless, it is crucial to ensure that AI does not assume the role of a master. As long as it continues to serve as a tool, it remains acceptable. The reason for this cautious approach stems from the fact that excessive reliance on AI could potentially displace manual labour, exacerbating the already challenging task of job creation in a densely populated country like India. Although the automation of tasks through AI is advantageous for smaller European nations, its impact on our country would be different.

The World Education Summit has been igniting transformation in the education industry since its initial edition. What are your thoughts on being a part of the 26th edition of this global platform on 4-5 July in New Delhi?

I am truly honoured to be a part of this prestigious event. Education plays a vital role in shaping the future of individuals and societies, and I believe that platforms like the World Education Summit are crucial for fostering collaboration, sharing ideas, and driving innovation in the field of education.

I have been a part of various educational conferences and summits. As learning is a continuous process, I also learn from the great ideas and knowledge shared in summits. I look forward to engaging with fellow educators, policymakers, and experts from around the world to discuss pressing issues, exchange insights, and explore innovative approaches to enhance learning outcomes and educational systems.

NETF signs 14 MoUs to improve employability

Government News

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digitalLEARNING Network

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August 2, 2023

National Education Policy, or NEP 2020, celebrated its third anniversary during the Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Samagam 2023, a two-day event held in New Delhi’s Pragati Maidan. In order to improve employability through upskilling, reskilling, placement, internships, digital infrastructure, workshops, and certifications, the National Educational Technology Forum (NETF) signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with 14 organisations from various industry domains in India during this event.

The Hon’ble Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan, the Hon’ble Minister of State for Education, Professor T G Sitharam, Chairman of the AICTE, Professor Anil D Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of NETF, and Buddha Chandrasekhar, CCO, NEAT, AICTE, graced the ceremony held at the newly inaugurated IECC complex.

The National Educational Technology Forum (NETF), which seeks to transform the educational industry via the power of technology, was established through this collaborative initiative. By encouraging collaboration between educators, decision-makers, and business executives, the forum will close the technological and educational gap. In order to create cutting-edge educational technologies and best practises, it will act as a platform for the exchange of knowledge, resources, and experience. This will guarantee that all students have equal access to high-quality education.

Prof. T. G. Sitharam, Chairman, AICTE stated, “We are going on a transformative path to revolutionise education in India through strategic alliances with the National Educational Technology Forum. By utilising the potential of technology, we hope to empower students, encourage innovation, and open the door for a diverse and forward-looking educational environment.

Prof. Anil D. Sahasrabudhe, Chairman, NETF, expressed enthusiasm for this ground-breaking partnership and emphasised the importance of collective effort in determining the direction of education. The NETF envisions a world in which technology and education are smoothly integrated, empowering both students and teachers and promoting a knowledge-driven society with a focus on lifelong learning.

Punjab CM flags off a group of headmasters for training at IIM Ahmedabad

Schools News

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digitalLEARNING Network

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August 1, 2023

Bhagwant Mann, Chief Minister of Punjab, sent out the first group of headmasters for specialised training at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad, in yet another ground-breaking move meant to spark a revolution in the educational field.

The Chief Minister declared that it is a grand day in the history of the state while speaking with the media after flagging off the group of headmasters. He stated that the current batch is traveling to Ahmedabad to increase their level of knowledge, whilst delegations of Principals are returning after obtaining training in Singapore. Bhagwant Mann said that the single motive is to ensure that students of the government schools in the state get a quality education. So that they can compete with their convent-educated peers across the globe.

According to the Chief Minister, just as exceptional coaches make excellent players, a modern teacher will contribute to developing capable pupils for the future. The state government, according to him, has ample resources to support the education sector, and every effort will be made to guarantee that children receive high-quality instruction. Bhagwant Mann predicted that, as a result of the state government’s tireless efforts, Punjab will soon become a national center for high-quality education.

Bhagwant Mann claimed, however, that he attends some sort of function every day to guarantee the welfare of every segment of society. He declared that it is the responsibility of his government to safeguard the wellbeing of every segment of society and that nothing would be spared in the pursuit of this admirable goal.

The Chief Minister claimed that after taking office, he immediately set out to resolve all the legal and administrative snags in order to regularise the employment of 12710 teachers. According to Bhagwant Mann, the goal was to provide the teachers’ financial security since he is adamant that only when their futures are safe will they be able to change the course of their pupils’ lives. The genuine issue facing each employee, for which the state administration is already exerting every effort, would be resolved, he claimed.

Standout Features of ShriConnect ERP Solutions: Sheelam Seth, Shri Educare (ShriConnect) Ltd.

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August 1, 2023

The idea behind developing the ERP system was to reduce the dependency on manual work and streamline the various school processes in an efficient and smooth way, shared Sheelam Seth, CEO, Shri Educare (ShriConnect) Ltd. in an exclusive conversation with Sheeba Chauhan of Elets News Network. Edited excerpts:

ShriConnect is the one-stop paperless solution for any type of educational institute to automate the school management process. Please let me know more about your solutions.

ShriConnect is an all-embracing IT resolution for institutions that serve each of the establishments with their services and helps all the associates like students, teachers, senior management team, and parents. ShriConnect is a SaaS model system, a cloud-based ERP, which contributes to the efficient functioning of schools. ShriConnect helps in streamlining administrative tasks such as student/employee attendance management, HRMS/payroll, and employee self-development portal, report card generation/ mark analysis, and fee management module, thus reducing the manual workload for staff, saving time, improving accuracy and the environment.

ShriConnect has features like classroom management, online assignments, exam results, and progress tracking. Teachers can monitor students’ academic progress, identify areas for improvement, and provide timely feedback, ultimately enhancing overall academic performance. It also simplifies student personality traits/Co-Curricular Activities and enables various academic trend projections based on data-driven analysis, generate automated fee receipts, tracks payment status, and generates financial reports, reducing the administrative burden and improving transparency. ShriConnect focuses on data security and has robust security measures through encryption, access control, and regular backups to protect sensitive student and institutional data. Furthermore, it is evolving to keep up with the changing needs and advancements in the education sector.

Your brand has been in the industry since 2008 and the education industry has seen a major shift from 2008 till today. How do you cater to the changing needs of the education ecosystem?

In India, nearly 40% of the children go to private schools, and seeing the current trend this sector is expected to have an accelerated growth in the coming year. Keeping in mind this requirement we have developed a robust system built to scale and customise as per the school’s needs. ShriConnect has customisable modules and features and can be tailored to align with their specific workflows, policies, and processes, ensuring that the system adapts to the unique needs of schools. One of the focus areas has been mobile accessibility: As the education landscape evolves, mobile accessibility becomes increasingly important. We provide mobile applications or responsive interfaces, allowing stakeholders to access information and perform tasks on the go, irrespective of their location or device.

These advancements have supported all our schools to adapt to the changing needs of the educational ecosystem and improve efficiency, collaboration, and student outcome. We ensured by having a dedicated team working continuously at the back end for the past half-decade and ensuring the overall development and technological advancement are carried out in line with the ever-changing environment in the educational sector.

How are you implementing technologies like AI and ML in building your solutions more efficiently and cost-effective?

The idea behind developing the ERP system was to reduce the dependency on manual work and streamline the various school processes in an efficient and smooth way. ShriConnect has been trained for Intelligent Data-driven Analysis, It can analyse large amounts of data collected and by applying data mining techniques, these algorithms can identify patterns, trends, and correlations in student performance, attendance, personality behavior, and other relevant data. This analysis helps educators and administrators make data-driven decisions and implement targeted interventions. The analysed historical data also helps in forecasting student performance, identifying students at risk of dropping out, or predicting resource requirements. This proactive approach enables early intervention and targeted support for students, improving retention rates and academic outcomes.

I believe a lot more needs to be done in this area with the ever-evolving technological revolution. We continuously strive to work in this direction and upgrade ShriConnect continuously.

Could you please elaborate on why you have chosen only the school segment for your ERP Solutions?

We have been in the education sector for the past 35 years since the opening of the first Shri Ram School in 1988. Our schooling Technology vertical is currently at 100 + schools in India, Maldives, and Doha across CBSE, ICSE, CAIE, and IB curriculum schools. So, it was innate for us to help our school team, parents, and students with effective administration, enhanced communication, and academic performance monitoring. Working with a wide spectrum of schools has helped us to further optimise our systems for better performance and results.

What are the features of Shri Connect ERP solutions that make it stand out among the rest in the industry?

in the industry? I would say the biggest advantage of opting for ShriConnect is the optimised solution we provided to each school based on their need and not by any planned models. This helps schools plug into our systems and have a hassle-free user interface and would help them drastically reduce the overhead costs. Another thing that I take great pride in is the customer support provided to each school by our team, with a complaint resolution of 2 hours we believe in quality deliverance. We also have constant connections with our existing clients to get their feedback and upgrade our systems and integrate various technologies to automate the manual processes at schools.

The World Education Summit has been igniting transformation in the education industry since its initial edition. What are your thoughts on being a part of the 26th edition of this global platform on 4-5 July in New Delhi?

World Educational Summit is an event that brings together policymakers, educators, researchers, and other stakeholders in the education industry to discuss and collaborate on key issues and challenges in school education.

It serves as a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaborative efforts to address the diverse challenges faced by the education industry globally. Such forums contribute to shaping education policies, fostering partnerships, and driving innovation in the ever-changing requirements of school education on a global scale.

Embracing Smart Education for Innovation and Success in India’s Higher Education

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July 31, 2023

In today’s rapidly evolving world, where technological advancements have permeated every aspect of our lives, the realm of education is no exception. According to the United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA) projections, India will continue to have one of the youngest populations in the world until 2030, boasting nearly 140 million college-aged individuals. This demographic shift, accompanied by the growing comfort of the youth with technology, presents a window of opportunities for the popularisation of educational technologies. In fact, recent research by McKinsey reveals that more than 60 per cent of students prefer using new classroom learning technologies. Embracing smart education is poised to be game-changing in this regard as it makes education enjoyable, engaging, efficient, effective, and ethical. It holds immense potential to revolutionise the way we learn and thrive in India’s higher education landscape.

With increasing internet speeds, cloud computing advancements, and the availability of information anytime and anywhere, traditional teaching approaches are being replaced by new learning models, including distance learning, mobile learning, personalised learning, flipped and blended learning, social collaborative learning, and game-based learning. Embracing these changes, smart education or smart learning environments have emerged, integrating pedagogy, technology, and novel teaching approaches to enhance learning. Smart education, which encompasses not only technology but also innovative approaches to teaching and learning has emerged as one of the top global trends of 2023.

Smart education has gained significant traction worldwide, as evidenced by the implementation of smart learning environments in various education systems. Various studies across the globe have evidenced the importance of incorporating smart education into our curriculum, as it offers significant advantages in student performance, engagement, and knowledge retention. A study conducted at the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering of the National Technical University of Athens, Greece, revealed that challenge-based gamification, which is a great example of a smart learning environment, improved student performance by an impressive 89.45% compared to lecture-based education, resulting in an overall performance increase of 34.75%. Another study by the Federation of American Scientists demonstrated that students recall only 20% of what they hear, but when gamification is used, enabling students to perform tasks themselves, an astounding 90% retention rate is achieved.

Moreover, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes the importance of innovative pedagogy and smart learning environments. Educational institutes in India should focus on incorporating smart education to stay ahead in the global learning landscape. This incorporation demands a focus on five crucial aspects: making education enjoyable, engaging, efficient, effective, and ethical. Enjoyable and engaging smart education can leverage augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies to create immersive learning experiences, enabling students to explore complex concepts and virtual environments. Collaboration tools, discussion forums, and social learning networks should be considered to foster peer interaction and collaborative problem-solving, boosting student engagement and motivation.

Efficiency and accessibility are key considerations in smart education. Integrating learning management systems (LMS) and digital tools can automate administrative tasks, improve communication, and expedite processes. The LMS market in India is projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 20.58% during the forecast period 2021 to 2026, which would help Indian universities to make eLearning sustainable in the long run. This would help in providing online evaluations and personalized feedback to enable targeted coaching while providing instructional content in regional languages ensuring accessibility for diverse linguistic backgrounds. Embracing efficiency and accessibility in smart education empowers institutions to optimize resources and provide equitable learning opportunities for all students.

The goal of smart education in India should be to deliver successful educational outcomes. Data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) can track student progress, identify learning gaps, and provide personalized interventions. According to a study by UNICEF, AI-driven personalized feedback can help reduce India’s dropout rates, which are 4% at the primary level and 20% in higher education. Moreover, adaptive learning algorithms can adjust the difficulty and pace of education to cater to individual needs. Learning analytics assist educators in refining teaching methods and improving overall effectiveness.

Ethical considerations should be integral to smart education, where stricter measures need to be introduced to ensure data privacy and security, safeguarding students’ personal information. Educational institutions should take precautions to manage students’ online actions and development appropriately and with integrity. Smart education platforms should also aim to promote inclusivity and diversity by providing equal learning opportunities to all students, regardless of their backgrounds or geographical locations.

Embracing smart education is crucial for India’s educational institutions to keep pace with global advancements. By creating enjoyable, engaging, efficient, effective, and ethical learning environments, India can foster innovation, cater to diverse needs, and deliver successful educational outcomes for all learners.

Views expressed by Raj Mruthyunjayappa, Chief Digital Officer and President- India, Anthology Inc.

Technology in Early Education: Shaping the Success of Next Generation – Dewan Siraj Munir, Sublime Academy

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July 31, 2023

Technology guides the modern world – Educational Technology can prepare the students for real world.

The use of technology in education is the need of the hour. In today’s technology-led world, learning how to use technology is very important for a child. Technology enables a child to engage with the learning process and plays a positive role in the child’s learning and development.

Using technology makes learning more entertaining for toddlers and preschoolers. Some children naturally don’t love to go to school. Digital classrooms create an entertaining space and make them fall in love with the school.

It is important for students to learn technology skills to become future-ready and compete globally. Children can now use technology to write and illustrate. Educational Technology familiarises students with modern technology. It familiarises a child with software and apps like presentation tools, spreadsheets, word processors, etc. Educational games can help children develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision making skills.

National Education Policy (NEP 2020) has laid great emphasis on the use of technology in education. National Educational Technology Forum (NEFT) has been created to integrate technology into different aspects of school & higher education. At Sublime Academy, we have transformed into a Digital-Tech school. We have powered our curriculum with Lead, a school Edtech company. We are the first school in the Barpeta district to do so. Transformation into Digital-Tech has benefitted our students. Learning has become more engaging with our multimodal learning process. Our Audio-visual content and grade-wise activity kits don’t just make learning fun for students but also help in a better understanding of concepts. Our QR code-enabled books facilitate digital visualization. Blended learning at Sublime, is making our students future ready.

Views expressed by Dewan Siraj Munir, Executive Director, Sublime Academy

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