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Building dynamic education ecosystem with immersive and experiential learning: Tamil Selvan Ramadoss, Masa Trading Fze

Ramadoss TamilSelvan

“Peter Drucker, one of the greatest management thinkers, emphasized the importance of constantly challenging and increasing one’s knowledge. The new trend in learning is hybrid learning, which involves a blend of virtual and physical classrooms. However, we need to move beyond this and embrace the concept of learning from everywhere, which is a more immersive and experiential form of learning. Industry experts need to collaborate with universities and higher education institutions to provide practical knowledge to students through blended learning that combines remote learning with on-the-job training”, shared Tamil Selvan Ramadoss, CFO, Masa Trading Fze. 

“UNESCO emphasizes the importance of creating a future global citizen and identifies seven competencies required for this, including lifelong learning, self-agency, interactive use of diverse tools and resources, interaction with others, and multiliterate ness. The last competency involves learning about various subjects and not just specific knowledge areas, such as STEM or social studies. The burden of creating a global citizen cannot be solely placed on academia or schools. Instead, it requires an integrated approach that involves both the industry and academia” he further said.

He added, “Today, software engineers may not be able to produce exceptional work unless they have knowledge of biology and can apply it to biotechnology. Similarly, individuals in industries such as Agri-tech must have a multidisciplinary understanding of academia to be successful. This is where the UNESCO model comes in, which aims to create global citizens through education reform.”

He also mentioned four key aspects of creating a successful educational ecosystem. The aspects are mentioned below:

  1. The curriculum being taught should be updated and relevant to industry needs.
  2. Pedagogy and teaching methods, which should be continually improved upon.
  3. The integration of technology and real-world applications into education.
  4. The importance of the target audience, not only the students themselves, but also the future workers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders who will benefit from a well-rounded education. 

If these four aspects are not taken into account, creating a successful educational ecosystem will be challenging, he concluded.

India on its path to revive magnificence and becoming ‘Vishwa Guru’: Supriti Katkar, New Horizons Scholars School

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Education in the current scenario is the acquisition, creation and adaptation of information, knowledge, skills and values. It is a key lever to align with the (United Nations) UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Skill-based learning is based on a vision of inclusive societies in which all citizens have equitable opportunities. Education is essential to individuals’ development as it is to the development of their families, of the local and national communities to which they belong, and to the world at large. The right to education is to be seen as an enabling right for the realisation of other economic, social and cultural rights.

Skill-based learning has its roots deep within our history, when we try to explore the past we come across Gurukul System, which was nothing but skills-based learning right from the early Vedic period. In skill-based learning, students are groomed to become successful leaders in their chosen fields. To facilitate this process, it is paramount for students to think beyond grades and acquire real-life skills. These tangible experiences are taking us to the traditional form of education– the glorious past is being revived. India is on the path of reviving its magnificence and becoming Vishwa Guru again.

With the government’s Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna (PMKVY) scheme, which aims to promote recognition and standardisation Indian schools are going through a positive transformational phase.

Views expressed by Supriti Katkar, Principal, New Horizons Scholars School, Thane.

Global summit fosters collaboration internationally and improves the quality of education: Karunn Kandoi, ApplyBoard

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Global education summits play an important role in fostering international collaborations worldwide. It is a great opportunity for educators, researchers, and policymakers and other stakeholders to come together from different countries to share their knowledge, experience, and best practices, shared Karunn Kandoi, Chief Experience Officer, ApplyBoard in an exclusive conversation with Sheeba Chauhan of Elets Technomedia. Edited excerpts:

How ApplyBoard simplifies the study abroad process by connecting students, recruitment partners, and partner schools on a single platform?

ApplyBoard was created with the aim to empower students around the world to access the best education. The AI-powered platform helps tailor results to students’ goals, experiences, and backgrounds to enable them to be more successful in their study abroad journey.

The platform simplifies the study abroad search, application, and acceptance process by connecting international students, recruitment partners, and academic institutions on one intuitive and personalized platform. ApplyBoard helps thousands of students by providing them with the option to search and choose from over 140,000 programs and 1,750 higher education institutions in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Ireland.

2-Year Australian Post-Grad Work Extensions Announced for Eligible International Students. Your comments on possible opportunities and challenges after this major decision.

Post-graduate work opportunities are a major consideration for international students when choosing where to study. In fact, according to the October 2022 edition of ApplyBoard’s Pulse Survey, 80% of recruitment professionals surveyed indicated post-graduation work opportunities as a top priority for their students. For those studying in Australia or considering it as a destination, the recent decision to extend the post-study work visa is an excellent development. The decision is likely to have a positive impact on both the students and institutions. By gaining work experience in their field, students can learn, grow, and contribute to the Australian workforce while also providing institutions with a competitive edge in the global education market.

How is ApplyBoard using artificial intelligence and other digital innovations on its platform?

Applying to multiple academic institutions can be a daunting task for students. That’s why the ApplyBoard Platform uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to match students with the best institutions and programs for them, based on their preferences, qualifications, and goals. The platform analyzes factors including academic background, test scores, language proficiency, post-graduation work eligibility, and more to provide personalized program recommendations. This way, each individual student is served a bespoke list of options tailored to their specific needs and priorities.

Students can easily find and compare over 140,000 study programs from around the world with ApplyBoard’s free quick search tool. They have the option to customize their search by filtering based on the country, city, institution type, field of study, level of study, program start date, and more. This helps create the move customized experience possible for students and those professionals helping them throughout their journey.

What is your take on global summits? How do they help foster international collaborations worldwide?

Global education summits play an important role in fostering international collaborations worldwide. It is a great opportunity for educators, researchers, and policymakers and other stakeholders to come together from different countries to share their knowledge, experience, and best practices. In the case of the World Education Summit that happened recently in Dubai, it provided a platform for educators and policymakers to discuss challenges and opportunities in the education sector across the world. It also offered an opportunity for participants to learn about innovative approaches to education and network with peers from different parts of the world. The global summit fosters collaboration internationally and improves the quality of education and research worldwide.

A Complete Guide To PMP Certification

PMP Certification

The Project Management Institute offers the well-respected PMP (Project Management Professional) certification in project management. This post thoroughly explains the PMP certification process, exam structure, content, and preparation advice. The post will also cover the advantages of earning a PMP certification, such as better employment prospects and higher earning potential. Let this complete guide for the PMP course help you advance your journey in project management.

What is PMP certification?
Project managers possessing the Project Management Professional (PMP) credential often belong to an exclusive group of people who are considered experts in different project management-related activities. It showcases project leadership knowledge and skills in any organizational system.

Experienced project managers can use this project management certification to show they have the knowledge and abilities to lead and manage project teams and complete projects within schedule, budget, and scope. The PMP certification online honors those dedicated to ongoing professional growth and with a strong foundation in project management experience.

Cost of PMP certification
The PMP certification cost can differ based on your membership status with PMI. The price for PMI annual membership is USD 139. The PMP examination fee is USD 405 for PMI members and USD 555 for non-PMI members.

Details about the examination
● Instead of attending 200 questions, the updated exam now has 180 questions.
● There will be two 10-minute breaks rather than one, and
● There will be three “domains” (phases of project management) rather than five.

  • Benefits of PMP certification

Increased earning potential
PMP-certified project managers typically earn higher salaries than their non-certified counterparts. Project management professionals earn a median salary of 16% internationally (and 32% higher in the US) than those without the certification. Good project management training can further help you in the preparation process.

Improved job opportunities
Employers place a high value on PMP certification, which can lead to more promising employment opportunities. According to research, by 2030, companies will need to fill approximately 2.3 million additional project-oriented occupations annually. This indicates a significant demand for qualified project managers. The PMP certification confirms that you are part of the best because experienced professionals created it. Side by side, you can also prepare for the CAPM certification, which is another globally recognized certification in project management.

Increased credibility
The PMP certification is evidence of a project manager’s dedication to the industry and competence in project management concepts and techniques. Online PMP certification courses help a lot in acquiring the certification.

Better project outcomes
Project managers who have obtained the PMP credential share a common understanding of project management and risk management procedures and are better prepared to complete projects on schedule, within budget, and with the required quality. You can purchase a good PMP course to understand the topics better.

Global Recognition
PMP certification is globally recognized due to its association with PMI, a well-respected organization promoting best practices in project management. The certification is based on PMI’s guide to the PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge), a widely accepted standard. PMI has a large global community of members, including PMP-certified professionals, and uses a consistent evaluation process to assess candidates, ensuring the certification’s value. The demand for PMP-certified professionals is high among employers worldwide, making it a valuable asset for project managers working on international projects.

Continuous professional development
To keep their certification active, PMI mandates that holders of the PMP credential acquire continuing education units (PDUs), ensuring they remain knowledgeable about the most recent developments in project management techniques.

  • How to prepare for PMP certification?

Make the PMBOK guide your study mate
The PMBOK guide is a major reference for acquiring the PMP certification online. Take advantage of this and use the guide as your study’s road map. Every week, set aside time to study one of the PMBOK guide’s knowledge areas. Start with the basic guide before moving on to additional study materials. Then, use study materials such as textbooks, online courses, and practice exams to reinforce your understanding. It will aid your insight into each topic because other study guides frequently revise the material and portray the same subject from various perspectives.

Make a study plan for every day and stick to it
Make a goal statement explaining why getting the PMP is essential to you, and reread it frequently to keep yourself motivated during the preparation period. In the last three months, before the exam day, set aside time to study frequently. Make a study timetable that takes into account your employment and family commitments. Inform people of your objective so they can support you in achieving it. Ask your supervisor for help.

Get a good training course
A good PMP training course provides comprehensive coverage of PMP concepts and methodologies, allowing you to understand exam topics. It also offers practice questions and mock exams to help you simulate the actual PMP exam, thereby building confidence and improving test-taking skills. A good course helps develop a strong foundation, reduce exam anxiety, and increase your chances of passing the PMP exam on the first attempt.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the PMP certification is a valuable asset for project managers who want to advance their careers and increase their earning potential. Preparing for the PMP exam requires a solid understanding of PMP concepts, methodologies, and frameworks and good practice and experience. A good PMP course can help you achieve this by providing comprehensive coverage of PMP concepts, methodologies, and frameworks and offering practice questions and mock exams. By obtaining PMP certification, you demonstrate your expertise in project management, improve your credibility, and gain industry recognition from employers and peers.

Byju’s to raise $700M in fresh funding 

BYJU'S

BYJU’S is planning to raise $700 million in new financing at a flat valuation of $22 billion.

The new funding round, which is nearing completion, could be completed in the ensuing one to two weeks, the sources said. In this round, which has already undergone due diligence, existing investors are also taking part, they noted.

According to the report, two West Asian sovereign wealth funds and sizable private equity companies led the edtech company’s most recent round of funding. At least $400 million to $500 million has been put aside for debt payments in accordance with one of the terms of the agreement, it continued.

BYJU’S opted not to remark on the situation. This development occurs a day after BYJU’S named Ajay Goel its chief financial officer due to a hold-up in submitting the FY22 financials to the Registrar of Companies. After an 18-month delay, the edtech company’s FY21 financials were submitted to Indian regular accounting authorities.

It was recently revealed that BYJU’S intended to raise up to $250 million through the sale of convertible notes by Aakash Educational Services Ltd, which it had purchased in April 2021 for a transaction worth nearly $950 million in cash and stock.

Following the acquisition of $800 million from Blackrock, Sumeru Ventures, and other investors in March, BYJU’S last received $250 million in a funding round from its current investors, including Qatar Investment Authority, in October 2022. In October of last year, it also accepted a 300 crore rupee unsecured debt from Aakash.

Also Read:- Edtech unicorn Byju’s to raise $250 mn in Aakash pre-IPO funding

BYJU’S last month offered to its lenders to renegotiate its debt financing agreements, as part of which it offered to increase the interest rate on its $1.2-billion term loan B (TLB). At the time of the raise, this was the largest TLB made by an Indian startup, but the loan was unrated. The edtech company has recently come under fire for its financial practices and significant downsizing.

Education evolution throughout the years – Trends and Future Prospects: Rohan Parikh, The Green Acres Academy

rohan

The global education system has remained largely unchanged for the past 40 years, maintaining the same industrial-age structure, classrooms, and learning approach, shared Rohan Parikh, Chairman, The Green Acres Academy in an exclusive conversation with Sheeba Chauhan of Elets News Network. Edited excerpts:

Why is it important to select the right school to have the correct trajectory for a better future?

Choosing a school is undoubtedly the most crucial decision that every parent makes since it influences the trajectory of their child’s life. They have distinct cultures, ethos, and management methods, and some are better than others. Despite the fact that there are many fantastic kinds of schools, all of them are very different. Choosing a school involves understanding how you culturally fit in, as well as whether the school’s outlook on certain issues aligns with yours. Therefore, when deciding on a school for your child, think about whether the environment fits with what you want for their future. The right child at the right school will hopefully thrive and achieve success.

How, according to you, will the tech innovation level impact a child’s career in the future in terms of higher education?

60% of the job and career opportunities that will be available to our children upon high school graduation do not presently exist. The rapid advancement of technology is transforming our daily lives and employment opportunities, as well as the entrepreneurial landscape. As a result, technology will play a critical role in shaping the future of education worldwide. It is imperative to possess a solid understanding of technological innovations and their impact, as well as being adaptable to change, as these skills are essential for thriving in the future.

What technological advancements are used in learning at The Green Acres Academy (TGAA)?

The Green Acres Academy is at the forefront of incorporating the National Education Policy’s goal of moving toward tech-enabled and tech-focused learning. Technology is employed to enhance every aspect of the student’s education. Through the use of devices, multimedia options such as 3D animated videos and music help children learn in a variety of ways. Personalised learning using technology, enabling teachers to focus on the needs of each student is applicable at TGAA. Moreover, the collection of data through technology and continuous improving all aspects of the classroom is also one of the major focuses. Finally, technology is an effective way for children to express themselves. As jobs are no longer solely manual, self-expression, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking are essential skills. By employing technology-based projects and communication media, TGAA believes that they are cultivating these skills in the students for their future success.

As an education entrepreneur, what are the changes you have seen in the education sector across the spectrum in school education in the past 10 years and how do you think it will change in the next 10 years given the NEP policy?

Over the next decade, TGAA believes and hopes to witness a significant transformation in education. Historically, the global education system has remained largely unchanged for the past 40 years, maintaining the same industrial-age structure, classrooms, and learning approach. We have been building students to become bureaucrats and industrial-age workers, but the direction the NEP is heading suggests a shift towards critical thinking, 21st-century skills, and a reduced emphasis on memorization and learning by heart. Technology is being incorporated to a great extent, and holistic learning is becoming more and more important as we recognize the need to develop well-rounded students. Moreover, softer skills such as emotional learning, leadership, and collaboration are receiving greater emphasis in education. Additionally, we now understand that children are unique, and catering to their individual differences ensures success for every child. These are all areas where TGAA expects to see rapid transformation in
education in the coming years.

Opening the Doors: How Foreign Universities Can Revolutionize India’s Education Ecosystem: Dr. Raul V. Rodriguez, Woxsen University

raul

The Indian education system has long been in need of a significant overhaul, and foreign universities entering the Indian market could be the much-needed catalyst for this change. The impact that foreign universities will have on India’s ecosystem is expected to be far-reaching and positive. In this article, we will explore the potential impact of foreign universities entering India’s education market by citing the opinions of leading thinkers and theories.

Firstly, the entry of foreign universities is expected to enhance the quality of education offered in India. According to Amartya Sen, a Nobel laureate and an Indian economist, “Foreign universities will bring diversity, more competition, and will bring pressure for change in Indian universities.” The competition will lead to innovation, and Indian universities will be forced to upgrade their curriculum and infrastructure to meet the global standards of education. Furthermore, foreign universities are known for their research-oriented approach, which can help India’s research capabilities grow and lead to the development of new ideas and innovations.

Secondly, the entry of foreign universities can bring a significant change in the job market. According to the World Economic Forum, India has one of the largest young populations in the world, with a majority of them lacking the necessary skills and education required for employment. By partnering with foreign universities, Indian universities can offer specialized courses that can address this issue and help students acquire the necessary skills required for employment. This, in turn, can increase employability rates and lead to a more prosperous economy.

Thirdly, foreign universities can also help India develop a more globally-oriented outlook. According to the theory of cultural diffusion, when two cultures come in contact, they tend to exchange ideas, beliefs, and values, which can lead to cultural hybridization. The entry of foreign universities can lead to a cultural exchange between Indian and foreign students, which can lead to a better understanding of different cultures, languages, and ways of life. This can help India develop a more global outlook and foster a more diverse and inclusive society.

However, some experts have also expressed concerns regarding the entry of foreign universities into the Indian market. One of the major concerns is the impact it could have on the Indian education system’s affordability. The entry of foreign universities could lead to a rise in the cost of education, which could make it inaccessible to lower-income groups. Furthermore, there are concerns that foreign universities could focus only on the more profitable courses, which could lead to a neglect of other fields of study.

In conclusion, the entry of foreign universities into India’s education system could have a significant and positive impact on the Indian ecosystem. It could enhance the quality of education, improve employability rates, foster a more globally-oriented outlook, and lead to the development of new ideas and innovations. However, it is essential to address the concerns regarding affordability and ensure that the entry of foreign universities is not at the cost of neglecting other fields of study. Overall, foreign universities’ entry could be the much-needed catalyst for the transformation of India’s education system.

Views expressed by Dr. Raul V. Rodriguez, Vice President, Woxsen University, Hyderabad

AI-based learning may face significant implementation challenges: Kajal S Somai, CES’s Dr. Cyrus S. Poonawalla English Medium High School & Junior College CBSE

kajal

Pedagogy is changing that will be more experiential, holistic, integrated, inquiry-driven, discovery-oriented, learner-centered, discussion-based, flexible and enjoyable shared Kajal S Somai, Principal, CES’s Dr. Cyrus S. Poonawalla English Medium High School & Junior College CBSE with an exclusive conversation with Sheeba Chauhan of Elets News Network (ENN). Edited excerpts:

Artificial intelligence can be seen everywhere today, be it ChatGPT, Bard, or any other AI application. Though these applications are fast and innovative, do you think you can trust such applications for generating content to teach at your school?

AI technologies facilitate “personalised learning” (tailoring instruction to the needs of each student) and “blended learning” (combining technology with face-to-face interaction). I hope that such approaches will improve academic performance and reduce achievement gaps between students. As we know, personalised learning increases student engagement, motivation, and independence too. But, somewhere, AI-based learning may face significant implementation challenges. More student independence may disadvantage children who are less self-disciplined or who receive little educational support at home, exacerbating the achievement gap. And also, surveys indicate that some educators face problems in translating the data they receive from personalised learning tools into actionable instruction. The question may arise as to how well students retain knowledge learned from an AI-based system, and whether spending class time on computers diminishes social learning at school. AI-based systems also derive their knowledge, firstly from the initial data, programmes, and algorithms provided by human programmers. Secondly, they “learn” through their own experiences and observations without being explicitly programmed. We need to remember that AI tutoring or other technologies cannot substitute for a teacher or parental engagement and supervision as well as we need to look at what criteria will be used to evaluate the appropriateness of all new technologies for children and youth in schools. Learner’s and teacher’s data privacy and security mechanisms are also a concern before introducing either internet-based or AI programmes for learning and teaching.

Maharashtra has witnessed a steady decline in the reading and arithmetic skills of children, as per the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2022. What could be the possible reason for the same in the state of Maharashtra?

Too much technology around is making the human mind lazier every day. Nowadays, children are hooked on play stations, television sets, and virtual games, and adolescent learners are to social media. Using gadgets is now a way of life. Adults have no time as their main focus is scaling to new standards in their life and also making more money. Buying and storing books is looked upon as a waste of precious space at home, and it may even be considered old-fashioned. These days; children have no patience to sit and read books or enjoy literature. And this may be the major reason for the decline in reading and arithmetic skills in Maharashtra. But, still, there is a small percentage of parents who read books and they are keen on inculcating reading habits in their children and it may continue throughout their lives. School libraries have provisions for good literature but all children are not inclined towards reading, and in our school, it’s mandatory for all children to go for reading periods. Foundational literacy and numeracy course can improve the conditions if applied in schools, as our school is doing.

Reading books are not just for getting information or knowledge, but to expand the mind like a parachute, trigger imagination, enh\ance creative thinking, strengthen logical reasoning, and make children emotionally, spiritually, socially, and mentally intelligent. Reading physical books is least tiring for human eyes as compared to reading digitally on screen, students need to buy books and if there’s space constraint for storing them, can donate the books to any public or school library once they finish reading.

The PM Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI), a scheme to develop and upgrade nearly 15,000 schools, has been allocated Rs 4,000 crores in the recent budget. What are your thoughts on this scheme and do you think this will transform the school education segment of India?

PM SHRI is a great initiative by Hon. PM Narendra Modi is focusing on providing high-quality education in an equitable, inclusive, and joyful school environment which will take care of the diverse background, multilingual needs, and different academic abilities of children and makes them active participants in their own learning process as per NEP 2020. PM SHRI is introducing the concepts of Green schools, developing nutrition gardens with natural farming, waste management, plastic-free, and water conservation and harvesting, a study of traditions/practices related to the protection of the environment, etc. to adopt a sustainable lifestyle.

Pedagogy is changing that will be more experiential, holistic, integrated, play/toy-based (particularly, in the foundational years) inquiry-driven, discovery-oriented, learner centred, discussion-based, flexible, and enjoyable. The learning outcomes of every child in every grade will be focused on. Assessment will be based on conceptual understanding and application of knowledge to real-life situations and will be competency-based. For enhancing employability and providing better employment opportunities Linkage with Sector Skill Councils and local industry will be explored and a School Quality Assessment Framework (SQAF) will be developed, which will specify the key performance indicators to measure outcomes. These all features are for sure going to transform the entire education system and the quality of the Indian context. So, it’s a great initiative.

CBSE strives to provide education that explores, challenges, and grooms every aspect of the child’s personality. What are the various programmes followed at your school for the overall development of the child’s personality?

Education is not about the amount of information that is put into a child’s brain. It is the system that caters the individual needs. We at CES’s Dr. Cyrus S Poonawalla English Medium High School and Junior College, CBSE strive to provide education that explores, challenges, and grooms every aspect of the child’s personality by emanating and sprinkling an atmosphere where each child receives love, dignity, and acceptance. We are firmly determined to provide seamless learning targeted towards excellent academic performance through blending the modern and traditional approach which is conducive, explorative, challenging, and grooms every aspect of the child’s personality. Our school is focused to achieve our aim by providing an exemplary infrastructure with a plethora of extracurricular activities to work upon a child’s physical, mental, social, emotional, and artistic faculties molding the character, morals, value system, 21st-century skills, and spiritual training of our children. The school believes in providing top-quality education coupled with holistic growth of a child and aims to create a successful global citizen through exploration, experimentation, and optimum exposure to innovate and think critically and lead the learning process. The very competent, dedicated, professional expertise team at our school concentrate on each child, monitor and mentor them, appreciate their achievement, and encourage them to overcome their shortcomings. All teachers are trained to evolve new ways of teaching, keeping in mind the modules of Bloom’s Taxonomy and National Education Policy 2020.

AI-based learning may face significant implementation challenges: Sunita Swaraj, The Heritage School

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The education realm always welcomes new technological advancements with open arms. Even our NEP 2020 talks about AI as a vital tool in the teaching-learning process. AI innovations are inevitable in the coming years. Though it is a great aid in the education sector, it comes with certain flaws when one talks in context to the creative space of the human brain and efficiency shared, Sunita Swaraj, Principal, The Heritage School, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi in an exclusive conversation with Sheeba Chauhan of Elets News Network. Edited excerpts:

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

The changing landscape of the edtech industry is bound to have a tremendous impact on the education ecosystem. Some significant changes are the shift towards personalised, interactive, engaging learning experiences. This has the potential to improve student outcomes and engagement by tailoring instruction to each student’s learning needs. Another trend in this industry is the use of immersive technologies like Virtual and Augmented Reality. However, there are concerns about data privacy and security, the quality of online content, and the digital divide. Hence, educators, policymakers, and edtech companies need to work together to ensure that these changes are equitable, effective, and sustainable.

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

The education realm always welcomes new technological advancements with open arms. Even our NEP 2020 talks about AI as a vital tool in the teaching-learning process. AI innovations are inevitable in the coming years. Though it is a great aid in the education sector, it comes with certain flaws when one talks in context to the creative space of the human brain and efficiency. It cannot survive human’s ability to coordinate, cooperate and coexist. Interview Questions for Sunita Swaraj, Principal, THE HERITAGE SCHOOL It is crucial to address these challenges ethically and equitably.

Recently, the government of India emphasised the importance of the native language for better understanding. What are your thoughts on this? Do you plan to incorporate the same at your school in near future?

Our native language is our identity. Like we preserve and cherish our things, it is also our duty to preserve our identities. Our native language connects us with our people. Not only that, learning in native languages will build a strong connection with our long-drawn history of our culture in a better way. Moreover, if our native languages are incorporated in our schools, the learners will have a better understanding about the content. Also, it would be easier for learners to survive in their native region. Hence, it will be a great move by the government to incorporate native languages in schools.

(According to the economic survey 2022-23, enrollment at the pre-primary level decreased from 1.1 crores [11 million] in 2021 to 1.0 crores [10 million] in 2022. Your comments on the same.

Pre-primary education is a crucial stage of a child’s development, and it plays an essential role in laying the foundation for future learning. There are varied factors responsible for the alarming decline in the enrolment at the primary-primary levels. One of the leading problems is lack of teaching staff and proper infrastructure. Other reasons could be separation anxiety, communication challenges, making friends and personal attention by the teacher. It is essential to address these challenges by creating awareness among parents, providing subsidies or scholarships to low-income families and ensuring quality standards so that all children have access to quality pre-primary education.

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

The Yuva Sangam portal, which facilitates student exchange programs between North-Eastern and other Indian states, can significantly impact the development of multicultural education in Indian students. Exposure to varied cultures, lifestyles, and languages can broaden students’ perspectives and increase their tolerance for diversity. Initiatives like these can help students appreciate India’s cultural heritage and interact with people from different backgrounds. Such programs can also improve social and communication skills, build networks, and prepare students for a diverse world. Overall, the Yuva Sangam portal plays a crucial role in promoting multicultural education, fostering national integration, and enhancing the career prospects of students.

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

Jaspreet Lidder

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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