Free education in govt pre-university, degree colleges in Karnataka, CM announces

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February 18, 2023

The Karnataka state government has decided to offer free education in government pre-university and government degree colleges, as declared by CM Bommai today. 8 lakh students will be benefited from this announcement. He also announced free education in government pre-university and government degree colleges under the “CM Vidya Shakti Plan,” which aims to make it possible for all students who graduate from high school to pursue higher education.

According to Bommai, there is a significant usage of information technology (IT) in state administration, and security of the administrative system is a top issue.

Also Read | Karnataka government launches self defence programme for girl students

In order to guarantee the security of government websites, online services, and data, a 24×7 Cyber Security Operation Centre (CSOC) with cyber professionals utilising new technology would be developed, Bommai said.

846 Maharashtra schools to revamp for high-quality education under PM Shri Yojana

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February 17, 2023

The state’s department of education has chosen to execute the PM Shri Yojana, which calls for the comprehensive development of the state’s 846 schools.

In the second phase of this initiative, schools would be chosen from among 408 groupings, 28 municipalities, 383 local self-governments, and municipal councils, according to Kailash Pagare, state project director of Maharashtra Prathamik Shikshan Parishad (Maharashtra Primary Education Council).

The programme is carried out by a committee led by the minister of public instruction for the state, the chief executive for the district, and the municipal commissioner for the municipality.

The state implementation committee will be presided over by the state project director.

The six main pillars of development under this programme will be, according to Pagare, curriculum, pedagogy and assessment, access and infrastructure, human resources and school leadership, inclusive practises and gender concerns, management, monitoring and administration, and beneficiary satisfaction.

Also read: Students still waiting for admissions in Maharashtra schools

For this reason, numerous committees have been established, and these institutions will provide experiential education.

“Students will be evaluated according to how well they comprehend concepts and apply information in practical situations. Ex-students will also be involved in these institutions to help students with their educational and career goals. If kids leave school, they will be readmitted and integrated back into the general population, “Pagare added.

Education of tribal children government’s top priority: PM Modi

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February 17, 2023

Since 2014, the budget for tribal welfare has been increased five times. Tribal children are now taught in their mother tongues, science is taught in the curriculum, and the cultures and skills of the tribes are promoted. The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, stated on Thursday that these are some of the actions his government has taken.

The prime minister remarked in his opening remarks at the Aadi Mahotsav: “Our tribal children and youngsters have made progress after learning in their mother tongue. Due to isolation and neglect, the youth were forced into separatists but have since reconnected with society via the internet and other technologies. Every individual in remote corners of the nation receives this stream of “sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas, and sabka prayas.” This is the sound of confluence of ‘aadi and aadhunikta’, on which the soaring edifice of new India would stand.”

Also read: ‘Mission Schools of Excellence’ launched by PM Modi in Gujarat

Indicating the initiatives included in the new education strategy, Modi declared, “Education and the future of tribal children, situated in any corner of the country, is my priority.” One accomplishment was the rise in Eklavya Model residential schools from 80 to 500 between 2014 and 22. A total of 400 or more schools have already begun operating, benefiting around one lakh students. In addition to the budget’s announcement of the hiring of 38,000 teachers and staff for schools, it also announced a doubling of tribal student scholarship funding.

According to Modi, actions to further tribal glory included promoting their culture, craft, cuisine, commerce, and art. According to him, the tribal way of life also includes environmental preservation teachings. The PM has been giving tribally crafted goods to a number of international dignitaries. He further said, “India conveys solutions to problems like global warming and climate change in the tribal way of life. The tribal communities have a lot to inspire and teach sustainable development.”

More than 3,000 Van Dhan Kendras have been built by the government as part of the Van Dhan Mission, and 90 minor forest products, or seven times as much as in 2014, have been included in the MSP.

Creating a distraction-free environment for learning in VR: Dave Dolan, Veative Group

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February 16, 2023

The way students learn has completely changed over time. In days past, students had to rely on memory and handwritten notes to retain information. As technology has progressed and the world has become increasingly digitised, the student attention span has taken a hit. One of the biggest challenges facing students today is the constant barrage of distractions, both inside and outside of the classroom. Gone are the days when students would sit in a quiet library and immerse themselves in dense books for hours. Smartphones, access to myriad resources, and other distractions are keeping students from being fully involved in the topics they’re learning. As a result, they have become accustomed to rapidly switching from task to task, constantly multitasking, and seeking instant gratification. The average attention span of a student today is shorter than that of a goldfish, which clocks in at around 9 seconds! With distractions creating a hindrance in the learning process, it is critical for institutions and educators to find ways to eliminate distractions. A technological marvel, virtual reality (VR), can be a game-changer in creating a distraction-free environment for students.

Becoming indistractable with VR

VR has eased its way into our lives and its potential impact on education is nothing short of phenomenal. Imagine stepping into a completely new world, where distractions fade away and learning becomes an immersive, interactive experience. This is exactly what virtual reality can deliver to students and educators alike. Students who experience learning in VR have displayed higher scores on exams and tend to retain concepts better. Virtual reality has the potential to revolutionise the way the world learns. With VR, students can explore a limitless world of knowledge, where they can engage with lessons in a way that is both interactive and more memorable.

Immersive learning experience

A study by the University of Illinois found that VR can increase immersion and retention, with participants reporting higher levels of recall and comprehension when compared to only using traditional methods. Immersive learning experiences keep students focused on the task at hand and allows them to fully engage with the material. This can lead to better retention of information and increased engagement in learning. VR has immense potential to make classrooms more interactive and supplement traditional learning in exciting ways.

Limited hindrance

One of the most common distractions in a traditional classroom is having noisy classmates around, who can disrupt the attention of other students. In a VR environment, students can be isolated in individual virtual spaces and be fully immersed in the learning experience without any external distractions. This allows for a more effective learning experience. Not all learning should be this way, but when a student is required to tackle a cognitively challenging task, why not afford them the best opportunity to fully grasp the material at hand. This promotes greater success, learning outcomes, and confidence.

Personalised learning

A study by Deloitte found that VR increased engagement and motivation among learners, with 91% of participants reporting that they were more engaged in the material when learning in VR compared to traditional methods. Virtual reality in classrooms can provide a personalised learning experience for each student. With rich interactive content and age-appropriate activities catering to varied learning preferences, VR allows students to focus on the material that is most relevant and engaging to them. When we introduced VR learning at Filer Middle School in Miami, Florida, a Grade 6 student gave us unvarnished feedback on how VR made it easy to learn one-on-one without any interruptions. VR captured their full attention toward learning, and we couldn’t ask for more than that.

Interactive experience

Interactive learning also allows for more creative problem-solving and critical thinking, as students are able to experiment and explore in a safe and controlled environment. For example, in a biology class, a student can take a virtual field trip to the Amazon rainforest, and observe different species of plants and animals in their natural habitats. This type of interactive learning can help students understand and retain information in a better way. Coming from an educational background, I am on a constant lookout for ways to make learning more meaningful and enjoyable. During our initiation with young learners from Sunward Park High School in South Africa, we received encouraging feedback. Those students made it very clear that using a VR headset made their learning experiences more interactive, made concepts easier to understand, and made learning fun.

With its ability to immerse students in a digital world, VR eliminates distractions and can help improve focus, motivation, and learning outcomes. This approach to learning is not only more engaging, but also offers an efficient and effective way to acquire new knowledge, increase understanding, and retain concepts more readily. With VR technology constantly improving, we can expect to see even greater improvements in the learning experience of students in the near future. The time is now for educational institutions to embrace this innovative technology and solution, and provide learners with an environment that fosters creativity, productivity, and excellence.

Views expressed by Dave Dolan, Chief Product Officer, Veative Group

The role of AI and ML in education has both perils and promises: Appala Kalyan Kumar, Universal Senior Secondary School

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February 15, 2023

AI and ML in education can have many benefits, but it is important to consider the negative effects and make sure the technology is used ethically and responsibly.

Positives:

Better personalization and efficiency: AI and ML can help create unique learning experiences for each student, making their education better and more efficient.
More accessibility to education: AI and ML can bring education to remote and underprivileged communities, making education more accessible to more people.
Better teachers: AI and ML can help teachers by freeing up their time, allowing them to focus on helping students with personalised feedback and guidance.
Improved decision-making: AI and ML can analyse lots of data to find patterns and trends, which can improve educational programmes and policies.

Negatives:

Bias and unfairness: If AI and ML are trained on biased data, they can make unfair decisions affecting students’ education.
Teacher job loss: AI and ML may replace human teachers, causing job loss and unemployment in education.
Less creativity and critical thinking: Relying too much on AI and ML for learning and assessment may limit students’ ability to be creative and think critically.
Technical problems: AI and ML can sometimes make mistakes because of the quality of data they are trained on.

What are new-age education and the implementation of technology? What is its impact on the traditional education system?

New-age education is a modern way of teaching that uses technology and innovative teaching methods. In India, the traditional education system is changing due to technology, making learning easier and more accessible for students. Online and virtual classrooms have become popular, allowing students to learn at their own pace and communicate with teachers and other students.

Online and virtual classrooms have become increasingly popular in recent years due to the integration of technology in education. These platforms allow students to attend classes from anywhere and at any time, providing them with greater flexibility and convenience.

In virtual classrooms, students can access course materials, participate in discussions, and receive teacher feedback, just as they would in an old classroom setting. Online classes also allow for a more personalised learning experience, as students can work at their own pace. They can access lessons as often as needed.

Moreover, virtual classrooms provide opportunities for students to collaborate and communicate with their peers and teachers, breaking down traditional barriers and promoting cross-cultural understanding. Online classes can also allow students to connect with teachers and other students from around the world, providing them with unique learning experiences and perspectives they might not otherwise have access to.

However, not everyone has access to technology and there are concerns about the quality of online education.

The unequal distribution of technology and access to the internet is one of the biggest challenges of new-age education in India. Many students, especially those living in rural areas or from low-income families, may not have the necessary technology and internet connection to participate in online classes and take advantage of the benefits of new-age education.

Another concern is the quality of online education. While online learning platforms and virtual classrooms provide students with greater flexibility and access to resources, they may not be able to replace the face-to-face interaction and hands-on learning experiences provided by traditional classroom-based education. Online education can also be prone to distractions and lack of motivation, and students may not receive the same level of support and guidance as they would in a traditional classroom setting.

Furthermore, there are concerns about the quality of online content and the potential for students to cheat or engage in other unethical behaviours in an online environment. These factors highlight the importance of careful planning and implementation of technology in education to ensure that students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for the future.

Despite these challenges, new-age education has the potential to improve education in India if used properly.

Views expressed by Appala Kalyan Kumar, Principal, Universal Senior Secondary School

Abhay Jere appointed as Vice Chairman of AICTE

Higher Education

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February 15, 2023

Dr. Abhay Jere, Chief Innovation Officer, MHRD has been appointed Vice Chairman of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). According to an official declaration from the Ministry of Education, Dr. Jere has been appointed for a three-year term or until the age of 65 years.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Education, “Dr. Abhay Jere served as the government’s Chief Innovation Officer at the Ministry of Human Resources Development. Dr. Abhay Jere has been appointed as Vice Chairman by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, for a term of three years beginning on the date of assumption of responsibility, or until reaching the age of 65, or until further orders, whichever comes first.”

Dr. Jere was instrumental in developing an innovation councils network. Indian Innovation Councils (IICs) develop local innovation ecosystems and startup businesses at 6500 educational institutions through research activities funded by the MoE.

Recently, he worked on creating the MBA programme in “Innovation and Entrepreneurship” for the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). His columns are published in well-known English and regional publications to educate Indians about innovation and entrepreneurship.

While greeting Dr. Abhay Jere, Professor TG Sitharam, Chairman of the AICTE said: “I congratulate Dr. Abhay Jere on his new role. I believe, his extensive expertise in the field of education and innovation will be beneficial to AICTE.”

Dr. Abhay Jere said, “It is an honour to serve as the Vice Chairman, AICTE. It is a privilege to work with such talented and dedicated professionals at AICTE and Ministry of Education. The New National Education Policy carries a holistic approach and has all teaching elements. It is a policy with proper directions and guidance on what is needed to make learning practical.”

“The flexibility of exit options and migration to other programs are the elements that need to be part of our education system. I thank all my colleagues for their support and assistance,” he further added.

Govt schools of Andhra Pradesh rank second for internet connectivity in South India

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February 15, 2023

According to the information given by the Ministry of Education in answer to a parliamentary inquiry, 24% of Indian government schools have internet access. With 45% of government schools having internet connectivity, Andhra Pradesh, which outperformed the national average, was ranked second in south India, just behind Kerala. Telangana has 2,772, Karnataka has 5,308, and Tamil Nadu has 9,292 schools that have internet access, compared to Andhra Pradesh’s 20,313 schools. Every government school in Chandigarh and Delhi has internet connectivity at 100%.

This information was made public on Monday in a written response to a question asked in the Lok Sabha by Dr. D.N.V. Senthil Kumar, a Member of Parliament from Tamil Nadu. Information on the number of government schools in the nation with internet connectivity was requested in the query.

According to another written response from the Ministry of Education, the primary dropout rate in government schools in Andhra Pradesh stayed at zero percent for five consecutive academic years, from 2017–18 to 2021–2022. Andhra Pradesh outperformed all other southern states in this category based on the five-year average.

Also read: Cyclone Jawad to hit Andhra Pradesh; Schools shutdown

Zero percent of primary school dropouts were recorded in each of the four southern states of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana in 2021–2022. All of the southern states, including Andhra Pradesh, performed better than the nation as a whole. But when it comes to the secondary dropout rate for 2021–2022, Andhra Pradesh was discovered to be falling behind all of its southern counterparts. However, the state has made substantial progress in lowering the dropout rate at this level when compared to previous years.

Ministry of Education: 34,000 colleges, Over 690 universities operating without NAAC accreditation

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February 14, 2023

The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) has not granted accreditation to at least 695 universities and more than 34,000 colleges nationwide, according to information provided to Parliament on Monday.

Subhas Sarkar, the Union Minister of State for Education, provided the information in response to a written query in the Lok Sabha.

“According to information received from the UGC, NAAC has accredited 418 institutions and 9,062 colleges out of the 1,113 universities and 43,796 colleges,” he said.

“The NAAC has significantly decreased the assessment and accreditation price structure in order to include all educational institutions, including colleges and universities, within the accreditation system. The metrics and queries in the associated and constituent colleges’ handbook for self-study reports have also been greatly decreased “Sarkar continued.

34,734 colleges are currently in operation without NAAC accreditation, he claimed.

Also read: Haryana Governor presses for NAAC accreditation for all universities in the state

All higher education institutions are expected to strive to achieve the highest level of accreditation during the next 15 years, according to the new National Education Policy (NEP).

The NAAC, an Inter University Center of the University Grants Commission, accredits universities and institutions (UGC).

Experiential learning prepares children for a direct hands-on learning experience: Mansi Zaveri, Kidsstoppress

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February 13, 2023

“The last couple of years has prepared us as a generation of parents and children, like never before. From adapting to online classes (not without the initial hiccups) and learning new concepts on a 15-inch screen, today’s children have risen up to the occasion” shared Mansi Zaveri, Founder & CEO, Kidsstoppress.com in an interactive conversation with Sheeba Chauhan of Elets News Network. Edited excerpts:

According to a report by NYTimes, kids are using screens more than ever. How do you see to guide parenting tips when it comes to technology and kids?

I have always believed that technology, when used right, is a very handy parenting tool and not all screen time is bad. It becomes a matter of concern when screen time is used as a passive babysitter than something that we co-consume with the kids.

Setting clear rules on screen time when they are much younger and talking to kids about the evils, rather than just imposing on them, would help them understand better.

Also, it is essential we follow the rules as much as the kids. When we scroll Instagram while they battle it out with their assignments or check emails during playtime with the kids, they are not going to take our rules seriously. We need to show the kids that we are in this with them and that starts with us, parents.

With online setup increasing in both professional and personal environments. How can a child’s social skills be improved, which happens through physical interactions earlier?

The last couple of years has prepared us as a generation of parents and children, like never before. From adapting to online classes (not without the initial hiccups) and learning new concepts on a 15-inch screen, today’s children have risen to the occasion. They have taken it well and transitioned smoothly, thanks to help from educators and parents. And it is now up to us, as parents, to help them adjust to the pre-pandemic era where there were more physical interactions.

Plan some kid-friendly outings where they see new places and learn new things. After being stuck indoors for 2 years, children need some extra dose of Vitamin T- Travel!
Parents can plan playdates with their classmates or apartment friends. So, children learn and play together and pick up essential social skills. It could just be a couple of times a week, but that way they will look forward to it.
Ensure screen time is co-consumed with the kids and not just used as a distraction mechanism; speak to the kids about the shows they watch, the books they read, and the games they play. There’s so much we can learn from those simple conversations.

Can experiential learning happen at home? Why is it important to learn about inclusivity and experiential learning?

The days of learning by rote are gone now. With numerous learning apps and even the latest ChatGPT, there is so much more our children can learn than just from textbooks. Before I download and hand over an app to my children, I ensure I try them out with them. So, we know exactly how we are going to use it. Yes, you need to take out some time from your schedule, but children learn so much better when they see you involved in the process with them.

Inclusive learning happens through practises such as cultural competency training, inclusive language, and inclusive curricula. Experiential learning meanwhile, prepares our children for a more direct hands-on learning experience. With schools focussing more on experiential learning that is integrated into their curriculum, it becomes easier for today’s parents to help their children get a holistic approach to topics they learn.

70 percent of a child’s mind grows in the first seven to eight years of a child’s age. How can a parent do the best of activities to develop the same?

With every generation, there is a tectonic shift in their understanding and perception of things around them. What we as parents learned at about 11-12 years of age, our children are rattling off by 8! It is imperative that we guide and motivate our children in the right direction, while not being too protective or over-parenting at the same time. Some tips that I try with my kids:

Reading more books with my daughters. This is one skill that will set them apart from their peers in the future. So why not invest in the right resources and time early on?
Don’t compromise on outdoor time. With weather changes and exam stress, there are many days when we tend to cut down on outdoor playtime, which we need to avoid. Get them onto a sport- anything of their choice. There is so much to learn in the process than just from the results.
Sticking to a routine is a non-negotiable in my house. Right from wake-up time to bedtime, when there is consistency and familiarity in routines, it helps children save a lot of time in managing their time, tasks, and efforts. This one habit is what helps me, as an adult, be more productive in what I do.

Early childhood is the foundation of a child’s learning. Do you think technology is serving as a curse for early childhood? If yes, how can I keep a check on the child’s technology usage?

Definitely not. We are raising our children in an era where there are abundant sources of knowledge around them. It is all about being able to pick and choose the right ones from the numerous available. Technology is a great teacher, as long as we are clear on how we want to use it, for our kids.

Over 85 percent of Indian kids have reported being cyberbullied- and this statistic shocks me to my inner core, as a parent. Thankfully, there are enough tools and options floating around that we need to be aware of, as parents, to help kids stay safe online.

Parental Supervision Tools launched by Instagram that give parents more insights into their child’s activity on Instagram
There is a world of apps and extensions that offer Safe Search, encryption, and secure and relevant search results that should be every parent’s non-negotiable criteria.
Installing the right antivirus software application on your child’s laptop helps protect from viruses, and malware with HTTPS scanning and firewalls installed.
Instal site blockers and timers on your child’s gadgets so they automatically become out of reach/inaccessible when they cross the stipulated time.

Most apps and OTT platforms come with a clear kids mode to help parents keep a check on the content they want to expose their children to. Use them wisely.

Education is a priority, to make govt schools in Delhi and Punjab “Best in World”: CM Kejriwal

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February 13, 2023

According to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, education is “a priority” for the AAP-led administrations, and initiatives would be taken to make government schools in Delhi and Punjab the “best in the world.”

In Punjab and Delhi, the AAP is in charge. Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann both talked to a group of school officials at a regional event. Mann claims that Punjabi teachers will only be engaged in instruction.

“Improving and correcting the school system in Delhi since we assumed responsibility here was really challenging,” Kejriwal remarked in his speech.

The party leader asserted that after the AAP government originally placed a high priority on infrastructure, it then shifted to training teachers and principals.

Also read: Arvind Kejriwal launches ‘India’s first virtual school’

He asserted that until administrators and teachers are inspired, the influence won’t be noticeable.

“Government can provide the best educational opportunities if they so choose, but intentions and priorities count. And we place an emphasis on education. Punjab will require less time than Delhi, where it took us seven years “, he stated.

According to Kejriwal, “We will make government schools in Delhi and Punjab the greatest in the world.”

A group of Punjabi government school principals underwent professional training in Singapore from February 6 to February 10. They talked about their experiences from the international training. According to the AAP leader, Delhi would learn from the experiments conducted in Punjab.

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