“ICT and innovation in schools train students to meet the challenges in the world”

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November 8, 2022

Shahnaz Ahmed, Chairman & Founder Principal, Springdale Sr. Sec School, Jorhat, Assam in a conversation with Sheeba Chauhan of Elets News Network (ENN) expresses her vision on the multidisciplinary framework, technology transforming education and various initiatives taken by her institution to transform India into a completely educated nation. Edited excerpts:

Multidisciplinary direction is transforming the way teachers impart education and how students learn. Please let us know your perspective on the same.

Multidisciplinary education is a unique educational approach that allows the students to learn and explore distinct subjects or curriculum from various disciplines. It is a method of curriculum integration that brings diverse disciplines and illustrates a theme, subject or issue. A similar topic in multidisciplinary teaching can be taught in a very innovative process. In today’s hyper competitive world, it is very important to have a unique education system that promotes a multidisciplinary approach to help students follow their passions.

There are both advantages and disadvantages of multidisciplinary approach. These include:

While students get to choose the subject, courses and programs from different institutes, they might also feel lost at the variety of subjects
A child might discover their interest during the teaching – learning journey, but they are not masters of anything. They might also feel confused about choosing the subjects and courses in this multidisciplinary approach.

ICT and innovation are enhancing the quality of education in schools. What are the practices that your school follows?

ICT and innovation in schools trains students to meet the challenges in the world. Lack of digital knowledge definitely keeps students unconnected with the progressive world. At Springdale School , we strongly believe that technology has to be integrated in the learning cycle hence, we empower teachers and students to use it well. Different technological innovations are being adopted in our school for the holistic development of the students.

Emphasis is laid on the digitally enabled classroom with 3D and 2D multimedia modules for all subjects. Internets and smart classes enable students to gather information on the subject matter more easily. Students and teachers use collaboration and communication tools such as instant messaging, whatsapp, audio video aids, information via computer softwares, google form, google calendar, computer labs, broadcast messaging with google applications and other various educational applications that contribute in the learning process.

Springdale believes that no other investment promises a bigger return than an investment in the skills in the classroom.

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

To fulfil this dream of transforming India and its populace into a 100 per cent educated nation, Springdale School has taken up this mission with the students and teachers with the program of ‘Each One, Teach One’ method in collaboration with All India Private School and Children Welfare Association and Rotary India Literary Mission. Workshops have been conducted and will continuously work with the main objective based on the concept of New India Literacy Program – ‘Nav Bharat Learning Program 2022 – 2027. Jointly raised by the Rotary association and Springdale High School with many other schools target to educate 50 million uneducated adults of India by the year 2027.

For this challenging task, the students above Class 6 in our school will take up the mission to educate atleast one uneducated adult family member – peon, driver, gardener, servant, maid, washerman etc. Books would be provided by RILM to people in their own mother tongue with basics. For this wonderful and commendable work, students would be honoured with certificates, as well as adults who have been educated will also be presented with the honour of being educated by certificates.

Evaluation is an integral part of the educational paradigm. What are the methods your school inculcates in terms of evaluation for better growth and development?

Evaluation is the key component of any learning program to determine the quality, effectiveness, continuous improvement and to focus on better teaching and learning process.

In our school, both formative and summative assessments are given extreme importance. To know the learning improvements of the students, weekly tests of multiple choice questions and short questions are constantly taken in the school every week. Surprise tests in the form of quizzes, group discussions and projects are an integral part of the evaluation system. Any child found lacking in the learning process is given importance by remedial classes. Projects and assignments are also a part of evaluating a child in understanding the concept of the subject. Exhibitions, debates, speech contests also become an integral part of accessing the child in concept formation. Rote learning is replaced by innovative critical and creative learning. Concept clarity is given more importance than unnecessary completion of syllabus. Integrated learning is another process of assessing a child’s concept of constructive and objective learning. Students are appreciated constantly which becomes a self-booster.

How are you addressing digital disruption in the education sector? Do you think it will enhance the way learning is used to prosper?

The emergence of digitalisation in the education sector has made learning interactive, innovative, engaging, motivating and handy. It is no longer limited to text books and classrooms. It has become an amalgamation of technology, innovative learning, and digital content. Easily affordable and accessible internet has led to a great confluence of digital and traditional teaching methods. The contemporary digital method will allow teachers to customise the study material to the aptitude and ability of the child. Students will become smarter to be able to search and utilise online resources to develop effective self-directed learning skills. Digital education will allow students to explore and use treasures of knowledge. Now preserving and sharing information is just a click away, which saves students a lot of time and physical labour. Students become independent thinkers who know what to study, when to study and how to study. They no longer remain dependent on their teachers and parents to spoon-feed them with information.

Learner – centric approach: quintessential method for effective teaching – learning environment

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digitalLEARNING Network

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November 7, 2022

The pragmatic shift in the education system as a whole is now spurting all over. With the changes in the curriculum, experiential learning, practical learning and deep learning is the need of the hour. We are pacing towards an advanced ecosystem of school education with an intervention of technology. To explore further, Sheeba Chauhan of Elets News Network interacted with Dr. Manoj Kumar Choudhury, Principal, Kaziranga English Academy, Guwahati. Edited excerpts:

The latest trends in education like deep learning, problem-solving and innovation and collaborative learning are continually being incorporated into educational methods. What is your opinion on the same?

The incorporation of the aforementioned techniques in teaching allows the learners to take ownership in their learning resulting in optimised academic excellence. It makes the learners intrinsically motivated and highly curious about the subject. Such an approach engages the hearts and minds of learners enabling better concept retention, and promotion of critical learning and managerial skills. They try to formulate their own knowledge by making connections between existing and new knowledge. In the collaborative problem-solving learning approach, the learners discuss diversified ideas put forward by the learners of the group resulting in a deep understanding of the subject matter that leads to the generation of innovative solutions.

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

The evolution of hybrid learning has immensely influenced the existing teaching-learning environment. The paradigm shifts from ‘chalk and talk’ to the world of technology envisioned by the NEP 2020 is indeed a great step. The incorporation of modern technology and digital tools will do justice to each and every learner as the teacher can easily customise the curriculum as per the specific needs of the target group of learners, thereby providing a more holistic approach to education. Technology, if used judiciously, helps learners with easy access to limitless sources of information, and a large number of varied contents of learning – making them more judicious and self-dependent. The students are so engaged that they expand their horizons of knowledge with much satisfaction. This educational genre gives students exposure to critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, concept maps, problem-solving, role-playing, gamification, selfdirection, storytelling, etc. – thereby preparing our student folk for college, career and life. Moreover, digital learning with its greater flexibility of learning enables students to cope up with the requisite learning needs.

Nevertheless, there is a lot more that goes into teaching than just subject-related information through technology. The experience of the teacher, proper guidance to handle different tools, the soft issues like values and morals etc. are quintessential for an effective teaching-learning environment. It has been observed during the Covid period that the unlimited flexibility, misuse of technology, and lack of proper monitoring have impacted many learners in a negative way. So, it is evident that technology cannot replace or erase the existence of teachers but equip them to ensure standardisation, speed of upgraded information and access to global learning. A teacher, with the help of technology, can lead, guide, facilitate and mentor a student. Apart from being a facilitator of learning, a teacher acts as a guidance counsellor and motivator. They provide much-needed emotional support to the learners, customise the instruction materials according to the need of the learners, and manage classrooms.

The curriculum framework deepens the thought process and easy planning. Tell us about the innovative curriculum you have following in your school.

For effective teaching-learning, a teacher should capture each learner’s attention and transmit ideas and concepts skillfully so that the learners can retain a lasting impression. For the same, it is imperative to deploy innovative tactics for the successful dissemination of the curriculum. The use of varied audio-visual aids, real-life/world learning, creative teaching techniques like brainstorming, role play, story-telling, buzz session, teamwork, games and puzzles, classes outside the classrooms etc. help us motivate the learners resulting in fruitful concept-based learning.

The curriculum practices at your school are learner-centric. Do you think a learning-centric approach is the best way to reach students for teaching?

In contrast to the ‘Sage on the Stage’ approach, the learner-centric approach transforms the teacher from the ‘giver of information into a ‘facilitator’ or ‘manager’ in the classroom, where the learner is more active to solve problems, formulate and answer questions of their own, discuss with a peer in the group, explain debate, or brainstorm. In order to tune with the current scenario, it is imperative that learners are prepared in such a way that they become problem solvers, decision-makers and skilled in all the 21st-century hot skills; and for this comprehensive solution, the said approach proves extremely fruitful. The learner-centric approach helps us to attain increased motivation on the part of the learners which paves the way for greater academic achievement.

India has the second-largest market for online education. According to the recent National Achievement Survey, there is a decline in learning levels. Do you consider digital transformation as a catalyst for a decline in learning results?

I have already mentioned that online education had many negative impacts on many learners. But the introduction of digital mode cannot be termed the only cause for a decline in learning results. To cope with the present and future environment, it is inevitable that technology is incorporated into the teaching-learning approach. The teachers should be first oriented and equipped well with all the requisite skills to guide the learners in a judicious and fruitful way. Guided and regulated use of digital platforms will definitely bring positive results.

Technology transforming role of teachers – Dawn of a new era

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digitalLEARNING Network

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November 7, 2022

Albert Einstein was once giving an exam paper to his graduating class. It turned out that it was the same exam paper he had given them the previous year. His teaching assistant, alarmed at what he saw and thinking it to be the result of the professor’s absent-mindedness, alerted Einstein. “Excuse me, sir,” said the shy assistant, not quite sure how to tell the great man about his blunder. “Yes?” said Einstein. “Um, it’s about the test you just handed out.” Einstein waited patiently. “I’m not sure if you realise it, but this is the same test you gave out last year. It’s identical.” Einstein paused to think for a moment, then said, “Yes, it is the same test but the answers have changed.”

The story above draws our attention to the rapid rate of expansion of human knowledge and the resulting obsolescence if we are not fast enough in learning new things.

I recently came across an observation by futurist Thomas Frey. In one of his interviews, Frey said, “Over the coming decades if we continue to insert a teacher between us and everything we need to learn, we cannot possibly learn fast enough to meet the demands of the future.” This made me analyse the role of a teacher in the modern world. It is very much a fact that we’re on the brink of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) technological revolution that will fundamentally alter how we live, work, and relate to one another. The education sector is no exception. AI has proved that individualised or tailor-made learning is much faster and better. It is assumed and probably already proven somewhere, as you read this, that AI will learn every student’s interests, proclivities, idiosyncrasies, preferred tools, personal reference points, and how to stay engaged and learn even in the face of distractions; making it a better teacher. So to say in the teaching learning process. It will have an edge as AI will know when:

Where the learners lack
What’s needed to bring them up
How and when to schedule the training/ teaching
When the learners have mastered the topic

But does this mean that teachers are going to be redundant? Being a teacher for 18 years plus, the answer, with a fear of being biased, is a big ‘No’. The debate is hot but to defend my stand, I have a list of a few valid reasons. The role of a teacher is not merely to impart knowledge. It goes way beyond the books and the classroom. Teachers pass on values to children and build the character, competence, and moral commitment of the future citizen of the world. We teach the difference between right and wrong and empower young minds to choose wisely, thus making us a crucial part of the education sector now and forever.

Having said that, it is inevitable to reflect upon the changing world. We are preparing ourselves for a future that is volatile yet exciting nonetheless. And it is about time that we revamp the whole teaching learning process from the art of teaching to the science of learning.

It may come as a surprise to many that medicine became a science just about a hundred years back. Medicine has evolved from a sophisticated art to a rich and promising science, full of possibilities. To many people, currently, Data Science may seem to be the youngest science. Data science is a field of study that combines domain expertise, programming skills, and knowledge of mathematics and statistics to extract meaningful insights from data.

To simplify, Data Science is nothing but the Science of Learning and this Science of Learning is taking shape right in front of our eyes with teachers being at the forefront. We now better understand how the brain learns, works, changes, and thrives. And hence, it is time to reflect upon the nature of the teaching activity, the evolution of the teacher’s role, and its future, especially in light of the impact of technology and the migration from an exclusive approach to education to an inclusive universalisation of education.

Traditionally, good teaching was an art learned at the feet of the masters through long periods of internship and following good examples and practices. A great teacher was like a master artist or sculptor, who from the rock of his vast knowledge chiseled out in real time before his audience, a form of knowledge appropriate for his learners. However, the advent of the World Wide Web and the survival instinct during the pandemic has changed all the equations. A new understanding of the learning process is leading to many different approaches to the design of curriculum, teaching, and assessment that differ almost entirely from those found today. For most of the previous century, education focused on imparting literacy skills: simple reading, writing, and arithmetic.

Even at the University level, it was about the mere acquisition of information, often from different sources. But now the students need to be trained to read and think critically, express themselves clearly and persuasively, and solve complex problems in science and mathematics. These aspects of higher-level cognitive skills are required of almost everyone to successfully cope with the complexities of contemporary life. The skill demands for work have changed dramatically, with the result that ‘the skills of a lifetime become obsolete in an instant’, as it needs organisations and workers to change in response to competitive workplace pressures’. The focus of attention has shifted from local and divisive to national and global unifying concerns.

The goal of education is better conceived as helping students develop the intellectual tools and learning strategies needed to acquire the knowledge that allows people to think productively about specific areas of human knowledge, such as history, science and technology, social phenomena, mathematics, and the arts. A fundamental understanding of subjects, including how to frame and ask meaningful questions about various subject areas, contributes to individuals’ more basic understanding of principles of learning that can assist them in becoming self-sustaining, lifelong learners.

The future model of teaching-learning would therefore be based on an educational diagnostics and navigational services approach, with a high-tech approach to facilitate student-teacher interaction. Progressive educators will need to adopt active methods of engaging students in learning to release their creativity and innovation.

The learners will of course make this transition relatively easy as bots and recommender systems are already part of their environment. But the erstwhile educators will have to make a conscious effort to transform their new roles of mentors, coaches, and cognitive development facilitators; ‘Brain Changers’ as I would like to call them!

This will not happen in isolation. The whole system will need to transform, so to say the least. To begin with, we will first need to work on the formal education systems we have been following for centuries. With the advancement in the area of research, more and more cognitive researchers are spending time working with teachers, testing and refining their theories in real classrooms where they can see how different settings and classroom interactions influence the applications of their theories. What is currently required to share these promising research and evidence-backed strategies with every educator to transform him or her into a Brain Changer?

Backed with skill and confidence to adapt, every educator should and must be given a toolbox of strategies, informed by the best of what we know works, to make him/her the teacher of the 21st Century.

The AI will give them a helping hand by taking over the dull and repetitive tasks, leaving them to focus and execute their tasks of changing minds, not just metaphorically. Educators will still be indispensable, albeit with a new version of being called Brain Changers!

Views expressed by Maya Alfred Fernandes, Principal, The down town School, Guwahati.

Technology adoption inducing innovative teaching methodology

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digitalLEARNING Network

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November 7, 2022

Educators are inclined towards technology for teaching methods massively now. Though the technological availability in the education ecosystem is still in its beginning stage, but it is going to take the landscape to a higher stage. Shifting from “Chalk & talk” to an era of smart classes with projectors and screens, we have already come a long way. There are a lot of schools that already have transformed their schools into e-campuses. The changes are for good and yet to flourish with a lot more novel opportunities for students, educators and the entire education sector. To delve deeper, Sheeba Chauhan of Elets News Network interacted with Umesh Harbola, Principal, Delhi Public School, Numaligarh, Assam. Edited excerpts:

The admission procedure for entering into DPS shows the quality of education DPS posses. Do you think, there is any need to evolve the admission process?

Yes, the admission procedures show the quality, standards and culture followed. We’re selecting children on the basis of academics mostly. I feel we need to also test their aptitude and identify the skills that will help them to contribute for the development of individuals, schools, society and country.

Apart from academics, what are the other areas that your school focuses on to develop and stir the talent of students in the right direction?

Our school tries to work on the all-around development of our students. We have a well-trained music department, NCC cadre, and physical education department with well-trained faculty and coach who gives the opportunity for children to explore their skills and talents. We organise different extracurricular programs and various competitions for children to make them confident individuals. We also conduct and organise workshops on career programs, educational tours, and interactive programs with motivational speakers for children and parents which help them to decide the right path for students. We have facilities like inclusions, and special education for Children With Special Needs (CWSN) and we provide required accommodation and relaxation for CWSN as per Rights of Person’s With Disabilty (RPWD) act 2016.

We also look into developing the emotional quotient of students. We have expertise in counseling support services for students to overcome their difficult emotions and any mental health problems.

We also have a well-being team that looks after different awareness programs and the needs of growing adolescents and little budding children to get more exposure.

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

Much has been done in the field of education but still, sometimes I feel that most policies are only given on paper not followed practically. I feel much more is required in the field of special education and to make inclusive education a success. So, we will have a society of equity, not equality.

How is your school planning to foster innovation and new-age pedagogy in your students?

Our school will be consistently focused on what it is doing at present. It will be focusing on all four most important perspectives of human development 1) Intelligence Quotient (IQ),2) Emotional Quotient (EQ),3) Social Quotient (SQ),4) Adversity Quotient (AQ). These four will bring holistic development in children to be responsible citizens of our country. The school will work more on innovative methods of teaching and learning. Like more of experiential learning that should application base and providing or creating a flexible learning environment where children can collaborate with their teacher and peer group while learning. The school can invite people who have overcome their failures and achieved success in their life is in difficult situations like entrepreneurs, Innovators, and leaders in different organisation. Inducing various teaching methodologies in which the child can learn with understanding and fun.

What is your idea of evaluation? Is self-evaluation or online evaluation fit into the education ecosystem of schools?

I feel both are important self-evaluation and online evaluation by teachers for the quality output of students’ skill set achieved. This helps students and teachers to analyse better themselves and to find their strengths and weaknesses.

Adopting technology driven education: Beginning of a new era

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digitalLEARNING Network

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November 7, 2022

Education has the most profound impact on the growth of a nation. As a part of education, along with leadership and vision as well as building the capacity of teachers and the millennials, creating the right learning infrastructure is equally important. Access to technology can facilitate and empower educators to build 21st-century skills, which are around critical thinking, problem-solving, attention to detail, collaboration and teamwork among several others. 21st-century skills strongly postulates a competency-based approach to learning and teaching. Learning and teaching should not only focus on exposure to knowledge but also build competencies that matter for employability and entrepreneurship. To delve deeper into the infrastructure of education, Sheeba Chauhan of Elets News Network had an exclusive conversation with Joutishman Dutta, Managing Trustee, Assam Down Town University, Guwahati, Assam. Edited excerpts:

As the world is pacing fast toward technology driven education, one such application of technology is the “gamification of learning”. What are your thoughts on using gamification as a way of teaching and learning?

Anything that engages the students gets their attention and helps in learning is always welcome. Learning must be delivered in the best way the existing generation can relate to. If we accept that the customer is king then we also have to accept that the student is also King. From gamification to using blended models to even using social media platforms, all can be used to help the students get a better learning experience.

India has the second-largest market for online education. According to the recent National Achievement Survey, there is a decline in learning levels. Do you consider digital transformation as a catalyst for a decline in learning results?

It is difficult to put the blame on a medium. The online medium is critical for India if it has to achieve a GER of 50 per cent as planned by NEP. It is cost-effective and negates geographical disadvantages for India’s population. It does come with certain shortcomings but if these shortcomings like method of delivery, full proof assessing system and some sort of added practical exposure, OJT then the results will be definitely better then what is today.

It is witnessed that there is a huge gap in learning practices for fresh graduates to perform well in the industry. How could we bridge the gap between colleges and cubicles?

I think this statement has been overused. There will always be some variation in what the industry wants and what the institutions teach, as institutions don’t prepare all for on specific industry and even within one industry there are multiple requirements. In terms of skilling the students in the last decade much work has been done from adopting new teaching methodologies to revamping syllabuses to increasing industry or practical exposure. Most good institutions and even regulatory bodies have made a lot of changes and more such changes are being adopted.

How is your university planning to implement technology-driven education?

Our university has been adopting technology-driven education for a long time. We have been having LMS for 5,6 years now and that has greatly aided the learning and also supported students with content. Besides the LMS support, the University also takes aid of MOOC platforms to open up the students learning to things beyond the syllabus and class. Besides this, we try to have the most technology-enabled labs available like simulation labs to experiential labs to support the students.

India is getting applause for its New Education Policy globally. According to you, how far we have reached, and what are the pointers that are still untouched in the new education policy?

Honestly, till now the policy is still in a very nascent stage. The document is quite forward-looking but it will have to be implemented pan India by all stakeholders in the same spirit. If education has to grow we have to look at ways of not differentiating between government-run and self-financed institutions. That may help better usage of resources and also maybe better utilisation of funds. As infrastructure and HR costs will rise even further it will have an impact on the cost of education. The policy does not talk much about the ways of handling the costs of education from setting up costs to costs per student. This has to be looked into.

Education in North-East India: Technology Transforming Future Delivery

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Sheeba Chauhan, Senior Sub Editor

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November 7, 2022

North-East India has made great strides in the field of education in recent years. The region has some of the best educational institutions in the country, producing top-notch professionals who are making a mark globally. Technology has also played a crucial role in enhancing the education landscape in north-east India.

The significance of the north-east lies in its rich history and the geographical bounds. The seven states of the north-east popularly known as the seven sisters, namely Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim together have a population of over 45 million. These states are not merely called the seven sisters; but they are interdependent. The unique geography is its biggest antiquity and connotation. Though the outlook of education in the north-east is challenging, the youth of the region and the varied prestigious institutions are swaying the quality of education to the heights.

Present education landscape

Looking at the present scenario of education in northeast India and the future growth opportunities, the region has many coveted educational institutions that offer quality education at par with national and international standards. These institutions are not only lucrative for regional students but also for students from other parts of the nation and the globe.

Some of the leading educational institutes in the north east are Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati: Established in 1994, IIT Guwahati is one of the top engineering institutes in India. It offers B. Tech, M. Tech, MBA and PhD programs in various disciplines.

The region also has National Institute of Technology (NIT) Silchar: NIT Silchar is one of the 31 NITs established by the Government of India. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programs in engineering, sciences and humanities.

Assam University: Established in 1994, Assam University is a central university located in Silchar, Assam. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programs in various disciplines including arts, sciences, commerce, management and law. For students who want to pursue science and technology, the best institute is North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST): NERIST is a Deemed University located in Nirjuli, Arunachal Pradesh. It offers diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering and technology.

Opening doors to future possibilities

As history has witnessed, education is the foundation stone of all future growth and success. Alongside the same thought, the education sector in the north east has seen an immense spurt in recent years and is ultimately providing the right set of circumstances to enhance, enrich and increase the growth of the region. Highlighting the future fortuity, the region has a large pool of talented young individuals who have the potential to make a mark globally. With good educational institutions and adequate support from the government, they will rise high to their full potential and contribute towards developing north-east India.

Some of the factors which will drive the growth of the education sector in north-east India include:

Increasing number of aspirants: There is a growing number of young people who aspire to pursue higher studies and make a career in academics or research.
Improved infrastructure: The government is investing heavily to better the infrastructure of educational institutions in north-east India. This will help attract more students from other parts of the country as well as abroad.
Favourable policies: The government has introduced several conducive policies for promoting higher education in north east India. These policies are helping attract more investment into the sector, which will lead to further growth and development.
Availability of scholarships: There are many scholarships available for students from northeastern states which helps them pursue higher studies without any financial burden.

Despite the challenges faced by educators in north-east India, there are many potential growth opportunities in the sector. One major opportunity lies in increasing access to education using technology. With internet penetration rates increasing across India, there is a growing number of people who have access to online resources and services. Educators can take advantage of this by developing online courses and other educational materials that can be accessed by students anywhere with an internet connection. This would enable more people to receive an education without having to physically attend a school or college.

Technology – enhancing the last mile connectivity

The education landscape in north-eastern India is unique. While the literacy rate in the region has increased in recent years, there are still many challenges that need to be addressed. Technology is also one of the major tools that needs to flourish fully across the region to enhance last mile connectivity and better educational growth for the region. In addition to increasing access to education using technology, it can also be used to improve educational outcomes. For example, educators can use data collected from student performance on tests and quizzes to tailor instruction and better meet students needs. Apart from that educators can use video conferencing and other tools to connect with experts from around the world and bring new perspectives into the classroom. When used effectively, technology can enhance every aspect of education , from administration and operations to teaching and learning.

Another initiative started by UGC through MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) helping a large section of the populace get benefit in non – traditional ways. Improving connectivity, especially last mile connectivity, also invites investments providing betterment opportunities for NE youth.

Technology is helping students irrespective of anything. It is even granting access to pupils with disabilities to have better access to education. Through the various high-tech tools like VR (virtual Reality) glasses, smart boards, which is also a fun way of learning while watching the interactive videos and lectures.

The government is also supporting technology intervention in education. Most recently, the Chief Minister of Meghalaya launched 50 government lower and upper primary schools that were upgraded under Phase 1 of the Meghalaya School Infrastructure Improvement Scheme. CM Conrad K Sangma stated that though only 50 schools had been upgraded currently, the impact of it will be immense. “It will bring about important changes in the field of education.” The entire shift of the education sector towards technology is aiming for a massive metamorphosis in the landscape of education. It will transform the way India used to teach, learn and grow.

Through the glance of educators

As we came across myriad educational institutions that are doing wonders in the field of education and facing some challenges at the same time. Elets News Network reached out to educators across the north-east region to talk about using technology in education in their institutions and other models used considering the recent paradigm shift in education.

Dr. Manoj Kumar Choudhury, Principal, Kaziranga English Academy, Guwahati said “The incorporation of the aforementioned techniques in teaching allows the learners to take ownership in their learning resulting in optimised academic excellence. It makes the learners intrinsically motivated and highly curious about the subject. Such an approach engages the hearts and minds of learners enabling better concept retention, and promotion of critical learning and managerial skills.”

While talking about the same, Sailesh Sarmah, President-All Assam Private School Association, Director – Our ABC Group of Institutions, said, “Education is not really tech-driven. It is about inspiration from teachers. The best teachers arouse the curiosity of the students that makes them ‘want’ to learn a subject. A tech-driven methodology may enable a student to learn alone. In fact, many do that. There are students who do brilliantly while passing from open schools. Technology is a tool. And like any tool, teachers need to use it well.

“ICT and innovation in schools trains students to meet the challenges in the world. Lack of digital knowledge definitely keeps students unconnected with the progressive world. At Springdale School , we strongly believe that technology has to be integrated in the learning cycle hence, we empower teachers and students to use it well. Different technological innovations are being adopted in our school for the holistic development of the students”, said Shahnaz Ahmed, Chairman & Founder Principal, Springdale Sr. Sec School, Jorhat, Assam.

Looking ahead

The present scenario of education in north-east India is very encouraging with many good educational institutions catering to local as well as global aspirants. The sector holds great promise for future growth as well with adequate support from government policies and investments. With favorable conditions like these, it is achieving a lot right now and will aim for even bigger in the coming years.

While there are many challenges faced by educators in north-eastern India , there are also many potential growth opportunities. One major opportunity lies in increased access, which is only possible by technology reach and by government initiatives such as Digital India. The north-east has become digitally literate & skilled. Now, they are prepared for technical advancements taking such provision of ICT devices in each district & every classroom.

Medical textbooks in Marathi from next academic year, says Maharashtra govt

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digitalLEARNING Network

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November 1, 2022

Medical education in Maharashtra will soon be imparted in Marathi. According to a senior official, The Maharashtra Medical Education Department has decided to make textbooks for the first two years of medical degree courses available in Marathi.

Confirming the decision, Dr Ashwini Joshi, Secretary, Medical Education Department, said, “The first phase of this plan will be to prepare Marathi textbooks for the first and second year of medical degree courses. These will be optional, reference textbooks, a facility for students coming from vernacular (Marathi) medium for better understanding of the texts. Experts from specific fields will work for perfect translations from English to Marathi textbooks. The translators will be a combination of language experts and doctors because the content must be verified by medical practitioners, especially focusing on terminologies used.”

At this stage, the plan is to offer optional reference textbooks, aiming at a smooth transition for students of Marathi medium schooling background as per officials. Maharashtra will be the fourth state in India to offer medical education in a regional language. Decisions on whether Marathi can be used as a medium of instruction in medical courses will be taken in due course of time.

Under the plan, these reference textbooks are expected to be ready when the next academic year begins.When asked if there will be an option for students to appear for exams in Marathi, “Currently, the plan is to prepare reference textbooks in Marathi. Other decisions will be made in the future”, said Dr Joshi.

More than 4000 schools to get new infrastructure: Assam CM

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digitalLEARNING Network

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October 31, 2022

Assam Chief Minister in an official statement says all government schools in the state will soon get new infrastructure. More than 4000 schools will be covered under this initiative as per the announcement made on Oct 20, 2022.

Sarma tweeted, “We are trying to convert educational institutes of our State into centres for human resources development.” Furthermore, Sarma, along with Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, the state government’s education advisor, Nani Gopal Mahanta and senior officials, visited several old government schools in Guwahati and inspected the existing facilities. Among the other schools, he also visited Kamrup Academy, where he had studied.

Also read: Assam Governor launches ‘Bodoland super 50 mission’ to train Bodo youth

“Visited Kamrup Academy, Guwahati, and reviewed its infrastructure. Established in 1930, I had the privilege of seeking education from this historical institute in my childhood. The school building will be reconstructed and also get a new auditorium,” Sarma said during his visit to his childhood school.

Sonaram Higher Secondary School, Cotton Collegiate Government HS School, Tarini Choudhury Govt Girls’ HS and MP School, and Gopal Boro Govt Higher Secondary School were the other schools that the CM visited. He reviewed the present scenario of the buildings and asked to draft a plan for constructing new ones.

Apeejay Stya University signs MoU with Amarant Life Sciences to provide professional training

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digitalLEARNING Network

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October 29, 2022

Apeejay Stya University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gurugram, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Amarant Life Sciences Pvt Ltd, a Delhi-based pharmaceutical company, to provide students with suitable professional training and enrichment which will prepare them for success in the pharmaceutical industry.

The main objective of MoU was to develop the required skills & acumen among the students and act as an effective manifestation of an industry-academia partnership that can add value in the rapidly growing pharmaceutical sector.

The tie-up will enable knowledge sharing via exposure of regulatory affairs and skill development in the area of project management, compliance, documentation, processes and systems. Further, domain-specific workshops and training will also be provided to the students.

School of Pharmaceutical Sciences offers career-focused Pharmacy courses that have been designed in collaboration with the Pharmaceutical organisations of repute. The R&D centre for pharmaceutical research ensures holistic and experiential learning for the students who are familiarised with the knowledge of formulation development comprising basic drug designing to the final stages of clinical trials.

Amarant Life Sciences Pvt Ltd, will provide technical know-how (in online and offline mode) through company experts to the students, on and beyond the pharmacy curriculum, technology trends and industrial requirements. Also, they will train the students on the emerging technologies, thereby, bridging the skill gap and make them industry-ready.

The budding pharmacy graduates from the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Apeejay Stya University, could play a key role in technological upgradation, innovation and competitiveness of an industry not only locally, but at a global level.

NEP aims at delinking degree from education says Union Minister Jitendra Singh

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digitalLEARNING Network

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October 28, 2022

The National Education Policy is aimed at delinking degrees from education and livelihood opportunities said Union State Minister of Science & Technology Jitendra Singh on Thursday.

The policy also supplements start-up ecosystem with the promise to open new career and entrepreneurship opportunities for youngsters in India. Singh, the Minister of State for Personnel, said the NEP-2020 introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will reorient India’s education policy as per global benchmarks, he said addressing students and the youth at Krishna Mahavidyalaya at Thakurdwar.

He said linking degrees with education has taken a heavy toll on our education system and society as well and one of the fallouts has been an increasing number of educated unemployed. Describing it as the biggest path-breaking reform in India since independence, the minister said the new policy is not only progressive and visionary but is also in keeping with the emerging needs and requirements of 21st-century India.

He further mentioned that it gives due priority to the inherent talent, knowledge, skill and aptitude of the students, rather than focusing only on degrees. NEP-2020 is having provision of multiple entry/exit options, thus providing academic flexibility to the students.

The students need to imbibe multiple skills to be successful in life as there are ample examples to show that those equipped with the latest skills are doing wonders in the world today, referring to Skill India Mission, Dr Jitendra Singh said.

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