Banaras Hindu University introduces course In Hindu Studies

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January 19, 2022

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

The Banaras Hindu University (BHU) Varanasi has started a new course – MA in Hindu Studies. According to BHU, the postgraduate course is the first-of-its-kind to be offered by a university in the country.

BHU director VK Shukla inaugurated the course and said it is an interdisciplinary programme designed in line with the National Education Policy, 2020.

Also read: Banaras Hindu University invites applications for Performing Arts Diploma Courses

The programme will be offered by the Bharat Adhyayan Kendra, in collaboration with the Department of Philosophy and Religion, Department of Sanskrit and Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archeology, under the faculty of Arts. A total of 45 students, including a foreign student, have joined the first batch.

Blended Learning in India

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January 19, 2022

Unless online education is blended with experiential and activity-based learning, it will tend to become a screen-based education with limited focus on the social, affective and psychomotor dimensions of learning. (Pp. 59 National Education Policy 2020)

According to the National Education Policy 2020, published by India’s government, blended learning should be experiential and activity based. It is not a mere mix of online and face-to-face modes, but refers to a well-planned combination of meaningful activities in both.

After looking into several different successful blended learning programs, there are a few qualities that stand out:

• Intentional technology use. Emerging technologies, and those that are untested at scale, can be very attractive and engaging in the right circumstances, but they are also prone to steep learning curves, a lack of support, and financial investment. Technology that is familiar and well-integrated into daily life can be used to generate extremely innovative practice. Above all, effective blended programs are focused on the learning experience and outcomes before considering the purpose of technology’s role in learning.

• Student engagement. Most students nowadays are surrounded by technology in their everyday life. They often engage more easily with material when technology is incorporated in instructional settings. Enriching blended learning content with appropriate images, audio and video can add variety and impact. Some platforms allow incredible engagement opportunities, and, with the right planning, the learning with these platforms and tools can be very effective. Additionally, students become empowered as they expand their technological skills and competency with technology.

• Active blended learning. The University of Northampton in the United Kingdom is in a strong position to respond to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The active blended learning pedagogical approach used by the institution combines sense-making activities with focused student interactions (with content, peers and tutors) in appropriate learning settings – in and outside the classroom. Students discuss ideas, experiment, work in teams and receive tutor feedback. Whether on campus or remotely, community, cooperation, flexibility, and accessibility are highly valued.

• Appropriate training for instructors. It cannot be assumed that a good teacher in a traditional classroom will automatically be a good teacher in an online classroom. Aside from changes required in pedagogy, online assessments also require a different approach. There are numerous challenges to conducting online examinations at scale, including limitations on the types of questions that can be asked in an online environment; handling network and power disruptions; and preventing unethical practices. Numerous bite-sized training resources can be found online to meet “just in time” needs. There are also professional training programs like the Digital Teaching and Learning series by Blackboard. This series is a professional development pathway for education practitioners and support staff in the use of digital learning technologies to promote excellence, high quality, and consistency in the student experience.

IGNOU signs MoU with Skill ministry to link vocational education with higher education

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January 19, 2022

New Delhi

The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) to link vocational education and training with higher education. The MOU was signed on January 18, 2022.

The agreement aims to create avenues for work opportunities for India’s youth and to strengthen the vocational and technical training framework.

The beneficiaries of the programme include trainees attached to the National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) , Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras (PMKKs) and Jan Shikshan Sansthans (JSS). It is aimed towards making higher education and thus better livelihood opportunities available to these students and ensuring an upward mobility for them.

Also read: IGNOU invites applications for admissions in January 2022 session

As per an official statement, nearly 32 NSTIs, 3000 ITIs, 500 PMKKs and 300 JSS will be associated with the varsity as registration, examination, and work centres.

The progress of the programme will be monitored and reviewed by a project steering committee. The committee will include representatives from both – the varsity and the skill ministry. The memorandum has been signed for a period of ten years and is subject to renewal on mutual agreement.

IIM-Ahmedabad scraps bachelor’s degree as criteria for MBA admissions

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January 19, 2022

The admission committee of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad has decided to scrap the bachelor’s degree as a criterion for admission to the postgraduate programme (PGPM), for the 2022-24 batch. The institute has taken this decision in view of the fact that for the last two years due to the pandemic, many universities were unable to conduct exams. The results for students were prepared on the basis of varied alternative criteria.

The Academic Rating (AR) score will now be computed on a scale of 25 on the basis of Class 10, Class 12 marks, and the candidate’s work experience. “The AR now will be computed on a scale of 25 (considering class 10 and class 12 marks as well as candidate’s work experience) and the points will be pro-rated to 35,” stated an official notice by the institute.

Also read: IIM Ahmedabad to provide management training to CAs

The CAT committee in 2021 had decided to allow candidates to take the CAT- 2021 exam without requiring any minimum percentage of marks in bachelor’s degree.

Haryana ACS Higher Education promoted

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January 18, 2022

Chandigarh

The Haryana state government has promoted the Additional Chief Secretary of Higher Education department, Anand Mohan Sharan, to the grade of Chief Secretary.

Also read: Ashish Chauhan Appointed As Chancellor of the AU

This was stated in an official statement released by the state government on Tuesday.

Edtech Innovator Square Panda India wins National Startup Award 2021

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January 18, 2022

National Startup Awards 2021 Certificate - Square Panda India

In a recently held online ceremony, the Government of India announced the winners of the National Startup Awards 2021, with Square Panda India winning in the category ‘Education & Skill Development for Teacher Training’. The Ministry said that six parameters were used to decide the winners – innovation, scalability, economic impact, social impact, environmental impact, and inclusiveness and diversity.

This was the second edition of the National Startup Awards that recognises and rewards outstanding start-ups that have demonstrated measurable social impact, and high potential of employment generation or wealth creation. A total of 46 startups were felicitated for their contribution in their respective sectors.

The award has been organised under the aegis of the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Startup India initiative, which has been successful in its efforts to catalyse India’s startup culture, building a strong ecosystem for nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship across the country, thereby driving sustainable economic growth. This has resulted in India emerging as the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world.

Offering his thoughts, the Hon’ble PM said, “I congratulate all the innovative startups that are flying India’s flag high. It is my wish that India’s startup culture reaches every corner of India, which is why we have decided to establish 16th January as National Startup Day henceforth.”

The ceremony was also attended by the Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal, who while quoting PM Modi said, “Today, India is rapidly moving towards hitting the century of unicorns. I believe the golden era of India’s start-ups is starting now. The Government is standing with our innovators, and so is the entire country. Let’s Innovate for India, innovate from India!”

Square Panda India was accorded this award for its technology-based solutions, such as its Teacher Training Programmes that upskill custodians of education in keeping with the objectives of NEP 2020. This includes expertly designed programmes created and contextualised for India using global best practices ensures holistic, continuous professional and skill development of educators, which in turn results in improved learning outcomes for all.

Commenting on this momentous honour, Square Panda India MD Ashish Jhalani stated, “We are humbled and honoured to be given this award in recognition of our education interventions across India’s grassroots. We thank our diverse partners that have been an integral part of this journey of ours, and pledge to continue furthering India’s growth story through comprehensive and innovative tech solutions that help every stakeholder realise their full potential. Through this, we envision driving better learning outcomes for children across the nation and building India anew.”

“The Award recognises Square Panda India’s contribution to India’s education system and its role in shaping the nation’s socio-economic landscape and will continue to inspire the organisation to usher social change via the transformative power of education,” Jhalani added.

Along with being felicitated during an award ceremony, Square Panda India and a few selected startups were given the opportunity to present policy recommendations to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, outlining how to leverage education and skill development as key enablers for inclusive growth & sustainable development.

All government schools in Telangana to become English medium by next academic year

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January 18, 2022

Hyderabad, Telangana

The Telangana state cabinet has decided to introduce English medium in all government schools of the state from the academic year 2022-23. It has also decided to regulate the fee structure in private schools, junior and degree colleges.

According to the official statement issued by the state government, a decision to this effect was taken at a meeting convened on Monday. The cabinet has constituted a subcommittee of ministers headed by Education Minister Sabita Indra Reddy to study and prepare guidelines on these issues.

Also read: Telangana TS inter result 2021 announced; check details here

The government also decided to draw up an action plan to train teachers to impart education in English to students at the primary level, to make the environment in the schools attractive for the children, keep the premises clean and tidy and improve the mid-day meal programme.

Employers need to prepare syllabus for better employability : Rajesh Agarwal

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January 18, 2022

New Delhi

“We have seen the education policies evolving over the last 70-80 years. The 1950s saw the emergence of IITs and ITIs. IITs for producing world-class engineers and ITIs for technicians. We were the best in education before independence and post independence, our initiatives were towards regaining that lost glory.” This was stated by Sri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Government of India. He was delivering the inaugural address of the 22nd Elets World Education Summit, organised by Elets Technomedia at New Delhi recently.

Agarwal started his address talking about India’s glorious past. “Many centuries ago, India was the world’s number one nation by any standards, in terms of GDP, exports, education and skills. We had the world famous Nalanda and Takshila universities. We had Ajanta paintings and sculptures, mining and minerals. Our craftsmanship in Textiles was extremely famous across the world. We were best in education and skills,” Agarwal said.

Commenting on the growth of Indian infrastructure, Agarwal said, “We had to build the roads, dams, power plants, pharma plants, steel plants, and aeronautic plants. That’s how all public sector units came up. We always had a very good philanthropic streak in the country, right from 1000s of years ago.” He further added, “We have now set sector skill councils across the country in multiple sectors. We have the best people in the industry, guiding the councils, creating syllabus and curriculum.”

Agarwal added that for more employability, the syllabus needs to be prepared by employers. “Our education system and skill system are not producing kids or graduates who are employable. They require training. Hence our courses have to be dynamic. We have to join hands with the industry and the syllabus has to be prepared by the employers themselves.”

Commenting on NEP, he said it focuses on employability. “The new education policy talks a lot about entrepreneurship, the relevance of job roles, dynamism in the syllabus, and how it should be flexible. Everything has been put in a concrete framework in this policy.” He concluded the address by mentioning the new additions in the skill sector. “Soon you will see a credit transfer framework and before the next academic session, you will see courses for carpentry, electrician, or AI. In the skill sector, we are attracting a lot of new philanthropic money. Our skill university is setting up labs and doing a lot more. And I am happy to be a part of this change.”

IIT-Kanpur launches two new departments of design and space science

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January 17, 2022

New Delhi

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur is all set to open two new departments in the fields of Design, Space Science and Astronomy, making the total tally to 20 academic departments. The institute has already given approval for setting up this new department.

The institute’s design programme has been in existence since 2002 and it will now be transformed into the Department of Design. The institute is also planning to launch a Bachelor of Design programme starting as early as 2023.

The Design Department will be headed by Professor Nachiketa Tiwari, the current Head of the Design Programme. It would have a design cell to address the needs of the industry in areas of new product conceptualization and development, product design, engineering design, branding, user experience, and packaging.

Also read: IIT Kanpur launches programme on Earth Science

The Department of Space Science and Astronomy will be devoted to the broad field of space, planetary, astronomical sciences and engineering.

The institute claims it to be one of the first-of-its-kind departments in India to bring together engineers, astronomers, astrophysicists, and planetary scientists in order to meet the growing requirement of education, training and research in some vital areas of research, such as instrumentation for space missions and Astronomical observatories, Spacecraft design, and Space Mission planning, among others.

AICTE & UGC say ‘franchise arrangement’ between colleges and edtech companies is not permissible

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January 17, 2022

New Delhi

The University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) have warned their recognised universities and institutions against offering courses in distance learning and online mode in association with Ed-tech companies, saying no “franchise” agreement is permissible as per norms.

The UGC and AICTE have also advised students and parents to check the recognition status of any programme on their websites before enrolling in any course.

“Such a franchisee arrangement is not permissible and action will be taken against defaulting EdTech companies as well as Higher Education under applicable laws, rules and regulations. All the students are also hereby advised that they should check the recognition and entitlement status of the programmes on the UGC website before enrolling in any course,” he added.

In another notice, the AICTE has also warned against the franchise arrangement between institutions and Ed-tech companies. The Education Ministry had earlier this month issued an advisory to parents and students dealing with edtech firms, asking them to exercise caution while making payments. The ministry had said the parents, students and all stakeholders in education have to be careful while deciding on opting for online content and coaching being offered by a host of Ed-tech companies.

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