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Kerala’s Visionary AI Program to Train 80,000 Teachers

The Kerala government is making history with an ambitious initiative to train 80,000 secondary school teachers in Artificial Intelligence (AI) by August 2024, marking a first-of-its-kind effort in India. Under the guidance of Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE), this groundbreaking program aims to revolutionise education across classes 8 to 12.

Transforming Education with AI

The comprehensive training program covers various aspects of AI to enhance the teaching experience. Teachers will learn:

  • Summarisation Techniques: Simplifying complex documents to make information more accessible to students.
  • Image Generation: Creating and editing subject-specific visuals to aid learning.
  • Prompt Engineering and Machine Learning: Utilizing AI tools effectively in the classroom.
  • Data Visualization: Enhancing presentations with animations, tables, graphs, and charts.
  • AI in Assessments: Designing diverse question formats to improve student evaluations.

Responsible AI Usage

A critical component of the training is responsible AI usage. Teachers will gain insights into:

  • Privacy Concerns: Understanding and addressing data privacy issues.
  • Algorithm Bias: Recognizing and mitigating biases in AI algorithms.
  • Practical Exercises: Engaging in hands-on activities such as creating avatars and exploring deepfakes.

Preparing for the Future

With 180 Master Trainers already prepared, this initiative is set to transform Kerala’s educational landscape. By equipping teachers with the necessary AI expertise, Kerala is paving the way for a future-ready educational system.

This pioneering effort marks a significant stride towards integrating advanced technology into education, ensuring our teachers are well-prepared for the future. Let’s celebrate this milestone and look forward to a brighter, AI-empowered educational system in Kerala.

Empowering Futures: Assam Grants Free Higher Education to 95,000 Students

In a significant move to promote inclusivity and access to higher education, nearly 95,000 students from underprivileged backgrounds have been granted free admission to colleges and universities across Assam. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced this on Wednesday, highlighting the state’s commitment to supporting education for students from Class 11 through to post-graduation.

As part of the ‘Pragyan Bharati Scheme,’ Sarma distributed Rs 68.44 crore among 349 colleges and universities to cover the costs of higher secondary, undergraduate, and postgraduate courses in arts, science, and commerce streams. At an official function, he emphasized the importance of this initiative in empowering students from economically disadvantaged families.

“Today, nearly one lakh students have secured a pathway to free education. This scheme aims to foster higher education and promote inclusivity by empowering students from the underprivileged sections,” Sarma stated.

For the 2024-25 academic year, 94,838 students from poor and middle-class families have already benefited from the first phase of this scheme. The initial Rs 68.44 crore disbursement will be followed by subsequent payments in the coming months after document verification.

“The next round of spot admission and 3rd and 5th-semester fee waivers for CUET and non-CUET candidates will be disbursed in September,” Sarma added.

Education Minister Ranoj Pegu also noted changes to the scheme’s eligibility criteria. Previously, students with a parental annual income of up to Rs 2 lakh were eligible for free admission. This limit has been raised to Rs 4 lakh, making more students eligible for the scheme. Additionally, colleges now accept ration cards as proof of family income instead of income certificates.

Since its inception, the Pragyan Bharati Scheme has benefitted a total of 22,30,257 students, with a cumulative disbursement of Rs 826.36 crore up to the last academic year, officials reported. This initiative underscores Assam’s dedication to ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder students’ educational aspirations.

 

NCVET and Microsoft Corporation India Pvt. Ltd. Sign Agreement for Awarding Body Recognition

In a significant development for vocational education and training in India, the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) signed an agreement with Microsoft Corporation India Pvt. Ltd. on July 5, 2024. This agreement grants NCVET recognition to Microsoft Corporation India Pvt. Ltd. as an Awarding Body (AB – Standard).

This recognition enables Microsoft Corporation India Pvt. Ltd. to award and certify learners who receive training directly from the company in its owned or fully managed campuses and training centres. The certifications will pertain to qualifications that are either approved or adopted by Microsoft Corporation India Pvt. Ltd., ensuring a high standard of vocational training and certification.

The collaboration marks a significant step forward in the efforts to enhance vocational education in India, leveraging Microsoft’s expertise and resources to provide top-notch training and certification to learners. This partnership is expected to benefit a large number of students by equipping them with industry-relevant skills and recognized qualifications, thereby boosting their employability and career prospects.

The recognition by NCVET underscores the importance of private sector involvement in vocational training and highlights Microsoft’s commitment to contributing to the educational ecosystem in India. This initiative aligns with the broader goals of improving the quality of vocational education and training in the country, ultimately contributing to the development of a skilled workforce that meets the demands of the modern economy.

UP Implements App-Based Attendance in Primary Schools

In a significant move towards digitisation, primary schools across Uttar Pradesh have begun implementing digital attendance systems starting today. This new initiative mandates that teachers in all primary schools register their attendance twice daily—once in the morning and again in the evening—using a dedicated application.

The transition to digital attendance aims to streamline the attendance process, ensure accuracy, and enhance accountability among educators. By leveraging technology, the state government seeks to improve administrative efficiency and monitor teacher presence more effectively, ensuring that students receive consistent and quality education.

Enhanced Monitoring and Accountability

This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Uttar Pradesh government to modernise the education system and integrate digital solutions into daily operations. The application-based attendance system is expected to reduce discrepancies and provide real-time data on teacher attendance, which educational authorities can monitor.

A senior official from the Uttar Pradesh Education Department stated, “The implementation of digital attendance is a step towards enhancing the transparency and efficiency of our education system. It ensures that teachers are present in the classrooms, which directly impacts the learning outcomes of our students.”

Benefits for the Education System

The digital attendance system is designed to be user-friendly, allowing teachers to mark their attendance using their smartphones or tablets. The app records the time and location of the check-in and check-out, providing precise data to the education department. This system is also expected to facilitate the timely disbursement of salaries and other benefits linked to attendance.

Teachers have expressed mixed reactions to the new system. While some appreciate the move towards modernization, others have raised concerns about the potential technical challenges and the need for adequate training to ensure smooth implementation.

Also read: Prayagraj Making 48 Public Primary Schools “SMART”

Future Prospects

The introduction of digital attendance in primary schools is seen as a pilot project that, if successful, could be extended to secondary schools and other educational institutions across the state. The government is committed to addressing any challenges that arise during the initial phase and is working on providing necessary support and training to the teachers.

As Uttar Pradesh takes this leap into digital education management, the success of this initiative could serve as a model for other states in India, highlighting the potential of technology in transforming the education sector.

 

Thapar Institute and NVIDIA Collaborate to Establish AI and Data Science School

Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology (TIET) has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with American chipmaker NVIDIA to establish the Thapar School of Advanced AI & Data Science (TSAAI). The memorandum of understanding was signed by R R Vederah, Chairman of the Board of Governors at Thapar University, and Vishal Dhupar, Managing Director – Asia South at NVIDIA.

The TSAAI will be located on the TIET campus in Patiala, Punjab. “We are excited about the opportunity to establish this AI school, in technical collaboration with NVIDIA. This work will not only bridge the gap in AI (artificial intelligence) expertise but also pave the way for cutting-edge research and innovation in this transformative field. This also establishes our vision of providing education that creates future-ready students,” stated Padmakumar Nair, Director of Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology.

As part of this collaboration, TIET will set up a dedicated data centre leveraging NVIDIA DGX systems. According to a statement from TIET, the infrastructure will be ready by the first semester of the 2024-2025 academic year, supporting a full undergraduate AI degree program, AI mandatory/elective courses across all disciplines, technical training for faculty and staff, research collaborations, and the establishment of an AI startup ecosystem powered by NVIDIA edge computing. The institute aims to ensure that within 2-4 years, any graduating student will be ‘AI literate’ by implementing necessary curriculum changes and additional requirements.

Read more: NVIDIA joins hands with IIT-G, IIT-R.

In addition, NVIDIA plans to extend the benefits of its inception program, which is designed to support startups, to qualifying TIET-incubated AI startups. This collaboration is set to position TIET at the forefront of AI education and innovation, fostering a new generation of AI experts and entrepreneurs.

This partnership marks a significant step in the advancement of AI education in India, promising to deliver future-ready students equipped with the skills necessary to excel in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.

UNICEF Highlights Kerala’s Little KITEs as a Leading EdTech Initiative

In a significant endorsement of Kerala’s digital education initiatives, a recent UNICEF India study has praised the state’s Little KITE programme as a model for global education. The study, “Empowering Adolescents with Future-Ready Skills – The Inspiring Story of Little KITEs,” was released on Saturday, highlighting the programme’s impact on 2,174 high schools and its role in promoting future-ready skills and gender equality in STEM.

The report was received by Rani George IAS, Principal Secretary of the General Education Department, from Pramila Manoharan, UNICEF India’s educational specialist, in the presence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and General Education Minister V Sivankutty.

Key Highlights of the Study:

  1. Impact and Reach: The Little KITEs programme, implemented by Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE), is recognized as the largest ICT network of students in India. It has significantly impacted high schools across Kerala, fostering creativity, and problem-solving skills, and bridging the gender gap in STEM education by encouraging girls’ participation.
  2. Economic Benefits: The programme’s use of Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS) has saved Kerala Rs 3000 crore, demonstrating the economic benefits of opting for non-proprietary software. The report also noted that Finland has expressed interest in replicating the Little KITEs model.
  3. Global and National Alignment: The initiative aligns with global and national efforts to develop future-ready skills in line with the United Nations Global Framework. The study offered 10 data-driven recommendations, emphasizing the scalability and adaptability of Kerala’s KITE-led EdTech model.
  4. Community Involvement and Expansion: The UNICEF study recommended expanding the Little KITEs programme to all high schools and higher secondary levels in Kerala. It also suggested involving local bodies and communities to increase investment in public education.
  5. Public School Attraction: The success of Little KITEs has attracted students from private schools to enrol in public schools, further validating the programme’s effectiveness and appeal.

Endorsements and Future Plans:

Dr. Akila Radhakrishnan, Social Policy Specialist with UNICEF India, emphasized that the Little KITEs programme is a unique FOSS-based EdTech intervention. “UNICEF is committed to sharing the success stories of Little KITEs with other states and countries,” she said.

K Anvar Sadath, CEO of KITE, expressed the organization’s eagerness to partner with UNICEF and other entities to expand the reach of Little KITE to new regions. “We are also looking for support from the FOSS community to develop AI capabilities,” Sadath added.

Also read: KITE and BSNL collaborate to offer high-speed internet access to Kerala schools

The study’s publication on the UNICEF website underscores the global significance of Kerala’s innovative approach to digital education, marking a milestone in the state’s journey towards becoming a knowledge society and economy.

As the study concludes, “Little KITEs is a well-sown seed in the fertile ground of EdTech in Kerala. It has grown rapidly, promoting a wide range of students across the public school system to explore creativity and problem-solving, connecting school to life in innovative ways, and architecting safe digital futures.”

This recognition by UNICEF not only highlights the success of Kerala’s digital education initiatives but also sets a benchmark for other regions to follow, reaffirming Kerala’s position as a leader in educational innovation.

Chhattisgarh Schools to Offer Primary Education in 18 Tribal Languages

In a groundbreaking move to enhance education in tribal regions, the Chhattisgarh government is set to provide primary education in 18 local languages and dialects. This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates for the medium of instruction to be the mother tongue or local language at least up to the fifth standard.

An official from the Education Department stated that in these tribal areas, primary school exams can also be taken in local languages and dialects, ensuring that students can learn and be assessed in their native languages.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has spearheaded this initiative, directing the State Education Department to develop and distribute bilingual books in 18 local languages and dialects at no cost. The focus is on providing high-quality educational resources to the children in these remote regions.

“The new initiative of providing education in the local language will also help preserve local culture and traditions,” said Chief Minister Sai during his address at the state-level ‘Shala Praveshotsav’ programme in Bagiya village, located in the tribal-dominated Jashpur district.

Also read: PM Modi advocates for institutions imparting education in the local language.

The ‘Shala Praveshotsav’ is an annual event aimed at motivating children to enrol in schools at the start of the new academic session. This year’s event was notably moved from the state capital, Raipur, to Bagiya, the hometown of the Chief Minister, underscoring the government’s commitment to grassroots educational development.

This pioneering step is expected to significantly impact the educational landscape in Chhattisgarh’s tribal areas, promoting literacy and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Engage with Education Policymakers from the Ministry of Education, IITs, IIMs, and other Central Universities at the 29th World Education Summit

The 29th edition of the Elets World Education Summit (WES) will take place in New Delhi on July 4-5, 2024, at Vivanta by Taj, Dwarka, New Delhi. As a premier education summit, WES brings together educators, policymakers from different governments, industry leaders, and innovators from across the globe to discuss and shape the future of education in an AI-driven era. This year’s summit promises many opportunities for recognition, networking, and collaboration.

Why Attend?

The World Education Summit is renowned for its unparalleled participation and engagement from leading professionals in the education sector. This year, we’re excited to host a remarkable lineup of distinguished attendees:

  • Government Officials: 8 influential policymakers from the Government of India.
  • Directors of IITs: 3 pioneering figures in technology and engineering education.
  • Directors of IIMs: 6 masterminds of management education.
  • Directors of NITs & IITs: 4 experts from leading technical institutions.
  • Vice Chancellors (Central & State Universities): 6 strategic thinkers from top public universities.
  • Owners: 10 visionary leaders driving the education landscape.
  • Chancellors: 5 esteemed heads of prestigious institutions.
  • Presidents & Vice Chancellors (Private Universities): 35 leading voices in higher education.
  • Directors & Principals (Engineering and B-Schools): 25 influential educators and administrators.
  • Deans, HODs, and Registrars: 25 key decision-makers and academic leaders.

What Makes This Summit Unique?

  • Exclusive Access: Engage directly with the most influential leaders in the education sector.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with key stakeholders who can drive your initiatives forward.
  • Insightful Sessions: Gain cutting-edge insights from thought leaders and innovators.
  • Collaborative Environment: Participate in dynamic discussions that encourage collaboration and innovation.

Key Highlights and Offerings of the 29th World Education Summit

WES Awards
The prestigious WES Awards will honour outstanding school and higher education contributions. These awards celebrate excellence and innovation, highlighting transformative innovations that significantly improve teaching and learning experiences. Schools and higher education institutions can gain recognition for advancing education, enhancing creativity, and implementing effective solutions in today’s digital age.

2nd Edition of EdTech Unleashed Empowering Startups
WES 2024 will host the 2nd edition of EdTech Unleashed, an exclusive event designed to support education technology startups. This initiative provides a platform for startups to pitch their innovative ideas and solutions to potential investors. It offers a unique opportunity for edtech entrepreneurs to secure funding, form strategic partnerships, and gain valuable insights from industry experts, empowering the growth of new technologies that can revolutionise the education landscape.

Connect with Education Industry Leaders
The summit offers unparalleled networking opportunities with leaders from the government, IITs, IIMs, and the edtech industry. Participants can engage with high-profile decision-makers and influencers, including chancellors, vice-chancellors, directors, policymakers, and senior academicians. This interaction is crucial for those looking to expand their influence, exchange valuable insights, and explore collaborative opportunities that drive innovation in education.

Enhanced Exhibitor Zones
WES 2024 provides enhanced exhibit spaces, offering exhibitors a prime opportunity to showcase their products and services to a targeted audience of industry leaders, top professionals, and key decision-makers. With strategically designed zones, exhibitors can effectively demonstrate their innovations to over 350 education leaders, government officials, and industry experts. These spaces and robust networking activities and sessions led by experts ensure maximum visibility and engagement. Exhibitors will gain valuable insights, develop meaningful connections, and enhance their brand visibility, positioning themselves as leaders in the education sector.

Exclusive Roundtable Sessions
The 29th Elets World Education Summit will feature exclusive roundtable sessions for the school and higher education sectors. This unique platform will bring together diverse stakeholders spanning the educational spectrum. These sessions will provide deep insights and facilitate meaningful discussions on the changing trends and practices elevating the education ecosystem.

Comprehensive Conference Experience
The summit will open a gamut of learning opportunities, offering unique insights and approaches to shaping a future-ready education system. Attendees can expect to uncover new possibilities and embrace the imperative of future readiness in education through various informative sessions, discussions, and networking opportunities.

Funding and Partnerships
EdTech Unleashed returns for its 2nd edition, offering startups an exclusive chance to pitch live to investors. This initiative aims to encourage the growth of innovative technologies by providing edtech entrepreneurs with opportunities to secure funding and form strategic partnerships.

Special Souvenir Release
Showcase Your Institution’s Initiatives to Education Bodies The summit will feature a special souvenir themed on “Role of Education Sector in Creating Viksit Bharat.” This souvenir offers participants a unique opportunity to connect with key education bodies such as the Ministry of Education (MoE), the University Grants Commission (UGC), and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). It is a powerful platform for showcasing achievements, innovations, and contributions to the education sector, enhancing visibility and impact within the industry.

The 29th World Education Summit is more than just a summit; it is a dynamic platform that brings together the brightest minds in education to discuss, innovate, and collaborate. Whether you are an educator, policymaker, industry leader, or edtech entrepreneur, WES 2024 offers numerous opportunities to gain recognition, secure funding, and connect with key stakeholders. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative event that is shaping the future of education. 

Explore more: https://wes.eletsonline.com/

Wall Street Prep & Wharton Online Join TimesPro for New Certifications

Mumbai: TimesPro, India’s leading higher edtech platform, has collaborated with Wall Street Prep, the world’s leading financial training provider, to launch online programs with Wharton Online. Spearheaded by Wall Street Prep, with TimesPro as its designated India partner, this endeavour represents a pioneering effort in the country. As global collaborators, Wall Street Prep and Wharton Online provide these programs across leading economies and emerging markets. The launch of the Private Equity Certificate Program signifies the commencement of this distinctive initiative aimed at upskilling Indian professionals across various domains.

The Private Equity Certificate Program is a self-paced online learning endeavour designed to equip finance professionals with practical approaches to PE investment and deepen their understanding of investment strategies, valuation techniques, and deal structuring principles.

It is designed to prioritise the acquisition of techniques and the adoption of best practices employed by contemporary investment professionals in the assessment and execution of private transactions. The program will be conducted via a state-of-the-art interactive learning (IL) platform and delivered in direct-to-device (D2D) mode. Enrollment has opened for the September 2024 cohort.

The global private equity market was pivotal in transforming businesses worldwide and was valued at USD 645.2 billion in 2022. It is anticipated to exhibit significant growth through 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.45 per cent. Allied Market Research published a report projecting that the global private equity market will reach $1,098.74 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 9.7 per cent from 2023 to 2032. The burgeoning initial public offering (IPO) market and the surge in dealmaking activities within venture capital and growth equity sectors also fuel the demand for talent across senior and execution levels. Notably, there have been as many as 437 transitions across various levels in global and domestic private equity-venture capital (PE-VC) entities in India over the past year — a notable increase from 365 transitions recorded in 2022 and marking the highest figure in five years, according to data compiled by job search firm Native. Approximately 56 per cent of these recruitments were made by domestic funds, while 36 per cent pertained to growth funds.

At the announcement, Matan Feldman, CEO of Wall Street Prep, said, “We are pleased to announce our collaboration with TimesPro in making the Private Equity Certificate Program available in India. The private equity ecosystem in India will continue to grow, as will the competition for qualified and skilled talent. This program equips Indian professionals with the essential skills and knowledge required to excel in the dynamic realm of private equity. It provides them with access to industry insights, cutting-edge methodologies, and real-world case studies, enabling them to navigate the complexities of private transactions with confidence and expertise.”

Anish Srikrishna, CEO of TimesPro, said, “The collaboration with Wall Street Prep heralds the opening of doors to one of the world’s leading financial trainers, offering practical approaches to private equity investment previously confined within the world’s largest PE firms. By amalgamating theoretical frameworks with pragmatic implementations, these programs will furnish learners with contemporary skills to adeptly manoeuvre the intricacies of private equity, thereby fostering superior investment outcomes.”

“We are excited about having a more concerted effort of expanding the Private Equity Certificate Program in India,” said David Musto, faculty director of the Stevens Center for Innovation in Finance at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. “Through this program, learners can build their knowledge, skills, and resume alongside existing careers.”

Learners will acquire firsthand experience by procuring invaluable insights into emerging market trends and developments from esteemed faculty members and private equity industry luminaries. Emphasis shall be placed on many topics encompassing investment analysis, evaluation of competitive dynamics, analysis of companies and industries, construction of operating models, and LBO/returns model formulation, among others. The learning will equip professionals with methods akin to those taught within the world’s foremost private equity firms, enabling them to comprehend how such firms execute deals, scrutinise companies, evaluate investment prospects, and cultivate leadership understanding within private equity.

Also read: TimesPro and the University of Hyderabad collaborate to offer new-age Programmes in Management

The program’s curriculum has been meticulously designed by industry experts with extensive private equity, investment banking, and corporate finance expertise. It is open to finance professionals at all stages of their careers, including investment analysts, portfolio managers, corporate finance executives, investment bankers, private lenders, entrepreneurs, and students seeking to enhance their understanding of private equity. Learners will get a
Wharton Online Digital Certificate with personalised details upon program completion and access to a large and highly engaged global network of peers of program alums. This network facilitates the honing of networking skills for each cohort through a series of in-person and virtual gatherings, discussion forums, and networking events.

CM Patel: New NEP to Highlight the Valor of India’s Forgotten Heroes

In a call to acknowledge and celebrate India’s historical valour, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel emphasised the significance of the new National Education Policy (NEP) in portraying the country’s true history and heroism. Speaking at Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University in Patan during the Rajmata Nayika Devi Gaurav Din event, CM Patel underscored the importance of recognising unsung heroes and heroines who have shaped India’s legacy.

Addressing the gathering on Sunday, the Chief Minister highlighted that the new NEP aims to provide a comprehensive and authentic depiction of India’s rich historical tapestry. “The stories of Lakshmibai, Rani Chenamma, and Rani Ahalyabai are well-known and celebrated. However, we equally must bring to light the bravery and courage of Nayika Devi,” he stated. Rajmata Nayika Devi, a historical figure celebrated for her military prowess, is credited with defeating the formidable army of Mohammad Ghori, a fact that CM Patel insists must be shared with the world.

The event, organised by the state unit of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, honoured Rajmata Nayika Devi’s contributions and legacy. CM Patel’s speech resonated with the audience as he called for the inclusion of her story in educational curricula, reinforcing the NEP’s goal of fostering a well-rounded and truthful historical education.

“Rajmata Nayika Devi’s courage should be presented to the world. She is credited with defeating the army of Mohammad Ghori,” the CM said. His words were met with applause and approval from those in attendance, who shared his sentiment that Indian history must be taught in its entirety, emphasising the courage and resilience of its heroes and heroines.

An official statement from the Chief Minister’s office reiterated the commitment to the NEP’s objectives. “The Union government’s new education policy will help our students learn the true history of valour and bravery,” it read. This policy is designed to provide academic knowledge and instil a sense of pride and patriotism among the youth by acknowledging the sacrifices and achievements of India’s historical figures.

The Rajmata Nayika Devi Gaurav Din event, named after the revered queen, saw a convergence of scholars, historians, and local dignitaries who discussed the impact of Nayika Devi’s legacy on contemporary Indian society. Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University, the venue for the event, also announced initiatives to incorporate more regional and national heroes into their academic programs, aligning with the NEP’s vision.

Chief Minister Patel’s speech marks a significant step towards redefining historical narratives within Indian education. By emphasising the bravery of Rajmata Nayika Devi, the event not only celebrated her legacy but also highlighted the broader objective of the NEP to present a more inclusive and accurate portrayal of Indian history.

 

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