K. R. Mangalam University welcomes Prof. (Dr.) Raghuvir Singh as the Vice-Chancellor

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April 4, 2024

K. R. Mangalam University proudly announces the appointment of Prof. (Dr.) Raghuvir Singh as its new Vice-Chancellor. Prof. Singh, a distinguished figure in higher education, brings over two decades of leadership experience from various esteemed multidisciplinary institutions to KRMU. His academic and administrative prowess is evidenced by the 12 prestigious awards he has received, including recognition as one of the Top 20 Vice-Chancellors in India, alongside titles such as Eminent and Impactful Vice-Chancellor.

Prof. Singh’s educational philosophy encompasses a holistic approach, integrating cognitive, affective, and psychomotor learning domains to cultivate a comprehensive academic environment. His expertise extends to creating quality and innovation ecosystems within higher education institutions (HEIs) and fostering valuable collaborations. Notably, Prof. Singh is an authority on the accreditation processes of NAAC and NBA, with a strong academic, administrative, and performance auditing background.

As KRMU embarks on this new chapter under Prof. Singh’s guidance, the university community looks forward to the transformative changes he is poised to bring. His visionary leadership is expected to propel KRMU to new academic excellence and innovation heights.

NCERT to roll out new syllabus textbooks for classes 3 and 6 in upcoming months

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digitalLEARNING Network

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April 4, 2024

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has announced that the new syllabus textbooks for Classes 3 and 6 will be released in April and May, respectively. This announcement reassures parents and students, urging them to remain patient during the transition. The move follows directives from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) last week, instructing all affiliated schools to adopt the new syllabi and textbooks for these classes’ 2024-25 academic session.

NCERT has made significant strides in ensuring the timely availability of school textbooks, with approximately 33 lakh books for Classes 1, 2, 7, 8, 10, and 12 already printed and distributed to bookstores. Textbooks for Classes 3, 4, 5, 9, and 11 are expected to hit the shelves this month, while those for Class 6 are slated for a May release. The decision to update the syllabi for Classes 3 and 6 aligns with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE), marking pivotal stages in students’ educational journeys—preparatory and middle stages, respectively.

To facilitate a smooth transition to the new syllabus, NCERT has developed specific programs and guidelines for schools under the CBSE, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS) networks. A “bridge programme” for Class 6 and “brief guidelines” for Class 3 have been prepared, aimed at helping students and educators adjust to the updated curriculum seamlessly. This initiative reflects NCERT’s commitment to enhancing the quality of school education in line with contemporary educational standards.

IIM-Lucknow names Prof Archana Shukla as Director-in-charge

Higher Education

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digitalLEARNING Network

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April 3, 2024

The Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIM-Lucknow), Prof. Archana Shukla, has been reappointed as the Director-in-Charge, effective April 2. She will serve in this capacity until the appointment of a regular Director, as confirmed by the institution. Prof. Shukla, the senior-most professor at IIM Lucknow, takes on this role per Clause (9) of the IIM Act 2017. N. Chandrasekaran, the IIM Lucknow Board of Governors Chairperson, announced the decision.

With a distinguished career in Human Resource Management at IIML, Prof. Shukla is celebrated for her extensive teaching and research experience spanning over three decades. Her academic journey includes a significant milestone as a graduate from IIT Kanpur, followed by achieving a PhD in Psychology. Prof. Shukla was the inaugural chairperson of the Dr. Ishwar Dayal Chair for Futuristic Issues in the Behavioral Sciences from 2015 to 2017. Throughout her tenure, she has contributed significantly to academia with a book, numerous research papers, and case studies focusing on knowledge management, organisational adaptation, and structure.

Founded in 1984, IIM Lucknow is the fourth IIM establishment in India, following IIM Calcutta, IIM Ahmedabad, and IIM Bangalore. It is renowned for being the pioneer in introducing a two-year full-time MBA programme in Sustainable Management. Additionally, the institute offers a specialised full-time MBA programme in Agri-Business Management, continuing its legacy of excellence and innovation in business education.

Aviotron Aerospace secures Rs 4.96 crore in funding to expand its edtech reach

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digitalLEARNING Network

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April 3, 2024

Noida-based edtech startup Aviotron Aerospace has announced a significant boost in its growth trajectory with a Pre-Series A funding round, bringing in Rs 4.96 crore (approximately $600K) from Enrission India Capital. With backing from industry giant #SoftBank, this venture capital firm has recognised the potential in Aviotron Aerospace’s innovative approach to learning.

Founded in 2019 by a team of visionaries – Vaishnav C, Ashish Kumawat, Neha Chauhan, and Nitin Choyal – Aviotron Aerospace aims to transform the educational landscape with a focus on aerospace and mechanical technologies. The company has set its sights on revolutionising how students gain these skills, emphasising experiential learning and 21st-century competencies such as creativity, innovation, and problem-solving.

With a post-money valuation now standing at Rs 70 crore, Aviotron Aerospace is scaling new heights. The company has developed a robust partnership network with schools across India, offering #STEAM-based learning solutions in Aerospace, Space-Ed, and Design Thinking through its flagship product, AeroBay. Having made substantial inroads in cities like Noida, Jaipur, and Nagpur, Aviotron is now set to expand its reach to all 28 states in India by year-end.

Aviotron has impacted approximately 20,000 students through partnerships with 65 schools across 15 states. Its business model, charging Rs 8,500 per student annually, has proved lucrative, generating an average income of Rs 25 lakh to Rs 30 lakh from each school. With a revenue of Rs 5 crore in 2023 and a profit of Rs 50 lakh, Aviotron Aerospace is targeting an ambitious revenue milestone of Rs 45 crore for 2024.

Byju’s announces new layoffs amid financial challenges

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digitalLEARNING Network

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April 2, 2024

Think and Learn Pvt Ltd, the parent company of Byju’s brand, has initiated another round of layoffs, impacting between 100 and 500 employees. The company has opted for phone calls to inform affected staff, bypassing traditional procedures such as performance improvement plans (PIP) or notice periods. This move comes as the firm faces significant financial difficulties, with more than 10,000 employees having been let go in the past two years.

The layoffs are part of a broader series of challenges by Byju’s, including a legal battle wherein four investors have filed a suit against the company’s management for oppression and mismanagement. The case, presented before the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in Bangalore, seeks the removal of the founders, including CEO Byju Raveendran, and appointment of a new board. Despite these troubles, the NCLT recently allowed a scheduled extraordinary general meeting (EGM) to proceed, rejecting a stay on the March 29 event.

Amidst these operational and legal hurdles, Byju’s has also undertaken cost optimisation efforts, closing 30 of its 292 tuition centers. However, the company remains optimistic about the future, indicating that it expects most centres to become profitable by its third year of operation. Byju’s praised its teachers’ dedication and the performance of its students, emphasising a commitment to a hybrid educational model that leverages the latest technology. Furthermore, the company noted that most current students have re-enrolled for the upcoming academic year, thanking students and parents for their continued trust and support.

IIT Kharagpur announces major reforms in undergraduate programs aligning with National Educational Policy

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digitalLEARNING Network

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April 2, 2024

The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur) has introduced a series of transformative reforms to its undergraduate (UG) programs, commencing from the academic year 2024-25. These changes, the institute asserts, are in complete alignment with the National Educational Policy (NEP 2020), aiming to enhance educational outcomes and student flexibility.

Starting in 2024, all UG admissions at IIT Kharagpur will lead to a five-year program, either at the Bachelor of Technology (BTech) or Bachelor of Science (BS) level. In a novel approach, students can pursue dual degree programs after their second or third year. These can be within their primary department or through interdisciplinary dual degree programs (IDDP) offered across various schools and centers of the institute.

This innovative structure opens up many exciting possibilities for students, such as earning a BS (Hons) in Economics alongside an MTech in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning or combining a BTech (Hons.) in Civil Engineering with an MTech in Financial Engineering. By allowing students to make these decisions after gaining experience and insights into their fields of study at IIT Kharagpur, the institute aims to facilitate more informed and personalised educational pathways.

Another significant reform is abolishing the branch change option at the end of the first year for UG students admitted through the JEE Advanced. This decision was made to alleviate the high-stress levels associated with the competitive process, which, for less than 10% of students who successfully change their branch, leaves the remainder facing potential depression, mental health issues, and academic underperformance.

Furthermore, starting with the 2024 admissions, UG students will have the opportunity to pursue a “double major,” allowing them to earn an additional major alongside their primary BTech (Hons) or BS (Hons) degree. This initiative will enable students to broaden their academic horizons and skills in multiple disciplines, such as a mechanical engineering student obtaining a double major in economics or a physics student exploring electronics and electrical communications engineering, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

To complement these degrees, IIT Kharagpur also introduces options for students to earn a “Minor” or a “Micro-Specialisation” in various disciplines, emphasising the importance of interdisciplinary studies. Notably, the curriculum will now mandate at least one elective in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) for all students, alongside a diverse selection of electives in areas such as linguistics, happiness and well-being, Indian knowledge systems, and performing arts.

Another innovative feature is the Semester Away Program (SAP), where from the academic year 2024-25, undergraduate students may spend a semester at another renowned national or international institute, industry, or research laboratory, earning full credits for the semester. This program can also be combined with the mandatory summer internship, offering students an extended eight-month exposure to global institutions and industries.

These reforms by IIT Kharagpur represent a significant leap forward in aligning India’s premier engineering education with global standards and the evolving demands of the workforce, thereby preparing students for a future of innovation, leadership, and societal contribution.

Integrating Holistic Education with Technological Advancement

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Nidhi Shail Kujur, ENN

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April 2, 2024

Naman Bansal, the Pro-Chancellor of Haridwar University, Uttarakhand, India, took the stage at the 28th World Education Summit in Dubai to unfold the university’s remarkable journey, vision, and contributions to the global education landscape. His insights highlighted the institution’s commitment to blending academic excellence with holistic development, set in a campus that is as much a cradle of technological advancement as spiritual wellness.

A Commitment to Holistic Development

Haridwar University champions a holistic educational approach. This philosophy bridges the gap between academia and the industry and ensures that students are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the global landscape. The curriculum fosters critical thinking, creativity, and an international perspective, preparing students to excel across various disciplines, including engineering, pharmacy, humanities, science, and management.

Achievements and Recognition

The University’s commitment to excellence has been acknowledged through several prestigious awards, reflecting its status as a leading institution in India’s educational sphere. These accolades, bestowed by notable figures such as the Honorable Defense Minister of India and the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, underscore the university’s impact and its role in shaping the future of education.

Bridging Academia and Industry

The university’s collaborations with industry leaders and esteemed institutions like IIT Rishikesh and the National Institute of Hydrology enrich the academic experience, ensuring that students are academically proficient and industry-ready. These partnerships reflect the university’s proactive approach to integrating practical application with academic learning.

Looking Towards the Future

As Haridwar University marks its presence on the global stage, it remains dedicated to upholding the highest academic standards and adapting to meet the evolving needs of students. Bansal’s presentation at the World Education Summit shared the university’s achievements and its vision for the future. In this future, education is the cornerstone of global excellence and positive change.

In conclusion, Haridwar University, through the words of Naman Bansal, showcased its unique blend of spiritual heritage and technological prowess, setting a benchmark for holistic education on a global scale. As the university continues to grow and evolve, it stands as a testament to the power of education in fostering innovation, knowledge, and character among the leaders of tomorrow.

ADYPU and Pearson announce strategic alliance to boost India’s education landscape

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digitalLEARNING Network

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April 1, 2024

Ajeenkya DY Patil University (ADYPU) has partnered strategically with Pearson, the global leader in educational content and learning, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to offer Pearson’s BTEC Higher Nationals undergraduate courses. These vocational qualification programs, crafted by experts and endorsed by universities and professional bodies, aim to bridge the gap between education and industry demands across various sectors.

This collaboration underscores ADYPU’s dedication to delivering exceptional education and supporting the comprehensive development of its students. By integrating Pearson’s renowned BTEC qualifications, equivalent to the first two years of an undergraduate degree in the UK, ADYPU enhances its curriculum with real-world scenarios and practical assessments, promising a unique and industry-relevant learning experience.

Prof. Hrridyash Deshpande, Vice-Chancellor of ADYPU, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting its alignment with the university’s goal to furnish students with premier educational resources and readiness for career success. Jane Baker, Vice President of Workforce Skills at Pearson, also celebrated the agreement, emphasising the mutual commitment to expanding educational opportunities and equipping students with vital skills for the modern workforce. This collaboration is set to significantly elevate the quality and impact of education at ADYPU, cultivating future leaders equipped for global challenges.

A Decade of Technology Transformation in Higher Education

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digitalLEARNING Network

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April 1, 2024

Technology has changed higher education dramatically over the last ten years, revolutionizing many facets of teaching, learning, administration, and students to be prepared to meet the New challenges. As a result of the unparalleled surge in technological advancements, technology has completely changed our lives, and the higher education sector is no exception. Technology has revolutionized the way students learn, faculty teach, and institutions operate. This article delves into the key aspects of this technological evolution and its implications for the higher education landscape.

Digital Learning Platforms: The emergence of digital learning platforms has redefined the traditional classroom experience. With the advent of online courses, interactive modules, and virtual classrooms, students now have the flexibility to pursue education beyond geographical constraints.

Personalized Learning: Technology has enabled a shift towards personalized learning experiences. Adaptive learning platforms, artificial intelligence, and data analytics have allowed educators to tailor educational content to individual students’ needs.

Data Analytics and Learning Insights: The abundance of data generated within digital learning environments has given rise to the era of data analytics in education. Institutions are now leveraging advanced analytics to gain insights into student performance, engagement patterns, and learning preferences. This data-driven approach enables educators to tailor their teaching methods and enhance overall learning outcomes.

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): Incorporating virtual and augmented reality technologies into higher education have opened new dimensions for immersive learning experiences. Students can now conduct virtual experiments, or participate in realistic simulations, transcending the limitations of traditional teaching methods.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education: Artificial Intelligence (AI) has permeated various aspects of higher education, from admissions processes to student support services. AIpowered chatbots offer immediate assistance to students, addressing queries and providing guidance 24/7. Additionally, AI algorithms assist in grading assignments, offering educators more time for meaningful interactions with students.

Online Assessment and Certification: The traditional examination model is evolving with the introduction of online assessment tools. Automated grading systems, plagiarism detectors, and secure online exam platforms have streamlined the evaluation process. Furthermore, the rise of digital badges and certificates has allowed learners to showcase their skills and accomplishments in a more granular and verifiable manner.

RMK Institution Transformation over a decade: RMK institutions have undergone a remarkable transformation with the support of knowledge partner industries to enrich the curriculum and enhance knowledge in emerging Technologies. Outcomebased education is inculcated to establish competency-based learning standards. Incessant faculty upskilling through knowledge partnerships promotes academic excellence and the long-term success of our institution. Our institution adopted a customized AI-based learning app: RMK Nextgen have features like learning snippets, digital notes, video lectures, MCQ with Bloom’s taxonomy, daily challenges and topic-wise Analysis help to personalize and optimize the learning level of every student to reach their fullest potential. Further, this learning app helps the teacher to conduct live assessments in the classroom to measure the understanding level of students.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations: While the technological transformation in higher education is commendable, it comes with its own set of challenges. Issues such as data privacy, digital inequality, and the need for faculty training are critical aspects that institutions must address.

The Next Frontier: As we look ahead, the next decade promises even more innovation in higher education technology. Augmented Reality, Blockchain for credentialing, and the integration of AI into curriculum design are just a few areas that hold immense potential. Institutions that embrace these advancements stand to create more dynamic and responsive learning environments, preparing students for the demands of an ever-evolving global landscape.

Conclusion: The past decade has been a transformative period for higher education, marked by the integration of technology into every aspect of the learning journey. As we embark on the next chapter, educators, administrators, and policymakers need to collaborate in shaping a future where technology enhances, the pursuit of knowledge. By leveraging the power of innovation responsibly, higher education can continue to be a beacon of progress and enlightenment in the years to come.

Views expressed by R.M. Kishore, Vice Chairman, R.M.K. Group of Institutions

UGC considers common counselling for CUET-UG admissions to streamline process

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digitalLEARNING Network

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March 30, 2024

The University Grants Commission (UGC) is exploring the introduction of a standard counselling process for students based on the Central Universities Entrance Test (CUET) scores. Drawing inspiration from the centralised counselling procedures employed in medical and engineering admissions, this initiative is poised to provide a unified and streamlined platform for applicants to central universities.

UGC has formed a dedicated committee, incorporating officials from diverse universities, to assess this proposal’s feasibility and potential impact. A pilot run will involve five prestigious institutions, signifying a crucial step towards realising this ambitious project.

The CUET-UG, which debuted in 2022, has quickly emerged as a pivotal mechanism for undergraduate admissions across central universities, registering an impressive 14.9 lakh candidates. Its widespread acceptance has propelled it to become the second-largest entrance examination in India, surpassing the traditional frontrunner, the JEE-Main, in terms of participant numbers.

The National Testing Agency (NTA), responsible for orchestrating the CUET-UG, has announced a hybrid examination format for the 2024 iteration. This format, accommodating both computer-based testing and traditional pen-and-paper assessments, aims to cater to candidates’ diverse needs and preferences. The mode of examination for specific subjects will be determined based on registration numbers, with higher-demand subjects being allocated to the pen-and-paper format utilising optical mark recognition (OMR) technology.

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