Amazon has announced the expansion of Amazon Future Engineer (AFE) programme to enhance artificial intelligence and advanced coding modules in 100 Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Society (KREIS) Schools. The expansion aims to influence over 13,000 students of grades 6 to 8 across 30 districts of Karnataka.
Also, Amazon will work to enhance digital infrastructure for 30 KREIS schools. The coding, logical sequencing, learning loops, and block programming classes that KREIS schools currently offer as part of the Amazon Future Engineer Program will be enhanced by this program. The 20-hour module is made with the students’ current level of exposure to coding and computer science in mind. While seventh and eighth graders will be introduced to advanced programming and the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, class six students will learn the principles of block programming.
Using sophisticated programming concepts such as variables, control conditions, and functions, students will be able to create intricate computer applications with the extended module, building on the success of the previous intervention that encouraged students to investigate the potential of computer science. Students will also be introduced to the fundamentals of AI through project-based learning, gaining a deeper comprehension of its significance, potential applications, and influence on both their own lives and the world at large.
Shri Manivannan P, Principal Secretary to the Government, Social Welfare Department, Government of Karnataka said, “The Amazon Future Engineer program’s integration of advanced coding and AI modules aligns seamlessly with our vision to empower our students with the proficiency required to navigate the increasingly tech-centric world.”
David Zapolsky, Senior Vice President, Global Public Policy and General Counsel, Amazon expressed his thoughts and said, “Amazon is expanding its Future Engineer program in partnership with KREIS to include advanced coding and AI modules in 100 schools, further solidifying our commitment to provide equitable access to quality computer science education. We are excited to nurture the talents of students, regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds, and prepare them for the future. This project-based learning module will empower students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in a tech-driven world. Recognizing education’s transformative power, Amazon is committed to democratising access to high-quality computer science education.”
This initiative is carried out in partnership with the Learning Links Foundation (LLF), which will provide students with in-person introductory coding sessions and grade-appropriate coding boot camps. This will enable computer science to be accessed by schools, many of which are located in remote areas. Additionally, LLF will collaborate with educators to offer resources and professional development support to teachers in order to enable long-term, successful computer science learning. In addition to these initiatives, Class Chat Sessions will be led by Amazon employees, who will advise students on various career options in the tech sector and offer guidance on how to reach their objectives.
Next Education has partnered with Selco Solar India Pvt Ltd with a major focus on advancing educational access and sustainability across the nation. The partnership marks an important step towards enhancing technology adoption and active consciousness environmentally in schools of the nation.
Next Education and SELCO set out on this revolutionary journey with a shared goal of having a significant impact on education. They identified schools in areas such as Dharwad, Belgavi, Chickmagaluru, Yadgir, Hassan, and Tumkuru. Important non-governmental organizations (NGOs) involved in the partnership, including Youth for Seva, Menda Foundation, and Selco Foundation, were instrumental in advancing this project. Selco’s renewable solar energy solutions and Next Education’s digital classroom solutions, called Teach Next, were seamlessly integrated as a result of this collaboration.
In the last four years, Selco India’s emphasis on sustainable energy has improved schools by incorporating digital learning and using technology to create a more engaging learning environment. Through this collaboration, the enormous potential of solar-powered digital classrooms to transform education while guaranteeing sustainability and accessibility—particularly in underprivileged areas—is demonstrated.
Engaging with more than 1200 schools in rural Karnataka and expanding the impact to more than 200 schools in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Bihar are some of the collaboration’s major project highlights. This broad reach guarantees that a large geographic area will benefit from the initiative. Additionally, a revolutionary learning environment has been produced by the successful installation of more than 1400 solar-powered digital classrooms. This initiative’s beneficial effects have been amplified in both the social and educational domains by directly affecting students, teachers, and local communities.
Beas Dev Ralhan, Co-founder & CEO of Next Education India, expressed his enthusiasm for this partnership and said, “At Next Education, we are committed to revolutionising education through innovative technology. Our partnership with SELCO is a testament to our dedication to creating a sustainable and accessible learning environment for students across India. We believe that this initiative will make a profound difference in the lives of many.”
Mohan Bhaskar Hegde, Chief Executive Officer, Selco Solar India Pvt Ltd said, “SELCO’s core mission has remained unwavering: to provide sustainable energy solutions to underserved communities. Our collaboration with Next Education signifies a significant stride in leveraging renewable energy to elevate the quality of education. We are confident that the influence of this endeavour will contribute to nurturing a responsible future generation, instilling the value of sustainability in every aspect of their lives.”
The department of higher education has urged eight autonomous colleges in Odisha to obtain mandatory approval from All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) for MCA and MBA courses in their colleges.
Eight autonomous colleges have been offering two-year full-time MBA (master of business administration) and two-year MCA (master of computer applications) programs in self-financing and public-private partnership (PPP) modes without getting the required approval from the AICTE, according to a department letter.
Rajata Kumar Mansingh, Deputy Director, Higher Education Department said in a letter to principals of the eight autonomous colleges and informed that “Operating these programmes without the necessary approval is a violation of the AICTE regulations and a breach of the trust placed in educational institutions to maintain standards.”
The colleges were: Bhadrak Autonomous College, Shailabala Women’s Autonomous College Cuttack, Dhenkanal Autonomous College, BJB Autonomous College Bhubaneswar, Maharaja Purna Chandra Autonomous College Baripada, Government Autonomous College Angul, Fakir Mohan Autonomous College Balasore, Bhadrak Autonomous College, and SCS Autonomous College Puri.
In the urgent letter, Mansingh stated, “You are requested to initiate necessary steps at your end for AICTE approval for two-year MBA and MCA courses for the session 2023-24 and renewal of AICTE approval for subsequent academic sessions.”
The AICTE Act, 1987, as well as the guidelines and regulations that followed, established by the council, mandate that any institution must apply for and receive AICTE approval prior to offering two-year full-time MBA and MCA programs. According to the official sources, this approval process guarantees the caliber and norm of technical education being given to students.
In conjunction with COP28, the Ministry of Education has inaugurated the ‘Greening Education Hub’ based on the theme ‘Legacy from the Land of Zayed’. The newly inaugurated hub will host various events and activities with an aim to emphasis the role of education in supporting the sustainable goals and addressing the actions on climate change.
Throughout COP28, visitors can visit the Greening Education Hub – Legacy from the Land of Zayed, which is situated in Expo City Dubai’s mobility district and is open from 10 AM. to 6 PM.
Dr. Amna Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Care and Capacity Building Sector at the Ministry of Education expressed her thoughts on the launch and said, “The launch of the Greening Education Hub during COP28 serves as a testament to the UAE’s commitment to global sustainability. We are delighted to report that the first day witnessed the organisation of 12 events and workshops, emphasising the pivotal role of education in finding sustainable solutions to climate change. Nearly 1,300 visitors attended the Hub and actively participated in the workshops.”
She further added, “We are pleased with the turnout the Hub is witnessing, which heralds the growing interest in integrating climate education into educational systems worldwide. That said, we underscore the significant role of our local and international partners in enriching the Hub’s agenda with multiple discussions that will undoubtedly support the Ministry of Education’s efforts to enhance the contribution of education in fighting climate change.”
Physics Wallah (PW) has launched a tech-enabled offline center of PW Vidyapeeth in Bengaluru.
PW is offering scholarships valued at 200 crores. Meritorious students can apply for scholarships worth up to 100% through PWNSAT 2023 phase II (Physics Wallah National Scholarship cum Admission Test). The exam is open to students in classes 6 through 12, as well as dropouts who want to prepare for JEE or NEET. It will be offered in both offline and online formats.
The PWNSAT exam will be offered in offline mode on December 3rd and 10th, 2023, and in online mode through December 10th, 2023. You can register for the exam at the closest offline Vidyapeeth center, on the PW website, or via the app. The exam results will be made public on December 15, 2023.
Ankit Gupta, CEO, Vidyapeeth Offline, PW expressed his thoughts and said, “After COVID-19, the education paradigm has undergone significant changes. Students now seek the advantages of both online and offline learning. At PW, we firmly believe in the hybrid approach as the way forward. By expanding our tech-enabled offline Vidyapeeth Centres across cities, our goal is to ensure access to quality education for students in their own towns, eliminating the need for them to relocate to education hubs in distant cities. To further support our students, we aim to give back and help them achieve their dreams of studying engineering or medicine through our PWNSAT exam. Last year, 1.1 lakh students benefited from the PWNSAT scholarships, which were worth over 120 Crores. Continuing the same, this year, we are providing scholarships worth 200 Cr.”
Currently, PW Vidyapeeth has 72 locations throughout India, serving close to 1.5 lakh students. For JEE/NEET preparation, students can choose from a wide range of courses offered by the offline Vidyapeeth centers, and Physics Wallah is known for her outstanding performance.
HNI, a Dubai-headquartered learning and development consultancy, has partnered with Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). The major aim of this collaboration is to bring new corporate training solutions to support organisations in Saudi Arabia achieve the human capital development goals which is in line with Vision 2030.
Through this partnership, cutting-edge corporate training services and solutions will be made available throughout Saudi Arabia and beyond.
HNI has made a name for itself as a major regional player in the learning and development space with an emphasis on cutting-edge digital solutions and gamified interactive learning modules. HNI has a global reach and serves clients in the USA, Asia, and Europe through its four offices, which are situated in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt. Expert learning and development trainers and senior consultants with experience working with top industries like oil and gas, banking, aviation, government sectors, and multinationals make up its team of professionals.
The agreement, which was signed in November 2023 by Stuart Dunlop, the regional director of CIPD for MENA, and Hanan Nagi, the Founder and CEO of HNI, lays out a framework for the two organizations’ collaboration in promoting CIPD learning and development solutions to the Saudi market. Additionally, it will encourage the delivery of a range of CIPD short courses on subjects including regional labor laws, organization design, talent management, and workforce well-being to HNI’s current clients in Saudi Arabia.
On this strategic partnership, Nagi commented that “Our agreement with CIPD marks an expansion to our global network of elite development partnerships that leverage the very best in the latest educational solutions and accreditations. We are delighted to collaborate in bringing the world-renowned CIPD learning solutions to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to support building a skilled workforce. We are committed to delivering tailored solutions that align with our clients’ business objectives and meet their unique needs, and we will build on this with larger plans and aspirations in the next year.”
Dunlop expressed his thoughts on behalf of CIPD and said, “Partnerships are a critical part of our strategy to serve people professionals across the region and allow us to focus on our work with employers. We are excited to join forces with HNI to bring CIPD’s training solutions to organisations in Saudi Arabia. This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting the development of striving economies and stronger societies through human capital development.”
The CIPD has promoted better working conditions and lives for workers everywhere for more than a century. The CIPD, which has over 160,000 members worldwide and over 6,000 in the MENA area, focuses on people and builds the credibility and capability of teams to help organizations succeed.
The Quality Council of India (QCI) has unveiled Gunvatta Gurukul – An initiative aimed at developing a pool of young professionals committed to helping the country and advancing the goal of creating a developed India.
The eight-week program is a life-changing experience created to inspire and empower the upcoming generation of leaders by instilling in them the principles of nation-building, excellence, and service.
Jaxay Shah, Chairperson, QCI expressed his thoughts at the inaugural of the programme and said, “rang the bell and inaugurated the ‘Gunvatta Gurukul’ set up in a traditional manner. Students of the Gunvatta Gurukul will be receiving a monthly stipend of Rs 15,000 during the training period and top performers will gain the opportunity to be employed with QCI and associated bodies at the end of the training.”
Additionally, he emphasised on the need of cultivating and empowering young minds in order to achieve the vision of a ‘Developed India 2047’. He asserted, “Gunvatta Gurukul is not merely a training programme; it is a testament to our commitment to nurturing a generation of young professionals who will be the architects of a Viksit Bharat. Through this programme, we are on a mission to identify candidates who exhibit qualities such as innovation, passion for impact, diversity and inclusion, and effective communication. The programme aims to create a dynamic cohort of individuals who will be the torchbearer of quality, standardization, and excellence in every sector they work for.”
Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, DPIIT while addressing the first batch of Gunvatta Gururkul programme, said, “Indian digital economy is developing at a higher rate than even some developed nations. For instance, if we look at Germany, we are currently 10 years ahead in digital infrastructure. The Gunvatta Gurukul initiative will certainly lead India towards research and data analysis via public policy to achieve the goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047 as mentioned by the Hon’ble Prime Minister under Amrit Kaal. Very few Universities have public policy as a major part of their curriculum and therefore, Gunvatta Gurukul programme will enrich students with understanding of the government ecosystem and will also give access to students to get jobs at much faster pace.”
Furthermore, he asserted, “One of the most unique aspects of this programme is that Gunvatta Gurukul will equip the young professionals with the knowledge of the Government /ecosystem along with the understanding of the framework in the public policy domain. There will be extensive experiential learning for them through case studies and fieldwork.”
He added that “This platform aims to embody the values of the Quality Council of India. Through this initiative, we aim to shape the next generation of leaders who will contribute significantly to the progress and prosperity of our nation.”
Highlighting the primary goal of Gunvatta Gurukul, Subroto Ghosh, Head, Gunvatta Gurukul Programme, said, “This programme will create a pool of skilled and passionate individuals who will play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between education and industry readiness and become an integral part of the vision of a ‘Developed India by 2047’. Tailored for recent graduates from any field of study and young professionals with 0-2 years of experience, Gunvatta Gurukul focuses on enhancing their skills for successful engagement in their professional journey through our extensive curriculum including diverse set of modules such as Campus to Workplace, QCI Leadership Connect Sessions, Research, Data Analysis, Interpretation & understanding and implementing quality standards.”
Game-Based Learning and Adoption of Data-Driven Instruction in Classrooms Laying the Future Roadmap of Education explores the integration of two innovative educational approaches: game-based learning and data-driven instruction.
The topic investigates how combining these approaches can shape the future of education by enhancing student engagement and tailoring instruction to student strengths and weaknesses. It highlights the potential benefits, challenges, and implications for educators and policymakers as they strive to create more effective and student-centered learning environments. The discussion on the same took place at 27th Elets World Education Summit and speakers explored the various facets of game based learning. Here is an edited excerpt:
Vincent Chian, the Principal of Fairview International School in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, reflects on the changing dynamics of education in the digital age. He acknowledges that children today grow up in a world heavily influenced by games and technology, which requires educators to understand their unique perspective. Vincent believes that adopting student-centered learning and adapting to their language and preferences is crucial. He emphasizes the importance of meeting students where they are rather than expecting them to conform to traditional teaching methods.
Vincent shares five key principles of game-based learning that he recently discussed during a CPD session at a university. He highlights that these principles can be applied without the need for specialized software and can be implemented using simple tools like spreadsheets or paper. Vincent underscores the following principles:
Clarity of Rules: Games are known for their clear and consistent rules, which contribute to their appeal. Vincent emphasizes the importance of maintaining clear rules in educational games.
Clear End Point: While providing a clear end goal in a game can be motivating, Vincent advises caution in fostering a short-term, instant gratification mindset.
Rapid Feedback and Early Leveling: Games offer rapid feedback and gradually increase difficulty. Vincent recommends making the initial levels of educational games easy to hook students and then gradually increasing the challenge.
Celebrating Successes: Unlike traditional education, games continuously celebrate successes. Vincent suggests celebrating achievements regularly, such as midweek or at different stages, to keep students engaged.
Encouraging Mistakes: Games encourage players to make mistakes and learn from them. Vincent believes that classrooms should also embrace a similar approach, where students are encouraged to try again and learn from their errors.
Vincent concludes by advising educators to begin with simple concepts and tools rather than relying on complex software when designing educational games. He believes that starting with a basic foundation can make learning enjoyable and effective for students.
Wynce Low, the CEO and Co-Founder of Axcel International School in Malaysia, emphasizes a unique approach to teaching by viewing teachers as facilitators rather than just educators. The school places a strong emphasis on innovation and dynamism in designing various activities, including game-based learning, to make the learning experience engaging and enjoyable for students. This approach is considered a fundamental aspect of the school’s culture.
Wynce believes in starting with a clear understanding of the objectives of education, which is to prepare students for the real world. Instead of blindly following trends and tools, the school focuses on aligning its activities with the intended outcomes. For example, when considering the use of chatboards on the school’s website, Wynce questioned whether it would truly benefit students, teachers, or parents, emphasizing the importance of purpose-driven decision-making.
One of the school’s key areas of focus is financial intelligence, a subject often neglected in traditional education. Wynce and the school actively incorporate game-based learning into co-curricular activities and workshops to make financial education more engaging and enjoyable for students. They use tools like the cash flow board game to teach concepts related to income, expenses, assets, and passive income, helping students develop essential life skills.
Another crucial aspect of education for Wynce and Axcel International School is instilling a giving back mindset in students. They organize events such as Entrepreneur Day and Philanthropy Day to connect students with the real world. On Entrepreneur Day, students learn about business concepts such as cost and profit through activities like charity bazaars. The profits generated from these events are then used on Philanthropy Day to help those in need, teaching students the value of giving back to the community.
Wynce and the school are committed to fostering real-world connections in education, preparing students not just for academic success but also for a meaningful and impactful life beyond the classroom.
David John, the Principal of Kingsgate International School in Malaysia, shared his insights into the use of educational tools like Kahoot and Quizlet. He initially encountered Kahoot during his teaching career in Wales and found it to be a valuable consolidation tool. However, when he moved to Malaysia, he noticed that all the students had laptops, which presented both challenges and opportunities.
David acknowledged that while some teachers might use tools like Kahoot as a means to fill time at the end of a lesson, he viewed them primarily as tools for consolidating learning and occasionally as rewards. He emphasized the importance of creating customized Kahoot quizzes rather than relying solely on pre-made ones.
During a staff meeting, David sought input from teachers on how they used game-based learning in their lessons. He discovered that teachers commonly used web-based games like Prodigy, Quizlet, Cahoot, and Bluekit. However, he was particularly interested in how teachers integrated game-based learning into subjects that might not seem naturally suited to such an approach, such as higher-level English literature.
One example he shared involved math classes, where students earned points for completing past paper questions, with different point values assigned to questions of varying difficulty levels. Students worked in groups and had to strategize which questions to attempt, which turned exam revision into a competitive challenge and significantly increased their engagement and productivity.
David emphasized the need for teachers to use educational games in a way that aligns with learning objectives and promotes engagement rather than merely keeping students occupied. He acknowledged the appeal of flashy and fun educational tools but encouraged teachers to prioritize effective and purposeful use of these resources.
BYJU’S has appointed Jiny Thattil as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) who was previously serving as senior vice president for engineering.
Anil Goel, who has served as Chief Technology Officer for the company for three years, is replaced by Thattil.
Thattil began working at Byju’s in 2020 and led the engineering department before taking a senior position at Epic, which Byju’s acquired earlier. Thattil worked for GE Healthcare, Amazon, InMobi, and Happay before coming to BYJU’S.
Thattil has more than 25 years of experience and is knowledgeable about a wide range of topics, such as online banking, personal finance, business intelligence, analytics, payments, e-commerce, advertising, and healthcare and transportation.
“Thattil’s extensive experience and leadership skills make him the ideal candidate for this crucial role as we continue to rebuild for greater efficiency and sustainability,” said Arjun Mohan, India CEO, BYJU’s.
According to the statement, this shift is a component of BYJU’S continuous strategic restructuring and the recalibration of its leadership team to improve operational effectiveness.
Amazon India announces the launch of Aurora, a programme specially curated for individuals with disabilities to provide them with meaningful and sustained employment opportunities. This programme is also in alignment with Amazon India’s continuous effort to build a diverse workforce.
The announcement comes after an effective pilot program in which Amazon India collaborated with Sol’s ARC, a non-profit based in Mumbai that provides vocational training for cohorts of people with autism and intellectual disabilities, to utilize the talent of a group of young adults working at the company’s delivery stations in Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mumbai, and Chennai. At our fulfillment center, sortation center, and delivery station area, we currently employ over 35 associates. This year, Amazon India wants to hire a large number of additional people with learning disabilities.
“At Amazon, we are passionate about creating a diverse workforce to reflect our customer base and ensure we tap into their diverse perspectives. We strongly believe that diversity in the workplace helps create a better, more inclusive environment and we are invested to create opportunities for the underrepresented cohorts. With the introduction of Amazon’s new leadership principle “Strive to be the Earth’s Best Employer”, we have further strengthened our efforts to build a culture that is welcoming and inclusive, enabling our employees to have a sense of belonging, value, and opportunity. ‘Aurora’ is yet another initiative towards creating a truly inclusive and equitable workplace for people with learning disabilities”, said Liju Thomas, Director – HR Operations, Amazon India during on the launch of the program.
Khushi Thakkar, an employee with a learning disability joined Amazon’s pilot program with Sol’s Arc at the company’s delivery station in Mumbai. She expressed her thoughts about the programme and said, “I never thought that I would be a part of a workplace,” which has increased her confidence and social skills. I’m learning how to scan and sort customer orders at Amazon. I am also picking up new skills at work with the help of my coworkers and seniors. My parents and my instructors at Sol’s Arc are really proud of me, and I couldn’t be happier!”
Amazon’s Aurora program will prioritize creating foundational elements and support systems, such as raising employee awareness and motivating staff to be allies to individuals with learning disabilities, in addition to hiring talent with learning disabilities. Increased training sessions will be provided to current employees in order to raise their awareness of and increase their sensitivity towards this cohort. Amazon India will also learn about any current global practices and adapt them as needed to suit the needs of Indian employees. Associates will participate in listening sessions to better understand their feedback, and the appropriate interventions will be made to promote a positive experience.
Employees at Amazon are able to come up with creative solutions to problems that affect both customers and society at large because of the company’s inclusive and diverse culture. Apart from its emphasis on individuals with learning disabilities, Amazon also manages a number of initiatives for diverse underrepresented groups, which include women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and veterans of the armed forces. Through the Delivery Service Partner program, the company established the first “Silent Delivery Station” in January 2017 in Mumbai. People with hearing and speech impairments operate the station. Furthermore, Amazon has taken steps to provide opportunities in its operations sites for people with hearing impairments.
A small number of employees with speech and hearing impairments were the first in the pilot program to pack shipments at the Amazon fulfillment center back in 2017. Our operations network has now grown to include the entire nation in this initiative.
