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LG Sets Sights On India’s Edtech Sector With Interactive Whiteboards

Interactive Whiteboards

LG Electronics Inc. is accelerating its entry into India’s B2B market by targeting the rapidly growing Ed-tech sector with its interactive whiteboards, known as smart boards. Leveraging the Digital India initiative launched in 2015, LG aims to tap into India’s $10 billion education market, bringing its expertise as the world’s leading OLED TV brand. This initiative aligns with India’s goal to boost online infrastructure and enhance digital education across state-run institutions, propelling the nation towards digital empowerment.

Over the past three years, LG has already made significant inroads by supplying 10,000 units of its LG CreateBoard to 2,900 public high schools in Odisha, one of India’s three government-designated technology hubs. The LG CreateBoard is designed to enhance instructional efficiency in classrooms and conferences, allowing easy transitions between a blackboard and digital presentation modes, and includes educational templates for figures and diagrams.

This move is part of LG’s broader strategy to transform from a traditional white goods manufacturer to a software-driven platform company, bolstering its B2B services which are key growth drivers. The CreateBoard’s multitouch screen can detect up to 40 simultaneous touches, and its built-in app, LG Create Board Share, allows for displaying up to nine screens at once during classes, facilitating interactive learning.

According to LG, these electronic whiteboards not only enhance the efficiency of classroom instruction but also enrich lessons with diverse digital content. As part of its commitment to this market, LG directly delivers these interactive displays across India, providing hands-on demonstrations to illustrate their use.

The demand for interactive whiteboards has seen a tremendous increase, with their supply in India growing at an average annual rate of about 80% over the past five years, as reported by Omdia. Moreover, Statista predicts that India’s ed-tech market will expand at an average annual rate of 30%, reaching $10.4 billion by 2025, up from around $2.8 billion in 2020. In its 27th year in India, LG continues to strengthen its presence with local sales, production, and R&D operations. The company’s CEO, Cho Joo-wan, underscored this focus with a visit last June to explore new opportunities in edtech and other IT solution-based businesses.

Alef Education Set To Be The Third IPO In The UAE for 2024, Marking The First Such Offering In Abu Dhabi

Alef Education

Alef Education Holding is launching its initial public offering (IPO) in the UAE, releasing 1.4 billion shares, which constitute 20% of its equity capital. The subscription period is scheduled from May 28 to June 4. This IPO will also be the inaugural listing of the year on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX).

Alef Education, known for its AI-enhanced educational solutions, is indirectly controlled by a majority stake from Abu Dhabi Capital Group. The company has achieved full market penetration in public schools for Cycle 2 (Grades 5-8) and Cycle 3 (Grades 9-12) and holds a 40-50% share in the private school sector across the UAE, according to a recent announcement.

Tech Nova Investment – Sole Proprietorship LLC and Kryptonite Investments LLC are the entities offering their shares through this IPO. Alef Education has announced an ambitious dividend strategy, planning to distribute a minimum of 90% of its net profits as dividends for 2024 and 2025.

The anticipated date for the ADX listing is around June 12. Abdulhamid Mohammed Saeed Alahmadi, the Chairman, highlighted the rapid expansion of the global ed-tech market, driven by increased governmental spending and initiatives that incorporate digital and AI technologies to revolutionize education and learning processes.

Earlier this year, Parkin and Spinneys marked the beginning of the UAE’s IPO season in Dubai, attracting substantial interest from investors. Alef Education has allocated 8% of its IPO for retail investors, with the remainder for institutional investors, and guarantees 2,000 shares for each subscriber. The company could adjust the size of the offering or the allocation of shares at any point during the subscription phase.

Furthermore, Alef Education has decided on a semi-annual dividend distribution policy, with payments scheduled for the fourth quarter of a year and the second quarter of the subsequent year. It aims to distribute a minimum of Dh135 million in dividends between 2024 and 2025. If necessary, to ensure that all shareholders receive the projected dividends, selling shareholders may waive their dividend rights, complying with AAOIFI Shariah standards, to meet these targets.

Geoffrey Alphonso, CEO of Alef Education, stated that the company’s efficient, asset-light business model allows it to generate substantial cash flow and sustain growth with minimal capital investment. With a strong balance sheet, leading profitability margins, and robust revenue projections, Alef Education is well-placed to leverage favourable market conditions to expand its platform, accelerate growth, and create enduring value for all stakeholders.

Sharda University Enhances Higher Education Quality By Launching UGC-Recognized Online Programs

Sharda University

Sharda University, Noida, one of the country’s leading institutions in higher education with almost three decades of inspirational legacy, continues to spearhead innovation in the online learning space by introducing several online programs during a press conference at Le Meridien, New Delhi. With the recent approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC) to introduce its online degree programs, Sharda University opens new avenues for aspiring learners and working professionals where they easily strike a balance between career and academic life while realising their dreams to scale newer heights.

As per Regulation 22 of the UGC, online degree programs by a recognised university are equivalent to programs available under the conventional on-campus mode. Hereby, Sharda University is determined to provide higher education to aspirants through both offline and online modes. Besides, the online curriculum at Sharda Online is meticulously designed to impart a comprehensive learning experience, incorporating various experiential learning opportunities. Through live weekend online classes, recorded video lectures, self-learning material, assignments, discussion forums, and industry-driven projects, students will equip themselves with the skills and knowledge imperative to excel in their chosen fields. Moreover, the state-of-the-art Learning Management System (LMS) will help enhance interaction between students and faculty, ensuring a near face-to-face learning experience.

Shri P K Gupta, the Chancellor of Sharda University expressed his views, stating, “We believe that every student deserves a fair chance to access quality education and build a successful career. Our online programs aim to break down barriers to higher education by giving students the flexibility to learn from the comfort of their homes without compromising on the quality of education they receive”.

Furthermore, Sharda Online is dedicated to offering online degree programs equivalent to those provided by their on-campus counterparts. The University offers many programs, including post-graduate programs such as MBA, M.Com, and MCA and undergraduate courses in BBA, BCA, and BA (Hons.). Recognizing every student’s aspiration to access quality education, the university has embraced technological advancements and recent reforms in higher education by the UGC. This move ensures that students can pursue their academic goals from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need to relocate or incur additional expenses.

Sharda University is committed to preparing students to tackle real-world business challenges with the same understanding as established corporations. Accredited with an NAAC A+ grade, Sharda University is renowned for its commitment to excellence in education.

“Our online programs transcend mere knowledge acquisition, empowering students to apply learning effectively in real-world scenarios. Through the integration of technology, global exposure, project management, critical reasoning, and business communication skills, we equip students for success in today’s dynamic business landscape,” Shri Y K Gupta, the Pro-Chancellor of Sharda University, added.

While emphasizing a holistic approach to learning, Prof Dr Sibaram Khara the Vice-Chancellor of Sharda University stated, “With Sharda Online’s programs, students not only learn but also prepare to make a significant impact on the global stage. By building a culture of innovation, critical thinking, and adaptability, the university aims to shape the leaders of tomorrow and drive positive change in society.”

NEP Aims to Boost Student Competitiveness, Says AICTE Chief

Professor TG Sitharam

At a recent roundtable organised by the Education Promotion Society for India (EPSI) at the SRM Institute of Science and Technology, T G Sitharam, chairman of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), highlighted the transformative potential of the National Education Policy (NEP). According to Sitharam, the NEP’s innovative four-year degree model and interdisciplinary approach are designed to elevate Indian students to global competitiveness, equipping them to stand on par with their international counterparts.

During his address, Sitharam emphasised the NEP’s focus on transparency in higher education. “We have mandated universities to disclose critical information, including financials, infrastructure, courses, and faculty details, to the public,” he explained. This move will enhance accountability and foster trust among students and parents.

Adding to the discourse, S P Thyagarajan, advisor to the chancellor of Vellore Institute of Technology, likened the implementation phase of NEP to a “logarithmic phase” commonly observed in microbiology. “Just as bacteria adapt and multiply rapidly before reaching a stationary phase, educational institutions are currently experiencing rapid changes as they adapt to NEP,” Thyagarajan noted.

The EPSI conference also served as a platform for broader discussions on the role of various stakeholders in the education sector. MR Jayaram, president of EPSI, remarked, “This is a pivotal moment as it marks the first new education policy in 75 years. Institutions, industries, and government bodies at both state and union levels must collaborate and reflect on these changes.”

Highlighting Tamil Nadu’s pioneering role in higher education, EPSI alternative president H Chaturvedi pointed out that the state introduced the concept of autonomous colleges three decades ago, a practice that has yet to be widely adopted across India. “Tamil Nadu has always been a leader in educational innovation, and with NEP, there are new opportunities for other regions to follow suit,” Chaturvedi said.

As Indian educational institutions navigate these changes, the NEP is set to redefine the landscape of higher education in India, promising a future where Indian students are competitive and well-prepared to thrive globally.

Deepspatial Announces AI-Powered Education Platform Aligned With India’s National Education Initiative

Deepspatial

Canadian AI leader Deepspatial announced the successful launch of its AI-powered education platform in India. This marks a major step forward for the country’s Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK) initiative, a program aiming to revolutionise education through real-time data and analytics.

Pilot Success in Meghalaya:

  • Deepspatial’s platform is already up and running in Meghalaya.
  • The AI system analyses data on attendance, student performance, and even teacher-student interactions.
  • This information provides valuable insights to improve educational quality and identify areas needing attention.

Nationwide Impact:

  • The VSK platform holds immense potential.
  • Expected to reach millions of students and teachers across India, it promises to improve learning outcomes and empower educators.
  • The success in Meghalaya has even drawn interest from other states looking to replicate the model.

Collaboration and Innovation:

  • Deepspatial’s platform is a product of collaboration with a leading Japanese tech giant.
  • Deepspatial highlights its commitment to continuous improvement and will work on adding new features to enhance the platform further.

Quotes:

  • “We are excited to see the successful launch of the VSK platform. Our platform is designed to empower teachers, engage students, and improve learning outcomes,” stated Dr Rahul Kushwah, CEO of Deepspatial
  • “The system is designed to understand the reality of the ground situation of our children and our schools… By having the system in place, we can now track the performance… more efficiently.” – Shri Rakkam A Sangma, Education Minister of Meghalaya.

Overall, this news highlights the positive impact Deepspatial’s AI technology is having on education in India. The VSK platform offers a glimpse into the future of education, where data-driven insights guide improvements for teachers, students, and the entire education system.

Impact of Gamification on Student Learning & Engagement

Gamification

Keeping students engaged and motivated in their studies can be challenging in today’s digital age. One innovative solution that has gained popularity is gamification. But what exactly is gamification, and how does it impact student learning and engagement? Let’s explore!

What is Gamification?
Gamification involves incorporating game-like elements into non-game contexts. In education, this means using elements such as points, badges, leaderboards, and challenges to make learning more interactive and fun.

Also Read | Gamification – The futuristic approach to online learning

Benefits of Gamification in Education

  • Increased Engagement: Gamification makes learning more interactive and enjoyable. When students are engaged, they are more likely to participate actively in their lessons. For instance, a study showed that gamified learning platforms significantly boost student engagement by making learning feel more like playing a game​ (J.P. Morgan Private Bank US)​.
  • Enhanced Motivation: Earning rewards and achieving higher levels motivate students to complete tasks and strive for higher performance. According to research, badges and leaderboards can drive competition and encourage students to improve their performance​ (Fitch Solutions)​.
  • Improved Learning Outcomes: Gamification can lead to better retention and understanding of information. Interactive elements such as quizzes and flashcards help reinforce learning in a fun and effective way. Studies have found that students who use gamified learning tools often perform better in assessments​ (McKinsey & Company)​.
  • Encourages Collaboration: Many gamified platforms promote teamwork and collaboration, helping students develop important social and communication skills. Group challenges and team-based games can foster community and cooperation among students.
  • Instant Feedback: Gamified learning provides immediate feedback, allowing students to understand their mistakes and learn from them quickly. This instant feedback loop helps reinforce knowledge and correct errors in real-time.
  • Promotes Continuous Learning: The game-like environment encourages students to keep learning and progressing outside the traditional classroom setting. This continuous engagement helps in developing a lifelong love for learning.

Examples of Gamification in Education

  • Kahoot!: A popular game-based learning platform where teachers can create quizzes, and students compete in real time.
  • Classcraft: Transforms the classroom experience into a role-playing game, encouraging students to work together and stay engaged.
  • Duolingo: A language learning app that uses gamification elements like streaks, points, and levels to make language learning more engaging and effective.

Challenges and Considerations
While gamification has many benefits, it’s important to implement it thoughtfully. Overemphasis on rewards can sometimes lead to extrinsic motivation, where students focus more on rewards than learning. Balancing game elements with educational goals is crucial to ensure that the primary focus remains on learning.

Also Read | “Gamification has brought about a revolution in the learning graph of young students”

Conclusion
Gamification can transform the educational landscape by making learning more engaging, motivating, and effective. By incorporating game-like elements into academic activities, educators can create a dynamic and interactive learning environment that enhances student engagement and improves learning outcomes.

Gamification offers an exciting and effective strategy for schools and educators looking to boost student engagement and learning. Embrace the power of gamification and watch your students thrive in a fun and stimulating learning environment.

Sanjay Kumar Presides Over A Meeting To Advance The Broader Goals Of ECCE

Sanjay Kumar

Secretary of School Education & Literacy, Shri Sanjay Kumar, chaired a meeting today at Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, focusing on advancing the broader objectives of Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE). The meeting saw participation from the Ministry of Women & Child Development (MoWCD) representatives, various states, and autonomous bodies under the Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSE&L). The discussion centred around ensuring a seamless transition and high-quality ECCE as outlined in the National Curriculum Framework-Foundational Stage (NCF-FS).

In his opening remarks, Shri Sanjay Kumar emphasised the critical role of all stakeholders in delivering quality ECCE and lauded the initiatives undertaken by MoWCD and various states and UTs. He stressed the importance of establishing three Balvatikas for children aged 3 to 6 in all CBSE and Kendriya Vidyalayas that offer Class 1. Additionally, he recommended co-locating Anganwadis with primary schools in villages, coordinated with the WCD, to facilitate effective preschool education and smooth transitions to Grade 1.

The meeting also emphasised the proposal to implement Jaadui Pitara in government schools with pre-primary classes to enhance the learning experience. It was recommended that NCERT work with state officials to assess existing educational toys, ensuring their alignment with the objectives of the NCF-FS.

Further discussions included the collaboration between the Ministry of Education (MoE) and WCD to link Poshan Tracker with UDISE+ data, enhancing the tracking of transitions from pre-primary to Class 1. States were encouraged to define parameters and use Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to procure Jaadui Pitara materials to ensure transparency and efficiency.

The standardisation of branding for programs such as NIPUN Bharat, Jaadui Pitara, e-Jaadui Pitara, and Vidya Pravesh across states was discussed to boost visibility and recognition. The meeting underscored the need for the adapted versions of Jaadui Pitara to align with the learning outcomes specified by NCERT, with NCERT supporting SCERTs in adhering to these outcomes.

The importance of adequate training for preschool teachers and Anganwadi Workers (AWW) was also a key topic of discussion during the meeting.

Venturi Partners Acquires A $27 Million Stake In K12 Techno Services

Venturi Partners

Venturi Partners, a prominent growth equity firm specialising in consumer investments across India and Southeast Asia, has invested $27 million in K12 Techno Services, acquiring the stake from Navneet Learning LLP, a subsidiary of Navneet Education Limited. K12 Techno is a key player in India’s private education sector, providing a range of educational services to over 800 private institutions, serving more than 300,000 students across multiple brands. The company has recorded a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 40% over the past five years.

Nicholas Cator, founding partner at Venturi, commented, “Our values are well-aligned with K12 Techno’s goal of using technology to offer world-class holistic learning and improve educational outcomes at scale.”

Venturi Partners’ investment underscores India’s significant demand-supply imbalance for quality education. K12 Techno is ideally positioned to utilise technology to provide students with superior academic curricula, advanced teaching methodologies, and experiential learning opportunities.

Investing from its $180 million maiden fund, Venturi will join existing shareholders, including Peak XV Partners, Kedaara Capital, Sofina Ventures, and Navneet Learning LLP, in supporting the leadership of Jai Decosta, CEO of K12 Techno.

Jai Decosta, CEO of K12 Techno, stated, “This collaboration brings us closer to our mission of creating a brighter future through holistic learning experiences. By combining technology with bespoke learning approaches suited to the Indian environment, we aim to broaden our impact and elevate educational outcomes.”

K12 Techno will be integrated into Venturi Partners’ portfolio, focusing on consumer-oriented investments in India and Southeast Asia, including companies such as Livspace, Country Delight, Believe, Pickup Coffee, and DALI.

Panchayats & Municipalities Get Training Boost: ICAI, C&AG Launch Certificate Courses

Certificate

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has partnered with the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (O/o C&AG) to launch new Certificate Courses for Panchayats and Municipal Bodies Accountants. These courses are available for registration throughout the year on a dedicated platform at lba.icaiarf.org.in and are delivered entirely online, providing the flexibility to participate from any location. The offerings include two levels each for the Certificate Course for Accountants of Panchayats, targeting Gram Panchayats at Level 1 and Zilla & Block Panchayats at Level 2, as well as the Certificate Course for Accountants of Municipal Bodies, with Level 1 aimed at Town Panchayats and Level 2 designed for Municipal Corporations & Municipalities. Each participant may enrol in only one course at a time, and these courses are accessible to all 18 years or older students who have completed class 12 for a registration fee of Rs 590.

To accommodate a wide range of participants, the courses are offered in ten languages: Hindi, English, Marathi, Tamil, Odiya, Gujarati, Punjabi, Bengali, Kannada, and Telugu. Although the courses are online, examinations are conducted offline. They are organised by the Board for Local Bodies Accountants Certification (BLoAC) under the auspices of the ICAI Accounting Research Foundation (ICAI ARF), with the Committee on Public and Government Financial Management (CPGFM) of ICAI responsible for the development of the course study materials.

The initiative also includes a public listing of successful candidates to enable their participation in preparing accounts for panchayats and municipal bodies, aiming to ensure timely account preparation and audits in line with the recommendations of the XVth Finance Commission. This approach is designed to improve the transparency and efficiency of financial management within local government bodies.

ICAI Launches SPOM Sets A & B For CA Final On Its Digital Learning Portal

Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) Board of Studies has launched Self-Paced Online Modules (SPOM) for students of the CA Final Course. These modules are divided into two sets: SET A, which covers Corporate and Economic Laws, and SET B, which focuses on Strategic Cost & Performance Management. This initiative aligns with the New Scheme of Education and Training, requiring students to complete at least 40 learning hours through SPOM on the ICAI Digital Learning Campus, accessible at https://lms.icai.org/login.

The SPOM is exclusively available to those registered for the Final Course, enabling students to study at their preferred pace without additional fees. Students can monitor their progress and completion status via the ICAI Digital Learning Campus dashboard. After completing the requisite hours, the Examination Department will administer an SPOM test, with details to be provided separately. Students looking for exemptions in SPOM should consult the Examination announcement at https://resource.cdn.icai.org/75658exam61200.pdf for guidance.

CA Final Students can access the ICAI Digital Learning Campus Portal using an OTP sent to their registered mobile number via the Self-Service Portal (SSP, ICAI only) or their SSP login details. Before logging in, students are encouraged to review the FAQs to ensure a smooth learning experience. It is also mandatory for students to have a Desktop/Laptop with webcam functionality, a stable internet connection with a speed of 2 to 5 Mbps, and adequate lighting for face detection during online sessions.

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