Nurturing Innovation and Industry Partnerships to Build Effective Learning Ecosystems

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November 7, 2023

St. Martin’s Engineering College encourages faculty and students and provides the necessary infrastructure for interdisciplinary research. Our college has developed some of the major projects with interdisciplinary approaches like: 3D Printer, Compressed Air Car, Drone Fertilizer in Agriculture, Student Kiosk system, Library Kiosk, Power Spy Software, Air Car Seed Sowing Machine, plastic bricks, micro chief etc., shared Dr. P. Santosh Kumar Patra, Principal, St. Martin’s Engineering College, Telangana in an exclusive interview with Sheeba Chauhan of Elets News Network. Edited excerpts:

Could you elaborate on the innovative teaching methodologies and strategies employed at St. Martin’s Engineering College to ensure students are well prepared for the demands of the engineering industry?

St. Martin’s Engineering College is the premier institution that lays the path for its students to attain the goals and shows how to cross the hurdles for reaching their destinations. At our institution, we focus on the quality parameters and standards of teaching and
learning process by emphasising
the spirit of inquiry.

Classroom Teaching focuses on pragmatic approach rather than theory, which enhances imagination and creativity. 24 different teaching-learning strategies are followed like Google Classroom, Activity Based Learning, Industrial Visits, Experiential Learning, Problem Solving, Collaborative Learning etc. All classrooms are well equipped with ICT facilities and smart boards for technology integrated teaching. I Year Students have Micro Project, III Year Students have Mini Project/Internship and IV Year Students have Major Project for doing innovative projects as per the demands of the engineering industry.

The college has signed 18 MOUs with various foreign universities for global exchange. The College Library is equipped with e-resources like IEEE, ASME, ASCE, J-Gate etc.

Various Technical activities are being organised like seminars, workshops, guest lectures to enhance the breadth of learning of students. The college has innovative labs for enhancing the practical knowledge and application skills of students. Recently, we have received international awards and funding (4000 USD) from George Mason University Virginia, USA for our best start up.

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on interdisciplinary research in academia. How does your institution encourage collaboration between different engineering disciplines and other fields to foster innovation?

Our college has a strong and well-planned curriculum focusing interdisciplinary subjects. SMEC encourages faculty and students and provides the necessary infrastructure for interdisciplinary research. Our college has developed some of the major projects with interdisciplinary approaches like: 3D Printer, Compressed Air Car, Drone Fertiliser in Agriculture, Student Kiosk system, Library Kiosk, Power Spy Software, Air Car Seed Sowing Machine, plastic bricks, micro chief etc. The remarkable achievement by the faculty members of the college is that they have published 270+ books, 12886+ research papers, 288+ patents with interdisciplinary research. The Minors degree programs offered by the college provide interdisciplinary study by the students; for example, Electronics and Communication Engineering students can also study Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

Can you share specific examples of industry partnerships or research initiatives that have resulted in tangible benefits for both students and the organizations involved?

We have signed more than 100 MOUs with industries like MSME Govt. of India, Cyient, NRDC, IBM, Byjus, Cognizant etc for conducting research oriented learning by the students. Rs. 21.46 Lakhs received from SERB, Government of India, Consultancy project worth of Rs. 594 Crores received from GHMC – Hyderabad, Government of Telangana.

Ours is the only college that has received Consultancy work worth 150 Crores from HMWSSB, Hyderabad, Government of Telangana. Recently, we have received funding from MSME for 30 Lakhs for various innovative ideas. The College has a record of 100% of students being placed in top MNCs and IT giants all over the country. The statistics of the placements in the last five years: 1160 students in 2022-2023, 1158 students in 2021- 22; 708 students in 2020-21; 706 students in 2019-20; 704 students in 2018-19.

In the recent placements our students have been placed with Rs.60 Lakhs per annum package by Microsoft, Rs.58 Lakhs by Paloalto, Rs. 50 lakhs by OYO, Rs 27 Lakhs by AMAZON, Rs.19.5 Lakhs by ZSCALER. Also, our students have bagged offers with high packages in IBM, IBI & BYJU. Accomplished Industrialists are a part of our Governing Body, Academic Council, Board of Studies for imparting technological education to fulfill the requirement of industrial needs to the students. Many industrialists came as resource persons for technical events and educate our students on practical approaches of the theoretical knowledge.

As technology rapidly evolves, how does the institution stay flexible and adapt its curriculum to equip students with the skills needed for emerging fields?

SMEC is offering emerging courses in B.Tech like Computer Science and Engineering (AI&ML), Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (AI&DS), Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Computer Science & Design (CSD). Honors and Minors degree programs are run in the college in emerging areas like AI&DS, AI&ML, IoT, Cyber Security etc. Our college is one of the 10 colleges to get approval for Honors and Minors degree program from affiliating university, JNTUH in Telangana. The curriculum is revised and innovated frequently to incorporate emerging technologies with the consultation of industry experts. The curriculum, syllabus and textbooks are so developed that they follow ‘from content to competency’ approach.

How do you see collaborative platforms like the World Education Summit contributing towards the growth of the education ecosystem?

The collaborative platforms chosen by the college have proven to be result oriented. Collaboration benefits are the ability to share research expertise, increase productivity and efficiency, enhance the quality of Teaching, Learning and research ecosystem. World Education Summit provides international exposures to the colleges to get the maximum benefit of learning of good practices.

Leading for Change – Focusing on Growth and Wellness of Education

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November 6, 2023

Dr. Marc Mesich, Principal, The International School of Penang Malaysia shares a thought-provoking perspective on the role of educators and leaders in creating a conducive and supportive learning environment. Dr. Mesich’s insights revolve around the critical importance of fostering a sense of safety and trust among students, especially those who may not feel adequately supported within the school community.

He raises a poignant question for educators to ponder: What if we were to approach our most challenging students and ask them whether they have at least one adult in the school whom they trust and genuinely connect with? The potential tragedy lies in the possibility that a significant number of students might respond with a resounding “no.” This stark reality underscores the pressing need to address the issue of isolation among students, as it has far-reaching consequences for their well-being and academic success.

Additionally, Dr. Mesich delves into the often-overlooked stress that school leaders face in their day-to-day roles. Given the task-driven nature of their responsibilities, school leaders can become so consumed with their duties that they scarcely find time to reflect on their own well-being. Drawing a parallel to the concept of the “zone of proximal development” in classroom teaching, he suggests that school leaders should also aim to strike a balance in their professional lives. They should seek a state where they are neither bored nor overwhelmed, as this equilibrium can foster personal and professional growth.

In this context, Dr. Mesich highlights the importance of supporting one’s team, recognizing their capabilities, and preventing them from being crushed by the burdens of their jobs. He emphasizes the need for effective time management, stress management, and the skill of setting priorities. In this way, school leaders can not only promote their own well-being but also create a healthier and more productive work environment for their faculty and students.

The discussion extends to various leadership styles and strategies that can alleviate stress and improve leadership effectiveness. Dr. Mesich introduces the concepts of distributed leadership, transformational leadership, and situational leadership. He underscores the significance of delegation and empowerment, guiding staff’s growth and development, and adaptability to varying situations. Each of these leadership approaches serves as a valuable tool for enhancing the work environment and reducing stress levels among educators and school leaders.

The presentation also touches on the role of culture and context in shaping leadership practices. Dr. Mesich emphasizes the importance of considering the unique culture and context of each educational institution. By understanding and adapting to these factors, leaders can create environments that are safe, secure, and conducive to growth and development.

Furthermore, Dr. Mesich invites school leaders to reflect on their own experiences with leaders and bosses they have encountered. He encourages them not to forget the impact of negative leadership experiences, such as feeling invalidated, disrespected, or unheard. By remembering these experiences, leaders can strive to be the kind of leaders who validate their staff, value their opinions, and foster a participatory and shared decision-making environment. This approach not only attracts creative individuals with a growth mindset but also retains them within the organization.

Dr. Mesich’s insightful perspective underscores the responsibility of educators and school leaders to create a safe and nurturing environment for all students and staff. His ideas encourage leaders to find balance, adopt effective leadership styles, consider context and culture, prioritize well-being, and, most importantly, inspire a positive and inclusive school culture.

AICTE approves 21,900 seats in 300 technical institutes for working professionals

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November 6, 2023

All India Council for Technical Education pic

All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has approved 21,900 seats in more than 300 technical institutes affiliated with AICTE for working professionals. These institutes will provide undergraduate, master’s, and diploma courses.

This move is taken to ensure that the working class can continue to pursue education. Also, this initiative will be a great opportunity for students who can’t afford to go for higher education but are willing to learn while working. To initiate the move, the council has invited applications for the institutes to begin courses from the next academic year.

Courses provided to working professionals will be Bachelor of Technology (BTech), Bachelor of Engineering (BEng), Masters of Technology (MTech), and diploma programmes as per the council’s official statement in July.

The council released official data which states that 10,800 diploma seats in 169 institutes, 1,920 postgraduate seats in 54 institutes, and 9,180 undergraduate seats in 143 institutes have been granted across the nation.

“The council has approved 325 undergraduate courses, 345 diploma courses, and 128 postgraduate courses in areas varying from data science, computer science, mechanical, electronics, civil, Artificial Intelligence, VLSI (very large scale integration), manufacturing, and power electronics, among others,” a council official said.

Prof TG Sitharam, Chairman, AICTE said, “The initiative was taken since several individuals often encounter a point of stagnation in their career without an advanced degree, and subsequently struggle to pursue higher education while on the job due to industry demands. This AICTE initiative for in-service persons will help them in their professional upgradation.”

“These programmes will provide such professionals with a more accessible path to upskill and improve their knowledge in domain-specific areas, ultimately enhancing their career prospects and providing in-depth knowledge and specialised skills,” Sitharam added.

Only working professionals in recognised businesses or organizations are eligible for these programs, as per AICTE. Additionally, an assurance from the applicant’s employer must be submitted to the institutions.

Malaysia – The land of highest value for educational developments

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November 6, 2023

Malaysia has its advantage being a cross-cultural society and the culture and traditions brings the highest value as each student receives those values. The richness of Malaysia is the additional value that needs to be injected into the value in education, shared (Dr.) Jeffery J. Louis, COO, UCSI Schools, and Principal, SRI UCSI School, Bandar Springhill in an exclusive interview with Sheeba Chauhan of Elets News Network. Edited excerpts: Elets News Network. Edited excerpts:

Could you share your vision and strategic plan for developing UCSI Schools Bandar Springhill over the next 5 years? What are your goals for growth, academic programs, campus facilities, student life, partnerships etc.?

We are currently a Microsoft Showcase School and have awarded this recognition for the past three years. We are keen to maintain this status continuously. Additionally, we are engaged in STEM programs like Kids Science, where our kindergarten students develop their STEM skills in the classroom. Our educational pathway and goal is centered on 21st-century education, with our daily lessons and activities emphasizing 21st-century skills.

Being a national private school, one change I personally wish to see and implement is prorating students today for tomorrow. While many argue that the rapidly evolving technology and society make it challenging to predict the future of education, I believe that the essential skills every child needs are life skills. These will equip each child to adapt to and embrace the ever-changing world around them.

One of the key skills and activities we aim to instill is ensuring that all students engage in leadership and real-life experiences that are applicable to their daily lives. We have initiated an extended curriculum model that offers dual learning, combining both the local national curriculum and the Cambridge International Examinations syllabus. This allows students to sit for their IGCSE ‘O’ Level examinations, providing them with both local and international examination exposure.

As a school, we are moving towards creating an international exposure through a local curriculum. This approach eliminates the financial and economic barriers, enabling students to gain the experience and exposure of an international curriculum within a local setting. By implementing this system, we aim to produce well-rounded students who can thrive in both local and international environments. We are actively seeking and establishing partnerships with global schools to foster cross-cultural understanding, sports development, STEM skills engagement, and leadership exposure. As a school with a focus on sports, we are keen on forming more sports related partnerships to ensure our students gain extensive experience and skills in the various sports we emphasize.

What do you see as the biggest challenges currently facing international schools in Malaysia, and how can they be addressed collaboratively across different institutions?

The most alarming challenge is that everyone is offering similar programs with only slight variations. The only benefits some institutions have stem from their infrastructure, quality, recognition, results, and reach. The offerings across the board are quite similar. Many parents opt for international schools for a feel and difference, while many choose the schools based on affordability. Foreign parents often select schools based on economic value and the ease of obtaining visas in the respective country.

Malaysia has its advantage of being a cross-cultural society, and its culture and traditions add immense value, which each student benefits from. The richness of Malaysia should be incorporated as an added value in education. Instead of competing with one another, I believe we should focus on cultivating our unique strengths, creating a “diamond” within that makes a difference in each child.

What key trends in areas like technology, learning styles, global mobility etc. are most impacting education today? How is your school preparing students for an increasingly VUCA world?

VUCA education is something I personally have been introduced to and engaged in since 2019 and that for one has allowed me to embrace the Pandemic years from 2020 to 2022 effectively when we introduced VUCA education through a 10 real world skills program. The 10 real world skills that we had implemented brought a huge change in our perspective in education and had provided robust skills based education. We used VUCA models in all our subjects leading to a major change in education. Since 2019, I have continued to use VUCA education in every way possible through the 21st century skills learning model.

With Malaysia’s aim to become a regional education hub, what more can be done to attract top foreign students and faculty? What policies and resources are still needed?

We will need a total transformation in our mind set. One most important skill when designing education strategies is to think beyond the box and not just out of the box. Approaches like research, project-based learning, skills based education, TVET, and activity based exposure must be forward thinking. The innovative and creative mind is what we need, not the mind of a follower. Collaborative teaching and learning, internationalisation, partnership, engagements and thinking with a trend setting mindset is what I would encourage.

Assessments and evaluations are evolving rapidly with a focus on competencies beyond tests. How do you measure holistic success at your school and know that students are truly ‘future ready’?

Well reference to all questions above, the moment we embrace innovation, creativity, skill-based learning, or adopt a boundary pushing approach to education, our methods of assessment, evaluation, and examination will evolve to reflect the holistic skills we engage in. VUCA education emphasizes on-the-job or project-based immediate evaluations. Imagine assessing skills in real time as students fix robots, code solutions, sew, cook, read compasses, administer first aid, practice self defense techniques, inspect car engines, or hone public speaking skills. The diverse range of real-world skills offers tangible assessment and evaluation.

This is the evidence that learning has taken place and students are ready to take on the world out there no matter if they learn a local or international curriculum.

AI in Education: Empowering Learners & Educators in the Digital Age

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November 4, 2023

AI is used to personalize education, provide targeted feedback, and streamline administrative tasks for educators. It empowers learners by adapting to their individual needs and preferences, making education more accessible and effective in the digital era. Esteemed panelists at 27th Elets World Education Summit in Malaysia delved further and explored how integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in educational settings is enhancing the learning experience.

Prof. Ts. Dr. Salwani Binti Mohd Daud, the Vice-Chancellor of the University Malaysia of Computer Science & Engineering in Selangor, Malaysia, was involved in the development of the National AI Road Map for Malaysia, which was launched in 2022 and spans from 2021 to 2025. She has been appointed to a task force by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI) to oversee the implementation of this national road map.

The National AI Road Map in Malaysia includes a focus on the responsible use of AI, and Prof. Ts. Dr. Salwani recognizes the importance of ethical considerations in AI adoption. She acknowledges that it’s challenging to prevent people from using generative AI tools like GPT-3 for various applications, including education. She emphasizes the need to use AI responsibly.

Key ethical considerations outlined by Prof. Ts. Dr. Salwani include:

Equity and Accessibility: Ensuring that everyone has access to generative AI for teaching and learning.
Privacy of Data: Addressing concerns related to data privacy when using AI.
Transparency: Encouraging transparency in AI algorithms to make their functioning clear to users.
Pedagogical Considerations: AI should complement, not replace, educators in the teaching and learning process.
Technical Considerations: Ensuring the robustness, security, and continuous monitoring of AI applications.

In the National AI Road Map and in alignment with UNESCO’s guidelines, they have identified principles for responsible AI adoption, which include fairness, reliability, safety, control, privacy, security, inclusiveness, transparency, accountability, and the pursuit of human benefits and happiness. Developers are expected to adhere to these principles when implementing AI solutions.

Prof. Ts. Dr. Salwani also mentions relevant UNESCO documents, such as guidelines for GPT and artificial intelligence in higher education, ethics of AI, and guidance for generative AI in education and research, which institutions can use as references when incorporating generative AI into their educational and research activities. She stresses the importance of being knowledgeable and expert in AI to make informed decisions when using AI tools.

Lata Bavisi, the President of EC-Council University located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, emphasizes the importance of recognizing that AI is an integral part of education and is here to stay. She acknowledges that educators must embrace AI’s presence and adapt to the changing educational landscape.

She divides education into three core components: accumulation, assimilation, and application. While the way information is accumulated has evolved, educators need to ensure that AI-synthesized content is accurate, ethical, and relevant. Additionally, the role of educators in guiding students on the application of knowledge becomes vital, as AI covers most other aspects of education.

Bavisi underscores the need for educators to focus on teaching students how to apply their knowledge effectively, as this is the key to personal and professional success. She believes that creating critical thinkers is the ultimate goal of education.

Discussing the risks associated with AI in education, Lata Bavisi highlights the ethical considerations and legal frameworks that must be in place. AI has the potential to level the playing field for students, but it also requires a responsible approach to address the associated risks.

As the president of EC-Council University, which specializes in cybersecurity education, Bavisi expresses concern about the rapid technological changes and the challenges they pose for ensuring the security of organizations, government departments, and nations. Keeping up with evolving cybersecurity threats and preparing students for this dynamic field is a substantial responsibility.

She stresses the importance of educators taking a responsible approach to AI in education, ensuring that students are equipped to apply their knowledge effectively and that ethical considerations are at the forefront. She also highlights the challenges of staying updated in fields like cybersecurity and the need to prepare students for the changing landscape of technology and security.

Joo Ming Thang, the Group Chief Information Officer at UCSI Group of Institutions in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia has introduced several technological advancements to enhance the educational experience.

One notable achievement is the development of a digital e-wallet, which, to his knowledge, makes UCSI University the only institution in Malaysia with such a system, endorsed by the Central Bank of Malaysia. Additionally, they have implemented license plate recognition technology for parking, completely eliminating the need for physical parking tickets, thanks to AI development within the university.

Joo Ming Thang shared a personal anecdote about his 10-year-old daughter using a chatbot, GPT, to aid her with writing an essay in Chinese when she was not proficient in the language. He highlighted that rather than discouraging such creative and innovative use of AI, educators should guide students on its proper application.

He discussed the integration of AI into various aspects of education. For example, they use OCR technology and AI for visa and passport verification during student enrollments, significantly streamlining the process. They have also reduced the time spent on parking payments by implementing an app that allows students to make payments using license plate recognition technology.

Joo Ming Thang emphasized the importance of embracing AI in education and utilizing it to make tasks easier and more efficient. He discussed AI’s potential for enhancing the student experience, reducing enrollment times, and improving attendance tracking using QR codes and location-based technology. He also mentioned the use of AI in automotive safety, where it can adjust headlight brightness and deploy safety features automatically.
Joo Ming Thang stressed that educators should not fear AI but should leverage it to simplify tasks and enhance education. He believes that the effective application of technology in education is the key to adding value to higher education institutions.

Prof. Anurag Singh, the Director of the Institute of Business Management at GLA University in Mathura, India, acknowledges that the adoption of new-age technologies, including AI, is happening rapidly among students. However, he observes hesitancy and reluctance among trainers and faculty members to embrace these technological changes.

Prof. Singh emphasizes that AI is here to stay, and it is just the beginning of a significant transformation in education. He commends the initiative of the Ministry to introduce AI for educators and emphasizes the need to scale up quickly to keep pace with the evolving technological landscape.

He believes that digitalization has democratized education, making access to knowledge and information more accessible and equitable. The ability to use search engines effectively levels the playing field for learners from diverse economic backgrounds and geographical locations. Prof. Singh highlights the fear of the unknown as a common human tendency, leading to reluctance in embracing new technologies, and he encourages educators to overcome this mindset.

Prof. Anurag Singh emphasizes the importance of educators adapting to the changing landscape and understanding that if students are quickly adopting new technologies while instructors lag behind, they may lose the ability to effectively assess and analyze student performance. Bridging the gap between students’ technological proficiency and educators’ willingness to adapt is crucial.

Dr. S B Goyal, the Director of Faculty of Information Technology at City University Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, reflects on the adoption of AI and technology. He analogizes the use of technology to having a knife in hand – it can be used for productive or destructive purposes. Dr. Goyal emphasizes the importance of considering people, processes, technology, and structure when implementing technology.

He observes that while technology standards are advancing rapidly, people’s mindset and readiness to embrace these changes are slower to evolve. Drawing a historical parallel, he mentions how the introduction of calculators was met with resistance by the mathematical community. Likewise, he highlights the example of GPT-3, which was originally introduced in 2020 but wasn’t widely known to the general public until later.

Dr. Goyal stresses the need to adopt and adapt to technology, emphasizing that mindset plays a crucial role. He believes that, just as individuals drive cars without detailed knowledge of their inner workings, they can use technology effectively even without an in-depth understanding of how it functions.

He suggests that individuals should receive training and education in AI, and he anticipates the inclusion of “prompt engineering” in the curriculum, a subject related to providing instructions to AI systems effectively. Dr. Goyal underscores the importance of AI in various fields, including cybersecurity, and encourages embracing technology and teaching it effectively.

He shares an anecdote about his 8-year-old son’s natural ability to work with technology, highlighting that younger generations are more adaptable to new technology. He believes that while technology, like a bicycle or a helicopter, offers choices, it is crucial to make informed decisions and ensure a thorough understanding of its applications, especially in fields like research paper writing.

Dr. S B Goyal concludes and emphasized the need to make thoughtful decisions about technology adoption and encourages embracing AI while maintaining a deeper understanding of its applications and implications.

Uttar Pradesh Government signs MoU with Embibe to provide high-quality digital education

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November 4, 2023

The Basic and Secondary Education Departments of Uttar Pradesh have signed a non-financial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with EMBIBE to accelerate the achievement of NIPUN Bharat goals. EMBIBE, an AI-powered learning platform was chosen because of its dynamic content collection and AI-driven personalization, which are intended to improve classroom instruction, student learning, and overall learning outcomes in Science, Math, and Social Science across more than 55,000 schools, according to an official statement.

Aditi Avasthi, Founder and CEO, EMBIBE expressed her thoughts and said, “Building an ed-tech platform and content capable enough to help realise the scale of the UP Government’s vision of NIPUN Bharat has been a personal lifelong dream and possible only through 11 years of unwavering commitment. We will ensure the innovation and adaptation needed to achieve last-mile impact. We are also very excited to collaborate with the dedicated and able teams at the Department of Basic Education and the Department of Madhyamik Shiksha who have worked tirelessly on the ground thus far.”

The government of Uttar Pradesh (UP) is investing heavily in the installation of 40,000 smart classrooms in upper primary schools, the creation of ICT labs at 880 block-level Block Resource Centres (BRCs), and the distribution of 2,09,863 tablets to every primary school (two per school). According to the release, these efforts have the potential to completely transform the state’s educational system and increase youth access to learning.

The MoU represents the commitment to providing top-notch digital education under UP’s NEP requirements. Smart classrooms will benefit from EMBIBE’s AI-powered content and self-learning apps, which are accessible even with irregular internet. It further said that interactive learning materials, online experiments, and student outcome monitoring—all of which are available in Hindi and in line with the state curriculum—will revolutionise education in Uttar Pradesh.

AICTE launches ‘AICTE Placement Portal’ for rural and tribal students

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November 3, 2023

All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) launched the ‘AICTE Placement Portal’ specially tailored for students residing in rural and tribal areas. This programme is one of AICTE’s continuous attempts to guarantee fair employment opportunities for all citizens.

Prof TG Sitharam inaugurated the portal, which was virtually attended by more than 600 AICTE institutes and business partners. During the event, coordinating officer Buddha Chandrasekhar and member secretary Rajive Kumar of AICTE were also present.

Students without access to high-speed internet can still use the portal. It will offer information for companies interested in recruiting rural students, along with services like job listings, networking tools, and career coaching. The placement platform can be reached at https://placement.aicte-india.org.

“I’m happy to introduce this placement portal for the rural and tribal regions, a tool designed to link job seekers with potential employment opportunities. This initiative was born out of a genuine necessity since majority of employers usually don’t extend their reach to these remote areas. Our villages and educational institutions are brimming with untapped talent, and this portal will serve as the vital link connecting this talent pool with multinational companies. The portal’s user-friendly design ensures easy access for students, and AICTE’s helpline will be readily available to assist students if they require support,” said Prof TG Sitharam, Chairman, AICTE.

“Around 1500 out of a total of 3000 technical institutes would fall under this criteria. The portal is ready and industry players are already part of it. We can expect to launch it for all in one or two months”, he added.

This is just one of the many steps the AICTE is taking to encourage design-thinking-infused technology innovation and entrepreneurship. The organisation is also introducing “Innovation, Design and Entrepreneurship Bootcamps” in six locations in collaboration with the Ministry of Education Innovation Cell (MIC).

India – UAE sign MoU to enhance educational cooperation; CBSE office to open in UAE soon

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November 3, 2023

India - UAE sign MoU to enhance educational cooperation; CBSE office to open in UAE soon

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced the opening of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) office in the UAE. With more than 100 CBSE-affiliated schools, the CBSE office in the UAE will enhance access to CBSE’s guidance in the region.

He also highlighted that the UAE being the global economic hub and India being the talent hotspot will be able to jointly provide great opportunities for citizens of both nations.

The UAE’s Education Minister Ahmad Al Falasi and Dharmendra Pradhan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) curated to enhance educational cooperation. The MoU specifically includes valuable initiatives for student and faculty mobility and other collaborations as well. Union Education Minister emphasised the importance of the UAE and India’s collaboration on the education front during his three-day visit to Abu Dhabi.

“The MoU is expected to facilitate regulations, legal structures, and best practices in general and higher education in both countries, framework, and policies in general and higher education, including national qualifications frameworks to facilitate mutual recognition of qualifications between both countries, and academic collaboration between higher education institutions in both countries for offering twinning, joint degree, and dual degree programs, among others,” said the Ministry of Education, in a statement.

Elaborating further on the UAE-India relations, Pradhan said, “UAE-India relations are in a good state today. In a strategic partnership, particularly in education and skill, India and the UAE have strong ties. We are opening an IIT in the UAE, and many eminent universities of India have already come here. In the near future, more universities may open their campuses.”

Senses: The Essence of Nurturing Educator Partnerships, and Dominating the Indian Market

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November 3, 2023

In the ever-evolving sphere of education technology, one company has not only kept pace with change but has orchestrated a symphony of innovation and collaboration – Senses. With a dedication to fostering meaningful relationships with educators, delivering unparalleled customer service, and securing a commanding market share, Senses has emerged as the undisputed leader in India’s interactive panel industry.

A Symphony of Collaboration with Educators

Innovation never emerges from solitude, and Senses recognised that certain innovations require the collective wisdom of educators. Their Interactive Panels, which have redefined the modern classroom, are a testament to this profound collaboration.

Senses embarked on a mission to revolutionise classrooms, envisioning a future where traditional chalkboards and whiteboards would yield to cutting-edge Interactive Panels. However, their journey was not solitary; it was a harmonious collaboration with educators who navigate the corridors of education daily.

These visionary educators provided invaluable insights, shaping the development of Senses’ Interactive Panels into intuitive tools tailored precisely to the needs of teachers and students. Through countless hours of consultation and collaboration, Senses and educators co-created an educational revolution.

Uncompromising Customer Service

Innovation is only one part of the equation. Senses understands that introducing technology into the classroom is not solely a technological challenge; it’s a human and behavioral challenge. Merely placing a Senses panel in a classroom is not enough to ensure its full potential is realised. This is where Senses truly shines.

Their unwavering commitment to customer service goes beyond the ordinary. Senses provides educators with continuous tech support and extensive training, ensuring they are not just equipped with technology but also possess the knowledge and skills to maximise its potential.

With a presence in over 25 major cities in India, Senses’ support is never more than a phone call away. This personalised approach underscores their commitment to guiding educators through the ever evolving landscape of educational technology. As one principal aptly put it, “Senses has not just transformed our classrooms; they have transformed our perspective on education.”

Leaders in Market Share

Senses doesn’t just lead; they dominate the Indian market for interactive panels. They cover more than 70% of the market share, a testament to the trust and confidence that educators and institutions place in their products.

grace the classrooms of 8,000 schools, impacting the lives of over 20,000 students. Senses’ relentless focus on innovation, coupled with unparalleled tech support and software updates, has solidified their position as market leaders.

A Vision for Tomorrow

In the ever-evolving world of education, Senses stands as a beacon of excellence, a testament to the power of collaboration, and a symbol of the transformative potential of technology in the classroom. Their journey is not merely about gadgets and screens; it is a symphony of human ingenuity and unwavering dedication to a brighter future for education.

As we look to the future of education, one can only imagine the countless minds Senses will inspire and the boundless horizons they will expand. They are not just leaders; they are visionaries orchestrating an educational revolution, a symphony of innovation, educator partnerships, and market dominance. Senses is guiding us toward a future where learning knows no bounds, and classrooms resonate with the harmony of knowledge and
progress.

Elevating Education through Innovative Features

Senses’ Interactive Panels are not just technological upgrades; they are gateways to a new era of pedagogy. These panels seamlessly blend technology with education, offering features that make learning a dynamic and immersive experience. From intelligent shapes and math tools for mathematics and science teachers to online access to sources like Google and Wikipedia, these panels empower both educators and students. The ability to save sessions, record live interactions, and employ multi-finger gesture control elevates the learning experience to new heights. Artificial intelligence capabilities, including handwriting-to-text conversion and voice commands, further enrich the classroom environment. With support for multiple Indian languages, Senses ensures inclusivity in education, making the future of learning brighter and more accessible than ever.

Views expressed by Digital Media team of Senses Electronics.

Medical Colleges to rated on Quality of Medical Education starting from 2024–2025 Session

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November 1, 2023

The National Medical Commission (NMC) made an MoU with the Quality Council of India (QCI) for evaluating the ratings of the medical institutions in July. Beginning with the 2024–2025 academic year, the nation’s medical colleges—both public and private—will be graded according to the calibre of instruction they offer.

For the first time, a variety of criteria will be used to evaluate and rank medical colleges. The programme is anticipated to help students select the best medical schools and to enforce accountability and strict standards.

Previously, participation in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) was restricted to government medical colleges, according to a statement made by Dr. Yogendra Malik, a member of the NMC’s Ethics and Medical Registration Board.

“QCI provides a mechanism for independent third-party assessment of products, services and it aims to promote quality through national accreditation of testing, inspection and certification bodies which are internationally recognized,” he said.

“This is the first time that medical colleges will be assessed and ranked based on several parameters. The initiative will bring in accountability, and adherence to high standards and help students choosing the right medical college,” he said.

The NMC’s Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) is in charge of conducting inspections in order to approve new medical colleges, expand the number of MBBS, PG, and superspecialty seats, and renew licences for already-existing medical colleges.

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