Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Inaugurates 100 Cube Start-up Conclave at IIT Bhubaneswar

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February 12, 2024

Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Education, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship, opened the two-day 100 Cube Start-up Conclave at IIT Bhubaneswar’s Research and Entrepreneurship Park (REP). Participants included representatives of foreign governments, industry delegates (especially from the deep tech sector), academia, start-ups, students, and other notable business leaders. Secretary of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Shri Sanjay K. Murthy; Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, Shri Sanjay Kumar; Director, IIT Bhubaneswar, Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar; Chairman, Board of Governors, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Singh was also in attendance.

In his speech, Shri Pradhan stated that the 100 Cube Conclave has set the groundwork to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit of eastern India and that the opening of the Research & Entrepreneurship Park at IIT Bhubaneswar is a historic day for Odisha. This project, according to Shri Pradhan, will be a 21st-century temple that will inspire and assist young people to dream large, innovate, and create value, much like the Konark temple, a symbol of Odisha’s architectural brilliance.

Additionally, he stated that the youth initiatives of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi have made sure that the Amrit Kaal becomes the golden age for the younger generations. Appreciating the corporations and investors who have signed memorandums of understanding and made significant contributions to support the project, he asked that youngsters should remain in your hands. He went on to say that the world views India and its youth with hope, thus it is imperative to give the gifted kids an ecosystem that supports them using a perspective that encompasses the entire society.

According to Shri Pradhan, academic institutions possess the ability to offer solutions to worldwide issues, and creativity is ingrained in Odia society. According to him, programs like 100 Cube Odisha will unleash the latent potential of young people and facilitate solution-driven innovation and the start-up revolution. According to Shri Pradhan, this project will be driven by the trio of youth, faculty, and industry. He extended an invitation to everyone to leave an inventive and enterprising legacy that will motivate the globe in the years to come.

In addition, the Minister digitally laid the groundwork for multiple infrastructure projects and opened the new auditorium. The program included a brief film on the REP as well. 16 startups and REP exchanged memorandums of understanding. Four IIT Bhubaneswar-incubated businesses were given grant checks by Oil India Ltd. Before the Conclave officially opened, dignitaries toured an exhibition of startup products.

Learning, not teaching!

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digitalLEARNING Network

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February 9, 2024

A premier educational institution invites an acclaimed academician from abroad. Students irrespective of their interest are asked to attend. The lecture hall is barely filled, many listeners do not seem to be interested in the subject. But they are there, on their own laptops and mobiles – while the academician makes a powerpoint presentation on latest trends in the subject. The content of presentation is good – though one may hold a different view, if asked. Does he teach well? Unsure. Do the participants learn? Sure – they do not.

Consider an alternate scenario. The same academician is coming. The institute invites those interested in the subject to attend. The academician makes groups of participants, starts with what they already know, what views they hold, and asks them to discuss some open questions about the subject. The groups discuss, debate and present their views. The academician comes in to clarify doubts, give examples, and share his/her view in those aspects. Does he teach well? Sure. Do the students learn? Unsure – they may.

Which scenario is better for learning?

The root cause of this confusion – and of mere focus on teaching – is that learning has come to be misunderstood as limited to formal education. Whereas learning is a daily activity, in and out of schools/colleges. Curiosity is innate in human beings, from birth. Irrespective of the structured educational system, humans learn – they learn from nature, they learn while talking to others, while observing, while doing, while solving problems, while living life. In awareness and presence, every moment is learning. ‘The whole movement of life is learning’, says J Krishnamurti.

The purpose of education – shikshan – is then facilitation and acceleration of this learning process.

While the words teaching and learning are often used together, it may be worthwhile to look at these in some detail. The word teaching has to do only with the teacher, the word learning involves both the teacher and the student.

The mindset in teaching is about ‘giving’. The teacher feels that (s)he has to ‘give’ knowledge which (s)he possesses, to a student who ‘does not’ possess it. There are problems with this argument, as there can not be (neither is it required!) one repository of complete knowledge. More importantly, it signifies lack of trust in students – that they may also know, or hold a view about something. One- way teaching mindset discourages questioning, understanding, experimenting, and is thus, detrimental to learning.

There are two other things in the formal education environment that inhibit learning. One is ‘fear’. In the name of ‘discipline’ and ‘order’ – the environment in learning spaces smells of fear. Fear of authority, fear of failure, fear of ridicule, fear of exams. Recall your most critical learnings in life – and whether they were learnt out of fear ? Fear not only inhibits learning in the present – it cripples the young mind which should actually be blooming in a fear- free environment, gaining confidence on ‘how to learn’. The fear surrounding ‘what to learn’ mars it. The teacher is stressed in ‘completing syllabus’, rather than ‘clarifying the concepts, and developing love for the subject’; the student’s sole goal is to score marks – learning can follow! Fear also breeds an inferiority complex in an individual – a fearful mind cannot be creative.

The other thing – smartly masked as ‘essential in the new world order’ – that kills learning is competition. Learning is an internal trait, while competition is an external negative factor. It is said that competition can motivate – however that motivation is temporary; moreover that comes at a great peril if missing value of collaboration and ignores that fact that real life problem solving dies not require oneupmanship but rather working together, complimenting each other’s skills. There can be only one thing uppermost in mind – that can either be the ambition to win, or the joy to learn. If my energies are directed outwardly – and negatively – in bettering than the ‘other’; then how will true internal learning (revelation!) happen. Most of us remember that the concepts that we discussed with friends – collaborative learning – are the ones that stayed longest! ‘People support what they help create’, and students are people too!

What is required therefore is a shift in the focus in from teaching to learning, from teacher to student. Four things are key for this. The first and the foremost is the relationship- between the educator and the student. What a student long remembers after leaving school/college is one teacher who understood him/her; who ‘listened’ to him/her; who did not hold any biases against him/her because of his background, caste, colour, language or socio-economic status. For whom he was not a ‘Mr. India’ – an invisible in the class. Two, the environment in the school/college has to be fear-free, where a student can ask questions, disagree with the views, and learn to respect opposite views without hatred. Three, the competitive spirit has to give way to a collaborative spirit. Learning increases by sharing. Marks are limited. Four, education sector has to purge itself of all the biases, favoritisms and partialities. It should be a place welcoming one and all. Such an environment alone will nurture holistic individuals as expected in the National Education Policy, 2020.

The shift from ‘teaching’ to ‘learning’ entails all of the above. Are our educators and education bureaucracy up for this change?

Views Expressed By: Nipun Vinayak, State Project Director, Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyaan, Maharashtra, Executive Director, Maharashtra State Faculty Development Academy, CEO, Maharashtra State Commission for Higher Education & Developments.

28th Elets World Education Awards Celebrate Innovation and Excellence in Dubai

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February 7, 2024

The 28th Elets World Education Awards, hosted on February 6th at the Millennium Plaza Downtown Hotel in Dubai, marked a splendid celebration of innovation and excellence within the education sector.

Organised by Elets Technomedia in collaboration with Elets Digital Learning Magazine, the awards ceremony took place during the 28th Elets World Education Summit, honoring exceptional contributions made by individuals and institutions in shaping the future of education.

The event witnessed participation from esteemed educators, policy-makers, and thought leaders from across the globe, coming together to honor those who have demonstrated exemplary leadership, innovation, and dedication in the field of education.

With a focus on acknowledging excellence across various categories, the awards ceremony highlighted the following key areas:

• Government: Recognising initiatives and projects driving innovation in education, with a special emphasis on enhancing learning outcomes.
• Leadership: Honouring visionary leaders who have made significant contributions to the education sector through their exemplary leadership, strategic vision, and transformative initiatives.
• Higher Education: Celebrating universities, colleges, and institutions that have excelled in areas such as academic excellence, research, innovation, and industry-academia collaboration.
• School Education: Acknowledging schools and educational institutions for their innovative pedagogical practices, academic excellence, and commitment to holistic development.
• Corporate: Recognising organisations and individuals driving innovation in educational technology, financial empowerment, digital learning solutions, and knowledge partnerships.

The Winners:

Government Award

The Department of School Education, Punjab, received recognition for Innovation in Project-Based Learning, highlighting their commitment to modern and effective teaching methods.

Leadership Award

Distinguished individuals honoured under the Leadership Award category include:

• Dr. Richa Arora, Head of Institution & COO at University of Stirling, Ras Al Khaimah Campus.
• Dr. Binu Siva Singh S K, Registrar at Jeppiaar University, India.
• Ashish Mittal, Group – CHRO at Sreenidhi Educational Group, Telangana, India.
• Dr. Arindam Banerjee, Professor & Assistant Dean, Global MBA & MGB, SP Jain School of Global Management Dubai.
• Revathi Srinivasan, Director – Education, Singhania Schools.
• Anshul Pathania, Managing Director of Pathania Public School, Haryana.
• Rev. Fr. Thomson Kinny, Principal, St. John The Baptist High School and Jr. College.
• Prof. B. Bhima, Principal, Nizam College, Osmania University, Telangana, India.
• Tamil Selvan Ramadoss, Group Chief Finance and Business Transformation Officer at RMB Holdings, Dubai, UAE, and International Speaker, Thought Leader & Expert in Triple Helix Model.

Higher Education

Outstanding institutions honoured in the Higher Education category include:

• University of Stirling, Ras Al Khaimah Campus, for Outstanding University with Best Placements.
• Chitkara University, India, as the University of the Year 2024 with Research Excellence.
• Westford University College for Outstanding B-School with Innovation in Placements.
• Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, India, for Outstanding University with Green Campus Initiative.
• Jeppiaar University for Excellence in Global Exposure Initiatives.
• Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), India, for Outstanding University in Research, Innovation, and Placements.
• RMK Group of Institutions, Tamil Nadu, India, for Excellence Group of Institutes for Promoting Industry Academia Interface.
• University of Engineering & Management (UEM), India, for Outstanding University with Best Placements.
• Institut Teknologi Nasional Bandung (Itenas), Indonesia, for Excellence Private University in Graduate Employability.
• The Dale View College of Pharmacy and Research Centre, Kerala, India, for Outstanding Pharmacy College in Promoting Research and Innovation.
• Haridwar University, India, for Outstanding University in Industry Academia Interface.
• Invertis University, India, for Outstanding University with Best Infrastructure.
• American Imperial University, USA, for Best Online Degree Provider.
• Euclea Business School, France, for Leading Globally University.

School Education

Innovative schools recognised in the School Education category include:

• Rayan Group of Institutions for Educational Excellence Award.
• Alnoor International Schools, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for Outstanding Green School Initiative.
• Our Own High School, Dubai, UAE, for Outstanding School for Sports.
• Ology Tech School for Innovation in STEAM Education.
• Glendale International School, Dubai, for Innovative Practices for Academic Excellence.
• Emirates American School, Sharjah, for Innovation in Pedagogical Practices.
• Sunbeam Group of Educational Institutions, India, for Leading School Chain (National).
• Billabong High International School, Kanpur, India, for Outstanding Practices for Academic Excellence.

Corporate

Leading corporate entities recognised for their contributions to education include:

• Dr. Brijesh Karia, Chief Operating Officer at Singhania QuestPlus.
• Century Financial for Excellence in Financial Empowerment.
• Singhania Education for Digital Learning Innovator of the Year.
• Infinity Infoway Pvt Ltd for Leading Education ERP Solution Provider in Asia.

These awards underscore the commitment of individuals and organisations towards fostering innovation and excellence in education.

The Elets World Education Awards continue to serve as a benchmark for the global education community, inspiring further advancements and initiatives in the field

28th Elets World Education Summit Concludes in Dubai, Setting Agenda for Global Education Transformation

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February 6, 2024

The second day of the 28th Elets World Education Summit (WES) drew to a close today at the Millennium Plaza Downtown Hotel in Dubai, concluding a dynamic two-day event that delved into the future of education on a global scale.

Hosted by Elets Technomedia in collaboration with Elets Digital Learning Magazine, the summit served as a pivotal platform for distinguished educators, industry leaders, policy-makers, and stakeholders to convene, exchange insights, and foster collaborative efforts in shaping the trajectory of education.

The second day featured an array of exclusive presentations and engaging panel discussions, offering invaluable insights into the future of higher and school education.

Higher Education Track

Panel discussions covered critical topics including the reimagination of pedagogies for the future, navigating digital literacy and ethics in AI-enhanced classrooms, managing accreditation complexities in the digital era, fostering impactful leadership, and rethinking assessment methods for holistic student development. The speaker lineup of the higher education segment included Dr. Yassen Alfoteih, Dean of the Humanities College, City University, Ajman, UAE; Hani Asfour, Vice President of Innovation and Institutional Partnerships, Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation, Dubai, UAE; Prof. Eid Mohammad Kanaan, Dean of Student Affairs, University of Sharjah, UAE; Prof. Dr. Jaskiran Kaur, Campus Director, NMIMS (Deemed to be University), Chandigarh, India; Swaminathan AR, Co-Founder & CEO, Camu; Prof. B Bhima, Director, Centre for Microbial and Fermentation Technology, Head of Department of Microbiology & Principal, Nizam College, Osmania University, Hyderabad, India, etc.

Notable presentations were delivered by Karan Shah, Founder & CEO of IIDE- The Digital School, and Tamil Selvan Ramadoss, Group Chief Finance and Business Transformation Officer at RMB Holdings, Dubai, UAE.

Among the universities showcased during the event were the University of Engineering & Management (UEM), Invertis University, and Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, whose representatives provided compelling insights into their respective institutions’ innovative approaches.

School Education Track:

The summit delved deeper into dynamic themes in the school education segment such as fostering global citizenship, adapting examination methods for the digital age, integrating AI into classrooms responsibly, personalised professional development for educators, and preparing students for digital literacy and online safety. The panelists included Sangita Chima, Principal, Amity School Dubai, Dubai, UAE; Matthew Burfield, Senior Vice President, GEMS Education, UAE; Dr. Vandana Gandhi, CEO and Founder, British Orchard Nursery, Dubai, UAE; Lee Hole, Principal, Dubai British School Jumeira, Dubai, UAE; Jan Stipek, Principal, Regent International School, Dubai, UAE; Dr. Carla Caviness, Principal, Dubai Schools Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, UAE; Haris Madappally, Executive Director, Pevees Public School, Kerala, India; Rev. Fr. Thomson Kinny, Principal, St. John The Baptist High School and Jr. College, India, etc.

The day also featured exclusive presentations from Max Viiask, Annika Viiask, and Maria Cederslatt of FB Academy, Sweden, Europe, as well as James Pastore, Principal of Emirates Schools Establishment, Dubai, UAE. These presentations shed light on innovative teaching methods and pedagogical approaches in school education.

World Education Awards and Expo:

The summit also hosted the prestigious World Education Awards ceremony, recognising outstanding contributions and innovations in the field of education.

Additionally, an expo showcased cutting-edge technologies, solutions, and best practices aimed at revolutionising the educational landscape. Exhibitors who showcased their offerings at the event included Accuracy – Language Solutions Simplified, CUEMATH, Teachmint, Codetantra, Edmentum, Toddle, Arize Digital, and EduZo.

Partners that joined at the 28th Elets World Education Summit included Creatrix Campus as the Powered By Partner, Meritto (formerly NoPaperForms) as the Admission Automation Partner, Campus 51 by Benchmark Academy as the Teacher Certification Partner, Singhania Quest Plus as the School EdTech Partner, CTPL – Creanovation Technologies Pvt. Ltd. as the Student Recruitment Partner, Edsidera, KSI Education, Campu, and Infinity as the Silver Partners. R.M.K Group of Institutions participated as an Institute Partner, while Ryan International Group of Institutions represented as a School Partner. University partners included the University of Stirling, Ras Al-Khaimah Campus, Westford University College, Graphic Era University, Chitkara University, Haridwar University, Jeppiaar University, Invertis University Bareilly, IEM UEM group, and Subharti University. Additionally, RMB Group, Board Infinity, EduBrisk, and IIDE – The Digital School were Associate Partners. Century Financial and Swenetic I In extended their support as Supporting Partners.

The 28th Elets World Education Summit proved to be a resounding success, catalysing transformative dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders committed to advancing education globally.

Digital Education in Rural India “Mera School, Smart School”

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February 6, 2024

Mera School, Smart School’ is a transformative initiative, taken by Dewas District Administration, aimed at modernising government schools by introducing smart TVs to all primary and middle schools in rural areas. This district-level e-governance initiative has significantly increased school attendance, improved learning outcomes, and empowered underprivileged students with smart classrooms. The replication of this model requires a dedicated team committed to the cause of education for impoverished students. Objective of the Project – “Coding for everyone”, a free for all 400 hour Computer Programming course started in the district for Govt. students of Classes 9 to 12th.

Salient features of the work undertaken in the area of Process Re-engineering for Digital Transformation

The “Mera School-Smart School” initiative was implemented for primary and middle government school students. Smart TVs were installed in all the schools solely through crowd funding and public participation. Class-wise and chapter-wise e-curriculum was created and implemented. Additionally, double-lock systems, voltage stabilisers, and waterproofing of smart rooms were implemented to ensure the sustainability of the initiative. Out of the total target of 1669 schools, 1442 have smart TVs to date.

Beneficiaries of the Project

“Mera School – Smart School” benefits students from Class 1st to 8th in all government primary and middle schools.

Brief Details of the Project with specific reference to the District Level initiative in e-Governance

The “Mera School-Smart School” initiative aimed to impart digital education to primary and middle government school students. Smart TVs were installed in all schools solely through public participation, donation campaigns, and CSR contributions. Stakeholders, including political representatives, educational NGOs, donors, and teachers, were regularly consulted and made owners of this initiative. Class-wise and chapterwise e-curriculum was created and implemented. Electricity connections were provided in the remotest schools. To ensure the longevity of smart classrooms, double-lock systems, voltage stabilisers, and waterproofing of classrooms were undertaken with the help of Gram Panchayats. As of now, smart classes have begun in 1442 out of the total 1669 primary and middle schools.

Impact in terms of time and cost-saving for beneficiaries

Cost-saving is one of the underlying objectives of both missions. The open-source content developed under “Mera School-Smart School” is based on prudently selected YouTube channels in Hindi, imparted totally free of cost to government primary and middle school students. This content is equivalent to lakhs of Rupees on EdTech platforms like Byju’s or Unacademy, making private Ed-Tech platforms financially inaccessible to rural students. The content is developed class-wise, subject-wise, and even chapterwise. In this project, no cost is borne by government schools, as the entire infrastructure is crowdfunded, and the content is compiled by government teachers.

Brief on the uniqueness of this district-level initiative

The initiative bridges the gap between the education imparted in private and government schools through digital media.
Totally free of cost to students and government schools, as the infrastructure is crowd-funded, and content is developed by school teachers.
Content compiled in Hindi language from carefully chosen YouTube channels.

Situation before the Initiative (Bottlenecks, Challenges, constraints, etc. with specific details as to what triggered the district to conceptualise this project)

Trigger: It came from monitoring the extremely poor learning levels of primary and middle students (also quantified in the annual ASER Report). Discussions with stakeholders pointed out poor attendance in schools as well as obsolete pedagogical techniques leading to monotonous learning. Therefore, the project started with the aim of imparting digital education in all government schools.
Challenges: Crowd-sourcing of infrastructure (Smart TVs, Stabilizers, JioFi Internet) is a huge challenge, which was overcome by zealous reviewing with industries (CSR), public representatives, local businesses, and NGOs (Muskan Dreams).

Situation after the Initiative (Specific improvement details in terms of benefits, processes, services, transactions & user feedback, etc. vis-a-vis the situation before)

Attendance in government schools has increased as learning from TV is an attraction for kids who have never seen a TV in their lives.
The learning levels of students are increasing as the retention from educational videos is more. Also, better insights into complex concepts (like the inside of an atom) are being gained.
Parents are becoming aspirational. Some parents contributed to repairing the LED, which was damaged by an election party during Vidhan Sabha elections.
Smart classrooms, mentioned in the brochures of elite private schools, are now available to underprivileged students in remote villages today in Dewas.

Brief on Roll out/implementation model

Donors identified to provide Smart TVs, Stabilizers & Jio-Fi Devices to schools. Multi-level meetings and reviews were done over 9 months to ensure 100% coverage of schools.
e-content developed by our professors. Orientation imparted to all government teachers.
Gram Panchayats ensured that double doors were installed in all schools to prevent theft.

Process Flow and data flow of the initiative in e-Governance maybe elaborated

Class-wise, subject-wise, and chapter-wise e-content have been developed, and smart TVs have been installed in all primary and middle schools. This content is made available to students either using pen drives (Smart TVs support USB), JioFi Devices, or mobile hotspots. With the help of Muskan Dreams NGO, Android Boxes have also been provided along with curated learning content.
A timetable for digital education is prepared for each class in every school covering all subjects.
e-learning content compiled in Hindi from carefully curated vernacular YouTube academic channels.

Brief details on the ICT used by the district for the initiative in e-Governance

For “Mera School-Smart School,” multiple academic channels of YouTube that have educational content in Hindi were utilised to compile the curriculum. Various NGOs like Muskan-Dreams also provided e-content free of cost to the district administration. JioFi/ Mobile Hotspot used to provide internet connection. Smart TVs that enable mobile casting, YouTube app, and internet connectivity were installed. Some content in remote areas was spread through pen drives. Android Boxes were also used by some teachers. Basically, in India, Frugal Innovation (Jugaad) is the hallmark, and once our teachers got the TVs, they ensured that it was utilised in the most efficient way possible.

Any other details relevant for replication

Very easy to replicate if we have a dedicated team committed to the cause of education for poor students in our government schools. Since philanthropic mindset people are available everywhere, all we require is their trust that their contributions would be utilised in the best possible way, and no syphoning off would take place.

Views expressed by: Rishav Gupta, IAS,District Magistrate – Dewas, Madhya Pradesh

28th Elets World Education Summit: Day 1 Concludes with Insightful Discussions and Collaborative Endeavours in Dubai

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February 5, 2024

Dubai, February 5, 2024 – The first day of the 28th Elets World Education Summit (WES) concluded today at Millennium Plaza Downtown Hotel in Dubai, marking the beginning of a two-day event dedicated to exploring the future of education worldwide. Hosted by Elets Technomedia in collaboration with Elets Digital Learning Magazine, the summit brought together distinguished educators, industry leaders, policy-makers, and stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions and foster collaboration in shaping the future of education.

Day one of the summit witnessed a vibrant exchange of ideas, as distinguished speakers from across the globe shared their expertise and insights on various facets of education. The summit commenced with a warm welcome address by Dr. Ravi Gupta, Founder and CEO of Elets Technomedia, setting the stage for a series of thought-provoking sessions. Dr. Gupta underscored the importance of the World Education Summit, characterizing it as a gathering of education leaders focused on learning, exchanging ideas, empowerment, and fostering community. He recapped its inception, tracing back to 2011 when the revered late Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, India’s esteemed former president and renowned scientist, served as an inspiration and mentor for the initiative. Dr. Gupta emphasized Dr. Kalam’s admiration for Digital Learning magazine’s commitment to advancing IT in education, which ultimately led to the establishment of the World Education Summit.

“Over time, WES has broadened its footprint from Delhi to encompass Mumbai, Hyderabad, Dubai, Bahrain, and, in 2019, the University of Denver. Despite the hurdles presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, WES persevered in its endeavors by hosting virtual editions in the USA, the Middle East, and other regions. In 2023, the summit resumed its international conferences, conducting events in Dubai and Malaysia,” Dr. Gupta said emphasising the importance of reaching a broader global audience through the premier summit.

Keynote address by Sivakumar Veerappan, Founder & CEO of Creatrix Campus, and special remarks by K Bhaskar, IAS, Commissioner of School Education (Infrastructure), Department of School Education, Government of Andhra Pradesh, India, further captivated audience with unique perspectives and ideas.

Showcasing two dedicated tracks focusing on higher and school education, the summit provided attendees with a comprehensive exploration of key challenges and opportunities shaping the educational landscape globally. With a lineup of speakers representing diverse perspectives and experiences, the summit provided a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration among educators, industry experts, and stakeholders. Attendees gained valuable insights into emerging trends, and strategies to meet the evolving needs of learners and institutions.

Higher Education Track

The day was marked by engaging panel discussions, exclusive presentations, and insightful presentations by universities and institutions. Noteworthy sessions included discussions on global collaboration in education, lifelong learning in the digital age, international collaboration in higher education, and adapting to the global tech wave, among others. The summit also provided a platform for networking and exploration of cutting-edge solutions by exhibitors and partners.

The discussions featured luminaries from the higher education sector, including Prof Ammar Kaka, Pro Vice-Chancellor & President, Curtin University Dubai, UAE; Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Pro Chancellor, Chitkara University, Punjab & Himachal Pradesh, India; Dr. Lars-Erik Unestahl, Founding President, Scandinavian International University, Sweden; Dr. Nasser Almuraqab, Vice President – Operational Affairs & COO, University of Dubai, Dubai, UAE; Dr. Hamad Odhabi, Vice Chancellor, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, UAE; Prof. Abhilasha Singh, Vice President Academic Affairs, The American University in the Emirates, Dubai, UAE, etc.

The summit also witnessed exclusive presentations and insights from leading educational institutions and organizations, including Creatrix Campus by Anubavam Technologies, Camu, Haridwar University, Meritto, and Board Infinity.

School Education Track

The school education track featured a diverse range of presentations and panel discussions, bringing together esteemed professionals and experts from various sectors of the education industry.

Dr. Niyati Chitkara, Vice President of School Education at Chitkara Educational Trust, India, will deliver an exclusive presentation on altering the DNA of teacher education, focusing on the synergy between school and higher education. Shanthi Menon, Director of IQAD at the University of Stirling, UAE, will present on empowering education beyond the classroom.

A series of panel discussions formed the crux of the summit, providing a platform for in-depth conversations on crucial topics shaping the future of education. Panel discussions covered themes such as fostering holistic development, embracing innovation and collaboration in the digital age, rebooting learning for the 21st century, investment outlook and opportunities in the education sector, and finding the right balance in blended learning models.

Distinguished speakers and panelists included prominent figures such as Dr. Brijesh Karia, Chief Operating Officer, Singhania QuestPlus; Abeda Natha, Director of Digital Learning, GEMS Wellington International School, Dubai, UAE; Dr. Beno Kurien, Director – Education and Training, Global Edu Solutions, UAE & Principal, International Indian School, Abu Dhabi, UAE; Dr. Anjuli Murthy, CEO/Principal, Our Own High School, Dubai, UAE; Dr. S. Reshma, Director – Quality Assurance and School Welfare, International Group of Schools, UAE, etc. who brought their expertise and insights to enrich the discussions.

Furthermore, the summit served as a hub for networking and collaboration, with participants having the opportunity to engage with leading exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge solutions and services tailored for the education sector.

Partners that joined at the 28th Elets World Education Summit included Creatrix Campus as the Powered By Partner, Meritto (formerly NoPaperForms) as the Admission Automation Partner, Campus 51 by Benchmark Academy as the Teacher Certification Partner, Singhania Quest Plus as the School EdTech Partner, CTPL – Creanovation Technologies Pvt. Ltd. as the Student Recruitment Partner, Edsidera, KSI Education, Campu, and Infinity as the Silver Partners. R.M.K Group of Institutions participated as an Institute Partner, while Ryan International Group of Institutions represented as a School Partner. University partners included the University of Stirling, Ras Al-Khaimah Campus, Westford University College, Graphic Era University, Chitkara University, Haridwar University, Jeppiaar University, Invertis University Bareilly, IEM UEM group, and Subharti University. Additionally, RMB Group, Board Infinity, EduBrisk, and IIDE – The Digital School were Associate Partners. Century Financial and Swenetic In extended their support as Supporting Partners.

Exhibitors who showcased their offerings separately at the event included Accuracy – Language Solutions Simplified, CUEMATH, Teachmint, Codetantra, Edmentum, Toddle, Arize Digital, and EduZo.

The special edition of Elets Digital Learning Magazine was also officially launched on the inaugural day of the 28th Elets World Education Summit in Dubai.

IIM-Ahmedabad introduces a two-year MBA programme

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February 2, 2024

The new two-year hybrid mode online MBA programme for working professionals and entrepreneurs has been launched by the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA).

According to IIM-A, the hybrid online MBA program blends live, interactive online sessions with on-campus, in-person sessions. Participants in the program should be a seasoned group with at least three years of experience. It will be mostly offered in synchronous online mode, with five separate on-campus modules to supplement it.

The curriculum will mostly employ a case-based approach that emphasizes applied learning in line with IIM Ahmedabad pedagogy, ensuring that participants acquire the information and abilities necessary for success in the fast-paced business world of today.

Announcing the launch of the programme, Professor Bharat Bhasker, Director, IIMA said, “We are excited to launch the Online MBA programme, which expands IIMA’s reach and provides world-class education to working professionals and entrepreneurs around the world. This innovative programme combines the flexibility of online learning with the richness of on-campus interaction, ensuring participants gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their chosen careers.”

Professor Pradyumana Khokle, Dean (Programmes), IIMA said, “The Online MBA programme is the most extensive of a new generation of programmes offered by IIMA. It combines the ability of the online to reach across the world with the power of the offline to do things that are done best offline. We expect that through the Online MBA, practitioners will be able to further develop into some of the best leaders and managers of the world.”

Elaborating on the format of the programme, Professor Joshy Jacob, Chairperson (Online MBA) said, “The programme curriculum is designed to equip participants with the functional and organizational skills necessary to thrive in a challenging world. It aspires to upskill working professionals by exposing them to managerial decision-making frameworks that are grounded in human behaviour, economics, finance, etc.

The in-person classes conducted at IIMA focus on interpersonal and organizational dynamics that are complex to manoeuvre and hard to learn. On the other hand, the sessions that are held online through live classes are around content that is more amenable for quantitative and systematic analysis.”

Applications for the program are open to working professionals and entrepreneurs with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and at least three years of full-time work experience. The IIMA Admission Test (IAT), CAT, GMAT, GRE, and personal interview results will determine a candidate’s admission to the IIM Ahmedabad online MBA program.

Education Budget 2024-25 allots ₹47,619.77 Cr for Higher Education

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digitalLEARNING Network

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February 2, 2024

Comparing the FY 24–25 budget to the FY 23–24 allocation of ₹44,094.62 cr, the Higher Education Department saw a slight rise of ₹3525.15 cr.

The Department of Higher Education of the Education Ministry was given ₹47619.77 cr in FY 24–25 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her Interim Budget. She stated that female enrollment in postsecondary education has climbed by 28% and that female enrollment in STEM courses is at a record-breaking 43% worldwide.

Compared to the ₹44,094.62 cr FY 23–24 budget, the Higher Education Department’s FY 24–25 allocation has increased by ₹3525.15 cr. ₹57244.48 cr was the updated estimate for the department.

The Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL) has been notified as receiving ₹73,008.10 cr in budgetary allocation, out of the total ₹1,20,627.87 cr allotted to the Education Ministry.

Budget for Higher Education in 2024: Highlights

In FY 24–25, the amount allocated to Statutory and Regulatory Bodies, such as AICTE and UGC, was reduced from ₹5780 cr in FY 23–24 to ₹2900 cr.
The interim budget for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Tribal Universities did not include any funding, although in FY 23–24, they were allocated ₹37.67 cr.
In FY 23–24, National Digital University received no funding; however, in FY 24–25, it received ₹100 cr.
Scholarships for college and university students as well as the Special Scholarship Scheme for Jammu and Kashmir were not allocated any funds under the student financial aid category this year.

Prime Minister Modi addresses the nation with ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha 2024’

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Kaanchi Chawla, Elets News Network

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January 29, 2024

On January 29, 2024, the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi witnessed Pariksha Pe Charcha 2024, graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This enlightening session, part of a series initiated by the Ministry of Education, aimed at engaging a diverse audience including students, teachers, and parents in a meaningful dialogue about education, exam stress, and more. The event saw the physical attendance of nearly 4,000 participants, while an impressive 205.62 lakh students, 14.93 lakh teachers, and 5.69 lakh parents registered online, as reported by the MyGov website.

The event’s live broadcast reached a vast audience through various social media platforms, including the Prime Minister’s Office, the Press Information Bureau, and the Education Ministry channels. Having evolved into a significant annual event, Pariksha Pe Charcha, especially after its shift to a digital format in its fourth edition due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has continued to grow in scope and impact. This year’s engagement notably surpassed last year’s already substantial participation of 31.24 lakh students, 5.60 lakh teachers, and 1.95 lakh parents.

The session commenced with Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, welcoming PM Modi and recognizing the event as a pivotal movement in shaping India’s educational journey toward a developed nation by 2047.

PM Modi, known for his motivational speeches, addressed a wide range of topics pertinent to students, teachers, and parents. His speech, peppered with quotes that resonated with the audience, focused on:

Coping with Exam Stress and the Role of Parents

PM Modi’s discourse on managing exam stress highlighted the need for students to focus on their performance rather than competing with peers. He remarked, “Focus on doing your best, don’t compete with your peers. Use your peers’ success as a source of inspiration.” Addressing parental pressure, he cautioned against using children’s achievements as benchmarks for social standing.

Emphasizing Teacher-Student Relationships

A significant highlight was PM Modi’s emphasis on the bond between teachers and students. He advocated for relationships beyond the syllabus, stating, “The relationship between students and teachers should be built from the first day so that the day of the exam is not stressful.”

Promoting Health and Well-being

PM Modi underscored the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, especially during exams. He advised, “It is important to have a healthy body to make sure your mind is healthy too,” and emphasized the significance of a balanced diet, regular exercise, and the benefits of sunlight exposure. He encouraged students to make it a habit to sit in the sunlight, drawing parallels between recharging one’s body and a mobile phone.

Technology and Its Balanced Use

In a world increasingly dominated by technology, PM Modi urged students and parents to use technology judiciously. He emphasized creating gadget-free zones in homes and reducing screen time, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and effective study habits.

The Importance of Sleep and Effective Study Habits

Discussing the importance of sleep, PM Modi shared his routine, “I sleep within 30 minutes of lying down. When I am awake, I am awake and when I have to sleep, I quickly sleep without distractions.” He also discussed effective study techniques, advising students to set small goals and prepare gradually.

A Showcase of Talent and Innovation

The event also included an exhibition where students displayed projects involving cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence. PM Modi expressed his admiration for these innovations, commending the students and teachers for their brilliant contributions.

Empowering Words and Lasting Impact

PM Modi’s advice on exam preparation was particularly noteworthy. He suggested students read the question paper thoroughly and strategize accordingly. His emphasis on writing skills and the need to practice writing by hand struck a chord with the audience.

In his concluding remarks, PM Modi reflected on the success of the event and its growing relevance. He compared the increased participation from the previous year to this year’s event, showcasing Pariksha Pe Charcha’s expanding impact.

Pariksha Pe Charcha 2024 marked a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to address educational challenges and nurture the holistic development of students. PM Modi’s engaging session provided not just valuable insights but also a source of motivation and inspiration for students, teachers, and parents alike. As the nation continues to navigate the evolving educational landscape, these events are crucial in shaping a brighter future for India’s youth.

Indian higher education surges to 4.33 crore students, female enrolment increases: AISHE 2021-22 Report

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digitalLEARNING Network

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January 27, 2024

The All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) for the year 2021-2022, unveiled by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, reveals a significant rise in higher education enrolment. As per the report, released on Thursday, the number of students in higher education has soared to approximately 4.33 crore in the academic year 2021-22. This marks an increase of 26.5% from the 2014-15 figure of 3.42 crore.

In the same period, the survey notes the establishment of 341 universities and similar level institutions. Additionally, the gross enrolment ratio (GER) has escalated to 28.4 in 2021-22 from 23.7 in 2014-15, with the female GER witnessing a rise from 22.9 to 28.5.

A closer look at the enrolment trends reveals that female participation in higher education has surged, reaching 2.07 crore in 2021-22, up from 1.57 crore in 2014-15. Enrolment among Scheduled Caste (SC) students has also seen a significant increase of 44%, standing at 66.23 lakh in 2021-22 compared to 46.07 lakh in 2014-15. The enrolment of SC female students has risen notably as well.

The report further highlights an increase in enrolments among Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) students, which are now at 27.1 lakh and 1.63 crore respectively in 2021-22.

The AISHE 2021-22 report details the total count of universities and college-level institutions at 1,168 and 45,473 respectively, with standalone institutions numbering 12,002. In terms of undergraduate enrolment, the Arts stream leads at 34.2%, followed by Science, Commerce, and Engineering & Technology. At the postgraduate level, Social Science is the most popular stream, followed by Science.

There has been a remarkable 81.2% increase in Ph.D. enrolment since 2014-15, reaching 2.12 lakh in 2021-22. The report also notes a growth in the number of faculty and teachers, especially among females, with female faculty increasing by 22% since 2014-15 and a marginal improvement in the female-to-male faculty ratio.

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