Continous Professional Development for educators – Need of the Moment!

Interviews

By

-

October 19, 2023

Spectrum International School is evolving by embracing these trends through technology integration, research-based curriculum design, and enhanced communication and engagement with students and parents, shared Ihab Ads, CEO & Co-Founder, Spectrum International School, Malaysia in an exclusive interview with Sheeba Chauhan of Elets News Network. Edited excerpts:

Can you elaborate on how do you continuously foster a culture of creativity, experimentation and risk taking among teachers to develop new pedagogies and curriculum approaches?

Professional Development: We invest in continuous professional development for our educators, providing them with opportunities to learn about innovative teaching methods, emerging technologies, and contemporary pedagogical approaches. This encourages them to experiment with new ideas.

Collaborative Spaces: We create collaborative spaces where teachers can exchange ideas, share best practices, and work on innovative projects together. This fosters a sense of community and encourages experimentation.

Incentives and Recognition: We recognise and reward teachers who take risks and innovate in their teaching. This includes acknowledging their efforts and providing resources and support for their projects.

Freedom to Innovate: We encourage teachers to have the autonomy to try new teaching methods and curriculum approaches, even if they involve some level of risk. This freedom to innovate is essential for fostering creativity.

In your view, what are some of the most significant trends impacting K-12 education globally in areas like technology, learning science, student/ parent expectations? How is Spectrum evolving to stay at the cutting edge?

The education landscape is evolving rapidly, and some of the most significant trends impacting K-12 education globally include:

Technology Integration: The use of technology for personalised learning, data analytics, and virtual classrooms is reshaping education.

Learning Science: A deeper understanding of how students learn is leading to more effective teaching methods and personalised learning approaches.

Student/Parent Expectations: Students and parents now expect greater flexibility, accessibility, and personalisation in education.

Spectrum International School is evolving by embracing these trends through technology integration, research-based curriculum design, and enhanced communication and engagement with students and parents.

How do you measure student outcomes and school success beyond just academic metrics? What are your philosophies around developing well rounded, socially-responsible graduates?

Our philosophy is to develop well-rounded, socially-responsible graduates. To achieve this, we measure student outcomes through:

Holistic Assessments: Beyond traditional exams, we assess students on Life and Career Skills and also based on 21st Century Skills. Also on Learning and Innovation Skills; Information, Media, and Technology Skills; Social, Moral, and Ethical Skills. Other things include:

Community Engagement: We encourage students to participate in community service and extracurricular activities, fostering social responsibility.

Character Education: We have character development programs that focus on values, ethics, and leadership.

Digital transformation presents opportunities as well as risks. What are the most significant aspects of digital transformation that need immediate attention for a better future of education?

Digital transformation presents both opportunities and risks. Immediate attention should be given to:

Data Privacy: Ensuring the security and privacy of student data in the digital age is paramount.

Equity: Bridging the digital divide to ensure all students have access to technology and online resources. Teacher Training: Preparing educators to effectively use technology for teaching and learning.

Cybersecurity: Protecting educational institutions from cyber threats and ensuring the integrity of online education.

What are your thoughts on opportunities for Spectrum’s growth and potentially expanding its model to new international markets?

We see opportunities for growth by expanding our model to new international markets. This could involve partnerships with local institutions, adapting our curriculum to fit local needs, and leveraging our experience in innovative education to meet diverse educational demands worldwide.

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

Collaborative platforms like the World Education Summit play a vital role in fostering innovation, sharing best practices, and addressing global education challenges. We actively participate in such initiatives to contribute to the growth of the education ecosystem, exchange ideas, and collaborate with other institutions to improve education on a global scale.

UAE’s Education Ministry announces partnership with AGF to enhance climatic actions

News

By

digitalLEARNING Network

-

October 18, 2023

The Ministry of Education announces partnership with Abdulla AI Ghurair (AGF). The strategic collaboration aims to enhance the action on climate and environmental sustainability to lead the upcoming COP28. UAE is hosting COP28 and in preparation for achieving the objective of Green Education, this collaboration serves as a major roadmap.

This strategic alliance demonstrates a shared commitment to promoting sustainability and raising community awareness of environmental responsibility. By offering long-term educational opportunities for climate awareness throughout the United Arab Emirates, both parties will seek to enhance sustainability and climate action.

Dr. Amna Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Assistant undersecretary of the care and capacity building sector, Ministry of Education, said: “The Ministry of Education will persist in its endeavours to equip students with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions that have a positive impact on the environment. By joining forces with the Al Ghurair Foundation, we are actively shaping the future by providing students with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions that positively impact the environment.

Partnering with Al Ghurair Foundation to conduct climate awareness workshops and an entrepreneurship programme as part of greening education national plan; this is a significant step towards promoting environmental awareness and empowering students with entrepreneurial skills. This collaboration symbolises a shared commitment to fostering sustainable practices and equipping the younger generation with the tools they need to tackle the challenges of the future”.

Dr Sonia Ben Jaafar, CEO, Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation, said: “In the lead-up to COP28, a testament to the UAE’s unwavering commitment to climate mitigation and action, AGF emphasises the pivotal role of our youth and communities. Their collective power can profoundly shape our planet’s future. In response to Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s call for shared responsibility, the Foundation is proud to partner with the Ministry of Education to further a joint mission to cultivate deep-rooted environmental consciousness that leads to transformative action for good.”

Several partners’ efforts have been boosted by AGF to promote a shared commitment to green communities in the United Arab Emirates. This week, in collaboration with Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), Goumbook, and EXPO City, AGF launched initiatives to inform and empower more than 1,500 individuals nationwide in a shared quest to green UAE communities.

The UAE’s Ministry of Education will collaborate with AGF to develop chances for long-term learning about climate awareness in order to promote sustainability and climate action. With this relationship, the UAE is taking the initiative to use philanthropy to further its goals of integrating green communities and preparing the next generation to tackle climate concerns.

Creatrix Campus and tailored digital solutions enabling educational advancements

Interviews

By

digitalLEARNING Network

-

October 18, 2023

Higher education is in a state of continuous evolution and carries the responsibility of spearheading research and innovation that can positively impact countless lives shared Sivakumar Veerappan, Founder & CEO, Creatrix Campus in an exclusive interview with Sheeba Chauhan of Elets News Network. Edited excerpts:

Your journey with Creatrix Campus began in 2006, and the company has successfully served more than 200 clients across 28 different countries. Can you share insights into your ongoing leadership journey spanning over 17 years and how you continue to drive positive change within your organisation?

We understand that education is not static; it’s a dynamic field that requires adaptability and innovation. This perspective has driven us to constantly reinvent ourselves and our offerings.

One of the pivotal aspects of our journey has been our embrace of emerging technologies, including low-code no-code platforms. These technologies have revolutionised how we develop and deliver solutions, enabling us to be more agile and responsive to the unique requirements of each institution we serve. This approach aligns with our vision of fostering a culture of innovation within higher education.

As a CEO, my role has evolved from merely leading a company to being a catalyst for change within the education industry. It’s about envisioning the future of education and steering our organisation toward that vision. It’s about nurturing a talented and passionate team that is dedicated to creating meaningful impact.

Our significant milestone has been the creation of an exceptional platform that is not only future-ready but also highly adaptable to global standards while localising seamlessly to any market. A crucial aspect of this journey has been our unwavering commitment to improving student success without compromising faculty performance, achieved through the development of numerous tools that automate faculty paperwork and streamline administrative tasks.

We’ve empowered higher education administrators with an abundance of data pointers and decision-making tools, enabling them to build highly effective institutions that make a profound difference in society. This journey was far from easy, but it became possible through strategic partnerships with world-class universities. Today, we proudly collaborate with some of the world’s top-ranked institutions, collectively addressing some of the most unique and pressing challenges in higher education.

Creatrix Campus is revolutionising the world of higher education software. Could you explain the rationale behind the decision to focus exclusively on the higher education sector with your solutions?

Higher education is in a state of continuous evolution and carries the responsibility of spearheading research and innovation that can positively impact countless lives. It represents a unique arena where individuals have the power to mold the future. This profound mission was the driving force behind our decision to delve into higher education. To our astonishment, we discovered that the industry faces significant challenges in the form of disjointed legacy systems, which not only strain budgets but also fall short of delivering the desired levels of student success and faculty performance. Consequently, we dedicated ourselves to crafting a comprehensive platform that fosters innovation and prioritises institutional effectiveness, aligning with the broader objectives outlined earlier.

How does Creatrix Campus differentiate itself from competitors in the same domain?

Creatrix Campus distinguishes itself from competitors by not merely offering a product but also providing a versatile no-code, low-code platform that grants institutions unparalleled flexibility and agility in addressing their unique challenges. Our platform boasts the most integrated end-to-end capabilities, encompassing the entire student journey and faculty lifecycle, while steadfastly aligning with an institution’s overarching strategic vision. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, we meticulously analyze the higher education landscape in each country and tailor our solutions to address localized challenges swiftly and effectively. We don’t just aim to compete; we aspire to anticipate future challenges in higher education, positioning ourselves as trusted partners and advisors, and placing a strong emphasis on listening to our customers to continually enhance our offerings.

As we know, Creatrix Campus has a global presence. Can you discuss the challenges and advantages of operating in different regions and markets?

Luckily, our platform’s design and approach have enabled us to effectively mitigate the challenges associated with operating in different regions and markets. We have taken significant steps to address the challenges including regulatory compliance, localization, and IT infrastructure variability at the platform level.

Our robust platform is prepared to meet local accreditations in over 20 countries, and our team has undergone rigorous training to understand local cultures and languages. We’ve cultivated local expertise through advisors and experts and prioritised language localisation and cultural sensitivity in our offerings.

Creatrix Campus has thousands of satisfied users and successfully maintains partnerships with many institutions across the globe. What is next for Creatrix Campus?

Creatrix Campus is prepared to embrace the future with innovation and adaptation as it maintains its productive partnerships with hundreds of institutions and serves thousands of users globally. Embracing low-code, no-code platforms is one of Creatrix Campus’s interesting new areas. In an ever evolving educational landscape, the ability to swiftly adapt and customize solutions is paramount. Low-code no-code platforms offer the flexibility and agility needed to cater to the unique needs of each educational institution. By incorporating these platforms, Creatrix Campus aims to empower institutions with the tools to rapidly develop and customise digital solutions, fostering innovation and enhancing the overall educational experience.

With a strong foundation built on successful partnerships and a user centric approach, Creatrix Campus is well-positioned to shape the future of education with low code no code platforms playing a pivotal role in this journey.

What technological advances will shape the future of Higher Education?

The future of higher education is poised for transformation through technology. In the coming years, online and hybrid learning models are set to become integral, offering students flexibility and accessibility. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) will usher in immersive learning experiences, while Artificial Intelligence (AI) personalised education and streamlines administrative tasks. Blockchain technology will secure and verify academic credentials, and big data analytics will empower institutions to optimise learning outcomes.

EdTech startups will drive innovation, and flexible credentialing options like micro-credentials will emerge. Globalization of education and the advancement of remote learning are set to redefine access to higher education. Meanwhile, technology’s ethical and privacy implications must be addressed. The cost and access debate continues, as institutions strive to balance affordability and inclusivity. Faculty adaptation to new technologies will be critical for successful integration into higher education.

To further enhance student success, faculty performance, and institutional effectiveness, there is a growing need for the development of single-integrated low-code/no code platforms. Low-code, no-code platforms simplify the development of online and hybrid learning, immersive experiences (VR/AR), personalized education (AI), and secure academic credentials (Blockchain). These tools empower EdTech startups to rapidly innovate and introduce novel educational technologies, fostering a culture of innovation within higher education. They even facilitate the implementation of flexible credentialing options like micro credentials, enhancing the overall learning experience for students. To sum up, these tools foster EdTech innovation, expand access, address cost concerns, and ease faculty adaptation, ensuring successful tech integration.

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

Collaborative platforms like the World Education Summit contribute significantly to the growth of the education ecosystem by enabling knowledge exchange, networking, and global collaboration among educators, policymakers, and industry leaders. WES provides a forum for showcasing innovations, developing effective policies, and addressing common challenges in education.

As it looks to the future, Creatrix Campus remains committed to addressing challenges in higher education, staying updated on industry trends, and contributing to the realisation of a dynamic and inclusive vision for the future of education.

GITAM and Ashtaksha Labs joins hand to elevate advancements in cyber security research

Press Release

By

digitalLEARNING Network

-

October 17, 2023

GITAM (Deemed to be University) inks a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with leading cybersecurity company Ashtaksha Labs. The strategic alliance aimed to elevate advancements in education, innovation and majorly cybersecurity research.

The strategic partnership is a way forward to tackle emerging challenges in cybersecurity, as with increasing connectivity across the world it becomes more vulnerable. The strategic partnership will pivot on creating the latest cybersecurity solutions. Additionally, it will also focus on research initiatives, student internships, and faculty development programs.

“This MoU is a milestone that embodies our commitment to fostering a research-intensive environment. It opens new avenues for our students and faculty to engage in meaningful, real-world projects”, shared Prof. K N S Acharya, Pro Vice-Chancellor of GITAM (Deemed to be University).

The collaboration intends to close the gap between academia and industry, offering students valuable real-world experience and arming them with the essential skills to tackle modern cybersecurity challenges. It is expected to be a mutually beneficial arrangement, where academia gains valuable practical insights from the industry, and the industry harnesses the research capabilities of academia.

Nandi Dharma Kishore, CEO of Ashtaksha Labs expressed, “We are thrilled to partner with GITAM. This collaboration will undoubtedly pave the way for groundbreaking innovations in Cyber Security, enriching both academia and industry.”

GITAM and Ashtaksha Labs are eyeing for a productive and promising partnership that will add value and create a robust infrastructure in the field of cyber security.

Pioneering a Visionary Shift in Higher Education to Equip Graduates for an Evolving Future

Article

By

digitalLEARNING Network

-

October 17, 2023

“I want to emphasise that if you wish to drive change and prepare your graduates for the future, it cannot be done incrementally. It needs to be a significant and integrated transformation across all aspects of the university, and it must happen quickly. That’s the core message I want to convey”, shared Dr N Varaprasad, Former Deputy President, National University of Singapore, Singapore at 27th Elets World education Summit in Malaysia.

“We all know that the world outside of higher education is evolving rapidly. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that learning can happen anywhere and anytime. The boundaries of physical space and time in education have vanished. You can enroll in courses worldwide, access top professors and experts online, and find information instantly on platforms like Coursera, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Wikipedia. However, it’s essential to have the skill to distinguish between fact and fiction due to the abundance of misinformation”, he further added.

Moreover, the outside world is continually generating new services, business models, and job opportunities. The freelance economy, gig economy, and project-based work arrangements are reshaping the way people work. AI is also threatening many traditional jobs, including those that were once considered high-level. Lifelong learning has become imperative, and universities and colleges must adapt accordingly.

He further expressed, “In my view, higher education institutions are struggling to keep pace with these external changes. Many are making incremental adjustments, introducing project work, industry internships, and entrepreneurship modules. However, these changes do not represent a fundamental transformation. Universities are inherently stable organizations, and making swift, disruptive changes is challenging due to their size and complexity.”

The key question is, how can university leaders, such as presidents, provosts, vice-chancellors, and deans, best prepare their students for a rapidly changing and uncertain future? I believe that disruption is necessary. If universities do not disrupt themselves within the next decade, they risk becoming irrelevant.

Disruptive innovation, as Clayton Christensen defines it, involves introducing a product or service that established industry leaders find unattractive. It’s often the individuals below the leadership level who push for change. University leaders should reimagine higher education, starting from a blank slate if necessary. They should focus on developing whole individuals who are equipped with essential skills like problem-solving, just-in-time learning, adaptability, resilience, social capital building, collaboration, and entrepreneurship.

One approach to reimagining higher education is to create a problem-solving machine. Instead of traditional lectures, students are presented with real-world problems to solve in small groups. They learn whatever is necessary to solve these problems and present their solutions. This approach emphasizes that there is no single correct answer and encourages collaboration and knowledge acquisition in response to real challenges.

Another critical aspect is the need for students to become lifelong learners who can thrive in ambiguous and uncertain situations. Building social capital, fostering collaboration, and instilling entrepreneurial skills are equally important. The core curriculum should include values, ethics, professionalism, information literacy, and community service.

If you were to redesign higher education without any legacy constraints, you should consider factors such as the composition of your student body, curriculum design, pedagogy, assessment methods, faculty recruitment, and facilities. For example, you may need to rethink the need for traditional exams, libraries filled with physical books, and the role of PhD qualifications for faculty members.

He concluded, “Incremental change is too slow to prepare students for an uncertain future that is changing faster than the education system. Disruption and reinvention are essential for higher education institutions to remain relevant and effective in the years ahead. This could involve merging faculties, expanding student choices, and enhancing advisory and support services to maximise each student’s potential. My consulting firm, Singapore Education Consulting Group, aims to assist educational institutions in their journey of reinvention for the next wave of education.”

Ministry of Education rolls out ‘One Nation, One ID’ – APAAR

Article

By

Sheeba Chauhan, Senior Sub Editor

-

October 17, 2023

The Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Government of India announced ‘One Nation, One ID’ – APAAR (Automated Permanent Academy Account Registry). The government notified all states and UTs to take consent from parents to issue new ID cards for students. APAAR ID is one of the major moves under the National Education Policy (NEP) which will create a digitally centarlised academic documentation of all students.

APAAR ID will be a lifelong academic record of students from Pre-primary to higher education. This academic ID will track your academic record from degrees, scholarships, qualifications to achievements like scholarships or any other academic rewards. This ID will be in addition to the 12-digit Aadhar ID that every student and citizen of India already has. As a result of this, all government and private schools will soon have their own unique identification number.

TG Sitharaman, Chairman, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) expressed his thoughts and said, “ APAAR and National Curriculum Framework will be QR code for all the learners across the nation. For every skill they will start to learn, the scorecard will be updated in APAAR.”

APAAR – Enrolment, Challenges, and Benefits

The key objective of APAAR is to collect all the data about students at a single place, the entire academic record from pre-primary to higher education can be tapped at one stop. This will be a unique identifier for each student across the nation by a 12-digit unique number issued with APAAR similar to AADHAR.

There are some concern or challenge that is considered as a roadblock in the implementation of this unique identifier. Increased burden on the administration for the enrollment of APAAR and additionally, the recent data breaches with the Aadhar data is another rising issue, as APAAR will have the entire academic record of a student and may result in major data breaches if leaked.

The enrolment procedure will proceed after taking the consent of the student’s parents which can be withdrawn by them at any point of time. Though keeping the security of the data shared, it will be shared only with concerned government authorities.

How to register for APAAR online?

You can register by logging in to the official APAAR portal – abc.gov.in and download the APAAR pdf.
Registration can be completed by providing by filling in the details like Mobile number, Aadhar Card number, University/ School name.
After registering for APAAR, you will be able to download ABC (Academic Bank of Credit) Card and use it as a unique identifier of your academic performance.

GLA University encourages experiential learning to match the global standards

Interviews

By

digitalLEARNING Network

-

October 17, 2023

In today’s world, technological progress is relentless. With innovations like AI, IoT, and Blockchain, our lives are changing rapidly, ushering in an era of unprecedented possibilities and challenges, shared Narayan Das Agrawal, Chancellor, GLA University, Mathura (India) in an exclusive interview with Sheeba Chauhan of Elets News Network. Edited excerpts:

As one of India’s leading business schools, how do you view the current state of education in India? What specific reforms do you think are most important to better prepare our students?

The current state of education in India is characterised by a mix of challenges and opportunities. We strive hard to modernise the curriculum, promote digital literacy, and enhance skill-based training to better prepare students for the evolving job market. It is a dynamic landscape with ongoing reforms and improvements.

Several specific reforms can better prepare business students in India:

1. Curriculum Modernisation: Update the curriculum to align with industry trends and global best practices. Include courses on emerging technologies, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.

2. Experiential Learning: Promote practical learning through internships, industry projects, and case studies to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

3. Digital Literacy: Integrate digital skills into the curriculum, focusing on data analytics, digital marketing, and e-commerce.

4. Industry-Academia Collaboration: Strengthen ties with businesses to ensure that the curriculum remains relevant and that students have access to real-world insights.

5. Diversity and Inclusion: Nurture an inclusive environment that reflects the diverse business world, promoting gender and cultural diversity.

Technological advancement is happening at a rapid pace. How has your curriculum evolved at GLA University in recent years to build more tech related skills? What new courses or program changes have you introduced?

In today’s world, technological progress is relentless. With innovations like AI, IoT, and Blockchain, our lives are changing rapidly, ushering in an era of unprecedented possibilities and challenges. At GLA, we are highly concerned about nurturing the robust tech-related skills in our students. In a quest to make our students conversant with emerging technologies, we have launched the following specialised courses on emerging technologies, apart from the regular ones:

Attracting top professors is an ongoing challenge. What unique approaches have you found effective at GLA University for recruitment and retention? Any best practices you’d recommend to your peers?

At GLA University, we employ innovative approaches like offering flexible work arrangements, emphasising interdisciplinary collaboration, providing research support and grants, fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment, and establishing mentorship programs to recruit and retain professors. These strategies help us attract top talent and create a supportive and engaging academic community.

We recommend best practices such as conducting comprehensive and transparent recruitment processes, offering competitive compensation and benefits packages, providing professional development opportunities, creating a conducive work-life balance, and garnering a culture of appreciation and recognition. These strategies can help our peers attract and retain high-quality faculty members.

Accessibility is so important yet costs continue rising. What partnerships or funding models has your university pioneered to help more students, especially from underprivileged areas?

Promoting accessibility in higher education, especially for underprivileged students, is indeed crucial. To pioneer partnerships and funding models at GLA university to achieve this goal, we consider the following approaches:

1. Corporate Partnerships: We collaborate with local businesses and corporations to create internship opportunities, co-op programs, or sponsorships that provide financial support to students in exchange for work or research contributions.

2. Community Engagement: We forge partnerships with local community organisations, K-12 schools, and non-profits to identify and support promising students early in their educational journey. Also, we have adopted villages to ensure the students there receive quality education.

3. Online Education: At the Centre for Distance & Online Education, GLA University, we have developed high-quality online courses and degree programs to reach a wider audience, including those who may have difficulty attending classes in person. These programs can be more cost-effective and flexible, making education more accessible.

4. Research Partnerships: We have collaborated with research institutions, government agencies, and foundations to secure research grants and funding that can be used to support underprivileged students while also advancing research initiatives at the university.

5. Scholarship Scheme: The aspirants have the opportunity to avail different merit-based scholarship programmes at GLA University.

6. Earn While You Learn: Our 5-Year Integrated MBA program allows the aspirants to get benefits from ‘on job’ curriculum based experiential learning.

By exploring a combination of these strategies and tailoring them to the specific needs and resources of GLA university, we make significant strides in improving accessibility and reducing costs for underprivileged students.

With globalisation being inevitable, how do you see GLA University continuing to evolve its curriculum for the international stage? What new aspects are priorities?

To thrive in an era of globalisation, GLA University encourages experiential learning to match the global standards. This entails offering diverse courses, fostering cross-cultural exchanges, and embracing digital learning tools. We are associated with 150+ international institutions across the globe as an academic partner to impart quality education with a global outlook. It helps us in academic and cultural exchange through various international immersion programmes.

Moreover, we also prioritise interdisciplinary programs that address global challenges. By preparing students to navigate a globalised world, GLAU remains relevant and promotes cultural understanding, critical thinking, and collaboration on an international stage.

IB plans to expand Career-related Programmes; aims to establish 100 new CP schools in next five years

Press Release

By

digitalLEARNING Network

-

October 16, 2023

The International Baccalaureate (IB) has recently witnessed an elevation in the adoption of Career-related Programme (CP) globally. In India, approximately 26 schools are now officially authorised to offer the CP which spans cities like Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Hyderabad and many others. IB’s Career-related Programme turned out to be the popular programme during the recently concluded School Leaders Summit, IBCP Confluence 2023.

The IBCP Confluence organised by the World Academy of Career Programmes (WACP) and the International Baccalaureate concluded successfully in New Delhi. The conference was attended by 200 school leaders, industry experts and educators. The attendees shared their insights on ‘ how this new-age curriculum is changing the paradigm of education by inculcating future-readiness in students.

CP programme is an internationally recognized framework that incorporates the IB into a unique programme to address the needs of students in career-related endeavours. In the last two years, schools witnessed more than 300 percentage of growth by introducing IB curriculum in schools. They are also aiming to expand 100 new CP schools in the coming five years. As per the reports, 8000 IB programmes are being offered in over 5700 schools in 159 countries.

Haif Bannayan, Global Director of Business Development, IB shared his thoughts and said, “The IB has been operating in India since 1976 with over 378 IB programmes across more than 220 schools. It has successfully launched several prominent programmes in schools across major cities in India, including Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar, Coimbatore, and many others. Our collaboration with WACP provides an opportunity for schools to gain deeper insights into the unique CP qualification and how its curriculum can empower both students and teachers to better prepare for the evolving demands of the future workforce.”

Dr. Balkishan Sharma, Founder – of WACP shared that “We aim to equip the students with a strong foundation in diverse career paths accessible immediately after grade 10, including Sports Management, Artificial Intelligence, Business Administration, Data Science & Business Analytics, Nutrition and dietetics, Event Management, and others. Our mission is to empower schools and equip students for the dynamic workforce of the future, as demonstrated by the programme’s expanding footprint. The IBCP programme resonates with the New Education Policy’s (NEP) 2020 vision of fostering holistic, inquiry-based, and multidisciplinary education, emphasising career readiness and skill development from early stages.”

CP has already been launched in schools in cities like Pune, Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Ahmedabad, and other major cities. The CP is an amalgamation of academic study and career-related skills that opens the opportunity for successful life. The globally renowned educational framework strengthens educators and prepares class 11 & 12 students to launch into a career of their choice to excel in further study.

Promoting Sustainability through WAQF: A Vision for Higher Education

Article

By

digitalLEARNING Network

-

October 16, 2023

Professor Dato' Dr. Noor Inayah Bt. Ya'akub

“WAQF’s goal is sustainability. Unlike endowments that are already established, WAQF presents opportunities for collaboration and collective sustainability. We aim to sustain as a community, not rely on a single individual. As I mentioned earlier, there are alternative income generation methods for private universities, including philanthropy through endowments, WAQF, and other charitable donations”, shared Professor Dato’ Dr. Noor Inayah Bt. Ya’akub, President & Vice-Chancellor, Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

“It’s essential to note that the concept of WAQF is evolving significantly. In the past, we primarily focused on immovable assets, but now we’re exploring cash WAQF, which has received support from the Central Bank of Malaysia and the Security Commission. Malaysia has 13 states, each with its religious council, which adds complexity to governance. However, this diversity can be a strength as these councils are the main custodians of WAQF, including cash WAQF”, added Professor Dato’ Dr. Noor.

Enhancing university income generation through WAQF has been part of the Malaysian higher education blueprint since 2015, and it’s expected to continue for the next few years. We are diversifying our income sources beyond tuition fees, including academic and research, asset monetisation, financial management activities, corporate alliances, endowments, WAQF, and fundraising. This diversity is crucial for sustainability, especially for private universities.

Implementing various modes of WAQF funding is essential. There are 12 forms of cash WAQF, including shares, insurance, direct cash WAQF, mobile cash WAQF, corporate cash WAQF, deposit cash WAQF, WAQF mutual funds, and certificate cash WAQF. These methods have received approval from the Central Bank of Malaysia and are especially relevant for Islamic banks.

Encouraging unrestricted donations to endowments is also crucial. I also serve on the board of directors of the premier trust in Malaysia, where there are substantial unclaimed funds due to weak governance. To address this, we’re considering introducing new schemes like ‘far wheels’ and ‘hiah’ to facilitate donations during one’s lifetime while ensuring they benefit descendants.

The government is supporting these initiatives through tax deductions for companies and individuals who donate to WAQF. Globally, WAQF is gaining recognition for its potential to benefit society, as seen in discussions at various international conferences and symposiums.

She further stated that “To create a sustainable ecosystem for higher education, we must strive to provide free education to students regardless of their background. This can be achieved by using WAQF proceeds to support students during periods when they are awaiting financial aid approvals, offering free or subsidized accommodations, and providing scholarships.”

We are also exploring the possibility of establishing a WAQF commission at the federal level to harmonise governance and ensure proper oversight of WAQF assets. This is essential to manage the vast WAQF land holdings in Malaysia, some of which have already been successfully developed.

“WAQF is a practical and workable approach to achieving sustainability, and it’s not limited to Muslims; it benefits all members of society. Collaborating with state religious councils, government ministries, and various organizations is crucial to realising the full potential of WAQF in Malaysia and beyond”, she concluded.

Global Collaborations Making Headway for Educational Advancements

Features

By

Sheeba Chauhan, Senior Sub Editor

-

October 16, 2023

The realm of education is currently experiencing substantial changes, primarily driven by technological advancements and, significantly, through international partnerships among countries. The recently concluded G20 summit serves as a significant milestone in these global collaborative efforts, encompassing not only education but also various other sectors. It’s worth noting that the G20 nations, collectively responsible for 85% of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 75% of global trade, play an indispensable role in the global economy.

The world’s increasing reliance on technology pulled the education system fully into the digital age and hybrid learning models have increasingly become popular. The education sector has witnessed tremendous growth after the adoption of technology. The sector has immense possibilities to expand and grow in every horizon. It would be appropriate to say that education knows no borders in a world shaped by technology. As we steer through the currents of globalised education, it becomes crucial to cultivate an inclusive and forward-looking perspective, one that equips students to meet the opportunities and hurdles that lie ahead. By embracing cultural diversity, nurturing global skills, harnessing technology, and instilling a sense of global citizenship, we can enable the upcoming generation to excel in an interconnected global landscape.

Today, there is a growing need for inventive educational approaches that offer a flexible ‘anytime, anywhere’ learning model. The emphasis on fresh, creative, and applicable skills has surged significantly, with 88% of students expressing the desire for educational institutions to impart career-focused skills in preparation for the demands of the 21st-century workforce. On a positive note, nearly 90% of women worldwide are proactively pursuing changes in their career trajectories, with 81% seizing the pandemic as an opportunity to reassess their life and career choices. Education sector is at the forefront of global development, with Global Education’s earnings per share rising from ₹6.11 to ₹13.58 in the past year.

Advancement in Education Worldwide

Innovation in education extends beyond the realm of new technology; it revolves around finding inventive and straightforward solutions to address genuine issues, ultimately fostering fairness and enhancing the learning experience. Innovative approaches can encompass various facets, such as programs, services, procedures, products, and collaborations. For instance, consider tailor-made educational games delivered via solar-powered tablets, revolutionizing math instruction for children in remote Sudanese regions. Alternatively, think of digital learning platforms designed to teach the language of instruction to refugees and marginalised children in Greece, Lebanon, and Mauritania. These examples exemplify how innovation can drive positive educational outcomes through creative means.

“Innovation in education means solving a real problem in a new, simple way to promote equitable learning.” – UNICEF

To curb the challenges, initiatives like the one in Ghana, where local mothers and grandmothers are empowered to lead early childhood education efforts can be efficient. Numerous innovators are actively engaged in classrooms and communities. UNICEF, in collaboration with its partners, plays a crucial role in identifying, nurturing, and expanding promising innovations that contribute to realising every child’s fundamental right to access education.

A lot of other countries are witnessing excessive developments. For instance, the preferred countries for higher education, Australia, the USA, Canada and the UK have emerged as top destinations owing to eased visa rules or mobility restrictions, the availability of scholarship opportunities is also immense. Reformed immigration policies of the UK and Canada about work visas have further powered students’ global education aspirations. In a recent report by a UK-based fintech company, there was a 98% increase in study abroad loan applications in the first three months of 2022 when compared to the same period of the previous year.

Countries are being cautious when embracing emerging trends like AI in education, aiming to harness its benefits rather than succumbing to potential drawbacks. According to a recent UNESCO report, by the end of 2023, approximately 67 nations will develop national strategies for AI. Out of these, 61 could be categorised as comprehensive AI strategies, including India’s National Strategy on AI. India is significantly contributing to uplifting the global education landscape from collaborating with various countries on the education front, to attract Ivy League campuses to its shores – This all shows India’s openness to educational advancements.

Furthermore, Indian students studying abroad are achieving remarkable success, underscoring the quality of education they receive. For instance, the presence of Indian students in Australia is actively working to position it as a preferred destination for students seeking international education opportunities, as per the strategic partnerships with the Indian government and Australia.

Additionally, according to the recently concluded G20 summit, themed “One World, One Future,” education is poised to become as accessible across borders as any other commodities, thanks to the ongoing global advancements in this field.

India’s Endeavor to Expand Its Global Educational Footprint

The Indian education sector has witnessed increased private investments and collaborations with international brands to provide an internationally recognised standard of education.

Various initiatives, MoUs, and collaborations can be seen across nations as a result of these interconnected relations with a bigger goal of thriving in education. India’s step towards opening up gates for foreign varsities to establish campuses in India is one of the majors. Recently, in the presence of the honourable Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, and President of US – Joe Biden, Indo-US collaborates to strengthen research. In March this year, India signed an MoU with Australia regarding mutual recognition of University, Vocational, and School qualifications in both countries. This agreement will help the students of both countries to study in either country as their qualifications will be recognised and will be valid in both countries.

Enhancing its education base in the UAE, India signed an MoU with UAE on cooperation in the field of education. Additionally, PM Modi’s visit to UAE in June 2023 resulted in a mutual agreement to open IIT Delhi’s campus in Abu Dhabi which is expected to start in January next year.

Be it the UAE or the US, India is making its mark in the education landscape. The educational compass of India is expanding its horizons beyond the restricted walls and bringing a lot of opportunities not just to India but to foreign students as well.

UNICEF, in collaboration with its partners, plays a crucial role in identifying, nurturing, and expanding promising innovations that contribute to realising every child’s fundamental right to access education.

A Glance at Forging a Powerful Educational Environment

To achieve global educational goals, some key components that need continuous attention and rapid development with the changes happening all across. Here are some of the few to create an impactful educational ecosystem–

Advanced Educator Community: Teacher communities are vital for a thriving education ecosystem. They offer a platform for educators to share resources, collaborate on lesson plans, and provide emotional support, enhancing their ability to address challenges and stay updated on educational trends. Encouraging collaboration and open communication among teachers, students, and administrators fosters an inclusive and engaging learning environment.

Latet Educational Content: Another crucial aspect of a strong educational ecosystem is interactive content. It offers engaging learning experiences and can be tailored to suit individual student needs. To make this work effectively, a complete hardware and software solution is necessary, including devices like View Boards, tablets, or laptops that can run interactive content and software like my View Board for content creation and display. ViewSonic provides a range of resources and tools designed specifically for educators.

Teacher Training and Development: In addition to teachers using interactive whiteboards, professional development (PD) is a critical component of an effective education ecosystem. PD opportunities help educators continually enhance their skills and knowledge, ultimately benefiting students. These sessions keep teachers updated on the latest teaching methods, technologies, and trends, as well as strategies to address common classroom challenges. Moreover, PD fosters collaboration and the sharing of best practices among teachers. Peer to-peer learning enables educators to learn from each other’s experiences and expertise. By providing PD and training on interactive tools, teachers are better equipped to address classroom issues, both locally and globally.

Government Initiatives and Support: The government plays a vital role in shaping education policies and funding initiatives, crucial for scaling local education programs. Government support is essential for successful endeavours, like establishing esports programs in schools. This support includes funding and guidance. Collaborations with local tech companies, sponsors, and non-profits can help identify funding sources, resources, and partnerships.

With these considerations in mind, Elets Technomedia has been actively engaging with the ever-evolving landscape of global education since 2011. This year, we’re gearing up for the forthcoming edition of the World Education Summit (WES), which will be held on an international scale in Malaysia.

WES Making an Undeniable Mark in the Global Education Realm

Celebrating its remarkable journey of success, Elets World Education Summit (WES) will embark on a journey, this time in Malaysia with a focus on driving future-ready innovations and providing opportunities to forge countless collaborations with leading global educators and edtechs. This most influential and longest-running event specifically addresses the burgeoning demand for new technologies and practical insights for smart educational practices to thrive in today’s highly competitive digital world.

The World Education Summit will feature an impressive lineup of speakers, including experts from both higher education and school education. They will generously impart their wisdom, partake in meaningful discussions, and offer profound insights into the ongoing developments, challenges, and prospects within the education arena. Let’s tap on the words of some of the leaders joining us for the most anticipated summit.

Final Thoughts!

Similar to a natural ecosystem’s intricate web of interconnected parts, constructing an education ecosystem entails assembling a cohesive set of components within an environment that nurtures effective teaching, learning, and development. In the pursuit of establishing an impactful educational realm, educators worldwide are poised to embrace innovative practices, illuminating the path to a brighter future.

As we usher in the era of education’s evolution, it is through collective collaboration, continuous innovation, and a shared dedication to delivering high-quality education that we can authentically revolutionise the global learning landscape. The World Education Summit in Malaysia serves as a living testament to this grand vision, as we collaboratively shape the educational destiny for future generations on a global stage.

LATEST NEWS

Top Trending News

Top Trending Categories