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Global Collaborations Making Headway for Educational Advancements

Educational Advancements

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.

40% increased enrollments in its Financial Risk courses claims edtech platform Zell Education

Zell Education

Zell Education, an ed-tech platform specialising in finance and accounts, experienced a significant 40% increase in enrollments for its Financial Risk courses, during the academic year 2022-2023 compared to the previous year. This surge in demand for Financial Risk courses in 2023 can be attributed to several factors, including the growing complexity of financial markets, increased regulatory requirements, and a heightened focus on risk management in the financial sector, as stated in an official announcement.

In 2021, the demand for Financial Risk courses in India witnessed modest growth, with an increase of approximately 20%. However, in 2022, this demand saw a more substantial rise, with a growth rate of around 35%, as mentioned in the release.

Looking forward to 2023, Zell Education anticipates continued strong demand for Financial Risk courses in India, with an expected growth rate of about 40%. The financial industry continues to acknowledge the critical role of risk management in ensuring financial stability and growth. The overall outlook for the sector remains highly positive, offering increased job opportunities for professionals skilled in financial risk management, according to the release.

Also Read | India, Greece in discussion to work together in the field of education

Pratham Barot, CEO and Co-Founder of Zell Education commented, “The significant 40% surge reflects the growing awareness of the crucial impact of risk management, especially in the business landscape. As the financial market continues to evolve, professionals with expertise in financial risk are in high demand. Zell has students enrolled in such courses from Tier I, II, and III cities, indicating its relevance to a wide and diverse audience.”

Zell Education claims to offer a variety of courses, with the top five most popular choices being ACCA, CMA, CFA, FRM, and F and A. The demographic of Zell Education’s learners is diverse, with approximately 55% coming from metropolitan areas and the remaining 45% from tier 2 and 3 towns across India.

Infinity Learn launches IL Vista – the virtual intelligent system for tailored academics

Infinity Learn launches IL Vista

Infinity Learn by Sri Chaitanya has recently presented its groundbreaking project: IL VISTA – the Virtual Intelligent System for Tailored Academics. This monumental initiative has received substantial investment, with almost a million dollars allocated, and a commitment of an additional 4-5 million dollars reserved for its upcoming phases.

IL VISTA represents a pioneering leap in the field of education. The Virtual Intelligent System for Tailored Academics seeks to fully utilise the potential of artificial intelligence to address the challenges educators and learners face. This vision is brought to life through a unified set of mobile and web applications that provide users with an array of tools, ensuring that state-of-the-art technology is always at their disposal. In the traditional educational model, teachers guide learners with hints, enabling them to develop the right approach until they become independent problem solvers. In VISTA’s domain, this scaffolding role is taken up by Doubts AI, a modern ally of educators with a foundation in traditional values. Doubts AI comprehends and directs a student’s learning, guiding them step by step to ensure they grasp the underlying concept, not just the answer.

However, a learner’s educational journey is incomplete without assessments, which involve the process of gathering data to better understand a student’s strengths and weaknesses. IL VISTA’s Assessment for Learning aims to revolutionize the inputs and feedback provided by educators during assessments. This approach primarily empowers educators by allowing AI, instead of fatigued human eyes, to assess each student’s learning efficiently and impartially.

Today’s educational landscape shows that learners often turn to videos to grasp complex concepts. The Check for Understanding (CFU) tool enhances the learning experience by inserting checkpoints within these educational videos. These checkpoints pose questions to improve student focus and gauge their understanding.

Recognizing the pivotal role of educators, VISTA’s Teacher Assistant is designed to be the digital confidant of every educator. This tool aims to “Empower Educators for Tomorrow” by assisting in everything from lesson planning to resource identification and pedagogical insights. It equips educators with the finest digital tools to adapt their teaching strategies for a new era.

Sushma Bopanna, Academic Director, Sri Chaitanya Educational Institutions and Founder Director of Infinity Learn by Sri Chaitanya, shared her excitement about the launch, emphasizing the goal of creating a brighter, more inclusive learning world with technology as a supportive guide for educators and a source of enjoyment for students.

Ujjwal Singh, CEO, Infinity Learn by Sri Chaitanya, further elaborated on IL VISTA’s powerful AI engine that analyses interactions, queries, and feedback from learners and educators. This endeavor is not just about streamlining the learning process but about elevating the entire educational ecosystem. He expressed confidence in delivering a mature product that will redefine the educational landscape, given the promising initial results.

As Infinity Learn embarks on this transformative journey with IL VISTA, it signifies the beginning of a new era where education and technology intersect to create unmatched learning opportunities.

RV University fosters nation-building through education

RV University

RV University is a modern institution dedicated to providing transformative education and nurturing future leaders with the mission of “Go, Change the World.” Established as a State Private University under Karnataka legislation, RV University embodies the visionary Rashtreeya Sikshana Samithi Trust, known for its excellence in higher education for over eight decades.

Today, the legacy of RV University extends to more than 20,000 students across 25 RV Educational institutions, offering a wide range of learning opportunities, from early childhood education to advanced higher studies. The university’s commitment is to offer affordable, high-quality education to individuals from all backgrounds, spanning diverse domains, including arts, humanities, sciences, teacher training, healthcare, law, technology, and management.

Since its inception in 2021, RV University has rapidly expanded, offering 60 undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. programs across seven schools:

  • Liberal Arts and Sciences
  • Design and Innovation
  • Film, Media, and Creative Arts
  • Computer Science and Engineering
  • Business
  • Economics
  • Law

The university emphasizes a well-rounded education that combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, aligning with the National Education Policy 2020. Students have the freedom to choose their majors and minors, tailoring their education to their interests and career goals. RV University boasts a diverse community, with students and faculty members from various parts of the country and the world.

Founding Vice Chancellor, RV University, Prof. Y. S. R. Murthy, highlighted the university’s commitment to interdisciplinary, experiential learning, empowering students with critical and creative thinking skills. The goal is to prepare students for an uncertain world and provide them with holistic education.

RV University has strategically forged over 130 national and international partnerships in a short time. These collaborations create an industry-driven learning environment, benefitting students and faculty members. Partnerships span prestigious universities in the USA, UK, Europe, as well as prominent figures and entities in the Indian industry, policymaking, and think-tank community. Notable collaborations include Seattle University, Bryant University, Teesside University of Middlesbrough, MuSigma, Coursera, Ziroh Labs, and a strategic alliance with Broadrange AI.

Furthermore, RV Educational Institutions introduced MineRVa – RV Centre for Leadership and Executive Education, offering a range of programs to empower working professionals, including the flagship Executive MBA program jointly provided with Bryant University.

Recently, RV University hosted an India-U.S. Law and Justice Forum in collaboration with O.P. Jindal Global University, addressing critical issues related to the Rule of Law and access to justice. The conference aimed to facilitate an exchange of ideas to enhance the judicial systems of both India and the United States, covering topics such as gender equality, women’s empowerment, and the global relevance of legal education. The event was graced by the presence of Hon’ble Justice R.V. Raveendran as the Chief Guest.

GUVI launches ‘Naan Mudhalvan-Tamil Nadu Coders Premier League’

IIT-Madras-launches-online

GUVI, a company nurtured by IIT Madras and IIM Ahmedabad, has launched a program aimed at training 100,000 engineering students in Tamil Nadu. This comprehensive training initiative, called ‘Naan Mudhalvan-Tamil Nadu Coders Premier League’ (NM-TNcpl), consists of a series of hackathons designed to equip students with valuable coding skills and practical experience.

In collaboration with the ‘Naan Mudhalvan’ initiative of the Government of Tamil Nadu, Anna University, and the Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation, GUVI is organising NM-TNcpl. This program, conducted both online and offline over three months, offers ambitious engineering students in Tamil Nadu a platform to showcase their coding abilities while enhancing their skills, all free of charge. During these hackathons, students will work on solving problem statements from various departments of the Government of Tamil Nadu, providing innovative tech solutions.

The inaugural event of this initiative took place on October 6, 2023, at Anna Centenary Library, Chennai, and was inaugurated by Thiru. Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Hon’ble Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development, Government of Tamil Nadu. Engineering college students from any specialisation are welcome to participate in NM-TNcpl.

GUVI specializes in empowering individuals aspiring for IT and software jobs through self-paced learning tech courses, ZEN class career programs, and other vernacular EdTech services. They have created an online platform that allows students to learn in their native languages and offer specialized IT courses to make them ‘job ready.’

Several colleges, including KSR Educational Institutions in Tiruchengode and Annapoorana Engineering College in Salem, have partnered with GUVI to serve as nodal centers for launching this massive hackathon series.

Arun Prakash M, Founder and CEO of GUVI, emphasised the significance of this initiative, stating that NM-TNcpl is a milestone in their mission to empower the youth of Tamil Nadu and beyond. He believes in the transformative power of technology and education and aims to make quality tech education accessible to all. NM-TNcpl not only fosters a competitive environment for coders but also offers numerous opportunities, including cash prizes totaling ₹2 lakhs and internships for the top-performing teams. The program is designed to focus on trending technological themes such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Full Stack Development.

GLA University: A Transformative Odyssey in Education, Innovation, and Sustainability

Prof. Anurag Singh

“GLA University is located in the northern part of India, close to the capital city, Delhi, and holds significant cultural and religious significance, as it’s associated with Lord Krishna’s birthplace. Our university’s journey began in 1998 as an educational trust aimed at providing quality education to those who lacked support from the government. Over the past 25 years, we’ve grown substantially, with 58 departments, 79 programs, and a workforce of over 1,900 employees”, shared Prof. Anurag Singh, Director – Institute of Business Management, GLA University Mathura, India at 27th Elets World Education Summit in Malaysia.

 

He further added, “Our campus spans 125 acres and includes state-of-the-art facilities, such as 234 ICT-enabled classrooms, 135 labs, 11 seminar halls, 19 hostels, and more. We prioritise sustainability with green practices, natural cooling in hostels, and various sports and recreational facilities.”

In terms of academic offerings, we provide 37 undergraduate programs, 24 postgraduate programs, and 18 doctoral programs. Our commitment to quality education is reflected in our consistent intake growth of 15% year on year. Our students benefit from innovative teaching methods like case discussions, flipped classrooms, experiential learning, and collaborative teaching.

We’ve aligned our curriculum with the National Education Policy 2020, emphasizing affordable, equitable, and accessible education. Our vision includes achieving an NF ranking under 50, maximum placements in Fortune 500 companies, QSWUR ranking recognition, and AACSB accreditation in the near future.

In addition to academics, we support entrepreneurship and innovation with incubation programs, seed money for student startups, and an entrepreneurial ecosystem fund. Our consultancy revenues are substantial, and several faculty members have received international recognition.

We take pride in our collaborative partnerships with renowned universities and industries worldwide. Our commitment to green practices extends to generating our electricity and maintaining nearby heritage and cultural sites.

“GLA University has come a long way in the last 25 years, and we continue to strive for excellence in education, research, and entrepreneurship”, he concluded.

EdTech Unleashed: Elets World Education Summit Connects Promising Startups with Global Investors in Malaysia

edtech new

Elets Technomedia, in an exciting addition to the esteemed Elets World Education Summit (WES), proudly unveiled the ‘EdTech Unleashed’ startup programme this year. This dynamic initiative seamlessly connected promising startups with influential leaders in the education sector and global investors at the 27th Elets World Education Summit in Dubai.

The EdTech Unleashed programme featured an eminent panel of visionary investors deeply committed to nurturing innovation and development within the educational technology sector. This dynamic team included:

  • Adrian Hia, Partner, Kairous Capital, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Dr. Anand Govindaluri, Founder & CEO, Govin Capital
  • Dash Dhakshinamoorthy, Founder, Startup Malaysia
  • Raja Hamzah Abidin, Co-Founder and Co-Managing Partner, RHL Ventures, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Noor Amy Ismail, Chief Operating Officer, Malaysia Venture Capital Management, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • John Lim, Partner, Meet Ventures, Singapore
  • Teng Hau Lee, Investment Director, Kairous Capital, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

These distinguished investors bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the programme.

The programme showcased a diverse array of innovative startups, each offering a distinct solution to the challenges confronting education in the digital era. Participating startups included ACKTEC Technologies, Columbus Edupark, ActivBot and SEV7N Ubiquitous Pvt Ltd.

These startups, selected through a rigorous application process, had the opportunity to pitch their solutions to investors at the 27th Elets World Education Summit on 2nd October in Malaysia.

The event served as a prominent stage for these startups to exhibit their innovation and vision for the future of education. As the live pitch session unfolded, the audience was spellbound by the possibilities unveiled by these edtech ventures. Notably, one standout solution demonstrated the potential for AI to revolutionize the learning experience, offering personalized content and real-time feedback for students. The profound impact of such a tool on education stimulated discussions about the transformative role of AI in reshaping the educational landscape.

Another company in the Series B phase unveiled a robust platform already implemented in numerous schools. Their emphasis on fostering seamless collaboration between teachers, students, and parents showcased their commitment to creating a holistic educational ecosystem.

Feedback sessions, guided by seasoned mentors and investors, provided invaluable insights and recommendations to help these startups thrive in a competitive market. The experts emphasised the importance of scaling edtech solutions to reach a broader audience.

The EdTech Unleashed programme concluded with an enriching experience and a collective commitment to propel innovation and growth in the educational technology landscape, offering a brighter and more promising future for students and educators alike.

IIT Madras-Zanzibar campus is set to be inaugurated next month: Dharmendra Pradhan

IIT Madras-Zanzibar campus

The Indian government is all set to establish the inaugural IIT campus outside of India. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has officially announced that the inauguration of the IIT Madras-Zanzibar campus is scheduled for early November in Zanzibar. The announcement was made during an event where Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan received an honorary doctorate from Jawaharlal Nehru University.

Expressing his thoughts, Minister Pradhan stated, “I am delighted to announce the establishment of the first offshore campus of an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Zanzibar. The IIT Madras-Zanzibar campus is set to be inaugurated next month.” He went on to highlight the significant impact of this institute on educational cooperation between India and Africa, particularly Tanzania. The IIT Madras-Zanzibar campus will offer students from Tanzania and other African nations access to high-quality engineering and technology education, contributing to nation-building, economic growth, technological advancement, and research and innovation in Africa.

The campus in Zanzibar is under the leadership of Prof. Preeti Aghalayam, who previously served as a professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at IIT Madras.

At the IIT Madras Zanzibar campus, two full-time courses will be available: a four-year Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence and a two-year Master of Technology in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. Student selection will be based on eligibility and qualifications.

Students at the Zanzibar campus will have various opportunities during their studies, including study abroad and semester exchange programs with partner universities of IIT Madras in the UK, Australia, and other countries. Additionally, they will have the chance to undertake internships with relevant businesses and fulfill certain course requirements at the IIT Madras campus in Chennai, India.

IGNOU, ICAI inks MoU to enhance academic collaboration

IGNOU, ICAI inks MoU

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has recently renewed and revamped its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) to enhance their academic collaboration.

The official signing ceremony for the MoU occurred in the presence of key figures, including Prof Nageshwar Rao, the Vice Chancellor of IGNOU, CA Aniket Sunil Talati, President of ICAI, distinguished members of ICAI, and faculty members from IGNOU’s School of Management Studies (SOMS). The MoU was formally signed by CA Jai Kumar Batra, Secretary of ICAI, and Dr. Alok Chaube, Registrar of IGNOU.

CA Dayaniwas Sharma, Chairman of BoS at ICAI, expressed his satisfaction with the previous collaboration, which benefited over 48,522 BCOMAF and 8,650 MCOMFT students. He also welcomed the continuation of this academic partnership.

Prof MS Senam Raju, the Director of the School of Management Studies, voiced his approval of the revised MoU. He emphasized the importance of this agreement in light of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the curriculum and credit framework set by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Prof. Raju also mentioned that similar revised MoUs had been signed with ICSI and ICAI (CMA), expressing gratitude for the Vice Chancellor’s consistent support for such collaborations between academic institutions and industry.

CA Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal, Vice President of ICAI, stressed the crucial role of education in ensuring survival in a competitive world. He highlighted that this MoU would allow ICAI students to broaden their education across various disciplines while maintaining practical knowledge during their articles.

CA Aniket Sunil Talati, President of ICAI, pointed out that the MoU would provide ICAI students with a unique opportunity to pursue academic qualifications without compromising their practical training during articleship. He emphasised that both ICAI and IGNOU would play a vital role in offering students a combination of academic and practical exposure, leveraging the extensive educational reach of both institutions to meet the nation’s expectations.

Prof Nageshwar Rao, Vice-Chancellor of IGNOU, highlighted the university’s global standing as the largest in terms of enrollment, with 35 lakh students currently enrolled and 38 lakh alumni. He also mentioned IGNOU’s international presence in 58 countries with 5,000 enrolled students. Prof. Rao emphasized the shared characteristics between both institutions, such as extensive academic operations, international presence, and large enrollments. He expressed confidence that this renewed MoU would mutually benefit students by offering affordable and flexible learning opportunities.

Transforming Higher Education Through Unified Technology Platforms

sivakumar

“Over the years, we have had the privilege of working with numerous higher education leaders and universities, partnering with many institutions. During this time, we have witnessed the constant evolution of higher education, and it’s evident that the recent pandemic has dramatically shifted how we deliver education to the world”, shared Sivakumar Veerappan, Founder & CEO, Anubavam Technologies Pvt Ltd at the 27th Elets World Education Summit in Malaysia.

In light of these changes, he shared some important points and insights and said, “To begin, let me share some of the experiences we have gained as a higher education technology company. Creatrix Campus was born out of the challenges we observed in higher education. We noticed that universities often approach their technological needs in a fragmented manner. They acquire various solutions to address specific issues, such as CRM for admissions, accreditation software, learning management systems (LMS), and assessment tools. Unfortunately, these solutions often operate in isolation, leading to data silos and inefficiencies.”

Moreover, many universities tend to focus primarily on the student life cycle, as students make up the largest stakeholder group. However, faculty members, who are the next largest stakeholder group, are often overlooked in terms of technology and tools to support their work.

This approach of acquiring disjointed systems and neglecting faculty needs results in a lack of data integration, increased costs, decreased efficiency, security concerns, and missed opportunities. The need for a unified, integrated technology platform that can streamline and transform university operations becomes apparent.

We have observed that universities face numerous challenges, such as:

Lack of Integration: Most university systems are not designed to communicate with each other, leading to fragmented data and inefficiencies.

Compliance and Security: Managing data compliance and security becomes increasingly challenging, especially in regions with strict regulations like GDPR.

Global Competition: Universities are now competing globally for students, requiring technology that can support their international efforts.

Faculty Frustration: Faculty members should focus on teaching and research, but when burdened with technology challenges, they may become frustrated.

Student Success: Tracking and supporting student success becomes more difficult without integrated technology.

Strategic Planning: Many universities lack the technology to effectively track and implement their strategic plans.

“To address these challenges, we believe in the importance of a unified platform that provides end-to-end support for the entire student and faculty life cycle, as well as institutional effectiveness. This platform should integrate CRM, admissions, enrollment, curriculum management, learning management, assessments, accreditation management, analytics, and more”, he added further.

Furthermore, universities need to adopt agile technologies and solutions that can adapt to changing market dynamics. This is where “no code” or “low code” platforms come into play, allowing institutions to quickly modify and enhance their systems without the need for extensive coding or development efforts.

In today’s rapidly changing landscape, universities must prioritise students and faculty, providing them with the tools and support they need to thrive. Faculty members should have access to data that enables them to excel in teaching and research, while students should benefit from technology that empowers them to succeed.

Additionally, artificial intelligence (AI) holds great potential in higher education, from predicting student success to optimising faculty workloads. However, to leverage AI effectively, universities must first ensure their data is in order, focus on integration, and have a strategic plan for AI implementation.

“I want to emphasise the importance of a unified, integrated technology platform in higher education. It’s time for universities to transform and embrace agile solutions that can adapt to the evolving landscape. By prioritising students and faculty and harnessing the power of AI, higher education institutions can excel in this digital age”, he concluded.

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