Dr R P Dubey, Pro Vice Chancellor, Dr CV Raman University, calls for establishing Research Parks in universities to bridge the gap between industry and academia

Institutions across the world are coming up with new ways of imparting education. How are you bringing innovation in pedagogy at your institute?
To come up with new and advanced ways of imparting education, a set of skills, habit of mind and subject knowledge is required. We are committed to create a conductive atmosphere in teaching, learning, research and practical extension of other activities with several new initiatives.

How important is it to have a strong academia-industry linkage for an engineering institute and what it means to the students?
Every industry linkage aims at providing a common platform for engineers, researchers and technologists to present their ideas, innovations and views in the emerging areas of engineering and technology. A strong academia-industry linkage means giving a strong academic insight through valuable participation towards the path of success for the students, scholars and faculty members.
For strong academia-industry linkage, institutes should have Research Parks in their campuses. Research Park is a place where research companies come and conduct research in partnership with academia. Innovative minds from the industry and academics meet here on one platform to exchange and create new ideas for bringing out technological advancements. Along with this, students work here to acquire innovations and skills with deep academic insight to possess a huge treasure ofknowledge. Classroom teaching, although essential is not enough to learn innovations and creativity.

“Research Parks offer platform for innovative minds from the industry and academics to exchange and create new ideas for technological advancements”

How can the gap between industry and academia be bridged? Please share some of the unique initiatives taken up by your institute.
In the present scenario, there is a huge gap between industry and academia. This gap can be filled up by establishing the ‘Research Park’ in the campus. It provides a common platform to both industry and academia for innovation, creativity, technology generation and product and process development. It is a means to convert intellectual capital of both the institute and industry into usable goods and devices. Moreover, it acts as a mechanism to build synergy between industry and institutes. Besides this, we can proceed through a collaborative curriculum development, laboratory development and other research development programmes in certain areas where both can contribute meaningfully and exchange the ideas.
We have signed an MoU with Microsoft for enhancing the course curriculum activities. Microsoft provided Office-365(A2) SKU for the faculty and students. We have facilitated industrial visits and tours for students for an exposure to industrial environment. We regularly organise seminars, workshops, techno fests, quiz, training programmes and other personality development, skill-oriented programmes to enable the growth of leadership qualities. We have been undertaking and guiding various state level and national level projects.

What is the importance of an incubation centre?
‘Success’ in the global market today means creating and applying new technology faster than one’s competitors. World winners are those who develop talent, technology, techniques and tools advanced enough to beat competition. So, an incubation centre is also as important as success in the global market.

Dr J B Dafedar, Principal, Orchid College of Engineering & Technology, talks about the role the institute plays in building a better future for the students

Engineering is amongst the few professions, where creativity and innovation in mind, the institute has been instrumental in effectively imparting job-focused education. The institute constantly works on some major aspects like job-oriented short term courses, industry interaction, soft skills, academics, etc.Institutes across the world are coming up with new ways of imparting education. How are you bringing innovation in pedagogy at your institute?

Job-oriented short term courses have been started to meet the industry requirements and make the students industry-ready. The college has also floated various in-house co-curricular technical courses such as Catia in mechanical engineering, ETABS and MS Project in civil engineering, android programming in computer science and engineering, Advance JAVA for electronics and telecommunication engineering.The institute also conducts industryinstitute interactions and technical symposiums regularly to keep the students apprised of the latest industry happenings. To imbibe corporate culture, the institute has introduced soft skills as a subject and students undergo the training to match the professional needs of industry.

Students complain that most engineering institutes impart theoretical knowledge rather than giving practical assignments. Has the trend changed in recent past?
It is true that the engineering institutes pay more attention towards theoretical knowledge than practical learning. However, it has been noticed that the industries are taking initiative in this regard and are giving practical assignments to the students as per industry needs. The colleges are also trying to become a centre of excellence in certain areas for the industry. However, the pace
is very slow and requires momentum.

What is the importance of an incubation centre and tell us about your plans to install one?
Recognising the importance of incubation centre, many national level institutions like IIT, etc have already taken initiativesto nurture talent with the help of incubation centres.
The incubation centres provide a host of services to new enterprises and facilitate networking. The students can turn their plans into reality through the incubation centre. The institute has entrepreneurship development cell through which students are encouraged and made aware of the various possibilities of exploration in engineering. Through entrepreneurship development cell, the college has organised many workshops.

How has been your college’s placement in recent years? Do you think there is sufficient demand in the industry for the engineering graduates?
There is a good demand in the industry for the skilled engineers. Every year from our institute, 60 to 70 percent students
are placed in the industry through the college placement programme. To inculcate the industrial skill set, the college trains students from the second year. The basic branches such as civil, electrical and mechanical are in good demand.

What is your expectation from the next government?
The institute expects that the government will encourage research through funding for resolving local problems so that the students, faculty members and the society at large are benefited.

S L Agrawal, Executive Director, JECRC Foundation, talks about the role of the institute in overall development of students

Students complain that most engineering institutes pay more attention towards imparting theoretical knowledge rather than giving practical assignments. Has this trend changed in the last few years?Institutes across the world are coming up with new ways of imparting education. How are you bringing innovation in pedagogy at your institute?
JECRC Foundation nurtures the essence of growth in education and its holistic approach focuses on overall development of its students. It is nurturing the talent in its unique way. Our motto is to generate ‘Eduprenures’ from engineers. The training of students starts from the inception. They are classified under Tutor Guardian Protocol. Every student is assigned to one faculty member for coming four years. Students are taught research-based learning skills where the environment plays a crucial role. Each and every student must submit projects in the journey. These projects will imbibe the spirit of innovation in student. The success of this idea can be measured from the fact that our maximum students get funding under student projects from Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.

Yes, this trend has drastically changed during the last few years. Throughout the globe, there is a demand that students should be well suited for industry and this is possible only if the affiliating universities drastically review and revise the syllabus keeping in view, the industry requirements. Our faculty and senior authorities are putting in extra efforts to generate novel methods of teaching so that our students are able to tackle various challenges in industry. Keeping oneself updated is also important for engineering students. Our labs are well equipped with modern tools and technology. Our joint collaborations are also helping us well, while the support system of alumni is also appreciable. Overall, the 85 percent placement is the mirror image of our success in current scenario.

What is the importance of an incubation centre and tell us about your plans to install one?
We have an incubation centre called JU Technology Incubation Centre. It aims to attract students to develop their entrepreneurial skills. The centre encourages students to develop new ideas and innovative products. The centre also mobilises resources for product designing and undertakes feasibility study on commercial ventures for the products. The university has also garnered momentum with venture capitalists in organising funds for such innovative products. Workshops and seminars are conducted to provide exposure in design and development of new products and also to encourageentrepreneurial skills.

How has been your college’s placement in recent years? Do you think there is sufficient demand in the industry for the engineering graduates?
The foundation has set an exemplary placement record with its students being chosen by industry leaders, year after year. It has been hosting the ‘Standalone Recruitment Drives’, where leading business houses participate to test the mettle of the students of JECRC Foundation. Some of the companies that recruit students are IBM, DELL, TCS, Nokia- Siemens Networks, Asia Motor Works, Taj Group, Tata Technologies, Essar Steels, AS2Z Group of Companies, Uttam Galva (Steel), Patni Computers, STG International Inc., LG Electronics, L&T India, Infosys Technologies, Benchmark Broadcasting, Reliance Industries, Tech Mahindra, etc.

With an aim to amalgamate the whole education sector and commemorate all those who have morphed the industry into a leading sector of India, Indian Education Congress 2014 was organised on May 22 and 23 at Vivanta by Taj, Surajkund, Delhi. Organised by Franchise India, the event was graced by leaders of education industry. Some of the personalities, who attended the event, were renowned author and management consultant Shiv Khera, Central Board of Secondary Education Chairman Vineet Joshi (IAS), Delhi Public School, RK Puram Principal Dr D R Saini and Ryan International Group of Institutions Chief Executive Officer Ryan Pinto.
The main agenda of this knowledge-enriching event was to discuss the transformations taking place in education sector. The awards were also organised to keep  up the morale of the industry leaders and players, who have been diligently producing success stories.
Education sector has been witnessing major developments for a few years. The event focused on how franchising in education can be a milestone to create a large education access.
There were panel discussions, debates and brainstorming over the future of the retail industry. Gaurav Marya, President,   Franchise India said, “We are bringing in a platform for all relevant people from education sector to come and share their vision and ideas with all industry leaders in order to discuss growth aspects of education in India. This will be a great exercise for all of you in order to gauge our standing in contemporary times and help us in expanding our vision for the future.”

Dr Shabistan Gaffar, Chairperson, Committee on Girls Education, National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions, shares her views about the importance of technical education in aiding women in India

women education in India has been given a lot of importance in all Five Year Plans with special emphasis on technical and vocational education with a view to enable the women to be economically independent and become better homemakers. It also aims at making a tremendous impact on the quality of life of women folk. Therefore, polytechnic education for women is very important part of education.
The report of Women Education 1937 expressed the view that women can definitely contribute in growth and development of the country. Therefore, it is essential to take suitable measures for expansion of vocational and technical education for women. Though the British government didn’t implement  the recommendations of the report, it was only after independence that Indian government took steps to uplift the status of women by establishing National Women Council, which gave its report in the financial year 1956-1957. According to the report, only four percent girls were receiving education. This report laid emphasis on enhancing the facilities of vocational and technical education for women. During Second Five Year Plan, women technical education got a modest consideration with the establishment of a women polytechnic. On the recommendation of National Council for Women Education, it was started as a part of a women’s welfare programme. Women’s education expanded fairly in post-independence period, but Muslim women education was better than average literacy of India in pre-independence period. So during 1951-1981, percentage of literacy among women increased from four percent to 7.93 percent and upto 24.82 percent according to Programme of Action 1986 (National Policy of Education). By 1991, it increased upto 39.42 percent (Aajkal 1991). Due to socio-cultural and socioeconomic reasons, institutions for girls’ education and technical education were established relatively late as compared to those for boys. The first co-educational polytechnic was established in 1937.
It was a round 1961 that two polytechnics for women were started in Delhi and Bangalore after recommendation of National Council for Women. The main purpose of such institutions was a social welfare activity, but definitely as a development activity as well.

Social change is a function of economic development and cultural transformation, which automatically follows development of nation. One may further say that social change and cultural transformation is by-product of economic development. The policymakers also realised that women must have equal contribution in economic growth and development of country. This has also been recognised by the constitution. It has also been experienced that higher education courses like BA, MA, etc. are of little relevance in professional world and don’t enhance employment opportunities for the women. Hence, there is a need to promote technical and vocational skills in the women for economic independence. National Policy of Education 1986 was a major landmark in the evolution of status of women in India. The policy addressed the issue of equality of educational opportunity for women. The policy of non-discrimination is pursued vigorously to eliminate sex-stereotyping in vocational and professional courses and to promote women’s participation in non-traditional occupations as well as in existing and emerging technologies.
National Policy for Empowerment of Women formulated in 2001 aimed to bring about social change in attitudes towards women and women empowerment. One of the major objectives of this policy was to give equal access to women to healthcare, quality education at all levels, career and vocational guidance, employment, equal remuneration, occupation, safety, social security, public office, etc.
The policy also had various elements. One of the elements was science and technology. It aimed at bringing about a greater involvement of women in science and technology. These included measures to motivate girls to take up science and technology for higher education and also ensure that development projects with scientific and technical inputs involve women. Efforts to develop a scientific temper and awareness were also stepped up. Special measures were taken for their training in area where they have special skills like communication and information technology. Efforts to develop appropriate technologies suited to women’s needs were also made. India has one of the youngest population in the world and it is expected to continue until2040. However, India’s productivity is much lower than that of other Asian economies. The structural shift towards higher productivity sectors requires up-skilling of the labour force in order to ensure the country’s inclusive economic growth. Skill development has emerged as a national priority and a number of skill training initiatives have been undertaken over the last four years.
Percentage of workforce receiving skill training in India is only 10 percent whereas in Koreas (96 percent), Japan (80 percent), Germany (75 percent), UK (68 percent), etc. Due to the unavailability of appropriate skill training, the candidates are facing a lot of difficulties in jobs. According to international organisations, it is difficult to fill up jobs in India, which is 48 percent. It is higher than global figure, which is 34 percent. According to GOI estimates, 93 percent of workforce is employed in the unorganised or informal sector, which is not supported by structural skill development system.
The skill development capacity across the country is uneven. Influenced by regional characteristics, eastern states have very low capita in comparison to northern states such as Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab. The industrialised states have a
higher number of vocational training institutes.

Joy Ghosh, Vice President, Edaxis, in a tete-a-tete with Gandharv Walia of Elets News Network (ENN) talks about the use of audio-visual products in education sector

The use of audio-visual products in schools and colleges is a new phenomenon. When do you see the surge in demand for such products in these institutes?What are the various kinds of audio-visual products available in the market for education industry?
There are various types of audio-visual  products in the market. The most important one is the interactive whiteboard, which has been in India for 10-15 years. Initially, it was launched by a Canadabased company TeamBoard. I entered this company TeamBoard. I entered this segment at that time. Today, the most advanced product is interactive projector as instead of a white board, it uses a wall.
Edaxis has also launched ‘Onfingertip’, which is an all-in-one projector with an in-built computer.
Our products can’t be compared to low-cost projectors of various companies as our technology is far more superior and patented.
In schools, it is very difficult for the teachers to be audible to all the students. To solve this, we have come up with a unique solution called ‘Soundlight’. It is unique solution called ‘Soundlight’. It is a unique speaker, which uses Bluetooth technology and has a 20W powerful Denon speaker sufficient for a classroom of 70-80 students.
It has a rare feature, where music played through computer suppresses when the teacher in the classroom starts speaking and the music starts again when the teacher stops. It gives first priority to the speaker.

These products are very popular nowadays in the schools and their demand will continue to grow in future. Our share in this market is very less. We only provide best products as they are an investment. We don’t sell products by befooling customers and have only a margin of two-three percent in selling the product. All our products are user friendly and have a life of more than six-seven years. This is the advantage of our products. These products are good for teaching a large number of students together in a better way.
We have a lot of appreciation letters from organisations like Indian Air Force, Indian Institutes of Technology, Indian Institutes of Management, Border Security Force, Indian Army, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, etc, which no other company can give.

How do you see Indian market visavis other countries of the world?India is the world’s biggest market in education segment having 1.9 million schools and 30,000 higher educational institutions. India is the fourth largest economy in 2010 in terms of total GDP measured at purchasing power parity (PPP). India is home to 17 percent of the world’s population. We are second in terms of population in the world. Education is a sector, where business is never lean. As only five percent market has been captured till now, the audio-visual products will be installed everywhere in the future. The future is very bright. These products should also be used by government schools as it will make things interesting for students.

What are the challenges you face in India’s audio-visual education equipment market?
We want to educate people including customers and competitors that when they procure anything. they should argue in terms of quality rather than price.
If the quality is not good, you will not be able to use the product and will only face difficulties. It will be wastage of money and time. Our products work on 80 frames per second, whereas products of other companies work only on 20 frames per second. In our projector, two to 64 people can simultaneously work on wall.

American cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead once said, “Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.”
The only way to infuse inquisitiveness and curiosity amongst learners is to challenge the norms and develop a pedagogy that focuses on the learning and the overall student outcome; resulting in the ultimate progress of the society at large. In an age of change and disruption, WizIQ, with its novel concept of Learning Marketplace, presents a ray of hope for millions of Indian learners, who await a relief from the ambiguous nature of higher education in the country.

What is WizIQ Learning Market place?
Think of online shopping, except it’s for education. Learning Marketplace is an online, dynamic, open market that showcases courses offered by educators from all over the world. These courses can be enrolled into either for free or for a fee. All it takes to unlock this treasure of learning is a computer system with an internet connection.
The Learning Marketplace offers courses on a variety of subjects like business, finance, languages, lifestyle & wellness, music, project management, technology and a host of other topics. If you have a subject matter expertise in any subject, share it with the world of learners with the WizIQ Learning Marketplace.

Learning Marketplace for Educators
India is a country where teaching is considered the most noble of all professions. Yet, a teacher might just be the worst paid working professional in the country. No wonder, most young people opt for a private job in an MNC over teaching. This non-fulfillment of basic needs leaves the Indian education system crippled for want of quality teachers. So we ask: if teaching isyour higher calling, why limit yourself ?
Online education has ushered in a new dawn for teachers, one filled with new opportunities. The easy process of course creation and promotion via the WizIQ Learning marketplace allows online teachers to self-price their course and thus make profits.
A simple sign-up into your account on WizIQ ensures an end-to-end process, including:
• Creating your course
• Inviting learners
• Promoting your course on the WizIQ Learning marketplace
• Collecting payments
The Virtual Classroom and the advanced features of WizIQ make sure teaching for you is as smooth as if you were in a live, face-to-face classroom. Interact with your learners in real time, chat, share media and content files, assess them with tests and assignments, and much more, with WizIQ.

Learning Market place for Learners
Rising costs and deep-rooted commercialisation have made education in India, in terms of accessibility and availability, at par with real estate. Skyrocketing fee structure, politics and a missing sense of social responsibility are snatching a common man’s right to education.
As such, desperate times call for desperate measures. WizIQ Learning Marketplace is like a vast ocean of learning and education. Since the courses are online, anyone from anywhere can take them. All they need is an internet connection.
The competitiveness of the Learning Marketplace makes sure the online courses are priced right and hence are easily affordable for the average learner. This way, we make sure the accessibility of courses always remains high for learners.
The Learning Marketplace is a great blessing in disguise for working professionals. Many professionals, looking for jobs or already working, feel a constant need to update their skills.
WizIQ’s Learning Marketplace provides a total solution for busy professionals, providing the unique features of traditional classroom learning experiences such as face-to-face live instruction, assignments and lab work along with thestandard features of online learning, such as self-paced instruction including videos, presentations, tests, peer interaction, etc.

Learning Market place is Open for All
Learning Marketplace is the nexus of learning and teaching, and therefore is the right place for the learners and teachers to be in. If you are still unsure about the Learning Marketplace or would like to know more about WizIQ, feel free to write to Kalyan at kalyan@wiziq.com or speak at +91-9216405405 or +91-9897072888.