Set to launch a mobile learning platform from the next academic year, Alchemie intends to reach out to more than 200 million users globally in the next three to five years. Excerpts from an interaction with Monica Malhotra Kandhari, Senior Director, MBD Group

What is the concept of Smartclass?

Smart Class is a technology-enabled classroom which provides effective tools and content for making the teaching and learning process more effective and efficient. Alchemie provides the solution with the name of ECADEMY. Content (simulations, animations- 2D & 3D, labs, assessments, graphics, web-links) plays a vital role in the complete solution along with technology.

Are schools already accepting e-learning solutions?

Compared to three years ago when we entered this segment, we see more and more schools accepting technology intervention for better learning solutions.

So what is the outcome of such an intervention?

The outcome is very positive as the learning experience of the students today has completely changed as compared to last decade.

What are different state governments’ initiatives in encouraging and providing Smartclass facilities to schools across India?

There are various initiatives taken by the government to introduce computer labs and smart classes in government schools. They are promoting devices among the students and we can foresee more devices and upgradation of classroom infrastructure across the country in near future.

“Thanks to Smartclass, the learning experience of the students today has completely changed as compared to last decade“

How do you see the business of smart classes in India?

Most schools have so far adopted smart classroom solutions in 3 to 5 classrooms and we see a huge potential to extend the solution to other classrooms within the existing schools. Besides, there is a huge market potential in government schools, government-aided schools etc. that needs to be addressed.

Is your company also embarking from e-learning to m-learning?

With a base of our book publishing companies, we intend to reach out to more than 200 million users worldwide in the next 3 to 5 years with our e-learning and m-learning solutions.

With its presence in Dubai, Singapore and Sydney, the SP Jain School of Global Management gives its BBA students an opportunity to study in all the three campuses while its Master’s programme helps build global leaders

Today, the SP Jain School of Global Management, with its campuses in Dubai, Singapore and Sydney, is best known as an international business school. But what many do not know is that it has roots in India as its history dates back to 1981, when its first campus was established in Mumbai. This was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister of Britain, Margaret Thatcher. While in India, SP Jain has consistently been ranked among the top 10 business schools for its MBA programmes, and now, more than 30 years later, it is equally, if not better, known for its international campuses.
Its first international campus came up in 2004, which was set up with the objective of focussing on global learning. Once this campus had made its mark – it was ranked No. 1 in the UAE in a brand perception audit conducted by Neilsen in 2008 – the focus shifted to Singapore. In 2005, SP Jain was invited by the Singapore government to establish a campus there, which came up in 2006.
The crowning glory came in 2012, when SP Jain launched its third international campus in Sydney, Australia, offering students a global education along with an opportunity to understand and soak in the culture of the city.
Setting international campuses is one thing, but to sustain its vision of being a business school recognised across the world for its innovative, influential and relevant education while putting emphasis on teaching-learning process is not an easy task. For this, SP Jain has appointed several distinguished captains from the industry to serve on its industry advisory board. The board meets regularly and makes suggestions for revamping the curriculum, sharing their knowledge and experience and geting their colleagues to conduct workshops for the students.
Another high point of SP Jain is that it has qualified academicians from top schools across the world as external examiners. These examiners take a fresh look at the curriculum and make suggestions for improving it. They also check the exam papers for the level of toughness, the weightage given to questions and also come up with model papers. The external examiners are from London School of Economics, Oklahoma State University, Kellogg School of Management, etc.
The school also has a multi-national faculty, which comes from a wide range of academic and corporate backgrounds. Rigorous coursework is followed for all the undergraduate and postgraduate courses with the result that the graduates are well prepared with the knowledge and skills that they need to excel as leaders. Among the various methods employed for the teaching process is the interactive style in classrooms equipped with cutting-edge technology. The course material includes textbooks, videos, web resources, international case studies, as well as students’ independent research projects.

The Campuses

The campus is located in central Sydney at the historic Sydney Olympic Park that has exceptional facilities for sports and recreation besides being a newly developing business district. The campus itself is 75,000 sq ft with 12 auditorium style classrooms, breakout rooms, a café with its own kitchen, lounges and other facilities. Housing is available within a 35 minutes’ walk.

Dubai

The high point of this campus is the multinational student community at the Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), a specially-built campus exclusively for colleges and universities. It provides a single location for post secondary education in the Emirate bringing together 30 institutions from 13 different countries, allowing students and faculty coming from different institutions to connect and learn from each other. SP Jain occupies an entire standalone building here covering approximately 60,000 sq ft, spread over three floors. The campus is built in a contemporary fashion with hi-tech learning centres, mock trading rooms, an up-to-date library, video conferencing facility and a Reuters terminal.

Singapore

The sprawling campus is set amidst lush greenery and has a number of renovated heritage buildings. The various buildings on the campus house classrooms, learning centres, library and several other facilities. Classrooms are equipped with state-of- the-art audio and video equipment. There are seven lecture halls and two seminar halls. Extra-curricular facilities include an in-house gym and basketball and table tennis.

Course Details

The four-year BBA programme for undergraduate students is conducted on a tri-city model. Students spend the first year in Singapore, the second year in Dubai and the last two years in Sydney. They choose specialisation in marketing or finance in the third year. The programme also includes several liberal arts. Another unique feature of the programme is the industry interface Action Learning Project. Groups of three to four students engage with local companies and submit consultant level reports and analysis to them. They also do internships in breaks between academic years. Students graduate with a BBA degree awarded by the SP Jain School of Global Management, Australia. As students study in Australia for two years, they are entitled to a two year right to work permit in Australia, which entitles them to take up jobs in Australia.
The Global Master of Business Administration (Global MBA or GMBA) is a year-long residential course, which builds business leaders with in-depth cross-functional knowledge and understanding of the theories and practices related to global business. The course also lays special emphasis on the development of global intelligence, cultural agility and important real world business skills, like effective communication, decision-making, leadership, networking and problem-solving skills.

Eyeing the vast market in India, tech firms are in a spree to launch innovative proudcts. Intel has now hit the market with a hybrid debut

Aimed at enahancing the education aspect for schools across the country, Intel India has unveiled its first ever 2-in-1 reference designed for students. With this move, Intel has joined the league with the likes of MBD, Pearson and others for delivering relevant education content for these devices.
The Intel Education 2-in-1 is powered by a quad-core Intel Atom processor Z3740D, runs Windows 8.1, provides up to 7.8 hours of battery life as a tablet with an optional three additional hours of battery life when docked. Its rugged design can withstand drops from 70 cms and offers IP 51 water and dust resistance. A stylus with a realistic penlike grip is also provided to enhance the functionality.
The Intel Education 2-in-1 has front-facing and rear-facing cameras to promote content creation and scien- tific exploration. The dualdocking mode allows students the option of having the tablet screen face them when using the keyboard or having the tablet screen face their peers to facilitate collaboration.
Together with the Center for Assessment, Evaluation and Research (CAER), Intel India has also launched a white paper titled ‘Creating a trans- formed learning environment’ which highlights the need and importance for integrating technology in school-based assessments.
The chip-maker says that the Intel Education 2-in-1 has the flexibility and mobility of a tablet, along with the per- formance and productivity of a laptop. “As a result of our work with educators around the world, Intel understands the need for engaging, student-centered learning in order to drive student suc- cess in school and beyond,” said Rajiv Bhalla, Director Market Development, Intel South Asia. “With our new Intel Education 2-in-1, students have a tablet when they want it and a laptop when they need it. This gives educators the flexibility to create a more interactive, collaborative learning experience for their students,” he added.
While discussing Intel’s Education initiatives in India, Ashutosh Chadha, Director, Corporate Affairs Group, Intel South Asia and Rajiv Bhalla Director, Market Development, Intel South Asia, said, “In a global economy, creating 21st century success for individual students, communities and nations means giving every student the skills and opportunities to excel. With a vision to advance excellence in education around the world, Intel is directly involved in education programmes, policy advocacy and technology products that enable today’s youth to develop the skills they need to be the innovators of tomorrow.”
The education sector in India is poised for a big leap as several technology firms are eyeing the vast market. According to experts, the total business potential of digital classrooms is expected to cross Rs 4,000 crore in 2014. Currently, the country is looking for some innovation from within the industry and with the likes of Intel now switching their focus towards the future with hybrid personal computers, students can be the biggest beneficiaries. Priced Rs 24,000 onward depending upon the requirement, the Education 2-in-1 reference design tablet is available at select outlets in the country.

The responsibility of a boarding school goes way beyond normal school hours, believes Priya Peter, Principal, Mussoorie International School. In conversation with Elets News Network, she points out a boarding school has to ensure that students feel safe and confident and get a healthy and progressive environment

How does a boarding school enhance the performance of an average and below average student?

In a boarding school like MIS, personal attention is given to all the children and in addition to academics, emphasis is given on enhancing the basic life skills of students. A boarding school provides children with peer group interaction opportunities both during and after the school along with diverse leisure activities and vocational training opportunities. Since students are taught by highly qualified and exceptionally motivated teachers and are monitored 24 hours with a necessary push to ensure academic success, excellence comes naturally.

How far does psychological counselling play a role in integrating the children with boarding schools?

Residential boarding schools provide education, character-building, and therapy for teenagers with special concerns. Many of the students enrolled in these schools may have social, behavioural or emotional difficulties that require constant psychological assessment. At MIS, we heal them with the aid of medication, yoga and meditation. Psychological counseling also helps the child to adapt and adjust to their surroundings and fill them with positive energy.

Are learning methods different as compared to public schools?

The MIS has a learning environment that unfolds the true potential of every child. Education is not limited to curriculum but also lays equal emphasis on enhancing the overall personality of the children.

What are the challenges of administering a boarding school?

Boarding schools are not mere educational institutions but also home for the children who study and reside here. To that extent, the responsibility of a boarding school goes way beyond the normal school hours. As their teachers and also guardians, the administration of a boarding school has to ensure that students feel secure, safe, and confident in the premises and get a healthy and progressive environment. The children need to be comfortable; feel loved and should develop an attachment with their boarding school. Needless to say, these are the biggest challenges and schools must surmount them to ensure that children transform into fine men and women.

What are the demands placed by parents on the school?

As parents are concerned about their children, they always look out for good faculty, academic as well as all-round development of their child. They prefer a school which can prepare their child to be a responsible and successful individual.

On what parameters does one judge a residential school?

People generally judge a residential school on the basis of the merits and school rating. They also look for the proximity, quality of faculty, quality of education, broad and diverse offerings, extra curricular activities and counselling etc. in the school.

What is the unique about MIS?

An exciting and innovative curriculum, inspiring teachers along with an international mix of students makes MIS the school of choice for girls. The school stands out for not only giving wings but also keeping the children grounded by inculcating morals, ethics, values, and respect for our rich culture.

Does accreditation to the International Education Board matter?

An accreditation to international education board indicates that the school meets the standards of quality set by the accreditation organisation in terms of the faculty, curriculum, administration, financial well-being and student’s services. It symbolises that the school uses the latest pedagogical techniques and caters to children coming from the different parts of the world.