Curriculum Mag

www.curriculum-magazine.com RNI No. UTTENG/2010/37634 Vol 10 No 6 magazine THE INDIA EDUCATION LANDSCAPE UPDATE April 16 2020 IN BRIEF Resilience over despair, Education India fights Leading IITs not to COVID-19 disruption in Spirit participate in THE World University Online Education. Innovations. Community. Digital Divide. Hope... Rankings The fight against COVID-19 pandemic not only caused disruption in routines but posed several chal- Leading IITs i.e. IIT Bombay, lenges to systems and processes within overall education system, however, human spirit and education IIT Delhi, IIT Guwahati, IIT technology are helping in roll out of a gradual response across the board Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Madras and IIT Roorkee have NO HANDSHAKES, no conference room meetings and no coronavirus contagion transmis- CBSE makes Applied decided to not participate in routine hustle and bustle, no hunches together! World has sion. The lethal virus has taken a Mathematics as an any of the Times Higher buzzes on campuses with turned very different with big toll on humanity with thou- elective subject for Education (THE) - World activities, no classes/ sessions, no physical distancing being sands of deaths and morbidities all classes 11 and 12 University Rankings this year football or table tennis, no practiced as the savior from across the world. (2020) citing transparency India went into a country-wide CBSE has decided to introduce issues. lockdown since March 24 for a 21- Applied Mathematics as an elective These IITs will reconsider their day period and with this most of subject for students of classes 11 and decision next year if Times teaching, academic work, 12 who had opted for Basic Higher Education is able to assessment and evaluation work Mathematics in class 10 and want to convince them about the has been severely impacted and in study maths in senior secondary parameters and transparency in most cases deferred. All major classes. The Applied mathematics their ranking process exams including entrance exams subject will become an option for such as JEE, NEET have been those who chose Basic Mathematics MHRD launches web- delayed. The board exams had to in class 10 and won't be allowed to portal YUKTI on COVID be abandoned midway. On March pursue the regular Mathematics challenge 18, class 12 exams by CBSE and subject in classes 11 and 12. ICSE were called off and post- The new elective subject will be A web-portal YUKTI (Young poned until further notice. Same offered to CBSE class 11 students India Combating COVID with from the academic session starting in Knowledge, Technology and Contd P3 2020 and will be applicable in CBSE Innovation) was launched by board exams the next session minister for HRD, Ramesh Alternative Academic Calendar of NCERT onwards. Pokhriyal in New Delhi on \"Keeping this in mind, one more April 12 and contains a for schools released elective course in mathematics dashboard to monitor and syllabus will be offered for senior record the efforts and In a big development, government has come up with guidelines on this secondary classes with an aim to initiatives of MHRD. The year's academic calendar disrupted by Covid-19 pandemic. the alternative provide students relevant experience portal intends to cover the academic calendar. has been developed by the NCERT for all the classes in mathematics which can be used in different dimensions of from I-XII and subject areas. the fields other than physical COVID-19 challenges in a sciences,\" the CBSE statement very holistic and In order to engage students at home. However, it has taken This Calendar contains class-wise added. comprehensive way. Portal meaningfully during their stay at will also establish a two-way home due to COVID-19 through into account, the varying levels of and subject-wise activities in tabular Interview: Asheesh communication channel educational activities at home Gupta, Pro Vice- between the Ministry of HRD with the help of their parents and access to such tools-Mobile, Contd P3 Chancellor, JKLU, and the institutions so that the teachers, the alternative academic Radio, Television, SMS and Jaipur...P10 Ministry can provide the calendar.has been developed by necessary support system to the NCERT for all the classes from various social media. The fact that Implications of the institutions I-XII and subject areas. CoronaVirus Crisis on The portal will cover the This Calendar provides guidelines many of us may not have internet Emotional Health...P8 various initiatives and efforts to teachers on the use of various of the institutions in technological tools and social facility in the mobile, or may not academics, research especially media tools available for related to CoVID, social imparting education in fun-filled, be able to use different social initiatives by institutions and interesting ways, which can be the measures taken for the used by learner to learn even while media tools- such as whatsapp, betterment of the total wellbeing of the students. The facebook, twitter, google, etc., the portal will cover both qualitative and quantitative calendar guides teachers to further parameters for effective delivery of services to the guide parents and students academic community at large. Minister said that portal will through SMS on mobile phones or also allow various institutions to share their strategies for mobile call. Parents are expected COVID Innovations... various challenges and hoped to help elementary stage students the portal will give inputs for better planning and will enable to implement this Calendar. P15 MHRD to monitor effectively its activities for the coming six `CovidGyan' is learning about science and scientific information on COVID 19 months. Portal will help in critical To bring the scientific and factual other prominent partners Centre for Cellular And Apart from being an authentic source issues related to student aspects of COVID pandemic including Vigyan Prasar, Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), of information, the primary objective promotion policies, placements outbreak on to public domain, a IndiaBioscience, and the and National Centre for of this website is to create public related challenges and physical multi-institutional, multi-lingual Bangalore Life Science Cluster Biological Sciences (NCBS). awareness and bring in a holistic and mental well-being of science communication (BLiSc), which includes Institute CovidGyan serves as a hub to approach to the understanding of this students in these challenging initiative, called `CovidGyan' has for Stem Cell Science and bring together a collection of disease and potential means to mitigate times. been started by ata Institute of Regenerative Medicine (InStem), resources in response to the it. Further, it would aid as a 'go-to' Fundamental Research (TIFR), COVID-19 outbreak. These repository of information regarding Indian Institute of Science (IISc), resources are generated by public COVID-19. It is designed with multi- and Tata Memorial Centre supported research institutions in faceted aspects to 'right information' (TMC). The portal, India and associated programs. through talks from eminent scientists https://covid-gyan.in that went The content presented here relies in audio/podcast formats, live onApril 03, 2020. on the best available scientific infographics, posters, videos, FAQs The initiative, which has resulted understanding of the disease and and mythbusters, and even links to in a portal has been joined by its transmission. scientific papers.

2 Curriculum April 16, 2020 News Updates AICTE communiqué on lockdown session from 1.00PM to 7.00PM with four different subject experts for S. Chand launches issues to students, institutes one and half hour session each. Learners can ask questions directly to the subject experts from their home through phone call on the number personalised learning AICTE, in a relief to students all over the country, has directed displayed during Live session and through 'Student Portal' of NIOS web engineering and management institutes to not demand payment of fees site directly in live telecast. app - 'Learnflix' until the lockdown period is lifted and normalcy is restored. The Also to facilitate student studies during COVID-19 pandemic, NIOS has council will release further guidelines in this regard soon. The decision made excellent innovations in telecast of Live session through Skype in In a significant thrust towards comes after the council came across reports that certain standalone joint association with KVS, NVS and CBSE & NCERT through Swayam ramping up their digital educa- institutes had insisted students pay the fees including admission fees Prabha DTH Channel Panini (#27), Channel Sharda (#28)of NIOS and tion portfolio, S. Chand and Co., during the lockdown. Channel Kishore Manch (#31) of NCERT. Now, the subject experts are one of the India's oldest and The Council has also clarified ambiguity around the disbursal of Prime able to connect for the Live telecast of SWAYAMPRABHA through the largest textbook and education Minister's Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS). The Council says SKYPE from their home. content company has announced that in view of the ongoing lockdown and restricted access to internet, the launch of its personalised the activities pertaining to the scholarship scheme for the current CCSHAU establishes Custom Hiring home learning app Learnflix. academic year (2020-21) have been delayed. However, the scheme Keeping the current mass shut will be continued as in past once the lockdown is lifted. AICTE will Centre to help farmers down of educational institutions, come out with a calendar of events laying down fresh timelines soon. Learnflix was launched nation- Another area of concern for students in technical and management Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agriculture University (CCSHAU), ally ahead of schedule. institutes is summer internships. The council has assuaged their fears an agricultural research university in India has recently announced plans The Learnflix app offers by saying that students who are not able to pursue their summer to establish a Custom Hiring Centre for farmers in the coming months. comprehensive learning in Math internship during the lockdown can pursue internships from home. In This centre, a component of Deendayal Upadhyay Centre of Excellence and Science for classes 6 to 10 case the same is not possible, they can fulfill the mandatory for Organic Farming” established by the university in 2017, is aimed to and is based on the latest CBSE requirement in December 2020. AICTE has also clarified that online broaden the experiential learning for students and will provide farm syllabus and useful for ICSE and classes for the current semester will be continued during the extended machinery to the incubate farmers on reasonable operating charges. other State Boards. A user- lockdown. UGC and AICTE will release a revised calendar in this With the mechanization of farm activities, this centre will enable small friendly app, some of the unique regard.As for semester exams, UGC has constituted a committee for farmers to avail equipment on rental and save them the prohibitive cost of features of Learnflix include easy recommendations on modalities of conduct of examination, award of farm machinery. access (one subscription & access marks, and passing criteria in the exam. Directions in this regard will Announcing the establishment of Custom Hiring Center, Prof. K.P. to everything) and unlimited be released separately. Singh, the Vice-Chancellor, CCSHAU said \"The major objective of the practice tests with varied centre is to provide easy access to high value and technical agricultural difficulty levels. Other key DD Kendras, AIR stations broadcasting equipment to farmers and empower them, especially the small and features include personalised marginal farmers. Such centre will help in popularizing organic farming, anytime anywhere learning, virtual classes to carry out research and extension activities in organic farming. This engaging animated videos, will also allow farmers to develop a package of practices on different quizzes, revision Prasar Bharati, Public Broadcaster through TV and Radio has been modes of organic farming and will incubate them as successful organic notes/summaries, sample papers, helping students with their studies amidst ongoing lockdown. In growers.” in-depth focused and actionable collaboration with various State Government institutions, CHC comprise a set of farm machinery and equipment meant for custom analysis, personalised learning Doordarshan and All India Radio are broadcasting virtual classes and hiring by farmers. Certain implements and equipment like tractors, journey and remedial to master other educational content through their regional channels across the power tillers, etc. will be crop-specific and self-propelled machinery like development areas. Moreover, country on TV, Radio and YouTube. combine harvesters, etc will be available for common use. CHC will eBooks from renowned authors On an average, any DD Channel is airing 2.5 hours of educational include different types of machinery like Tractor, Laser land leveler, (e.g. Lakhmir Singh, Manjit content daily and any All India Radio channel is airing 30 minutes of Cultivator, Rotavator, Seed-cum-fertilizer drill, Multi-crop planter, Kaur, P S Verma etc,) is also educational content daily. Also, total number of hours of daily content Potato planter to name a few. available on the app. across DD Network is 17 hours and 11 hours across All India Radio Speaking on the launch of network daily. Gap-Year Program launched by Rishihood Learnflix Himanshu Gupta, The DD Kendras that are already broadcasting virtual classes are Managing Director, S. Chand Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Gujarat, University Group said “We are happy to Jammu and Kashmir. All India Radio Stations broadcasting virtual launch Learnflix for students of classes are Vijaywada, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Tiruchirapalli, Rishihood University, Sonipat has announced the launch of Gap-Year classes 6 to 10. With just one Coimbatire, Puducherry, Madurai, Trivendrum, Tirunelveli, Panaji, Program for students post high school. The program is in association with subscription, this app will offer Jalgaon, Ratnagiri, Sangli, Parbhani, Aurangabad, Pune, Nagpur, IGenPlus, an organisation with a vision to move schooling from users access to the entire suite of Mumbai, Gangtok, Guwahati, Bikaner, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaipur. AIR educating for a career to preparing for life. features. This app is highly Bhopal, Chennai, Kozhikode, Thrissur are broadcasting educational Rishihood University will be serving as residential cum training ground affordable and schools and content. for GAP year students. The program is a 9 month long course aiding students even in tier II and tier III The virtual learning through DD and AIR include Curriculum based students to explore and design their own career path post their 12th board towns can afford it with ease. It is classes for Primary, Middle and High School level students. exams. The program aims to enable students to critically assess a fortuitious that the app was ready Secondary School Leaving Certificate subjects and model question multitude of career options during this era of disruption. for launch at a time when all papers for 10th standard students are also being made available in Gap Year Program aims to expand a student's career horizon by educational institutions are in some states. Many of these classes also help students prepare for their facilitating students with an 'ecosystem' centric approach to learning lock down. We hope this app will Engineering and Medical Entrance Examinations. rather than isolated training and research. Under the program students are help both teacher and students. To keep the learning interesting, apart from the curriculum content, provided a structured training regimen which will expose students to Student can learn their own virtual classes in few states include story telling by eminent personali- diverse career options, steering them towards reverse engineering their convenience and teachers can use ties and Quiz shows. own life paths. In addition to completing a well defined year focused on it to impart remote teaching holistic development, students will be awarded a certificate of effectively.” SWAYAM PRABHA education channels now completion, transferable credits and transcripts, recognized by available on Tata Sky and Airtel DTH association partners. Students will also get an opportunity to continue Harbinger Interactive their education with Rishihood University. Tata Sky and Airtel DTH operators have agreed to to air some The curriculum is a blend of activities and sessions targeted towards features in Rapid eLearning multidimensional academic learning. Students will gain a wholesome SWAYAM PRABHA channels on their DTH platform. DD-DTH, experience through interactions with industry experts, out of the box 2020 list workshops, personality development and self-discovery, international Dish TV and Jio TV App were already providing these channels to exposure and networking opportunities, value education and much more. Harbinger Interactive Learning, a The program is structured in such a way that 3 months is exclusively part of the Harbinger Group of their subscribers. Now a student anywhere in India can request, DTH reserved for internships and shadow programs with industry experts in companies providing custom order to develop the necessary hands on experience. learning solutions, has been listed 'Service Provider' for these channels without any extra cost as these are Sahil Agarwal, Co-Founder and CEO, Rishihood University said, “The amongst the top rapid eLearning initiative is a unique opportunity for students to learn and prepare content providers for 2020. free to air channels. themselves for the future post high school. We envision schooling to Curated by the eLearning move from simply educating students about career options to developing Industry, the list, 'Top Content The channel number in different DTH service providers are as the necessary skill sets to become lifelong career-preneurs. We strongly Providers for Rapid eLearning believe youth should build their future dreams fusing universal principles 2020', acknowledges the follows: and values from our ancient wisdom with contemporary insights.” companies for developing high- Airtel TV: Channel # 437, Channel # 438 & Channel #439 end corporate training on tight vmVideocon: Channel # 475, Channel # 476, Channel # 477 deadlines and at a low cost, using Tata sky: Channel # 756 which pops up window for relevant authoring tools. Swayamprabha DTH channels. Poonam Jaypuriya, Vice Dish TV: Channel # 946, Channel # 947, Channel #949, Channel # President – eLearning, Harbinger Interactive Learning, said, 950 “Being recognized as a top rapid SWAYAM PRABHA is a group of 32 DTH channels providing high eLearning content provider is a testimony to all our efforts quality educational curriculum based course contents covering diverse towards maintaining this trust. We are proud of the work we have disciplines such as arts, science, commerce, performing arts, social done so far and will strive for excellence going forward too.” sciences and humanities subjects, engineering, technology, law, medicine, agriculture etc to all teachers, students and citizens across the country interested in lifelong learning. The learners can watch the lesson based educational programs on these DTH Channels and NIOS YouTube channel 6 hours of recorded broadcast from 7.00AM to 1.00PM followed by 6 hours of Live

Curriculum April 16, 2020 3 News Feature Contd from P1 CBSE directive for its schools in wake of Alternative Academic Calendar COVID-19 school closures This Calendar provides languages as subject areas, i.e., assess the progress in the learning Mass promotions till class 8; promotion for classes guidelines to teachers on the use Hindi English, Urdu and Sanskrit. of children and also to go beyond 9 and 11 on basis of completed evaluation in case of various technological tools This calendar also gives space to textbooks. This calendar will cater of schools who have completed exam schedules and social media tools available the strategies of reducing stress to the need of all children and for those who haven't done so on perfor- for imparting education in fun- and anxiety among teachers, including Divyang children mances in internal assessments; board will hold filled, interesting ways, which students and parents. Calendar (Children with Special Need)- link exams for main 29 left out subjects—11 papers in can be used by learner to learn includes link for Chapter wise e- for Audio books, Radio case of class 12 all over India, and 18 in respect of even while at home. However, it content available on the e- programmes, Video programme classes 10 & 12 in riot-hit northeast Delhi as and when conditions has taken into account, the pathshala, NROER and DIKSHA will be included. permit. And, Evaluation work will have to wait for further orders varying levels of access to such portal of GoI. This calendar would be tools-Mobile, Radio, Television, disseminated through DTH The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) with 22,145 affiliated SMS and various social media. Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank', Channels and also conducting senior secondary schools in India and abroad has addressed the uncertainty The fact that many of us may not HRD minister while releasing the video conferencing with SCERTs, regarding issues of results, regulations and provide directions to schools to have internet facility in the calendar said that calendar also Directorates of Education, move forward. “In view of the prevailing extraordinary circumstances of the mobile, or may not be able to use covers experiential learning SCERTs, Kendriya Vidyalay worldwide spread of COVID-19 and the countrywide lockdown, and in view different social media tools- such activities such as Arts Education, Sangathan, Navodaya Vidyalaya of the queries raised by our stakeholders regarding the academic future of as whatsapp, facebook, twitter, Physical Exercises, yoga, pre- Samiti, CBSE, State School students, the Board advises/informs all schools affiliated to the Board as google, etc., the calendar guides vocational skills, etc The calendar Education Boards, etc. follows as a one-time measure: teachers to further guide parents contains week-wise plan The minister added that this step For classes 1 to 8: All students studying in classes 1 to 8 maybe promoted to and students through SMS on consisting of interesting and will empower our students, the next class/grade. This advisory is being issued in consultation with mobile phones or mobile call. challenging activities, with teachers, school principals and NCERT. Parents are expected to help reference to theme/chapter taken parents to find out positive ways to For classes 9 and 11: It has come to our notice that though several schools elementary stage students to from syllabus or textbook. Most deal with Covid-19 using on-line affiliated to CBSE have completed their examination, evaluation and implement this Calendar. importantly, it maps the themes teaching-learning resources and promotion process for students who were studying in grades 9 and 11 in the This Calendar contains class- with the learning outcomes.The also improving their learning 2019-20 academic session, there are several schools that have not been able wise and subject-wise activities purpose of mapping of themes outcomes getting school education to do so. All such schools are advised to promote students of grades 9 and 11 in tabular forms. This Calendar with learning outcomes is to at home. to the next grades on the basis of all the school-based assessments including includes activities related to four facilitate teachers/parents to project work, periodic tests, term exams, etc. conducted so far. For any child who is unable to clear this internal process, (in any number of subjects), the Contd from P1 school may utilise this period for providing remedial interventions, and school may give the opportunity of appearing in school-based test/s, online Resilience over despair, Education India fights COVID 19 or offline. The promotion of such children may be decided on the basis of such tests. Same story happened for higher continue. UGC in its advisory to lessons in a virtual classroom education and profession universities has asked faculty mode. Schedule for class 10 and 12 board exams: With regard to rescheduling institutions, which had to close members to continue research Experts say training of teachers board examinations for classes 10 and 12, it is informed that at this stage it is down campuses and discontinue work online, prepare lesson plans for using virtual platforms in difficult for the Board to decide and announce the new schedule for examina- class and project work in middle and remain engaged in academic teaching is one area, which needs tions. In this context, it is further informed that the Board will give notice of of the semester in March. work online. to be done on priority basis as about 10 days to all stakeholders before starting the Board examinations. The government and regulators The silver lining in this otherwise there is no dearth of content in the on their part are reacting depressing outbreak and virtual world. AICTE has taken a Subjects for Board exams: It is informed that the Board was not able to gradually to this unprecedented onslaught on humanity has been lead in this and in days to come, conduct exams on 8 examination days due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis as the spread of epidemic is presence of online education such trainings and inductions may situation. Further, due to the law and order situation in North East Delhi still at a transmission stage. The platforms and options. National become necessary for lot of District the board was not able to conduct exams on 4 examination days, Central Board of Secondary online education platform teachers. while a very small number of students from and around this District were not Education (CBSE), the pan India SWAYAM, which is a MOOCs able to appear in exams on 6 examination days. Considering the extraordi- board with about 22145 affiliated platform of the ministry of HRD AICTE COVID-19 Student nary circumstances, the Board has been forced to review its policy in this schools, in the meanwhile on curated by education establish- Helpline Portal regard. April 1 issued a statement ment from school to university The Board will conduct examinations for only main subjects that will be whereby it has directed all its level supports 43 postgraduate In view of the outbreak of required for promotion and maybe crucial for admissions in higher educa- schools to accord mass promo- courses and 61 undergraduate COVID19 and National lockdown tional institutions. For the rest of the subjects, the Board will not hold tions from classes 1-8. Where courses as of now is seeing a spike since March 25th, AICTE (All examinations; the instructions for marking/assessment in all such cases shall exams and evaluation has not in users after UGC and AICTE India Council for Technical be separately issued by the Board. been completed for classes 9 and advisories. The 22 SWAYAM Education) has come out with a Therefore, as and when the Board is in a position to hold examinations, it 11, the board has directed schools Prabha DTH TV channels, which Student Helpline Portal to address shall hold examinations only for the following 29 subjects: to use internal assessments to offer content from class 9 onwards the issues. promote these classes as well. For to university level have also been The website with an URL Class 10 for northeast Delhi only : 1.Hindi Course A, 2.Hindi Course B, class 10, for which has been touted as useful interim arrange- https://helpline.aicte-india.org 3.English Comm, 4.English Lng & Lit, 5. Science, 6.Social Science completed except for riot-hit ment for coping with the has been developed by student Class 12 for northeast Delhi : 1.Business Studies, 2. Geography, 3.Hindi northeast district of Delhi, the classroom disruption. interns Shivanshu and Akash of (Elective), 4.Hindi (Core), 5.Home Science, 6.Sociology, 7.Computer Science evaluation work is on hold even The Education portals of NCERT Graphic Era University, (Old), 8.Computer Science (New), 9.Information Practice (Old) 10.Information though evaluators have been like Diksha, e-pathasala, NROER Dehradun. Practice (new), 11.Information Technology, 12. Bio-Technology asked to carry pout evaluation and NIOS and the other ICT This portal is essentially to work from home and submit initiatives like Robotics education connect those who are willing to Whole of India Class 12 : 1.English Elective – N, 2. English Elective -C, 3. marks online. For class 12, the (e-Yantra), Open Source Software provide help with those who need English Core, 4.Mathematics, 5. Economics, 6.Biology, 7.Political Science, board has not cancelled the for Education (FOSSEE), Virtual help. The nature of support 8.History, 9.Physics, 10.Accountancy, 11.Chemistry remaining subject papers and it experiments (Virtual Labs) and includes Accommodation, Food, has decided to reschedule exams Learning programming (Spoken on line Classes, Attendance, CBSE schools in foreign countries: There are several CBSE schools for 11 main subjects as and when tutorial) are also experiencing Examinations, Scholarships, located in 25 countries. Board will not be in a position to hold differential set the conditions permit. Northeast very large access rates. The Health, Transport, Harassment of exams for each of these countries. Therefore, the Board has decided to not Delhi district students of class 12 government has urged more and etc. hold any more exams for the students of class 10 and 12 schools located in addition to this, will have to more students to make effective According to HRD minister more outside India. appear in remaining papers as use of these initiatives and enrich than 6500 colleges have already well in the new schedule. ICSE their learning experience. come forward to provide support Evaluation work: Due to present situation, the Board has not been able to has not cancelled its exams but is Meanwhile most tech savvy at such a crucial juncture. Students continue its evaluation work. The Board will come out with further instruc- yet to take any decision on schools, colleges and universities in difficulty are encouraged to tions for evaluating in the changed circumstances. Board will give 3-4 days' rescheduling these. in private sector has taken directly get connected with them notice to restart the evaluation work. AICTE has asked its affiliated advantage of the technology and through this portal. institutes not to take up any quickly switched over to online Interested social organizations, Internships outside the organiza- mode for delivering lectures, NGOs, philanthropists may tions which involves travel, lessons, assignments and even contact AICTE at: cconeat@aicte- contact with outsiders, etc., some routine assessments. Zoom, india.org However, ongoing internships, WebEx, Loom, Google class- where companies are allowing room, Skype and other available students to work from home, shall tools are being used to deliver

4 Curriculum April 16, 2020 Useful News NEWS YOU CAN USE James Dyson Award 2020 open for IGNOU extends online with their trailblazing approach. Trivandrum) in June and entries submission of examination This is an opportunity to showcase September 2020 to avoid any Form for June 2020 TEE the research to the broader public, international travel for Indian CPA The James Dyson Award given annually has been opened for entries this upto 30th APRIL 2020 exchange with outstanding experts, candidates in these challenging year. This competition is open to current engineering and design without Late Fee and lay the foundation for long- times. The convenience of giving students, and those without four years of graduating, to design lasting collaborations with German the examsin India will ease the something that solves a problem. The James Dyson Award runs in 27 Keeping in view the spread of research institutions. burden on the CPA candidateswho countries including India and regions worldwide. C O R O N AV I R U S a n d Hosted by the German Federal earlier had to travel to the US or to LOCKDOWN throughout the Ministry of Education and Middle East test locations like Not only does Dyson provides a platform for students of the country, IGNOU has extended the Research since 2009, the award Dubai for the CPAexams. engineering/ product design/ industrial design verticals to develop last date of accepting the June, honors 25 young international Miles Education, CPA training problem-solving inventions that challenge convention, and but also 2020 Term-end Examination forms researchers each year. Eligible to institute and a registered course provides an opportunity to showcase these entries on a global stage. WITHOUT ANY LATE FEE upto apply are master students, PhD provider with the AICPA is Candidates can apply through an online application via the James 30thAPRIL, 2020. students, postdocs, as well as young offering training for the Dyson Award website. The Entrants should concisely explain what their Learners can submit June TEE professionals, with no more than same.With CPA exams now in invention is, how it works, and their development process with imagery 2020 exam form by visiting the three years of professional work India, we expect a major boost to to support their application. The best entrants should be able to show official website www.ignou.ac.in. experience (excluding professional the already existent CPA evidence of physical prototyping as well as sketches and CAD. The The University had earlier work experiences gained within the ecosystem in India. All of the Big candidates must be, or have been within the last four years, enrolled for extended the deadline for scope of an academic degree) and a 4 and various MNC's already hire at least one semester in an undergraduate or graduate engineering or submission of assignments till 30th strong focus on sustainable Miles CPA alumni and also design program at a university in a country or region chosen to April, 2020 after the learner development. Applicants must sponsor their professionals for the participate in the James Dyson Award. In the case of team entries, all support service activities at all prove excellent command of CPA program, and we expect this members of the team must be, or have been within the last four years, Regional Centers/Learners English and above-average grades. to scale up further. And another enrolled for at least one semester in an undergraduate or graduate Support Centers (LSC) across the Furthermore, only applications good thing is that we find great program at a university in a country or region chosen to participate in the country were suspended till 31st from non-German citizens or finance and accounting acumen in James Dyson Award. One will need to be nominated and registered as March 2020 as a precautionary residents can be considered For most Indian candidates who are the team member. measure for Novel Corona more information please refer to easily able to clear the CPA From each of the participating country's an independent panel of jury COVID-19, www.greentalents.dewhere both exams,” said Varun Jain, co- members identify a national winner, and two runners-up after evaluating the competition flyer as well as the founder and lead CPA instructor, the entries on the parameters, which are standard across all participating LSAT—India™ Postponed to award trailer are accessible and Miles Education. markets. All three entries from each market are considered for the final follow us on Twitterand LinkedIn. When asked about the timeline to round, out of which 20 entries are then shortlisted. In addition to the 07 June Due to COVID-19 Deadline for submission: 19 May complete the CPA program, Jain International winner, and two runners-up, we will also recognise a 2020 added, “Most Indian and sustainability award, starting from this edition. This recognises the most Pandemic This year's The Green Talents international professional sustainable invention this year, and celebrates the determination of our award 2020 includes an invitation accounting qualifications do not entrants to create more environmentally conscious designs. The LSAT—India™, standardised to the fully funded two-week require any university education The Prize: test adopted as an admission Science Forum in October 2020, and tend to substitute university The 27 national winners receive £2000 as the prize money; while the criterion by multiple law colleges consisting of visits to leading education with multiple levels of International winner receives £30,000, and an additional £5000 for their across India, has been rescheduled German sustainability facilities, exams and multi-year timelines. university. The new sustainability winner prize money is also worth in light of the nationwide lockdown institutions and companies with To the contrary, US CPA mandates £30,000. announced by the Government of exclusive insights into their a university graduationas an The schedule for this year's edition is as below: India. Instead of the earlier leading-edge research and projects, eligibility criteriaand JDA2020 dates: announced date of 17 May 2020, individual appointments with complements university Monday 23 March – Open for entries the LSAT—India™ will now take German experts of their choice to education with only 4 exams Thursday 16 July – Close for entries place on 07 June 2020. discuss possibilities for upcoming which candidates can clear in less Thursday 13August – Top 20 judging The Law School Admission joint research and cooperation than 12 months.” Thursday 17 September – National announcement Council™ (LSAC®), makers of efforts, networking opportunities at Thursday 15 October – Top 20 announcement the LSAT—India™, announced the award ceremony in Berlin with Thursday 19 November – International winner announcement the date change and noted that the participating Green Talentsalumni, rescheduled test date will ensure a fully funded research stay of up to EduGorilla offers free PMI invites nominations for PMI India that those seeking a career in law three months at an institution of can take the exam at a safer time their choice in Germany in2021, e-books on Google Awards 2020 and with less worry for their health. exclusive access to the The registration date is also distinguished Green Talents alumni PlayStore amidst PMI India, an affiliate of the Project Management Institute, extended to 22 May, to allow more network.To this day, 257 announces a call for nominations for the PMI India Awards 2020. The time for applicants to register. outstanding scientists from 69 COVID-19 lockdown winners will be announced at the Project Management National Applicants can register for the countries have been awarded for Conference 2020 on September 11-12, 2020 in Bengaluru. LSAT—India™ by visiting their tremendous achievements to Lucknow-based ed-tech startup The PMI India Awards 2020 have been divided in six categories that discoverlaw.in/register-for-the- making their communities, EduGorilla will offer free e- recognize and honour a project team that has delivered superior test. countries and societies more books catering to competitive results through exemplary application of project management Applicants can prepare for the test sustainable. examinations on Google principles. using the material that is free to Playstore. It is also offering a 1. Project of the year - Category Large: A project or program or download from the Discover Law US CPA exams scheduled to 25% discount on all packages similar initiative which has budget project cost of more than INR website (discoverlaw.in/prepare- catering to competitive 1,000 crores for-the-test). Applicants will also be held in India from June 1, examinations in an endeavour to 2. Project of the year - Category Medium: A project or program or soon be able to get information enable the maximum number of similar initiative which has budget project cost between INR 100 from the Discover Law website 2020 students to benefit from online crores to INR 1,000 crores about LSAC's upcoming education. 3. Project of the year - Category Small: A project or program or LSAT—India webinar series. The Amidst the disruption caused by the Students can log on to e-books similar initiative which has budget project cost less than INR 100 webinars are designed to help COVID-19 pandemic and the on crores but more than INR Five crores applicants prepare for the test from resultant lockdown, there is some 4. Project of the year - Category Micro: A project or program or the safety of their homes. good news for Indian finance and https://books.google.co.in/boo similar initiative which has budget project cost less than INR 5 crores Please visit DiscoverLaw.in for a accounting candidates looking ks/about?id=KwLaDwAAQBA but more than INR Fifty lakhs complete list of law schools that forward to appearing for the US J&redir_esc=y 5. Project of the year - Contribution to the Community: This accept LSAT—India™ scores as Certified Public Accountant “E-learning is a viable option to award recognizes and honors significant initiatives undertaken by one of their key admissions criteria. (CPA)exams. The American ensure continuity in education corporate bodies or organizations (as part of their Corporate Social Institute of Certified Public during this lockdown. Though it Responsibilities activities) towards improvement and well-being of Application period for Accountants (AICPA) and National cannot replace classroom the community. Association of State Boards of teaching, it can fill in the void 6. Project of the year - NGO: This award recognizes and honors a Green Talents award 2020 Accountancy (NASBA) have created due to closure of schools project team that has achieved superior results through exemplary decided to administer the CPA and thus sustain the momentum application of project management principles for projects, programs now open exams in India at eight Prometric of academics during this time. or similar initiatives implemented by Non-Governmental test centers (Ahmedabad, This is in line with our Organizations (NGOs). Green Talents – International Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, commitment to offering a Each category will have maximum of one winner and one runner- up. Forum for High Potentials in Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi and seamless and personalized In lieu of the COVID-19 situation, PMI India has extended the last Sustainable Development, Bonn experience to students,” said. date for nomination submissions to May 13, 2020. (Germany) invites applications Rohit Manglik, CEO, More details about nomination procedures, evaluation criteria and from pioneering scientist to apply EduGorilla. details about each category are available on www.pmi.org.in/awards.

Curriculum April16, 2020 5 Entrepreneurships/ India Skills Ensure health, education and safety of children: RTE Forum AISECT signs MoUs with Gujarat to provide The Right to Education Forum marginalised sections who have government to take all necessary free vocational training (RTE Forum) through a suddenly lost their livelihood in steps including identification of memorandum to the Prime the wake of the lockdown. children at risk of violence and AISECT, a leading Social Enterprise working in the area of skill Minister, has appealed to the Children on the streets and from abuse as a result of the lockdown. development, has signed new MoUs (Memorandum of Understanding) with Government to take a dozen of marginalised sections are Helplines and other child safety the Gujarat Council of School Education (GCSE) and Gujarat Minorities necessary steps to ensure the particularly affected. Children of protection measures should be Finance & Development Corporation (GMFDC), Government of Gujarat, to rights of children during this street dwellers and from the declared essential services and provide free vocational and skills-based training under various schemes in crisis period. Coinciding with the informal sector workers are also kept open during the close down. Gujarat. As part of the partnership with GCSE, AISECT will provide completion of 10 years of suffering as their parents are Make members of village level vocational trainers to train over 3000+ students from 75 secondary schools of landmark Right to Education deprived of income. This is Child Protection Committee 22 districts, under vocational education programmes for Retail and Act, the forum said that creating challenges for children in responsible for tracking children at Electronic& Hardware sectors. In another partnership with GMFDC, Government must guarantee terms of availability of food, risk, especially girls who are AISECT will essay the responsibility of providing free-of-cost training to food and nutrition to millions of clothing, shelter and other vulnerable to early marriage or minority students in Beauty & Wellness sector under the 'Kaushal se its children to protect their lives. essential requirements. Also, there trafficking. In case they encounter Kushalta' scheme in 2 districts of Gujarat.Talking about the partnerships, Ambarish Rai, national convener are long term consequences as a anything unusual, they must AISECT's Executive Vice President Siddharth Chaturvedi said, “The of the Forum, reminded that this result of loss of access to inform Childline or Police or the 'Kaushal Se Kushalta Scheme' aims at imparting skills to the targeted Act is derived from Article 21 of education,” the Forum said in its local Child Welfare Committee if beneficiaries leading to self-employment. By organizing skills-based the Indian constitution, ensuring memorandum submitted to the risk is identified. Schools must be development programmes in Gujarat, AISECT will try to bridge the gap the Right to Life of every citizen. Prime Minister. instructed to track all enrolled between lack of skills-based training and job markets. Through our Requesting food security for “Enforce orders for ensuring children especially girls once partnership with GMDFC, we aim to work for betterment of students from children, the Forum appealed to uninterrupted supply of food to normalcy returns to ensure that no minority sections and provide quality-based training in the relevant sectors ensure smooth implementation students residing in residential child drops out. by following the Government guidelines. Our new partnership with GCSE of the notification for home- schools and hostels. Vast network The memorandum appealed to will give us the opportunity to take our programmes to more than 4500 delivery of mid-day meals and of schools and associated bodies promote all school children of students in the primary schools of Gujarat. We are committed to provide the SC suo moto order for like School Management elementary standards without quality skill trainers in the selected schools so that quality training reaches providing nutritional food for Committees can be activated examination, as decided by the the grassroots level areas.” children and lactating mothers enabling right to food and other states of Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, AISECT will deploy vocational trainers in selected 75 secondary schools of through the Anganwadi centres support to children in and out of Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat as a part of its collaboration with GCSE.The training programmes, on an urgent basis. “The mid-day school,” said Ambarish Rai, Maharashtra among others, in line which have already commenced from 22ndFebruary, will run for two years. meal can include either dry National Convenor of RTE with the provisions of 'No Out of 75 awarded schools, 38 schools are selected for Electronics & rations or cooked meals. All Forum. Detention Policy' in the RTEAct. Hardware sector and 37 are selected for Retail sector. The skills-based Anganwadi and ASHA workers The Forum further said, “In “With several private schools training programmes falling under the Retail sector will train students in and personnel supplying mid- coordination with the Ministry of moving to online teaching, roles like management of store operations, workplace behaviour, customer day meals must be declared as Women & Child Development, children admitted under services, inventory check, etc. The training under the Electronics & essential workers, and provisions ensure uninterrupted health economically weaker section Hardware sector will be for job roles like repairing home appliances, be made for their safety services, especially for the quota find themselves on the maintenance, etc. After the completion of the training processes, students (including protective equipment malnourished children, to prevent wrong side of the digital divide. will be certified by the relevant Sector Skill Council. The programme will and hazard pay) and means of adverse health conditions during Several states have also started provide great career and placement opportunities for the candidates in areas public transportation to reach the this period. All adolescent girls using ICT for instruction in like sales & services, shopping malls, retail chains, etc. delivery points/households on a should continue receiving sanitary government schools as well. Low In addition, AISECT will train students from minority communities in regular basis,” the Forum napkins, IFA and supplementary tech means of delivering education Beauty & Wellness sector in Gujarat under the 'Kaushal se Kushalta' scheme. suggested in its memorandum. nutrition under SABLA and should be followed to avoid As per this programme, members (age between 18-55 years)belonging to “It's a very challenging period for RKSK or under the Integrated leaving children from poor minority communities like Muslims, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists and Parsis, with the whole country and impacts Child Development Scheme families behind,” the Forum added an annual income of up to Rs 6 lakhs, will be given free skills-based training everyone, especially the elderly, (ICDS) or School Health in its memorandum. in the Beauty & Wellness sector. the very young, street dwellers, Program.” informal sector workers and The memorandum calls upon the Indian researchers start working on novel coronavirus Jan Shikshan Sansthans made 5 lakh masks genome sequencing in fight against COVID-19 Novel coronavirus is a new virus coronavirus involves getting been requested to give virus that and researchers are trying to samples from patients that have has been isolated from different Following a directive from Ministry of Skill Development and figure out all the different aspects are found to be positive and places. This will help the scientists Entrepreneurship (MSDE) to help in mask production, 101 Jan Shikshan of it. Two institutes of Centre for sending these samples to a to cover the whole country to get a Sansthan (JSS) across 99 districts in 17 States States have produced about 5 Scientific and Industrial Research sequencing centre. Genome bigger and clearer picture. This lakh masks so far for their respective District Administrations during this (CSIR) Centre for Cellular and sequencing need very large will help the institutes to establish lockdown period. MSDE had also sent a list of 64 ITIs and 18 NSTIs whose Molecular Biology (CCMB), number of samples for study. the family tree of the virus. Dr services could be utilised for preparation of masks to all Chief secretaries. 18 Hyderabad and Institute of “Without much data if you make Mishra told that based on this they ITI and 2 NSTIs are already engaged in preparing masks. Genomics and Integrative any conclusion that may not be can study from where the virus has In addition several support services have been innovated and provided to Biology (IGIB), New Delhi have right. At the moment we are come which strain has more help in combating corona pandemic. NSTI, Ludhiana has prepared an Aero started working together on the accumulating as many similarity, the varied mutations Blaster Machine and handed it over to District Administration for sanitizing whole genome sequencing of sequencings as we can and once, and which strain is weak and what the city. Dr Ambedkar Memorial ITI (run by Pune Cantonment Board, Pune, novel coronavirus. we have few hundred sequencing strain is strong. “This will give Maharashtra) prepared 6 numbers of “Corona Disinfection Chamber”. “This will help us to understand with us then we will be able to some strategic clues to understand Arun Pratima Pathak Memorial Pvt ITI, Jehanabad, Bihar made “Public the evolution of the virus, how make many inferences from many it and to implement better tunnel sanitiser machine” which has been installed at District Govt Hospital, dynamic is it and how fast it biological aspects of this virus” isolation strategies” he said. Jehnabad, Bihar. imitates. This study will help us to said Dr Mishra. In addition to this the institute has Earlier, MSDE has shared a list of 1,75,000 health sector professionals know how fast it evolves and Three to four people from each also increased the testing capacity. trained under MSDE Skill ecosystem, are Health workers, Emergency what are the future aspects of it” institute are continuously working A large number of people are Medical Technicians, General Duty Assistants, Phlebotomy Technicians, said Dr Rakesh Mishra, Director, on the whole genome sequencing. undergoing testing and they would Home Health Aid Technicians etc and located in different states to all Chief CCMB while speaking In the next 3-4 weeks researchers go for mass screening. This will Secretaries. These professionals,. Their services are being utilised by States withSenior ScientistJyoti Sharma would be able to get at least 200- help them to identify the number for isolation and quarantine duties under Covid-19. NSDC has appointed fromIndia Science Wire, DST. 300 isolates and this information of positive cases and then send nodal officers in each state. They are in contact with state administration for Whole-genome sequencing is the would help them to make some them for isolation or quarantine. mobilizing the personnel based on requirement. method used to determine the further conclusion about complete DNA sequence of a behaviour of this virus. For this Cambridge English Exam Centre opened in ODM Public School specific organism's genome. The purpose, National Institute of Cambridge Assessment English, a department of the University of approach for sequencing the latest Virology (NIV), Pune has also Cambridge, has started a new Cambridge English Exam Centre at ODM Public School, Bhubaneswar. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Manish Puri, Head – Business Development - South Asia, Cambridge Assessment English, and Chairman, ODM Educational Group, Dr S. Minaketan along with COO, Swoyan Satyendu

6 Curriculum April 16, 2020 Free Access During Lockdown Ed-tech Firms offer free services and app access in lockdown period to students as online learning surges Need of social distancing urged by the government to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus and lockdown means study at home. So most of the ed techs resorted to innovative marketing, some genuinely came forward to contribute to continuing educaiton: Sankalp App for Hindi medium 9-12 classes VEDANTU: Oxford University Press India extends free access announced by Avanti Free access to online learning from to its educational resources grade 1 -12 covering subjects like Avanti, a social enterprise funded by Michael &Susan Dell Maths, Science, Social Studies, Oxford University Press (OUP), has announced its Continue Learning Foundation, Pearson, TPG , Asha Impact and Rise, has launched a free Physics and Chemistry @home initiative to provide students and teachers with free access to its learning app called Sankalp app for Hindi Medium government learning resources, for both schools and higher education streams. OUP will school students in Class 9-12 to cope with loss of learning time due to Byju's: also support the teacher fraternity by providing them free online access to its COVID-19 disruption. The mobile app contains recorded video Online Teacher Training modules and webinars. The Continue Learning content, solved examples and quizzes in all NCERT topics of Free access to its complete app to @home initiative is aimed at creating a home learning environment and Mathematics and Science. The application can be downloaded at school students till the end ofApril ensuring that the delivery of education is not disrupted. http://www.avanti.in/sankalpapp. Speaking about the initiative, Sivaramakrishnan Venkateswaran, Managing Imarticus: Imarticus Learning Director, OUP, said: “We are in the midst of an unprecedented situation The company has also made the source code of the app open-source where people around the world are attempting to brave the social, economic and is aiming to enlist the support of the larger development sector and launched a series of certification and health impact of Covid-19. As a mission driven organization, OUP has ed-tech ecosystem to add content for all subjects from Kindergarten to courses across technology, data made access to resources on coronavirus freely accessible in order to assist Class 12 on this app in the next few months. analytics and finance. These online researchers, medical professionals and others who are working to address the Avanti has also announced free live classes on the Sankalp YouTube courses are free of cost and allow pandemic. We have also committed ourselves to helping learners, teachers channel for class 9-12. These classes will also be streamed on TikTok, professionals to upgrade and institutions through this period, by providing them online and digitized Facebook and other social media platforms. The YouTube channel is themselves with relevant industry versions of our world-class learning resources.” accessible through http://www.avanti.in/sankalp. Live classes will knowledge to fast-track their The free online learning resources can be easily accessed through the begin onApril 20 and will continue throughout the academic year. proficiency in the field. dedicated School and Higher Education web-pages on the OUP India “The lack of access to education at home as well as the immense website. The resources offer a suite of learning material to the students financial distress that this lockdown will bring to families poses a Simplilearn: Bengaluru-based including access 100+ e-books, animated short story videos, activity based massive risk to students staying in school. India has very high dropout learning resources, worksheets for lesson revisions, interactive learning rates after Class 10 and it is critical that we maintain a sense of edtech firm Simplilearn is resources over mobile apps and tests to ascertain the learner's reading level. normalcy and educational security among our most vulnerable providing free access to its courses, These also include access to various Higher Education resources like students and they enjoy #GharPeSchool”, says Akshay Saxena, co- based on artificial intelligence, multiple-choice questions, flashcards, reading material and question banks founder of Avanti and an IIT Bombay and Harvard Business School machine learning, Big Data, and on subjects – Engineering, Hospitality and Management. Alumni. cybersecurity, among others, to its OUP will also support the teaching fraternity by providing them continuous users professional development through multiple online resources. These include free limited access to two modules of OUP's premium Online Teacher Notebook, announces free access till May 31 Coursera: Coursera has Training program, eBooks with interactive teaching tools and learning Notebook app, a school education app, has announced to provide materials such as lesson plans, printable worksheets, animations, powerpoint access to its content for all schools and students across India till May launched 'Coursera for campus' for slides, solution manuals, critical thinking exercises, and more. Apart from 31 as a gesture of support in fight against COVID-19. any college or university in the these OUP will also be organizing teacher webinars to share educational tips Notebook is a digital content portal that allows children and parents to world that is impacted by to support teachers as they themselves help learners adapt to home learning. learn topics in their respective school syllabi through engaging videos coronavirus. Students can access OUP has also made access to its resources on coronavirus freely accessible in and notes. Its vernacular feature allows children to learn their syllabus the catalogue free of cost till July order to assist researchers, medical professionals, policy makers, and others in their regional languages. 31st who are working to address the pandemic. OUP's Academic Journals website has launched a new free hub of over 2,500 research articles and online WisdomLeap app free during lockdown GobalGyan gives FREE chapters relevant to coronavirus and related topics and has also been added to CarveNiche Technologies, ed-tech company has announced a free Access to its Learning the Google Scholar homepage which will help to facilitate searches for learning app - Wisdom Leap to help school students study during the Platform till June coronavirus research and articles. Coronavirus outbreak. WisdomLeap content os approved by CBSE. Students can just log on to the app and clear their doubts from teachers GlobalGyan Academy of Safejob offers free access to students from rural online, free of cost until May,2020. Management Education, Wisdom Leap app has detailed video lessons , games & practice tests announced a series of free Master India in sync with the board curriculum. The app is designed to enhance Classes on managing themselves learnability, create interest and aptitude for the subject in students. and their teams in these uncertain Safeducate, training, skilling and consulting firm is making its personalised The app has interactive course content for all School boards. times. In addition, GlobalGyan is job readiness and placement platform . offering Indian companies free The webinar offered by Safejob covers topics like 'Skills you need to be a “Quikik”-AfreeAI based Math learning app access to its Mobile Learning great HR', 'Future of skills in logistics', 'Tips to improve communication Pearson India has launched “Quikik”, a new AI-based Math learning Platform for their employees. skills', 'Personalised learning and AI', 'How to create great resumes', 'Time app which helps students reinforce their Math skills and feeds your 10- waste or invest during lockdown', 'Strategic human resource management', 14 year old's appetite for snack-size learning in a fun & engaging Free Access IMA 'Current trend in logistics', 'How to figure out your personality', 'Planning for manner. resources for 90 Days your life after college' and more. It intends to continue guiding the rural youth In addition to this, the company also announced support for IIT-JEE in times of global crisis so that they can succeed in securing their dream jobs students and institutes in the form of free access to its MyInsights IMA® (Institute of Management once the situation is under control. Online Mock Test Series to ensure seamless preparation time & Accountants), the association of Developed by some of the best minds from IIT, Cambridge and Stanford, resources to the students in the form of personalized digital accountants and financial Safejob aims to solve the job readiness and placement challenges faced by assessment tool. professionals in business, is Indian youth. It's A.I. based platform has been designed to understand making many valuable education individual requirements and provide a personalised experience to every Gharpecoaching: Oliveboard introduces free and networking resources candidate, giving them a chance to become a contributing member of the online available free of charge to workforce and the country's economy, which is currently at stake due to the nonmembers for 90 days. global COVID 19 pandemic. #GharPeCoaching, a free course with online classes for preparation IMA resources available include a Divya Jain, Founder, and CEO of Safeducate said, “We have nearly 5500 for all banking exams. The platform will be accessible to students variety of live webinars and online students who were coming to our 150 Safeducate centers from across the from 20th March in Hindi and English and will cover - Topic Videos, courses, most of which offer country. We had to send them back home after the situation of this pandemic Live Tuitions with Top Faculty and Special Practice Sessions with NASBA Continuing Professional became worse because obviously safety comes first. However, we will not let Mock Tests. Education (CPE) credits. Some of this lockdown interfere with their learning. Being a socially responsible the most valuable resources include startup, Safejob will ensure that students are receiving all sorts of vocational FREE Learning Management Services the new IMA Data Analytics & training and assistance to become job-ready and secure one in the present Visualization Fundamentals scenario where many industries are on a job-cut spree.” Illumnus, an ed-tech startup by IIT Bombay & BITS Pilani alumni, is Certificate™ and the IMA Strategy offering FREE Learning Management Services to any interested and Competitive Analysis Learning schools, institutes or individual teachers. Series®, which will be available for The core product is a B2B SaaS-based collaborative Learning free until April 30. IMA is also Management Software (LMS) for premier academic institutes: offering its CareerDriver® Schools, Colleges, Universities and Coaching Institutions. The Assessment Tool that helps brand's mission is to bring education to students when students can't individuals assess their skills and reach education, and this is the test of our existence. create development plans to close skill gaps using IMA's more than 1,000 resources.

Curriculum April 16, 2020 7 Focus Schools and teachers too are in the forefront of COVID-18 fight Schools (mostly government schools) serving midday meals have been turned into food centres for the hungry and vulnerable during 'coronavirus lockdown' and like healthcare facilities and health workers, these schools and teachers on duty are serving on the frontline against covid-19 outbreak The neighborhood school has Vidyalaya), Hari Nagar (Delhi), community participation is good during stay at home. He says: “We must desist from signaling our traditionally been always the COVID-19 pandemic has idea. Also, our people particularly have to make sure that when children in whatsapp groups as it place where government and brought us to a situation of life those who are hungry and without children are not coming to school, may adversely affect mental health community come together and death and posed the biggest food forget routine norms at they remain engaged in some of those children.” either in times of adversity or a challenge to the humanity. times, let alone social distancing, interesting way by a question, In nutshell, the interaction in virtual transformative partnership. And “During such pandemics there is so volunteers are always welcome project or other activity day after space with use of technology tools the teacher is the important link a natural tendency for people to to keep these norms.” day. We can compensate the loss of must keep communication going so between the two. This role of secure themselves and as it gets three months of study in remain that the physical distance doesn't schools and teachers is visible more intense and threatening, Leading from front principal nine months so we shouldn't be come in way of teachers reaching once again as the coronavirus humanity becomes the causality Choubey, who himself oversees doing anything that adds to misery out to students and vice-versa. pandemic has brought about an as individual becomes self- the food distribution work at his of children or lessen their unprecedented requirement of a centred to save him or herself. We school, has also put up a ration enthusiasm and self-confidence. Principal Choubey sums by national lockdown forcing as teachers must take lead and card facilitation centre where People have started lessons beautifully by saying that the time is millions of daily wagers, menial help the humanity,” he adds. volunteers help those without through online technology mode, for schools to prove their workers and other vulnerable Speaking about how his school, ration card register for one so that which is good but let's not forget it community leadership and help people into hunger and despair. which is also a food centre of the they receive free ration as has be active learning. The demand them face this historic challenge So the governments picked up Delhi government, has learnt its announced by the government. must come from students, we can and in the way teachers will also lessons, he explains how he has According to him it is not only on just support by way of explanations prove themselves as Covid schools to serve as food centres transformed his centre from a duty teachers, who can contribute and material etc. Teachers also warriors. purely sarkari food distribution in this effort, rather all teachers as their midday meal expertise to a community food distribution must reach out to their children . centre. “We involved nearby and inquire about any food comes handy so does their Gurudwara, social organizations requirement their families. In case and volunteers because as we of difficulty, they can bring that community connection. With know government effort is into notice of people. necessary in this kind of situation A second aspect of this lockdown invocation of Disaster but it is not enough. Many people crisis has been mental health and out of self-respect or other principal Choubey, who is one of ManagementAct in most places, reasons don't come to take food. the finest mentors in the country So in an effort that nobody says teachers have a big teachers particularly under age remains hungry and slips out, responsibility in ensuring children are happy and do interesting work of 50 years have been drafted into this relief and emergency work. Unheard and unknown even in imagination, the corona epidemic is shaping a new normal and distributed work. In words of Ajay Kumar Choubey, Principal of the RPVV (Rajkiya Pratibha Vikas ChildFund India to support 2.5 lakh poor vulnerable people in fight against COVID-19 Following the guidelines by the Communication materials. trying to ensure that the well- COVID-19, required support is Children – India, has shared a joint Government of India, ChildFund ChildFund is initiating being of the most vulnerable being provided to the family. Field appeal addressed to Prime Minister of India, which is now part of the distribution of food baskets and children is not compromised. The staff is providing remote India with a copy to the Ministry of Joining Forces For Children – hygiene kits to most vulnerable only solution is to stand in educational support to children Women and Child Development, India alliance of NGOS families to ensure food security solidarity, collaborate and fight and youth through online apps and Ministry of Health and Family (ChildFund India, Plan India, and family safety. ChildFund has this back”, said Neelam telecommunication amid this Welfare, Ministry of Human Resource Save the Children India, SOS ensured safety of Frontline Makhijani, Country Director and crisis and connecting families with Development, Ministry of Finance, Children's Villages of India, Terre Workers and they are working CEO of ChildFund India. government schemes related to NITI Aayog, and National des hommes and World Vision closely with the local district this emergency. Commission for Protection of Child India) working for children, has administration. As per its rehabilitation strategy, Rights (NCPCR) with a fervent launched its response to fight the “India and rest of the world is in a ChildFund is working on different Advocating for protection of the request on behalf of the vulnerable COVID-19 crisis on national grave situation. A large part of the possibilities of recovery and most vulnerable children in the children of India to: level, which is being approached population we serve is the rehabilitation interventions, COVID-19 response, while Prioritize and identify the most in 2 Phases. The 1st Phase focuses migrant population in both urban especially, Psychosocial support lauding the steps taken by the vulnerable and at risk children for on providing Relief support and and rural settings, which is the to children and education Government of India, on 25th prevention and response interventions the 2nd Phase emphasizes on most affected section of the continuity at the home settings by March, 2020, ChildFund India Provide uninterrupted access to critical Rehabilitation of the affected society in today's scenario. We're providing them with story books, along with other 5 leading child services for the most vulnerable families in 15 states across the working hard to provide support Arts and Sports items. ChildFund development organizations, who children and their families country where it operates. to these vulnerable families, their will support in restoring have together formed an Alliance Provide child-friendly outreach Through these response efforts, it children and the communities at livelihoods of vulnerable families named as Joining Forces For messages will support nearly 2,50,000 large who are in desperate need of andinitiate WASH (Water and Protect children in child care people across the country, over the the lifesaving support. Every Sanitation, Hygiene) institutions next 3 months and scale up in the preventive action helps and every interventions to increase hygiene Prevent separation and stigma of child next few months towards one of us can make a difference to practices for sustainable results. and caregiver rehabilitation. stop the spread of this virus. In As part of its initial response, Scale-up investment in child such conditions, children are ChildFund is collaborating with protection system strengthening In the last couple of weeks, affected the most. ChildFund is community leaders and local While the efforts taken by the ChildFund has already distributed proud to be a part of the Joining authorities to ensure only correct Government to prevent and control basic hygiene and sanitation items Forces For Children – India and adequate information community outbreak of COVID-19 are to more than 16,000 people, Arts alliance, which is committed to regarding COVID-19 is reaching commendable, the impact of this and crafts material to nearly 5,000 extend its support to the the communities to reduce panic, crisison the underprivileged families children for their home-based Government of India in this time supporting Government by and their children is still a huge learning and play activities and of national crisis and to serve the tracking people with relevant concern. In this backdrop effort of spread awareness amongst best interests of children. travel history in their locations & ChildFund India and others is really thousands of people on prevention Through the appeal, submitted to advising returnees to self- laudable and required. and management of COVID-19 the Prime Minister's Office and quarantine. If any child is through dissemination of other government offices, we are suspected to be infected with Information, Education and

8 Curriculum April 16, 2020 VIEWS (Edit/Guest Column...) OPINION: Implications of CoronaVirus Crisis on Disruption caused by COVID-19 Pandemic Emotional Health abruptly giving way to a New Education Order, but those discriminatory dangers remain reflect on unattended aspects of life and reset priorities THE newly discovered Coronavirus, which has Dr.Nitesh Dhawan , Public Servant (Govt of UP) and Author caused mayhem and practically locked down the world as the humanity suffers its worst The unprecedented global crisis due check community spread of virus too far. We should accept the reality pandemic in many decades. The COVID-19 pandemic to Covid-19 Corona virus has really may induce a feeling of social without any resistance and gain has killed over 1.5 lakh people in the last four months or shaken the world with its unpredict- isolation further intensifying the different experiences with grace and so even as over two million are infected and are adding ability and magnanimity. The life negative effects on psycho-social gratitude. This will help us in at a considerable rate. While this extraordinary situation threatening virus is taking a heavy toll well being of the community. overcoming negativity and resulting in stoppage of economic activities has on health, economy and socio-cultural But everything is not dark as it seems uncertainties of life. multiplied efforts at producing a vaccine or a drug dimensions of the society. The under to be. When we are so engrossed in lRight use of energy and time is very against this virus, the dark shadow of this pandemic is prepared medical health infrastructure our daily routines, we seek for spare important. This is the right time to expected to last at least one more year as sword of is inadequate to cope up with the time from our professional and pursue one's creative interests. It Damocles. unforeseen challenges posed by the occupational work pressures. Now will channelize one's energy in the Schools, colleges and universities are social places with corona threat. The 21 day lockdown to that we have got so much of time at right direction and give immense tens of thousands in attendance and interactions; so curb the effects of corona virus has put our disposal we should use it to satisfaction. Don't let your energy obviously, these are also the potential spots of the whole nation on hold with people reflect on unattended aspects of life. dissipate in wasteful things or multiplying transmission of Covid outbreak. Therefore, finding it difficult to get acclimatized This is the right time to see life from a irregular routines. wisely thousands of institutions in affected regions have in the unusual situation. The spike in larger perspective and setting right l Stick to daily routines and do not been closed down and millions of students forced to corona infected cases in majority of priorities in life. We should focus on procrastinate. Connect with the stay out of them. the states with rising deceased number our health and fitness which remains nature through gardening, planting Thanks to education technology that has grown nicely is an indicator of how serious the crisis the most neglected area for most of trees and other activities. Read in the last a few years along with Internet, the disruption is. With over 1.5 million infected the people. The time is appropriate to books of your interest and pursue caused thus, is being mitigated by using online modes, cases and about 100,000 deaths connect with the serenity and beauty your hobbies. Listening to music platforms and materials. A lot of institutions and even globally, the corona crisis demands of the nature in this materialistic life can relax your mind. governments have been well invested in online for herculean effort at various levels. of ours. Planting trees, gardening and lIt's important to calm down when education and therefore transition to online has been We are so accustomed to our daily just sitting in silence in the company there is so much of information quicker than otherwise. routines that any small change can of natural environment can make us overflowing around us. Everywhere At the same time, education which had been disturb our moods, and when the feel better. Moreover, the environ- there is a buzz on Corona threat that championed as an outreach force multiplier for bringing problem is as grave as this, the ment is getting healed naturally due the world is going through. One can about equality and fostering egalitarianism in the emotional turmoil phase is going to to minimization of human activities. easily succumb to the pressures of society, is now also feeling the reality of digital divide sustain here for some time. The The time is ripe for pursuing one's uncertainty and unpredictability. So starker than before. While a class of students has psychological aspects are bound to get hobbies and areas of interests and one of the techniques to be in control seamlessly switched over to virtual classes, a large influenced affecting our overall well uses this space creatively. Crisis is to close your eyes after every hour number is sitting out. The government on its part is being causing psycho-social times could trigger our creative for 10 seconds. This may seem to be scrambling its resources and repositories to offer some maladjustment with our environment. potential due to increased sensitivity. quite simple but it can really help us way out, but need for all this has come so sudden that The corona crisis situation demands We can have the quality time with our to calm down our mind and flow of even the best of decisions can't suffice. The ministry of adaptive behavioural patterns. This family that we crave for during thoughts. It gives a sense of peace HRD invited suggestions for online education and requires change in the conditioned normal days. and control over situation. thousands of such comments have been received by it. behaviour that has been reinforced So we need to cope up in these testing lFinish your pending tasks that you Hopefully, in coming time, a lot of these suggestions during normal times. The old habits times with some modifications in our were procrastinating for long. This may go on floor and change the situation for better. and response system may not yield affective, cognitive and behavioural would instil a feeling of completion. A more interesting and fascinating aspect of this viral desired outcomes. The lockdown components. Here are some tips to lReflect and revive your relation- outbreak has been sciences receiving a lot of attention period with restraint on social adapt effectively- ships by increasing your sensitivity. as personal protection equipment and other solutions interactions and the rising number of Be receptive to understand and help became a wish of millions. Country's department of infected cases may lead to fear of lBreathing is one of the key ways to others. Science & Technology (DST) has been a dark horse and unknown due uncertainty about the be in right frame of mind. First always innovating solutions for various problems. Ditto future. People may go through thing in the morning time that we Be updated but don't be glued to for IITs and other institutions including DRDO, IISc, anxiety, depression, emotional can do is to exhale as much as we television or social media platforms. universities and individual enthusiasts. It is a warlike instability and hopelessness. Lack of can with an empty stomach. This is The world is going through common situation where scientists, medics, innovators are all at fruitful work and defined goals may a wonderful technique to energise suffering and we should hope that it work to defeat this invisible and 'invincible' enemy. cause monotony, dissatisfaction and oneself. It also activates the becomes much more compassionate DST's innovations and products through collaborative disappointments. In a situation when Manipur Chakra which settles towards humanity and nature once the support to startups and others has been a large body of joblessness has increased three fold down all the unknown fears. tough times are over. We do not need work but more due its being of more an introvert and since lockdown and unemployment to to panic but precaution and patience is relying on in-house of a few favorite agencies, its 23.4 percent (CMIE data), the youth is lWhen we are able to connect with the need of the hour. communications aren't reaching masses. And with the undergoing career uncertainties and the silence, we are in harmony with kind urgency needed in these difficult times, DST insecurities about their future. ourselves. Meditation is the way to For attention would be able to popularize more science and University helplines are flooded with be in tune with oneself. Take out at of institutions innovations as a silver lining. panic calls from students during the least 20 minutes to sit in silence, Health education has also got a boost and people are coronavirus pandemic pertaining to being receptive, relaxed and Notices Beyond 200 becoming more health conscious and also equipping career related anxiety and other enjoying the company of yourself. words will be themselves with health information and knowledge. counselling services. UGC has It is magical and an ultimate considered classified However, the state of our medical education and in directed universities and colleges to experience! advertisements and particular nursing needs more attention and this is an set up mental health helpline to therefore published only opportunity to romp up a corrective path to health needs address student's concerns during lFollow the principle of NEAR- against payments. of population. health crisis. Social distancing that is Now – Experience-Accept-Reality. being emphasized again and again to This means that we should try to Thank you live in the present and do not think Printed, Published and Owned by: Avtar Krishen Kaul, Saraswati Editor: Autar Nehru Associate Editor: Suneel Bhan W: www.curriculum-magazine.com REACH US Colony, Smith Nagar, PO- Prem Nagar, Dehradun (Uttrakhand)- Editorial/Marketing : 248001 and Printed at Microsoft Technoprint India Private Limited, Consulting Editors: Sudha Passi, M K Bhat, Ramanathan Iyer Circulation 37 Old Cannaught Place, Dehradun (UttraKhand) and Published at [email protected] Dimple Nehru, Ganesh Saraswati Colony, Smith Nagar, PO- Prem Nagar, Dehradun Advisory Board Members: Ashok Pandey. Dehradun: A K Koul; Meerut: Uzma Rizvi (Uttrakhand)-248001, Prof. Raj Kachroo, Navin Bhatia [email protected] Patna: Manoj Kumar; Jammu: Sandeep Dhar General inquiry Editor: Avtar Nehru RNI No. UTTENG/2010/37634 Director Outreach: Farindra Pande call us at 011-28051642/22; 9868256512 Associates : Gurbinder Kaur, Akshay Sahu Business Development: Ashok Bhat, Vijay K Rajesh Kaul

Curriculum April 16, 2020 9 Spotlight Future Becomes Present As Coronavirus Makes Education Go Online Interestingly, online learning was projected as the future of learning but has today emerged at the forefront as the world has been gripped by fear as the coronavirus pandemic is spreading like wildfire in many parts of the world. Minal Anand, CEO & Co-Founder of GuruQ offers insights into learning in times of COVID 19 Interestingly, online Hangout among others are Edtech players were already stands to forget everything are quickly imbibing tech skills learning was projected as helping students to stay huge advocates of the many he/she had learned while as they adapt to virtual the future of learning but connected to learning and advantages of online mode of preparing thus resulting in an classrooms. It is a fresh set of has today emerged at the thereby bridge any break in learning with transcending absolute waste of time and skills that students are forefront as the world has connectivity when it comes to geographical boundaries being energy. They can't avail of acquiring albeit a very been gripped by fear as the education. Teachers are one of the biggest benefits. As tutors or go to coaching important set as they will be coronavirus pandemic is attaching links to open students' academic lives have centres as more than 80 assimilated more easily into spreading like wildfire in many sources that serve as gone haywire, edtech plat- districts have been put on the tech-driven careers of parts of the world. additional learning material. forms are trying to provide lockdown in India. Their only tomorrow. So while the initial Lockdowns, an unprece- They are sending across some sort of normalcy. Online alternative is to turn to edtech days might be a bit challeng- dented step of closures of assessments and worksheets courses are available for platforms to derive rich ing, we should bear in mind workplaces, institutions, to monitor how well students students who do not want to educational materials from that change is difficult at first, gatherings, marketplaces, are responding to online lose touch with fundamental online courses and keep messy in the middle but commuting and movements, a mode of education. Teachers concepts especially if they themselves updated. Students beautiful at the end. first time in recent history, are and educators are making have to sit for Board exams or have the option of logging in It's as if all of a sudden the the frontline combative steps necessary tweaks and other competitive exams once from their laptops or more entire world has been thrust for containing spread of this improvisations as they try to we get past these dire times. conveniently from their laptops into an experiment that will contagious virus. This also accomodate the textbook into Let us remember that examina- to access these online decide if online teaching- means students could end up their online lectures. tions have been postponed courses. To make matters learning is effective or not. and missing out on weeks and However, since most schools and will definitely be resched- even better, there are online unsurprisingly the compli- months of learning. However, never or rarely used such uled once the quarantine tutoring platforms like GuruQ, ments by far outweigh the time is precious and a gap in tools they are not so well period is over. that do not provide online criticism. Notions and percep- learning would inevitably set equipped to offer online A student who does not revise courses but provide 'an actual tions about online learning are students back. Therefore, learning. A number of schools what he/ she has learned tutor'.Online tutoring adds a fast melting away, now that educational technology has have successfully touch of personalization and there is no other alternative to come into useful play and transitioned to the online enables a student to grasp resort to. Educational institu- institutions like schools, mode but not all schools have matters much better due to the tions that were averse to online colleges and universities are the training, technology or presence of a human element. learning can now fully under- scrambling these technologi- tools in places to make this Also, during this crisis, remote stand its potential and cal resources to provide quick adaption. They are tutoring platforms have been importance. Perhaps this students the facility of online suffering from teething sensitive enough to keep the transition came a little sooner learning. This is how: problems as the change has cost of remote classes than expected but it might Technology based solutions been abrupt and not gradual. extremely pocket-friendly. easily be the new normal once and platforms like Blackboard, This is where edtech players While an atmosphere of gloom the world is rid of the Zoom, Moodle, Edmodo, have stepped in to ensure that is widespread across the world coronavirus. Microsoft Teams, Google teaching-learning is not presently, on the bright side Classroom and Google disrupted. students and teachers alike What best can schools/colleges do to keep education process going? Swoyan Satyendu, COO ODM Educational Group shares his view point academic year and adjust for the lost school classes. By reducing the length of summer vacation and adjusting it with classes will spare some time for An average school in India has approximately 250 children and some big students and they'll get enough time to prepare for other subjects apart from schools have over 5000 children pursuing education. Imagine how Maths and Science. easily a single infected student can pollute his whole classroom in a day and so the chain can potentially onwards epidemically. Such a scenario Extra classes to make for the lost class time: As and when the schools will take a huge toll on the human stakeholders of schools and colleges reopen, they'll create a period-subject wise timeline for each subject, so that as these are places where children from all walk of life come together to they can provide extra classes to students without fail and ensure that the learn, grow and have fun. Therefore, a shut down as means of social syllabus is completed. distancing and averting a catastrophic spread was timely and necessary. So how do we cope with this situation that has put a halt to the learning Assigning Class Mentors: The schools must align Class Mentors (assigned system of over 250 million students in schools and in the colleges and to each child) who will personally speak with the students and their parents universities? What is that we can do to enable an ecosystem or create it and advise them on what to study and how to initiate preparing for the initial where our students can still learn, and where education processes will chapters seating at home. They will also be able to offer comfort to students. not stop but will actually thrive? Here are the following steps that some schools are trying or can do to implement to ensure that the student's Quarantine Activities for Learning & Fun: While the students are at learning cycle doesn't suffer long enough due to COVID-19 crisis: home, the teachers can assign students activities which will engage them at home. This activity-based learning can become a part of the curriculum and Introducing Online Classes/Modules: Schools during this time of will help students cover a few topics even without coming to school or by crisis can introduce online modules and classes for children from VI-XII being guided by the teachers. for important subjects like Maths and Science. This will enable students to learn and relearn even the basic equation at their comfort and pace. Cancel internal exams: Post the immunization of COVID-19, the school may choose to cover more classes and focus on covering the curriculum and Providing Online as well as Offline Notes: Learning without to achieve the same, they may reduce the number of internal or external practising bears no results, and to ensure proper learning, the schools are exams. sharing study plans and notes to the children of each class. Students can Our school, ODM Public School, Bhubaneswar is and will try to fully utilise their time at home, learn and practice as per the progress in the implement the above-mentioned recommendations and will help students notes. streamline their studies and achieve their goals. Rearrange academic holidays to adjust school curriculum: Once the school re-opens, the schools will plan to cut out on holidays through the

10 Curriculum April 16, 2020 Interview/Special Asheesh Gupta, Pro Vice-Chancellor, JKLU, Jaipur COVID-19: 'Education system is sufficiently resilient, humanity has to grow, and therefore education will matter' Rethink education is already shaping a new summer vacation is long enough and more sort of industry connected education delivery order. Among the new age time to catch up with whatever is programs—all was happening young universities in the country is Jaipur-based needed, so we are continuing to go anyway. More students were JK Lakshmipat University (esb 2011) offering with our initial plan of starting choosing at micro level to take say technology as well management courses. Autar academic year in mid July. Our computer science. But I think, what Nehru spoke to Asheesh Gupta, Pro Vice- admission process is therefore on, the emerging situation will do is Chancellor, JKLU, also a former Consultant at in some cases where students are actually accelerate some of these McKinsey & Company and Director of waiting for exams of course we are trends. McKinsey's Knowledge & Research Centres in seeing a delay in decision making This is a discontinuity. Just step back India to get a pulse of what are education leaders but our plan is to start as decided and see where we are going. So thinking about the COVID-19 impact. for July. otherwise what would actually have Let's hope this unprecedented happened in 2-3 years will be We are in an extraordinary coached, getting demos, they are may become slightly a longer but situation normalizes quickly, accelerated in my view in 6 months to situation because of COVID-19 making presentations. We have we should be able to catch up in but at the same time most a year. And this in a way is good pandemic; there is disruption, taken some of these steps for the terms of student's delivery. Other parents and students are a lot because students will have the uncertainty, anxiety and also a first time but for other courses, important thing to get impacted is anxious and looking uncertain opportunity to move to new things lot of rethink particularly some of it was already happen- placement but in the short term or given the dimension of the faster. And institutions which have about higher education. So, tell ing. For BTech courses, we are immediate term we are likely to pandemic and massive impact it not been preparing for the change or us how do you see this situation doing programming courses see companies reviewing has over lives, economy. What not changing will get impacted. They and what was your initial online, same in case mathemat- recruitment policies so on. would you say to them? will be forced to change quickly. reaction? ics, statistics, mechanical So, are you indicating that I am doing that quite a lot because Somebody was doing well, they were By and large different institutions engineering and others. In fact, trends of 2008 meltdown will parents are reaching out. We are saying why fix something not broken. have responded differently to this 80% of our courses are running probably repeat? talking to them. My advise to them But this is breaking everything, which crisis, some are essentially online. However, for lab part Yes. One thing I am worried about is you have to look at them through anyway we all knew was waiting for a posting material and encouraging (practicals) we would want is companies deferring place- two lenses—microscope and then change. People knew students are students to read it and giving students to come back to work on ments, deferring joinings. If you telescope. Macroscopic view learning now differently, online was a assignments, in some places they equipment even though there are remember meltdown 2008, lot of matters for students who are new way of efficient learning already are just putting presentations and computer-based simulators. Our people were given deferred passing out at this stage, so there in the world but people were not notes for students to complete belief is that we should not joining dates, people were sitting they have thinking jobs, some adopting them. Now suddenly you their course. And some like us completely rely on these virtual on benches. Waiting for job offers were looking at startup, some were have a situation where you're forced have taken proactive route by simulator labs and hopefully the for months even from large looking at higher education. All to do that. You will see more and more saying how do we actually lockdown will get over and companies were just holding off. these three decisions need to be universities looking at new programs, deliver teaching online. students will be able to do that. One part of our job is preparing reviewed at this time. It may not be rejigging their mix, in terms of how Fortunately, we had technology We are using Zoom as a for that. If students across the best times to jump into much capacity, seats, etc. I think the and preparedness, faculty so we platform, Google Hagout etc intuitions are forced in a situation something new say a startup. demand for faculty who have moved have been able to do that and kept depending on the size of class, like that the how do we help them, Some of the models people had with times, will become more valued. our classes going online. For media we are relying on how we make sure they continue thought about and developed (I So we are in for an interesting one Between our three institutions, on TCSion system. And, it is to develop productivity and use know because we have an Atal year of this adjustment. an average, we deliver 50 classes working very well. their time well. Incubation Centre and startups) Do you think some of the regula- and session a day to our students. That is very good. But let's A lot of our students were going will take a big hit. So I think tions also need to change with this In any case a lot of our lectures come back to the question of overseas for higher education people need to be conscious about extraordinary shift? and project work was already in the impact that this lockdown particularly to USA, how do you what startup at this stage means. In My belief is, people say all sort of this mode. and scare has done to higher see the trend changing with terms of higher education, things about our regulators, They are Was there any binding education sector. How do you COVID-19 devastation? particularly people looking at all well meaning people. Regulations communication from regula- read the general impact? In US they are prioritizing global universities, you have are meant for institutions to prevent tors like UGC orAICTE? Truly, this is a sort of watershed economy and commerce over life. really to reevaluate it whether they malpractices and those whose intent Both these regulators have been for higher education. I think Businesses there will bounce are moving online…where you is not right. Regulations for stopping quite mindful of that the reality never before in history has back quicker and faster. And should go…people should really such things then apply to everybody. that different institutions are anything of sort happened so universities are proactive there, see at this time in terms of From my own experience of working different levels in academic quickly in terms of impact on many of them have a strong placement. with regulators in last 8-10 years is delivery and even preparedness higher education. The move to online arm, they will accelerate, The students and parents of that they are supportive of universi- to switch over to online, so there go online is one big part. they have resources. They have students who are planning to join a ties. At the same time, my hope is as was a notification listing the Globally we partner with several money, faculty to do this in new course or are in say their universities and institutions will need available online resources and universities. And what we are offline/online mode. People who second year need to take a long to change rapidly or get accelerated, how to make use of time during hearing is that globally institu- have got admissions in top term view. Degree education is not some of this acceleration also has to lockdown. It was a kind of right tions are putting together institutions will not get impacted a vocational course of three happen to regulations particularly the guidance and an advisory. programs for online mode. much but people in second and months or six months, so if are move to go online. Also, because What AICTE did was that it There are lots of international third tier will and they have to be taking a 4-year perspective for people also misused it online in the conducted sessions for educators students. Even if local move- reassessed. People are looking at BTech or 2-year perspective for past, that is one area, where I am on how to conduct online classes ment is allowed, international jobs after study and tier 2/3 jobs MBA, they need to understand hoping would get a thorough relook etc. That is the big missing piece. mobility and travel will take will also get impacted, so that is a that education system is suffi- rather than one size fit all so that Content is there but the question much longer. That is there. So big thing. ciently resilient, humanity has to ability of institutions like us who are is how to make people adept at some universities have already Among a chain of processes, grow, things will come back and young, wanting to do things differ- using it in engaging manner. So I declared that there next semester admission process is also therefore education is not losing ently or looking at what is best not think there is one thing they can is going to be online. What impacted. So as a university, its value and going anywhere. only in India but also world can think do more of, is just that. This is a impact will it have on very very how are do looking at admis- Don't let shorter thinking come in about that. Also, the ability to offer great time to help faculty to expensive global universities, sions? the way of longer term. One thing more and more stuff in hybrid mode is overcome the gaps and hesita- remains to be seen. It may have There are delays. JEE main is more Government spending is what will set it off. Today that is tion. impact on how students look at being postponed to May. CBSE going up and if really goes up in difficult to do. Share how it feels in lockdown fee, enrolment etc. So I think exams are getting postponed. In education, then you know in that What is in your view is ideally a and this 'new normal' and global education is in big flux. our scheme of things NID exam is case more opportunity will come. Hybrid Mode? technology scenario? In India my sense is that even if important, they have conducted This too shall pass… in words of Students can learn part of course, We're probably the first institu- takes three months to get back to the exam but not declared the Khalil which can equally well delivered tion in the country to do things in new normal, we have the cushion results as yet. I think yes there is a Amen. As I said in the begin- online. In fact lecture component can design online to the extent, it is of summer vacation. Most of us lot of uncertainty in the minds of ning, this is also about a rethink go online and some would argue it is possible. Of course part of it is are looking at leveraging that to students about how they would on education. So in term of even better than classroom mode. But still experiential, people have to catch up. We try to ensure that perform in these exams but as far student choices, what kind of in order to ensure that there is no make and built things but our disruption for students is as as we are concerned our belief is trend do you foresee? misuse or fake sessions, in my view students are doing that kind of minimal as possible. We are unless things take a very drastic We know, trends were moving in a summarative assessment and work at home. They are getting anticipating, the next semester turn, things would stabilize and clear direction by the way. For presentations must be in offline and in instance there was student person mode. In addition, working movement in specialization, with other people face to face must people looking at new emerging continue as a component of degree areas, interdisciplinary learning programs. opportunities, looking at sharper

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Timeliness and quality are the ideas in your projects. This online- projects. One such platform is key strengths of a freelancer and help ultimately leads to not just your ExpertRight.com where you can in building trust. professional but also your 1.Direct online marketing- easily obtain freelance work. Also, personal growth. Search for companies that you the website is 100% authentic and WHO and partners call for urgent investment in nurses The Covid-19 pandemic underscores the urgent need to strengthen the the right thing, invest in this wonderful profession and watch their ·modernize professional nursing global health workforce. A new report, 'The State of the Worlds populations benefit from the amazing work that only nurses can do.” regulation by harmonizing education and Nursing 2020, provides an in-depth look at the largest component of About 90 per cent of all nurses are female, yet few nurses are found in practice standards and using systems that the health workforce. Findings identify important gaps in the nursing senior health leadership positions-- the bulk of those positions are held can recognize and process nurses' workforce and priority areas for investment in nursing education, by men. But when countries enable nurses to take a leadership role, for credentials globally; and jobs, and leadership to strengthen nursing around the world and example by having a government chief nursing officer (or equivalent), ·strengthen the role of nurses in care teams improve health for all. Nurses account for more than half of all the and nursing leadership programmes, conditions for nurses improve. by bringing different sectors (health, world's health workers, providing vital services throughout the health “The policy options reflect actions we believe all countries can take education, immigration, finance and system. Historically, as well as today, nurses are at the forefront of over the next ten years to ensure there are enough nurses in all labour) together with nursing stakeholders fighting epidemics and pandemics that threaten health across the countries, and that nurses use of the full extent of their education, for policy dialogue and workforce globe. Around the world they are demonstrating their compassion, training, and professional scope to enhance primary health care planning. bravery and courage as they respond to the COVID-19 pandemic: delivery and respond to health emergencies such as COVID-19. ” The report's message is clear: never before has their value been more clearly demonstrated. To equip the world with the nursing workforce it needs, WHO and its governments need to invest in a massive 'Nurses are the backbone of any health system. Today, many nurses partners recommend that all countries: acceleration of nursing education, find themselves on the frontline in the battle against Covid-19,' said ·increase funding to educate and employ more nurses; creation of nursing jobs, and leadership. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director General. 'This ·strengthen capacity to collect, analyze and act on data about the health Without nurses, midwives, and other report is a stark reminder of the unique role they play, and a wakeup workforce; health workers, countries cannot win the call to ensure they get the support they need to keep the world healthy.' ·monitor nurse mobility and migration and manage it responsibly and battle against outbreaks, or achieve To avert the global shortage, the report estimates that countries ethically; universal health coverage and the experiencing shortages need to increase the total number of nurse ·educate and train nurses in the scientific, technological and Sustainable Development Goals. graduates by on average 8% per year, along with improved ability to sociological skills they need to drive progress in primary health care; be employed and retained in the health system. This would cost ·establish leadership positions including a government chief nurse and roughly USD 10 per capita (population) per year. support leadership development among young nurses; “Every penny invested in nursing raises the wellbeing of people and ·ensure that nurses in primary health care teams work to their full families in tangible ways that are clear for everyone to see. This report potential, for example in preventing and managing noncommunicable highlights the nursing contribution and confirms that investment in diseases; the nursing profession is a benefit to society, not a cost. The world ·improve working conditions including through safe staffing levels, needs millions more nurses, and we are calling on governments to do fair salaries, and respecting rights to occupational health and safety; ·implement gender-sensitive nursing workforce policies;

12 Curriculum April 16, 2020 University News Online Education a Great Saviour for Higher Education in COVID 19 pandemic The nationwide lockdown forced due to Covid-19 Pandemic had initially thrown higher education in deep crisis but universities and other HEIs in India have been able to adopt online teaching/learning from home rather quickly. It is all the more gratifying that assessments are conducted at fromApril 10, 2020 onwards. digitization of university swiftly taking the necessary steps to the young students have found appropriate intervals with faculty Since the Polytechnic is an operations as part of their provide students and faculty with the Online Classes both interesting intervention. Autonomous institution, it has the COVID-19 Contingency Plan. necessary facilities irrespective of the and greatly satisfying, says Prof Of course, it can get depressing capability to conduct final The university is rapidly focusing physical constraints. We are as PB Sharma, Prof PB Sharma, being cooped up at home for a examinations in an online mode on digital transformation and committed as ever to offer world-class, eminent academician and Vice long time. For students who feel post approval of the Directorate of infrastructure upgradation in cross-disciplinary higher education in Chancellor of Amity University stressed being indoors for Technical Education and the order to deliver all curriculum- strategic sectors of the economy Gurugram. “At Amity prolonged periods, the college AICTE. related content and student through well-devised and University the use of has arranged online counselling. Meanwhile at the Sona School of lectures to students in the most synchronized delivery structures and technology in education was Management, the second year MBA seamless possible manner to systems.” already well integrated in our Well before the Corona Crisis, students are currently doing mitigate any adverse impact due education innovations and the Salem based institute had capstone project they have been to the rapidly spreading COVID FLAME University, almost the entire academic geared for Education 4.0 aligning allowed to use platforms like 19 outbreak. As of today, more management was on IT savvy itself to the needs of the fourth Google forms and Survey Monkey than 8000 students have already Pune Amity Itranet *Amizone* that industrial revolution. Smart to collect data. The students are been offered online classes under is the backbone of Amity technology, artificial intelligence provided with the facility to access the initiative. Online classes for FLAME University too successfully academic and administrative e- and robotics are the backbone of proprietary databases like EBSCO, existing students are prioritised in moved to online classes for over 200 governance. Further, the the fourth industrial revolution ProQuest, Prowess etc from their order to prevent the lockdown courses, including those as diverse as Amity University has a long and forward-thinking home to facilitate their research from further impacting their calculus, psychology, finance, experience of online classes educational institutes have been work. Due to the lockdown the learning requirements and economics, cinematography, music that were going on years for changing their learning delivery students have been permitted to do commitments. and visual art. great many African Countries systems as well as curriculum to desk research. The students are Marwadi University has so far Vice-Chancellor, Dr.Dishan Kamdar live from its e-education studio meet the needs of a constantly monitored through emails, utilized a host of online tools said, “The coronavirus pandemic is a at Amity University Noida,” he connected world. WhatsApp and phone calls. including Google Meet, Zoom, serious and alarming situation. Our adds. Sona has the necessary platforms Native Japanese language trainers F aceb o ok Liv e, Yo utub e, first priority is health and well-being The IT team of Amity made to conduct both summative and are conducting Japanese classes EDpuzzle, to name a few and also of our stakeholders, but that has not arrangements for conduction formative evaluation in online through Zoom meeting tool. Also, conducting frequent webinars to held us back from providing the best to online classes in all its Amity mode. Sona also uses HireMee all the students who already got further strengthen the efficacy of our students. We are working in Universities across India platform to conduct proctored offer letters from Japan based virtual classrooms. The coordination with our faculty to give utilising Microshort Teams, exams which has AI based companies are being prepared for Engineering department of the everyone the best support during this Microsoft LMS, Zoom proctoring to identify if a student their work life in Japan by the university has already mapped time. It is definitely a challenging meetings of HoIs and faculty copies from books. HireMee teachers. and standardized delivery of more situation but we have adapted well.” and also trained its faculty in all coding tools are used for testing Digital Placements than 4 hours of Teaching Time A Digital Learning Task Force was the Amity Universities for use the programming skills. Given the unprecedented situation, Table, with online classes formed to train and support faculty of e-platforms and the LMS At the Thiagarajar Polytechnic the three institutions have moved conducted for every batch of members to transition to conducting system. learning has continued not just academics but their students at one-hour intervals. courses online. G-Suite products and uninterrupted with the institute placement related training and The Law faculty is using the Google Meet was chosen to centralize Sona Group's activating its online platforms. testing to online platforms as well. Facebook Live option along with class scheduling and for providing educational institutions The faculty utilises online Resumes of small number of Zoom and Google meet in order to tutorial support for faculty members services like Zoom, WhatsApp, unplaced students already with conduct the classes. Additionally, and students. Two temporary studios The Salem institutes migrate all Skype, Google Classroom to prospective employers, and moving MU has also successfully were set up on campus as well. classes online and even connect with students to to the next stages. Online tests are implemented face recognition Prof Hoshiar Mal recounts, “When I placements are facilitated complete their courses. Over 80 conducted by companies which software for employee attendance received a communication from the digitally per cent of students get connected students can write with a webcam instead of finger-based biometric Vice-Chancellor about conducting online and have been enjoying facility and net connection. attendance system in case of online classes, I got a little worried Long before the Covid-19 their new learning experience. Personal Interviews are conducted emergency visits. because my course is hands-on and I lockdown began, the digitally Learners needing hand holding by companies through Zoom or Dr. Y P Kosta, Vice-Chancellor, thought it would be challenging for me savvy Sona College of are addressed in separate groups Skype. Marwadi University said, “To to teach my course online. However, Technology, Sona School of to clear their doubts cleared at produce individuals who are we adapted with some new techniques Management and Thiagarajar ease. Learning materials are Marwadi University, digital-age literacy has become to keep multilateral communication Polytechnic College at Salem shared via WhatsApp and Google more impertinent than ever. It is and feedback intact. For example, I had with great forethought classroom. Gujarat our duty to ensure they are digital- included a question after each slide of migrated their classes online. The assessments too are also ready in whichever stream they my online course. This approach Not a single class was missed at conducted in virtual mode Marwadi University, one of the operate. This is the core thought worked well as it kept students the Sona group institutions as The Polytechnic is offering leading private universities based in process behind Marwadi engaged.” faculty members without Online Courses in Tally ERP 9 Gujarat offering BTech, MBA, University's speedy effort in For assessments, many faculty missing a beat began engaging and Tax Accounting, Office BCA, BBA, MCA, BA and ensuring a digital transformation, members leveraged FLAME with students on platforms like Management and Python B.ComLLB amongst other courses, aiding a student's higher University's Learning Management Blackboard, lecture capture Programming through the has announced focus on complete education, especially at a time System, to create online quizzes to system, and Microsoft Teams or Continuing Education Centre when they cannot physically engage students remotely. The Zoom instead of the physical attend classes. We are on a FLAME University library is also classroom. mission to produce the most digitized, which makes it possible for creative, responsible and future- students and faculty to access all At the Sona College of ready talent in India and are subscribed databases and digital Technology, schedules are resources from off-campus locations. posted on the college's learning management software platform MBD Group makes its Books and E-content Blackboard and online learning facilitated through Moodle and free to access for students lecture capturing systems. The Blackboard content is updated MBD group, one of the leading education companies in India is offering free by the faculty periodically to access to its text books and digital resources via its e-learning platform ensure that the learning www.mbdalchemie.com for students and teachers across the country. outcomes are met. In this challenging time when everyone is observing lockdown protocol, Assignments, Mini Projects, Online classes are being conducted by various schools for students and Quizzes and online internal Parents are exploring the web for education material, MBD Group has taken the call and offered its resources to learning and teaching community free of Advertise with us cost. Around 1500+ e-books are free to read along with 8000+ digital resources covering all subjects and concepts as per NCERT and State Board To Book an ad call at 9811824444 guidelines for grades 1st to 12th. Parents can also use the content to teach their kids at home during these difficult times. [email protected] 8076071802 Commenting on this initiative, Monica Malhotra Kandhari, MD, MBD Group said, “We believe that education should go on and there should be no

Curriculum April 16, 2020 13 School Buzz Online classes are becoming the new normal for many schools Online classes is work of a resilient community where schools, teachers “My Hero is You, How kids can fight COVID-19!” Book and parents—are collaboratively together to keep the flame of learning collated by 50 international agencies including WHO burning writesAutar Nehru explains pandemic to young children THE novel Coronavirus or Meticulous planning, frequent with students before the class to A new story book that aims to help children understand and come to terms COVID-19 as specified parent-teacher interface via give them a gist of the whole with COVID-19 has been produced by a collaboration of more than 50 by the World Health WhatsApp, reliance on online session; it also provides them a organizations working in the humanitarian sector, including the World Organization (WHO) after resources and most window for preparation leading to Health Organization, the United Nations Children's Fund, the United Nations becoming the most serious importantly, the learner's increased participation during health security threat world enthusiastic involvement is class assignments.” The teachers High Commissioner for over since its outbreak in indeed inspiring elements in the are also encouraging students to Refugees, the International December last year in the collaboration,” feels Nidhi explore creativity, enjoy family Federation of Red Cross and Red Chinese city of Wuhan, has Bansal, Pro-Vice Chairperson, bonds, play indoor games, learn Crescent Societies and Save the brought education system to a Pacific World School, Greater new skills, practice yoga, read e- Children. grinding halt as the contagion Noida. books, eat nutritious food and stay With the help of a fantasy pandemic has necessitated Pallavi Uphadhyaya, Principal, safe at home. creature, Ario, “My Hero is You, lockdowns and mass closure DPS Rajnagar, goes beyond Priyanaka Barara, Principal, How kids can fight COVID-19!” of education institutions. this emerging reality and thinks explains how children can protect The silver lining in this Delhi International School, themselves, their families and otherwise depressing that the video interaction has Dwarka while elaborating on this friends from coronavirus and outbreak and onslaught on provided an edge to the entire dimension adds, “The students how to manage difficult emotions humanity has been presence learning system as it has made are learning well as their online when confronted with a new and of online education platforms, students explore more learning orientation allows them to rapidly changing reality. education technology and platforms and implement ideas singularly focus on studying The book – aimed primarily at children aged 6-11 years old – is a project of online education resoruces. that they have never tried without interpersonal the Inter-Agency Standing Committee Reference Group on Mental Health National online education before. “The lockdown distractions. Although, school is a and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings, a unique collaboration of platform SWAYAM, which is situation would have proven to platform where the student United Nations agencies, national and international nongovernmental a MOOCs platform of the be very boring had there been develops his skill set not just on organizations and international agencies providing mental health and ministry of HRD and curated no E-learning for these young the basis of academics but from psychosocial support in emergency settings. by education establishment minds. Attending online classes their peers and extra- curricular During the early stages of the project, more than 1700 children, parents, from school to university level is easy and comes with the activities as well. The endeavour caregivers and teachers from around the world shared how they were coping is seeing a spike in users. The comfort of homes. This is also is to be able to inculcate all the with the COVID-19 pandemic. The input was invaluable to script writer and 22 SWAYAM Prabha DTH reflecting a positive impact on facets of learning online and illustrator Helen Patuck and the project team in making sure that the story and TV channels, which offer their attendance,” she adds. engage students positively in such its messages resonated with children from different backgrounds and content from class 9 onwards Parents are playing the most times of crisis\" continents. to university level, have also crucial role in this transition The COVID-19 lockdown has put been touted as useful interim and schools and parents have our strength and resilience to a Katha releases e-book “The Mystery of The arrangement for coping with come together in this test by interrupting our daily the classroom disruption. unparalleled crisis and helped lives, and these are indeed a Missing Soap” Meanwhile most tech savvy in roll out of online classes. difficult time for all of us. But schools, colleges and Through a passionate outreach education and schooling has Katha has released an e-book titled universities in private sector teachers contacted parents found a way to beat the “The Mystery Of The Missing Soap” hace taken advantage of the through whatsapp and other disruption. While we all pray for a to encourage children to understand, technology and quickly interactive discussions and speedier cure and end to this in their language, the essentials of switched over to online mode coordinated the whole work. pandemic, the young learners are hygiene and health, necessary to for delivering lectures, This has also provided teachers experiencing a culture shift, overcome the current challenges. The lessons, assignments and even to learn new skills and digital which in the long run will e-book is, currently, available in some routine assessments. technologies. popularize online English, Hindi and Tamil. The Zoom, WebEx, Loom, Google Sangeeta Hajela, Principal, teaching/learning processes. Stay Marathi, and Assamese versions will classroom, Skype and other DPS Indirapuram, says, “The safe at home! be available in due course. available tools are being used quarantine period has made our The storyline revolves around the evil to deliver lessons in a virtual teaching staff and students Asura, Tobakachi, who wishes to classroom mode. And for more proactive. Video and conquer India by spreading the attack many schools virtual school reference links are being shared of the deadly Coronavirus; the e-book with a routine timetable has serves as an exciting one-stop guide become new normal. To for children to know how to protect invigorate the online classes, themselves from the pandemic, as it is teachers are leaving no stone filled with interesting facts and do's and dont's that children should follow. unturned to ensure joy, The e-book will be soon available at a nominal price on Amazon Kindle. warmth, and humour while However, the books can also be read for free on https://books.katha.org/e- video conferencing with the books/ students. Geeta Dharmarajan, Founder, Katha said: “The idea is to reach out to Though there is no everyone, including children from low-income communities, and hence, replacement to direct human anybody can read the book for free. All they need is an internet connection or interaction, the virtual classes a smartphone/laptop/any other device that supports an internet connection. .” are seeing a smooth transition from the conventional classes Australian primary school Maths e-learning for these schools. “This transition to the virtual mode platform Matific forays into India with flagship is an outcome of the collaborative efforts of the solution Matific Galaxy school management, teachers, students, and parents. Matific, an online Maths resource for kids from primary to Grade 6, has ventured into the burgeoning ed-tech market in India, especially in light of the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis and virtual learning needs. To address the gap in teaching Maths, Matific has launched its award-winning solution Matific Galaxy, for the India home market. Matific Galaxy features hundreds of engaging maths activities aligned with school curriculums of ICSE, CBSE boards. Matific's home product aims to provide a solution to conventional home-schooling and ensure that kids are well prepared for the future and up to pace until the lockdown period ends. This top-rated app features hundreds of fun maths games covering maths skills from kindergarten through sixth grade. It is priced at INR 210 per month and is available both on Google Play andApp Store, The company claims Matific Galaxy is backed by extensive research and designed by senior mathematics professors and curriculum experts, making it the most comprehensive online mathematics resource. The students can visit https://in.pearson.com/assessments-and- certifications/myinsights-learner-access-code.html to register on MyInsights to aid their preparation.

14 Curriculum April 16, 2020 Campus Update Deakin University allocates up to $25 curriculum will be developed dynamically with inputs from leaders in Tata Power gets “The Edison business, leaders from the government as well as leaders from the third Million in hardship support for sector. This curriculum and pedagogy will ensure that students are ward” receiving learning that is connected to and serves the need of the international students industry.” Tata Power has been conferred with the “Edison Award” for its “Club Enerji Deakin University, Australia has announced relief measures for Bikaner Technical University OutSystems #Switchoff2SwitchOn” campaign international students who are experiencing hardship due to the under Social innovation category and ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Deakin has announced up to AUD 25 education protocol with Ranosys Social Energy Solutions subcategory. million in additional targeted support for international students who The Edison Awards, named after might be facing hardships due to COVID-19. Technologies Thomas Alva Edison, recognises and Vice-Chancellor Professor Iain Martin said, \"Many international honours the world's best innovations students, in these uncertain times and through no fault of their own, are In a bid to skill tech graduates and offer them mentorship for profes- and innovators. Being recognised with struggling with the costs of living and studying. We stand shoulder-to- sional opportunities, Ranosys Technologies, Singapore's leading an Edison Award is one of the highest shoulder with each one of our international students. I hope this software development company, has signed an OutSystems education accolades a company can receive in the additional support will help them to tide over their hardships. Our protocol with Bikaner Technical University (BTU). Under this name of innovation and business faculty and staff are working tirelessly to ensure that our students are initiative, Ranosys will engage students of BTU and skill them in success. able to commence their studies online without any delay.” OutSystems, one of the low-code app development platforms in the Tata Power's Club Enerji, a 12-year old He also informed that the support for international students was world. sustainability initiative targeting school available through Deakin's existing support services and that the OutSystems is a leading platform to build mobile and web apps. Over children, has today emerged as a university would continue to take a case-managed, individual the years, it has helped organizations build enterprise-grade apps by successful model year ahead of it approach to assist. offering solutions that can be easily integrated with existing business becoming a global movement. This \"When students connect to our support services, we are talking one- systems. sustainability initiative has brought in on-one to identify how we can best help that student continue their The OutSystems education protocol will help BTU students get access 533 participating schools across India studies at Deakin,\" he stated. to an integrated curriculum, professional guidance, and training that has saved 29.8 million units of material. Additionally, they will also receive affiliation with power since it started in 2007. At an According to Ravneet Pawha, Deputy Vice President (Global OutSystems clients and partners that will open lucrative job opportuni- average per capita consumption of Engagement) and CEO (South Asia), “This additional financial ties for them, globally. around 1,200 units, the savings in support indeed comes as a boost to the international student “The signing of this partnership symbolizes a great synergy that will power can be equated to the annual community which includes a large number of Indians currently enhance the value and mutually benefit both Ranosys and Bikaner consumption for around 25,000 studying at Deakin University. We want to ensure that all of them are Technical University in the near future. This partnership will empower households in India. Club Enerji safe and equipped with all necessary resources. For those who are students to learn OutSystems best practices in the classroom and believes in guiding its members reaching out to us, we are tailoring our support if the case demands it. I prepare them to make significant contributions and address challenges through the four stages of sensitisation - would like to emphasize that the safety and wellbeing of our student as skilled employees,” said H.D. Charan, Vice-Chancellor, Bikaner Educate, Enhance, Engage, and community remains our top priority, and we are doing everything Technical University. Empower, and developing a self- possible to support them, during this difficult time.” sustained community that will take the The University has also ramped up its support services and continues Two-day Fight Corona IDEAthon Held on cause forward. its offering of 20% and 25% fee waiver scholarships. Afull refund will Apart from India, Tata Power Club be made if students withdraw before the census date to provide some March 27-28 Enerji also has followers in countries in assurance to students and their parents who may be unfamiliar with at least three continents including Asia, online learning, and at a time of health and economic stress. MHRD Innovation Cell, AICTE, MEITY Startup Hub, InnovatioCuris and Europe, North America in countries Further flexibility and supports for Deakin students include the other institutions of global and national prominence organise Fight such as France, Germany, United trimester one exam period will continue as planned with online Corona IDEAthon—a two-day online ideathon to mitigate the uncer- States, Ireland, Philippines, assessments and the extension period for assignment due dates has tainties arising in light of the rampaging Pandemic Bangladesh, United Arab Emirates, been extended to up to three weeks, with medical certificates no longer South Africa and Nepal. The Club has required. It is also easier for students to apply for special consideration. Fight Corona IDEAthon, a 2-day online ideathon, is an initiative jointly various accolades associated to its organised by MHRD Innovation Cell, AICTE, MEITY Startup Hub, name like a case study, done by IIM Masters' Union School of Business to be InnovatioCuris and other institutions of global and national promi- Ahmedabad, on the Club Enerji nence offering support in terms of Technology, Knowledge, Outreach, initiative titled, 'Club Enerji: The Case set up with an investment of INR 300 Cr etc., with Forge Accelerator as the Partner incubator, in the endeavour Study of Tata Power's initiative to to scout for accessible and affordable technological solutions that can promote Energy Conservation among A group of leading business stalwarts, top academics and senior contain the rapid spread of infection, ease the mounting pressure and School Children', The Club Enerji bureaucrats have announced that they will invest INR 300 Cr to build ensure a quick return to normalcy. movement was showcased at a Masters' Union School of Business in Gurugram, to create the next- Challenges and problem statements were sought from healthcare prestigious, global platform at a TEDx gen of business professionals for the digital economy. professionals, government officials and other stakeholders working on IIM Ahmedabad event on the topic: The new age institution with sharp focus on technology is supported the ground and are curated under 8 different categories such as - \"Driving Conservation Through by likes of Arun Maira (Former Chairman, Boston Consulting Group), Personal Hygiene & Protection, Awareness, Preparedness & Shaping the Future Generation\", Mukund Rajan (Former MD, Tata Teleservices Limited, Karthik Responsible Behavior, Medical Systems - Diagnostic & Therapeutic, Bagged with Best Corporate social Ramanna (Director, University of Oxford), Narendra Jadhav (Member Screening, Testing & Monitoring - Devices & IT/Digital/Data Solutions, responsibility practice recognition at of Parliament, Rajya Sabha and Former Chief Economist, RBI), Protecting Most Vulnerable Groups, Community Task Forces/Working Asian Leadership Award, BEST PRAX Tathagata Dasgupta (Chief Data Scientist, Viacom) and Bhaskar Groups, Remote Work & Remote Education, Stabilizing Affected (best practice) at International forum in Chakravorti (Former Professor, Harvard Business School and Former Businesses and the Open Category where one has the flexibility to Auckland and many more national and Partner, McKinsey & Company). choose and solve their own challenges. international recognition that the club The campus of Masters' Union School of Business will be located in Problem statements of high magnitude soliciting innovative techno- has been accredited with. Cybercity, Gurugram and will tap its locational advantage to build logical solutions like the design of reusable/washable masks, a system Prof Rishikesha T. Krishnan is new deep industry connect with over 600 MNCs based in the SEZ. Its that can disinfect currency notes/coins, mobile applications with an director of IIM Bangalore flagship, 16-month intensive programme, PGP-TBM is uniquely ability to provide right, reliable and authentic information to curb The Board of Governors of the Indian designed to keep hands-on learning at its very core, delivering the infection and the spread of panic, a non-invasive diagnostic kit, Institute of Management Bangalore courses using live consulting projects, field tours and internships, to alternate solutions for ventilators to treat patients who face chronic (IIMB) has named Professor offer students industry-immersive learning at every step. In addition to breathing problems, Storage Kits to collect test samples from homes Rishikesha T. Krishnan as Director of that, Masters' Union's will conduct tech boot camps in emerging and transport them to laboratories, etc. were put forth for student the premier management school. He technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, SAAS and innovators, educators, researchers, professionals and startups to will assume office on July 31, following Cybersecurity. The course will see students choosing unique industry ideate and innovate feasible products. the superannuation of the present concentrations like PE/VC, Digital and eCommerce, Technology, During the 2-day IDEAthon, Startups and innovators were guided by Director, Professor G. Raghuram. Product and Project Management and Banking to name a few, areas Domain experts, Healthcare providers and professionals, Innovation Professor R.T. Krishnan has served as that are at the cross section of technology and business model experts, etc. from across the country through a virtual platform in their Director of IIM Indore and is known as disruption. pursuit of ideating and innovating technically feasible and economi- a thought leader on the management of Masters' Union School of Business will establish a unique student-run cally viable solutions to the curated set of problems. Online webinars, innovation. venture fund with a corpus of Rs 5 Crore that will invest in areas like masterclasses and live one-one mentoring sessions are organized to Dr. Devi Shetty, Chairperson, Board of real estate and capital markets. It will also have a Centre for New support innovators with a focus to guide in technical design, innovation Governors, IIM Bangalore, said: “We Business Models, a research-based forum that will formulate business acceleration and rapid development of their prototypes. are delighted to have Professor opportunities in newer technologies like blockchain, bio-tech, and AICTE Chairman, Prof. Anil Sahasrabudhe said, “The rapid outbreak Rishikesha Krishnan as IIMB's machine learning. Additionally, Masters' Union will run a CXO and its aftermath have led to an alarming crisis, testing the limits of Director. As a well-regarded faculty shadow programme that would enable students to have a first-hand resources and capacities of every country in terms of diagnosing the member of IIMB and a proven look into a day of a CXO to experience how organizations are run and suspected, isolating and treating the infected and creating an action- administrator during his term as business decisions are made. Director of IIM Indore, Professor R.T. Karthik Ramanna, Founding Master, Masters' Union School of Krishnan combines academic and Business said, “The element I am most excited about is that the administrative excellence. Under his leadership, IIM Bangalore is sure to set impressive standards in innovation and technology. I would like to thank Professor G. Raghuram for leading the institute in times of tremendous change,

Curriculum April 16, 2020 15 Covid 19: Innovations IIT Bombay scientists working on a gel for disposal center autonomously, dispose the waste and get ready on its CeNS develops TriboE masks own for reuse. nasal passage as prevention for COVID 19 Ally has been conceptualized and developed under the aegis of the USD that can hold electric charges 1 million fund set up by LPU to combat the outbreak of Covid-19. Those Funded by DST, the gel is expected to be ready in nine months involved in the development of Ally include students Prabin Kumar to restrict the entry of Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering (DBB), IIT Bombay is Das, Vanka Vinay Kumar and KM Vaishanvi Gupta along with working on project for capturing and inactivation of novel corona professors Dr. Lovi Raj Gupta, Dr. Rajesh Singh and Dr. Anita Gehlot. infections without any virus, the causative agent of COVID-19 through a nasal gel. Science The research team has developed a prototype of Ally and has success- and Engineering Research Board (SERB), a statutory body of the fully conducted its trials within the university. The prototype, which external power Department of Science and Technology (DST), is supporting costed Rs. 20,000 is 3 ft. tall, 1.5 ft. wide and weighs around 5 kgs. The development of this technology. task force is now looking for industrial partners for its commercializa- Centre for Nano and Soft Matter The conceived gel technology is that it can be applied to nasal passage, tion and expects the price to drop by almost 25% post commercializa- Sciences (CeNS), Bangalore, an which is a major entry point of the corona virus. The team is planning a tion. The final product is expected to be ready for deployment within autonomous institute of the Department 2-pronged approach to limit transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, two months of time, after getting industrial partners. of Science and Technology (DST), have the causative agent of COVID-19. come up with a recipe for making face Primarily, since viruses replicate within host cells of the lungs, the first IIT Roorkee develops low-cost portable venti- masks, termed as TriboE Mask, that can component of the strategy will be to inhibit binding of viruses to host hold electric charges to restrict the entry cells. While this is expected to reduce host cell infection, viruses will lator—'Prana-Vayu'—to tackle COVID-19 of infections but interestingly, without still remain active, therefore, raising the need to inactivate them. any external power. Secondly, biological molecules would be incorporated, which would IIT Roorkee has developed a low-cost portable ventilator that can be The innovation by Dr. PralaySantra, Dr. inactivate the trapped viruses in a manner similar to that of detergents. useful to ensure the survival of COVID-19 patients. Named as 'Prana- Ashutosh Singh, and Prof. Giridhar U. Upon completion, this approach will lead to development of gels that Vayu,' the closed-loop ventilator is developed in collaboration with Kulkarni relies on electrostatics. When can be locally applied in the nasal cavity. AIIMS, Rishikesh, and is equipped with state-of-the-art features. The two non-conducting layers are rubbed Prof. Kiran Kondabagil, Prof. Rinti Banerjee, Prof. Ashutosh Kumar ventilator is based on the controlled operation of the prime mover to against each other, the layers develop and Prof. Shamik Sen from the Dept. of Biosciences & Bioengineering deliver the required amount of air to the patient. The automated process positive and negative charges instantly at IIT Bombay will be part of this project. The team has expertise in the controls the pressure and flow rates in the inhalation and exhalation and continue to hold the charges for areas encompassing virology, structural biology, biophysics, lines. Besides, the ventilator has feedback that can control tidal volume some time. They have used this electric biomaterials, and drug delivery and it is expected that the technology and breathe per minute. The ventilator will be useful for a wide degree of field, quite strong at proximity, to would be ready in about 9 months. congestions in the respiratory tract and is applicable for all age group deactivate or possibly even kill the This solution is not only expected to protect the safety of health patients, especially the elderly. The prototype has been tested success- germs. workers, but can also lead to reduction in community transmission of fully for normal and patient-specific breathing conditions. Additionally, The mask is three-layered –a layer of COVID-19, thereby helping disease management. it does not require compressed air for functioning and can be especially nylon cloth sandwiched between Given the contagious nature of COVID-19, health providers including useful in cases when hospital wards or open areas are converted into polypropylene layers, the latter sourced doctors and nurses are at maximum risk while taking care of COVID- ICUs. It is safe and reliable as it is equipped with real-time spirometry from commonly used non woven 19 patients, particularly asymptomatic ones who cannot be detected and alarms. It can automatically limit high pressure with an alarm grocery bags. In place of nylon, silk and pose a greater risk in spreading the disease. system. In case of a failure, the circuit opens to the atmosphere which fabric from an old saree or shawl may Prof Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, DST says, \"The nasal gel being prevents choking. Some additional features are remote monitoring by also be cut and used. When layers are developed in conjunction with other protective measures, will provide health professionals, touch screen control of all operating parameters, rubbed against each other, the outer a strong extra layer of defense.\" moister, and temperature control for inhaled air. The manufacturing cost layers develop negative charges, while per ventilator is estimated to be INR 25000. nylon will hold the positive charges. Dayananda Sagar University Designs Face The research team from IIT Roorkee included Prof.Akshay Dvivedi and This will act as double electric wall Prof. Arup Kumar Das with online support from Dr. Debendra Tripathi protection against the infectious Shields for Medical Professionals from AIIMS Rishikesh. They teamed up only a week back by remote entities crossing. As the mask is made communication to develop a quick time technology to help the out of commonly available fabrics, it Experts at the Autodesk Design and Innovation Centre, Innovation distressed in the situation of COVID-19. The research development on can be washed just like any other cloth Labs at Dayananda Sagar University (DSU) have come up with a Face the ventilator started during the lockdown period necessitating the and can be reused. At this stage, the Shield which is an important part of the Personal Protective development of many parts like microprocessor-controlled non-return mask is, however, not recommended to Equipment needed by the healthcare professionals. It involves two valves, solenoid valves, one-way valve, etc. using the facilities of healthcare professionals and patients. components (a) Support with quick attach-detach attachment points to Tinkering Laboratory, IIT Roorkee. “We have borrowed ideas from physics rest on the forehead of user and (b) Transparent film which protects the “Prana-Vayu has been designed especially for COVID-19 pandemic. It textbooks on triboelectricity; face of the user from viral load. is low-cost, safe, reliable, and can be quickly manufactured. We have something kids enjoy playing with. Based on the design, several units have been 3-D printed by the DSU successfully achieved the ventilatory requirement on a test lung, and it When used in the context of a face team and released to Doctors for evaluation. After some iterations can be used for both infants and even overweight adults,” said Prof. mask, the idea can translate into a involving evaluation, design and manufacture, it is proposed to Akshay Dvivedi, Coordinator, Tinkering Laboratory, IIT Roorkee. product, realisable by the end-user transfer the technology for mass-production to achieve cost without the need of industry developing affordability by common users. IIM- Kozhikode student led-team develops or manufacturing it. The mask is The Face shield has been manufactured using FDM (Fused Deposition inexpensive and doable by anyone!” Modelling), a 3D printing process that uses a filament of a thermoplas- one-stop COVID-19 platform for accessing Prof. Kulkarni said. He added that tests tic material. It uses Polylactic Acid (PLA) as a filament material and on these masks are being performed, 120 Micron Overhead Projector Film as a shield which is swappable Govt Emergency Services particularly in the context of COVID for fitting new film after use. The product is developed by Mr. 19. Vinayaka K, Manager, Autodesk Design and Innovation Centre, DSU; An international team led by an Indian Institute of Management Dr. Suryanarayana, Professor - Aerospace Engineering, DSU and Ajay Kozhikode student, Simran Soni, is pioneering a vital digital tool to IIT(BHU)'s innovation center P, Student - Automobile Engineering, DSCE. The first product was fight the COVID-19 pandemic of misinformation. The website 'COVID launched on 28th March and utility started on 31st March. FYI' (covidfyi.in) is a one-stop digital directory for all Covid19 related makes full body Sanitization “The Face Shield has been primarily developed for the medical services and help released by official sources. The website aims to bring professionals who face the greatest risk and are more vulnerable to the right information from the right sources to the right people, as only Device catching the respiratory infections akin to the coronavirus. The aim is official information from Government Organisations is put on this to give them extra coverage and protection. As there are lot of people platform to ensure authenticity and credibility. Jeetu Shukla, an incubate of Malaviya who are in close proximity with the patients, the requirement of such The idea originated at coronathon.in (hackathon for covid19 India) and Centre for Innovation, Incubation and safeguards is large. We already have multiple orders for the product interestingly has been completed with zero funding. Simran also added Entrepreneurship (MCIIE) at and are continuously searching out for ways to enable mass production “The Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Govt. of IIT(BHU) has developed a device that amidst limited access to resources and technology,” says Vinayaka K, Karnataka, has already integrated our platform in their official website. can be used to sanitize the entire body. Dayananda Sagar University. We are also in advanced talks to partner with other state governments as The device can be mounted anywhere we will need government support to increase outreach and thereby save and it works in an automated manner. LPU Students develop Smart Dustbin 'Ally' for lives timely.” The device is sensor based which can be The platform is for Citizens, Government Organizations/Institutions installed outside any premises. The contactless waste collection and disposal at alike and provides authenticated information on – Authorised labs near sensor based installed machine will you, Designated Hospitals, Grocery stores, Mental health, Emergency automatically detect a person coming in Hospitals Helplines, Task Force team contact, Field Officers Contact, Emergency front of the device and will spray 10-15 Doctors to call, Fever Clinics near you etc. The additional features in the ml of sanitizer for 15 seconds and this In the wake of Covid-19, a research team comprising of students and pipeline would enable the user to book appointments with doctors, will sanitize the person's entire body, professors at Lovely Professional University have developed an schedule sample collections, find helpline for an emergency all while clothes, shoes, etc. This device can be interactive smart dustbin called 'Ally', which can be used at hospitals staying at home and maintaining social distancing, as advised. installed at any place where there is The core team of 16, led by Post Graduate Programme student of IIMK movement of people, so that the person and medical centers for contactless waste –Simran Soni, also consists of researchers, medical students and can enter the premises only after getting collection and disposal, leading to a safer developers working tirelessly from countries like Germany, USA with sanitized. work environment for the front-line the support of many more volunteers who assist them in timely updating Prof. P.K. Mishra, Coordinator, workers. Ally follows voice commands of COVID FYI. Elaborating further, Simran Soni, student of PGP 23 Malviya Centre for Innovation, and moves on the predefined paths batch of IIMK, and Team Lead of the COVID FYI Project, added Incubation & Entrepreneurship, autonomously inside a controlled “Critical information like where to go, who to contact, what to do- is IIT(BHU) said that this device has been environment. It performs contact-less scattered across multiple websites and multiple forms. We felt the need made according to today's requirement. collection by opening its lid/flap to put this information at one place to make it more accessible, and have Validation of the dose, exposure time, automatically. Its sensory system senses frequency is under process. However, its current status or level and initiates the even after being sanitized with this disposal procedure once it is filled up to a device, one is required to wear masks, predefined threshold.Ally can move to the

16 Curriculum April 16, 2020 News Extra The Coronavirus pandemic-wildlife link. NBT to bring out booklets on the Psycho- Putting it in context Social Impac of COVID-19 The current pandemic is a chimps. Driver: human other coronavirus types. The seven booklets will focus on: 1. Parents, Mothers forceful reminder of the need consumption of chimpanzee It is unknown whether the & Women; 2. Children, Adolescents and Youth; 3. to treat global health as a meat. morbidity and mortality Employees, Professionals, Self-Employed & system linking human, non- Bat rabies re-emerged associated with SARS-CoV-2 in Workers; 4. Differently-abled; 5. COVID-19 Affected human animal and environ- –deforestation in the Amazon humans are similar in our Families; 6. Medical & Essential Services Providers; mental health. By looking Basin. Driver: human closest relatives – the other apes. 7. Elderly (60 Years and Above). beyond the source and deforestation. However, transmission of even focusing on the drivers of TB re-emerged in New Zealand mild human pathogens to apes National Book Trust which is the national body for book publishing and infection at a systems level, - farming of non-native deer and can lead to severe outcomes, so book promotion under the Ministry of HRD, is in the process of preparing we may stand a better chance possums. Driver: human the risks seem extremely high. seven booklets on the Psycho-Social Impact and How to Cope through a of preventing or at least farming practise of non-native At the University of Study Group of psychologists and counsellors under its just launched minimising the effects of species. Birmingham, we are leading an Corona Studies Seriesto assess Community perception about the psycho- future global health prob- Monkeypox virus in the US - international network of social impact of this pandemic. lems. contact with pet prairie dogs specialists working with apes in The NBT Study Group (a group of eminent psychologists and counsellors) Pathogens do not know exposed to giant pouched rat the wild and in captivity. Our released a set of Questionnaires early this month in Hindi & English of direction. If the host and recently imported from Ghana. aim is to collate and disseminate seven segments to assess Psycho-Social Impact of COVID-19 and the environment situation for Driver: the illegal and legal wild recommended pandemic Lockdown and How to Cope. The Public circulation of the Questionnaire transmission is right, species pet trade response protocols and was intended to create a conducive environment for community participa- transmission will occur, SARS emergence in SE Asia – research, both human and tion and sharing of emotions in the lockdown period. regardless of host species. wildlife trade for food, animal, combined with current Readers and general public are encouraged to participate in the Online Although the origin of SARS medicine. Driver: The illegal response efforts of great ape Questionnaire and share their feelings and experiences to make the study CoV2 remains speculative, it and legal bushmeat trade. conservation and welfare useful for all. Corona affected families are encouraged to participate and is often reported that there is a organisations to: send their responses. wildlife reservoir for this Often under reported is the Improve response efficacy and The NBT Study Group comprises Dr Jitendra Nagpal, Dr Harsheeta, Sq Ldr disease. By utilising effect of zoonotic infection in facilitate rapid access to (Rtd) Meena Arora, Lt Col Tarun Uppal, Mrs. Rekha Chauhan, Mrs. Sonie multidisciplinary skill sets to animals. Recent evidence expertise for practitioners that Sidhu and Ms.Aparajita Dixit. assess global health threats, indicates a variety of species would not otherwise be This Study Group will develop methodologies and practical tips to deal we can help highlight the could be at risk from infection available. with situations, helped by easy-to-assimilate reading materials on various underlying drivers of disease with SARS CoV2 from human Provide canvas and web based segments through research, virtual interviews and case studies. threats like SARS CoV2 to sources. Some are not yet teaching resources for ongoing attempt to prevent or at least verified such as the recent tiger capacity building on outbreak Setting an example moderate future outbreaks. case at the WCS Bronx Zoo. management and wildlife Others are confirmed but from focused One Health to strength Avnisharma, a student of class 5 of Jodhamal Public school Some recent examples: resilience against future decided to donate her last 2 years' pocket money to PM cares HIV-1 virus – evolved from outbreaks. fund. She handed over a cheque of Rs 20,000 to Ashok Koul and Simian Immunodeficiency These resources, some fully Jugal Dogra, Chairman Grievance cell J&K for PM CARES FUND. Virus (SIVcpz) transmitted public, some within sector only, from chimpanzees to humans will help identify key data gaps by the slaughter and for co-ordinated evidence based consumption of infected wild research in multi species emerging disease threats. How maths helps us battle the WE INVITE YOU TO BECOME PART OF spread of infectious diseases INDIA'S EDUCATION STORY! Mathematical functions can be applied as tools to describe the You can advertise in curriculum magazine or and also put an dynamics of how infectious diseases propagate among people. advertorial highlighting your company/services/campus/ products etc. Mathematical Modelling generates a picture or a ​'model' of the This will greatly support your marketing effort and enhance your dynamics of the disease, which can be visually represented by graphs, visibility and recall value with your current and potential clients charts and comparative tables. Models provide valuable inputs to visualise how diseases affect OUR FOCUS people. Hence, epidemiologists — public health experts – use them extensively to assess risk or to analyse intervention strategies to — We cover latest news, product launches, current events and trends control or prevent diseases. Insights available from models facilitate — News features, Guest Articles, Expert columns disease management protocols like mass vaccination drives, treatment — Career counselling, Skill India, Entrepreneurships patterns, and precautionary procedures. — School/College /university events When the infectious disease is an unknown one, such as the present — Achievements by students, faculty, institutions coronavirus pandemic, models become all the more vital for — Education Technology — Study Abroad policymaking. “​ Models can help answer several questions that impact — Institution/people profiles policy. In most cases, they are the only rational way of formulating such questions and evaluating how different interventions might shape the spread of the disease,” says Gautam I Menon, Professor, Departments of Physics and Biology,Ashoka University (Sonipat) and Institute of Mathematical Sciences (Chennai). Mathematical models have century-old roots. In the 1920s, William O Kermack and AG McKendrick observed that a population that is exposed to an infection can be divided into three categories– Susceptible, Infected, and Recovered. They found a way of representing the numbers in each of these groups mathematically. They translated their idea into differential equations, which draw a relationship between a physical quantity and its rate of change. The Kermack-McKendrick equation estimates what fraction of the