www.curriculum-magazine.com RNI No. UTTENG/2010/37634 Vol 11 No 8 magazine THE INDIA EDUCATION LANDSCAPE UPDATE June 16 2020 HEIs may be allowed Supreme Court approves CBSE, ICSE AISHE 2019-20 released: up to 40% teaching online evaluation schemes for 12th class GER in Higher Education goes upto 27.1% UGC in its meeting of May results 29 discussed the much The report of the 10th All India Survey on Higher anticipating regulation of Education (AISHE) for 2019-20 released by the allowing blended teaching in country's HEIs. A draft THE two national school weightage for scores by the Court regarding department of Higher Education of the union prepared by an expert boards—CBSE and respectively, ICSE has dispute resolution, timeline Ministry of Education on June 10 shows committee constituted by ICSE, having cancelled proposed a scheme to for declaration results and the commission was made class 12th board compute marks based on date of optional exam. The continuous rise in the enrolment, number of put up for inviting examinations due to covid, performance of students in Supreme Court will pass a institutions, gender parity..Full Report on Pg 3. suggestions and feedback have submitted their the last 6 years. detailed order on the petition upto June 6. While, what evaluation scheme for Marks of midterm internal on June 21. Performance Grading kind of feedback and purpose of preparing the assessment and or pre-board “Matter will be taken up on Index (PGI) 2019-20 comments UGC received results. The results of both scores of theory class 12 will 21st June to give hearing has not been shared or boards will be declared on be considered on actual basis only in respect of their released commented on, the general before July 31. as uploaded by the schools on suggestions to the proposed feeling is that the key This was submitted in the CBSE portal and will account methodology,” tweeted For the first time, 5 States and UTs have crossed recommendation of Supreme Court during for 40%. Marks obtained in advocate Mamta Sharma, the threshold of 90% PGI score and reached Grade allowing upto 40% of the hearing of a petition on theory paper in class 11 will the petitioner who moved the syllabus of each course cancellation of class 12 be considered and given 30 Supreme Court for I++...Full Report on pg 4 (other than SWAYAM) board examinations by the per cent weightage. For class cancellation of the board through online mode, could two boards. The petition was 10, the marks based on the exams due to second wave of UGC list for online degree course be notified soon. There will filed on May 27 by advocate average theory component of covid pandemic. programs conforming with be no change in mode of Mamta Sharma in support of the best three performing \"Out of 28 states, 24 states regulations examination and will cancellation demand made subjects of the main five have cancelled the class 12 continue to be offline for by a large section of students subjects would be considered board examinations. 4 states On June 11, UGC uploaded a list of 38 such online degree both teaching components. appearing in these and their weightage would be have not cancelled namely programmes...Report on pg 4 When these regulations examinations. The 30 per cent. Assam, Punjab, Tripura and come, it could well shakeup Government on June 1 had “After hearing parties we AP. The petitioners to serve As Teachers, we must embrace the system. A few student ordered cancellation of these have no manner of doubt that the standing counsel of these willingly the change through active bodies have expressed exams and this was this scheme be taken forward. four states,\" the Court apprehensions on the move conveyed to the apex court we have in principle accepted ordered. The Court also trainings...see page11 as they fear it will further on June 3. the scheme. In any case issued notice to four States, reduce HEIs budgets and After submitting in the students will get an Assam, Punjab, Tripura and Interview: Sunit Nandi pg12 grants. Supreme Court that it will opportunity to appear in an Andhra Pradesh which have decide on objective exam to improve their marks. not yet cancelled their State AP makes English assessment of now Prima face we have no syllabus board exams. medium compulsory cancelled 12th class board reservation to accept the in colleges examinations, the Central same and permit the boards to Board of Secondary proceed on this basis,\" the The Andhra Pradesh Education (CBSE) has Court said. The Court, government has decided to constituted a 13-member however, added that the make English medium committee for setting well- scheme must incorporate two compulsory across all defined objective criteria for aspects.\"First is dispute government, private aided Class 12 Board Examination resolution in case students and unaided degree colleges Assessment 2020-2021. On want correction of final in the state from the June 17, the board submitted results declared. Second, is academic year 2021-22. The the scheme, which was about timeline for declaration Department of Higher accepted by the court in of results and the date before Education of Andhra principle. which optional exam be Pradesh strongly feels that While as CBSE will use conducted,\" the Court said. the introduction of English class X, class XI and class The Court said that CBSE medium education at the XII midterm/pre-board and ICSE are at liberty to undergraduate level would assessment in the proportion notify their schemes enhance the career of 30%, 30% and 40% incorporating the directions prospects of graduates. RMK Group of Institutions donated Rs. 1.08 Crore to CM of TN for Covid Relief IIT Madras Alumni contribute US$ 2 Million for COVID Relief Efforts in India Indian Institute of Association of North diaspora to rally and help the contributions, to Mr. IIT Madras, and others. many people stepped Technology Madras Alumni America and IITM country get through these Gagandeep Singh Bedi IAS, Further, Dr. Jane Prasad, forward to source equip- in India and abroad have Foundation in the U.S. darkest hours. As a Chennai Commissioner, Chennai Registrar, IIT Madras, ment, raise funds and ensure donated more than US$ 2 The IIT-M Alumni boy, I am grateful and proud Corporation, on 3rd June handed over 74 BiPAP Units delivery of the equipment. It Million towards COVID Charitable Trust played a that the IIT Madras Alumni 2021 in the presence of Mr. to Chennai Corporation is gratifying to know that we relief efforts in India that are vital role in the logistics and network has mobilized to M.A. Siddique IAS, Officials recently. IIT could make a difference at a being coordinated by their in liaising with the local help Chennai and Tamil Principal Secretary, Madras Alumni have also very challenging time in Alma Mater. IIT Madras is government to ensure timely Nadu with medical equip- Government of Tamil Nadu, donated 200 Oxygen India.” using a phased approach for deployment of the units. ment and supplies to fill and Mr. Meghanatha Reddy Concentrators (5 liters each) N. Alamelu, Secretary, IIT deployment to ensure a high Elaborating about these critical gaps and save IAS, Deputy Commissioner to Telangana Government. Madras Alumni Charitable impact. efforts from IIT Madras thousands of lives.” (Works), Government of Elaborating on their efforts, Trust, Chennai, added, The fundraising was Alumni, Anand Rajaraman, Prof. Bhaskar Ramamurthi, Tamil Nadu, Prof. Mahesh Kamal Duggirala, Chairman “Through this donation, our coordinated by the office Of a partner at a Silicon Valley- Director, IIT Madras, Panchagnula, Dean (ACR), IITM Foundation-US, said, (IIT Madras) Alumni would Alumni and Corporate based Venture Capital firm handed over 200 Oxygen Mrs. N. Alamelu, Secretary, “It has been an amazing like to say that 'while we may Relations (ACR), IIT Rocketship VC and an IIT concentrators (10 liters IIT-M Alumni Charitable experience to contribute to be separated by physical Madras, in association with Madras alumnus, said, “It is capacity each), purchased Trust, Mr. Kaviraj Nair, this campaign with fellow distance, our thoughts and IIT Madras Alumni the duty of the Indian with the aid of these CEO (Development Office), alumni from IIT Madras. So support are always with you.
2 Curriculum June 16, 2021 News Updates CBSE with Microsoft introduces with turn-on and turn-off features. Further, ADTs should heads the list with Rs 48Cr. The government argument is that provide flexibility to CwDs to respond to its it has examined fee proposals of schools and most have coding as new subject content/exercises in multiple ways. surpluses and therefore their fee proposals were rejected. The committee has recommended specific guidelines for the Only were there is necessary, the proposals were allowed. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has development of supplementary e-content as per 21 It further argues that even after meeting salary and other collaborated with Microsoft to introduce Coding as a new disabilities specified in the RPWD Act 2016 for students expenses, most schools have surpluses from tuition fee subject for students of Class 6-8 and Data Science as the new having intellectual and developmental disabilities, multiple collection itself. Capital expenditure except furniture and subject for Class 8-12 in the 2021-2022 academic session. disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, specific learning fixtures has to be maintained by the running society of a Both these new skilling subjects are being launched in line disabilities, blindness, low vision, deafness and hard of school and not from tuition fees. As the schools were closed, with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. hearing and others. development funds were not utilized properly. It also cites Coding and Data Science Curriculum are focused on building The guidelines have been developed as part of the PM e- earlier SC and HC orders where the powers of directorate of critical thinking, computational skills, problem-solving VIDYA programme, which aimed at the development of education to regulate fee have been confirmed. As such, the skills, creativity and hands-on exposure to new technologies. special e-content for the children with disabilities (CwDs). Supreme Court court verdict in 'Indian School, Jodhpur & In keeping with the NEP 2020, the introduction of these For the first time, an attempt was made to prepare guidelines Anr. vs. State of Rajasthan & Ors is not applicable on Delhi. courses aims to build next-generation skills in students. The for CwDs also referred to as children with special needs So, there is still this legal round to watch for before any side new course curriculum on coding and data science that we (CWSN) to promote inclusive education. could think of school fee issue having settled in this country as have developed in partnership with Microsoft will equip the highest court will look into its own orders. students with future-ready learning skills. This is an NCPEDP fellowships important step to enable self-reliance in our students and SEPC plans a portal for the equip them with skills like problem-solving, logical thinking, The National Centre for Promotion of Employment for collaboration and design thinking that are critical for success. Disabled People (NCPEDP), cross-disability advocacy internationalization of higher organisation, in collaboration with Azim Premji Foundation QS ranks IISc, Bengaluru as top has announced the NCPEDP- Javed Abidi Fellowship on education Disability, a three-year immersive grassroots fellowship research university programme for youth with disabilities having a keen interest The SEPC and e-Commerce will join hands to build a portal in disability issues and looking to build a career in the on education for emphasising the quality of education India The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, has been development sector particularly Disability Rights and could provide to the international students. This digital portal ranked the “world's top research university,” in the Inclusion. will promote the quality of pedagogy that India offers and all Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World Rankings 2022, an This year, NCPEDP observed its silver jubilee — 25 years of related content. SEPC will take all the necessary initiatives to annual publication of university rankings. struggle for disability rights, inclusion and participation — implement it soon. The portal will pave the way for “According to the Citations Per Faculty (CPF) indicator, by launching the fellowship programme for selected 25 opportunities through which the educational institutions will when universities are adjusted for faculty size (the size of the youth with disabilities on June 11, also marking the birth gain through the visibility among overseas users of digital institution is taken into account for calculating the CPF), IISc anniversary of one of the pioneers of the disability rights content, institutions, various courses and attracting foreign Bangalore is the world's top research university, achieving a movement in India and NCPEDP's former Director, Late students according to Maneck Davar, Chairman of SEPC. perfect score of 100/100 for this metric,” a press statement Javed Abidi, whose vision was the inclusion of youth into the In a recent webinar on “India a Global Education Hub,\" issued by QS stated. disability discourse. Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC) addressed India's Citations per faculty is one of the six broad parameters on On the occasion, Arman Ali, Executive Director of NCPEDP, potential as a central education hub for international students which the QS rankings are based and measures research said, “Taking the legacy of Javed Bhai forward, who has to bring a lasting change to the prevailing state of affairs in the impact. It divides the total number of citations received by a inspired countless people like me, we are launching this education sector. university's research papers over a five-year period by the prestigious fellowship to commemorate him and his 'India's potential to become a central education hub for number of faculty at an institution. contribution to NCPEDP and the disability movement. Also, international students post COVID-19', 'The impact of This is the first time that any Indian institute has scored a 100 given that we are in the midst of the pandemic, people living COVID-19 on international students' inflow to India', 'Digital in research or any other parameter.In overall rankings, with disabilities have been the worst affected.” education as future of imparting education to international however, IISc has been judged the third best institution in students,' 'Do Indian universities have the required India, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay and Delhi Pvt Schools fee tussle 'series' not infrastructure to go digital?', 'Would private universities like Delhi being in first and second positions, respectively. All to invest in Digital Education related infrastructure to attract three Indian institutions have made it among the top 200 in over yet, SLP in SC against May 31 HC international students?' are some aspects that are being the world, according to the rankings already discussed. order lists reserves, previous judgments Dr Abhay Sinha, Director General of SEPC, said, “India has Special Vaccination centre for an enormous potential to offer superior training to Covid pandemic has added to the deep running mistrust international students. The Government of India has outbound students between fee-paying parents and most private schools in the announced initiatives like “Study in India”, which helped country. As was expected, with slowing of economy and bring more international students to our country. Still, some The Delhi government has started a special vaccination lockdowns, a lot of people lost jobs. Given the situation, hurdles have not been letting the potential be utilised centre in the city for students, athletes and people who have to clamor for adjustments to outright waivers of school effectively. The main challenge faced by interest in travel abroad for work. Those travelling abroad for these fees—one of the priority expenditures for families with international education is COVID-19. The pandemic has specific reasons can get their second dose of Covishield students—grew as a national voice, and governments had to affected the international movement of students and teachers vaccine at this particular centre after a gap of just 28 days. The intervene in several instances to side with the demand of across the world.” centre has been set up at the Navyug School on Mandir Marg. parents in financial distress. Those who wish to avail the facility will have to carry their The school lobbies, thinking such moves as an infringement Swaraj Tractors launches 'Mera Swaraj passports and relevant travel documents. in their autonomy and rights, resisted such orders. Hundreds According to officials, this facility will be available to those of budget private schools had their revenue flows snapped Education Support Program' who need to undertake international travel withinAugust 31. and faced the prospect of permanent closures. Therefore, all The second dose of Covishield vaccine can be taken after a joined force to fight the case legally. Swaraj Tractors, a part of the USD 19.4 billion Mahindra gap of 28 to 84 days at this centre by students who have to go In Delhi, the state government using its powers under the Group, has launched the 'Mera Swaraj Education Support abroad for studies, people taking up jobs in foreign countries Delhi School Education Act, 1973, restricted private schools Program', an early career development initiative for and athletes, sportspersons and accompanying staff of the to collection of tuition fees through directorate of education engineering students across the country that aims to create a Indian contingent attending the International Olympics to be orders in August 2020 as the pandemic grew longer. These future pool of competent engineers. The program is held in Japan. order challenged by the Action Committee of Unaided designed to expose first-year engineering students to critical Recognized Private Schools as it wanted its members to and holistic industry experiences necessary for long-term Guidelines for development of e- collect the annual and development fees as per practice to career development. Students from top engineering colleges offset what it called financial distress of these schools. offering Agri-engineering will be targeted for this program. content for CwDs On May 31, 2021, the Delhi High Court quashed the April For its first year, Swaraj Tractors has selected thirty-seven and August 2020 orders of the Delhi government. It allowed students for internships from eight engineering colleges The Minister of Education has framed guidelines for the schools can now collect the annual fees for the academic year across the country. The students will be subsumed into development of e-content for children with disabilities 2020-21, as fixed and approved, with a 15 per cent deduction. Swaraj's final placement process. As a part of their (CwDs). According to the guidelines, e-content for CwDs The High Court has followed the Supreme Court court internships, they will also work on live farm- mechanization should be developed based on the four principles namely: verdict in 'Indian School, Jodhpur & Anr. vs. State of projects mentored by industry experts. perceivable, operable, understandable and robust. The e- Rajasthan & Ors' which had come earlier in the same month Harish Chavan, Chief Executive Officer, Swaraj Tractors content including text, tables, diagrams, visuals, audios, on May 3 and took away powers of state government in said, “At Swaraj we aim to nurture and create a competent videos etc. should comply with accessibility standards: regulating school fees. pool of engineers for the future by engaging students early national standards (GIGW 2.0) and international standards As per the Delhi HC order, the fees can be collected by on in their careers and giving them the opportunity to (WCAG 2.1, E-Pub, DAISY etc). schools retrospectively, since the academic year 2020-21 is appreciate varied mechanisation possibilities for new age The distribution platforms on which content are uploaded over. The amount payable by students will be paid in six agriculture. Through the 'Mera Swaraj Education Support (e.g. DIKSHA) and reading platforms/devices on which monthly instalments with effect from June 10.This will apply Program' we not only hope to support deserving students content is accessed and interacted (e.g. e-pathshala) must to all students who attended school in the last academic year, pursuing engineering education but acquaint them with comply with technical standards. The committee has including those who are awaiting a decision on their Class 12 modern tools and technologies through practical exposures recommended reasonable pedagogical accommodations to Board exams. in industry.” meet the specific needs of CwDs. While an appeal against the above-said Delhi HC order was Through the 'Mera Swaraj Education Support Program', The committee has also recommended that in a phased always in the offing and indeed the Delhi government filed a students will receive financial support for four years, manner, textbooks may be adapted into accessible digital special leave petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court. Now as subject to consistent academic performance. textbooks (ADTs). The content of ADTs should be provided per details emerging from the case, the government has This year, students selected for the program primarily have in multiple formats (text, audio, video, sign language etc) enclosed a list of schools having surplus reserves of more farming backgrounds, in line with Swaraj's USP of 'Made than Rs 1Cr in its affidavit. Delhi Public School, Vasant by the farmer, and for the Farmer'.
Curriculum June 16, 2021 3 News Reports AISHE 2019-20 released: UGC list for online degree GER in Higher Education rises to 27.1% course programs conforming with regulations The report of the 10th All In AISHE 2019-20, 993 Pradesh, Maharashtra, enrolment were studied to The impact of the covid19 pandemic has been singularly India Survey on Higher Universities, 38,102 Odisha, Uttarakhand and see the student's highest on the campus education in India and practically a Education (AISHE) for Colleges and 8,631 Stand- West Bengal. There are 307 concentration. Bachelor of whole year (2020-21) of on the campus academics was lost 2019-20 released by the alone Institution have affiliating Universities and Arts (B.A.) has 96.55 lakh to closures of education institutions. While switching over department of Higher uploaded the form on the they have 42343 colleges. students enrolled in it to online mode was the only option left as an emergency Education of the union portal. However, in addition There are 16 Universities, which is the highest measure, several voices advocated changes in regulations Ministry of Education on to the actual response which have 500 or more enrolment. The percentage to facilitate online degree programmes citing success of June 10 shows continuous received during AISHE colleges. share of students enrolled conduct of online classes and availability of technology rise in the enrolment, 2019-20, data has been Total Student enrolment in B.A programme is and tools. number of institutions, and pooled from the AISHE has been classified in 8 47.1% for male and 52.9% So, the higher education regulator did come up with clarity gender parity. In the last data uploaded during last levels viz – Ph.D., M.Phil., for female. Bachelor of and enabling regulations for those HEIs willing to full- five years from 2015-16 to two years and the final list Post Graduate, Under Science (B.Sc.) has 47.07 fledged Online Programmes (under regulation 3(B)(a) of 2019-20, there has been a is : 1043 Universities, Graduate, PG Diploma, lakh students enrolled in the University Grants Commission (Open and Distance growth of 11.4% in the 42343 Colleges and 11779 Diploma, Certificate and total and out of them 47.7% Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) student enrolment. The rise Stand Alone Institutions. Integrated.The highest are male students and Regulations, 2020.) in female enrolment in Reference date for filling up number of students are 52.3% are female students. As mandated by the Regulations, online applications had higher education during the the Data Capture Formats enrolled at Under Graduate There are 41.6 lakh been invited by UGC from all entitled HEls willing to offer period is 18.2%. Total was 30th September 2019. level across India. Similar students enrolled in programmes under online mode for the year 2020-21, enrolment in Higher The number of institutions, situation could be observed B.Com. and out of them academic session beginning January, 2021 (revised as Education as per the survey teachers and students has in States/UTs. Out of the 51.2% are male and 48.8% February-March, 2021). Further, each HEI was required to stands at 3.85 crore been recorded on the basis total enrolment of are female. B.Tech. has submit an affidavit for ensuring compliance to all the students in 2019-20 as of their actual number as on 3,85,36,359 students, a vast 21.48 lakh enrolled provisions of the University Grants Commission (Open compared to 3.74 crore in 30th September 2019. majority of 3.06 crore students out of which and Distance Learning Programmes and Online 2018-19, registering a Information in respect of students are enrolled in 71.5% are male whereas Programmes) Regulations, 2020. growth of 11.36 lakh (3.04 Examination Result has Under Graduate that is a the percentage of female is On June 11, UGC uploaded a list of 38 such online degree %). In terms of Gross been collected for the approx. 79.5% of the total 28.5%. Bachelor of programmes. “The HEI's are entitled to offer online Enrolment Ratio (GER), students passed out/awarded enrolment. On the other Engineering (B.E.) has 14.9 programmes for the period, till they are complying NAAC the percentage of students degree on or before 30th hand, second to Under lakh students enrolled out or NIRF ranking requirements as per Regulation 3(B) (a) belonging to the eligible September 2019 for the Graduate, 11.2% students of which 71% students are and if not, they shall discontinue the programmes and age group enrolled in previous academic year. are enrolled in Post- from male category. Master accordingly, inform the same to the UGC. The learners Higher Education, in 2019- Financial Information has Graduation which is of Arts (M.A.) has 16.02 already enrolled in the current recognised programmes 20 is 27.1% against 26.3% been recorded for the approximately 43.1 lakh lakh total number of shall be allowed to complete the programmes in the laid in 2018-19 and 24.3% in previous financial year i.e., students. There are 2,881 students enrolled with down manner as per the University Grants Commission 2014-2015. 1st April 2018 to 31st students enrolled in 62.3% female students. (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Gender Parity Index (GPI) March 2019. The survey Integrated Ph.D. in addition B.A. (Hons) has 17.7 lakh Programmes) Regulations,2O2O,” the UGC said. in Higher Education in was launched on 1st to 2.02 lakh students students with 43.8% male 2019-20 is 1.01 against January, 2020. Data enrolled at Ph.D. Level. and 56.2% female students. Training Scheme (CTS) 2020-2021 1.00 in 2018-19 indicating uploading started from that There is a small share of B.Ed. has total number of an improvement in the very first day of its 6.9% students enrolled at 13.7 lakh students and out results announced relative access to higher launching and continued till Diploma level in India that of them 66% are female. education for females of 15th August, 2020. Data amounts to around 26.73 M.Sc. has total number of The country toppers may be facilitated at the national eligible age group was collected on several lakh students and out of 7.84 lakh students with level on the International Skills Day i.e. on 15th July. compared to males. Pupil parameters such as teachers, this majority of students are 37.5% male and 62.5% The Directorate General of Training (DGT), under the aegis Teacher Ratio in Higher student enrolment, enrolled in Teacher female. MBA has total of Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Education in 2019-20 is programmes, examination Training, AISHE 2019-20 number of 6.09 lakh (MSDE), announced results of the All India Trade Test 26. results, education finance, 14 Nursing and Technical students with 57.4% male (AITT) held in December 2020, for CTS Academic session There are 3.38 crore infrastructure, etc. streams. However, a small students. B.Sc. (Hons.) has 2020-2021. The scheme has been implemented in about students enrolled in Indicators of educational share of 1.59 lakh and 2.17 total number of 6.40 lakh 15,000 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across the country various programmes at development such as lakh students are enrolled students with 54.8% male for 2018 session (2nd year) & Trainees having under-graduate and post- Institution Density, Gross each at Certificate and PG students. There are 92,831 supplementary in Practical and ED only (Semester System & graduate level. Out of Enrolment Ratio, Pupil Diploma levels, PWD students enrolled in 2018 admitted 1 Year Trade). these, nearly 85% of the Teacher Ratio, Gender respectively, constituting higher education. Out of The AITT 2020 Examinations including Computer Based students (2.85 crore) were Parity Index, etc. are approx. 0.4% and 0.6% of which 47,830 are male and Test (CBT) of the trainees under CTS was supposed to be enrolled in the six major calculated from the data the total share at each level. 45,001 are female students. held in July 2020 but due to COVID 19, nation wise disciplines such as collected through AISHE. In terms of state-share of The total number of foreign lockdown and reopening of ITI could only be undertaken in Humanities, Science, Among 1043 Universities, enrolment, Maharashtra national students enrolled Sept- Oct, 2020 and in some states, it was further delayed. Commerce, Engineering & 408 Universities are tops in the enrolment of in India is 49,348. The Thus, to complete syllabus training of 1600 hours, session Technology, Medical privately managed and 420 students in Universities foreign students come from was extended. Science and IT & Universities are located in (including constituent 168 different countries For the two year trades, a total of 5,41,123 trainees appeared Computer. The number of rural area. 17 Universities units) with 9,67,034. This from all across the globe. in the examination, out of which 3,94,576 trainees passed students pursuing PhD in are exclusively for women is followed by Tamil Nadu Highest share of foreign indicating a total pass percentage of about 73% in this 2019-20 is 2.03 lakh with 3 in Rajasthan, 2 in with 9,26,490 students and students come from the session. DGT has provisioned Grievances Redressal against 1.17 lakh in 2014- Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, Delhi with 8,16,110 neighboring countries of Mechanism (NCVT MIS Portal) on which the trainees can 15. 1 each in Andhra Pradesh, students. which Nepal contributes register grievance related to result and same will be resolved According to union Assam, Bihar, Delhi, As regards to Programmes, 28.1% ,Afghanistan 9.1%, within time frame. Education Minister Haryana, Himachal out of total, 10 programmes Bangladesh 4.6% and As per the practice, the convocation ceremony is held at the Ramesh Pokhriyal, who having relatively higher Bhutan 3.8%. state level with participation from individual ITIs. The State released the report, the Directorates would be requested to conduct the convocation continuous focus given by ceremony accordingly. The country toppers may be the government under the facilitated at the national level on the International Skills Day leadership of Prime i.e. on 15th July. Minister Narendra Modi on DG) scheduled and conducted examinations as follows: education of girls, women i. The practical & Engineering Drawing subjects were empowerment and conducted in 4 phases (viz. Nov-Dec, 2020, Feb 2021, empowerment of socially March, 2021(for 2-year trade 2019 admission) & April, 2021 backward classes are well based upon the readiness of the states). The theoretical reflected by the increased portion (Trade Theory, Workshop Science & Calculations & participation of women, Employability Skills) were held phase-wise (from Dec. 2020 SCs and STs population in to mid-April, 2021) in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode in a Higher Education as shown single session of 3 hours' duration instead of two sessions. by the Report. Minister of State , Sanjay Dhotre said, ii. The trainees who could not attend examinations due to “ I hope this report will any reasons in these examinations would be allowed to help our policy makers to appear along-with the supplementary examinations, further improve the higher preferably to be held in next two months/ as per prevailing education scenario of the conditions. country.” iii. Keeping view of the distances covered by the trainees, the ITIs were made self centres for Practical & Engg Drawing subjects.
16 Curriculum June 16, 2021 Potpouri/Extra News Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2019-20 released PM CARES for Children- Scheme for COVID Affected For the first time, 5 States and UTs have crossed the threshold of 90% PGI Children launched score and reached Grade I++ Free education to be ensured for children, who lost their The union Ministry of parameters are for the year Educational Research and also been captured by the parents to Covid. They will get free health insurance of Rs Education (MoE) has 2019-20. The updating of Training (NCERT) have Index. On the brighter side, 5 lakh under Ayushman Bharat till 18 years & premium approved the Performance these data and vetting of the been used in all the three two States, Andaman & will be paid by PM CARES. PM CARES will contribute Grading Index (PGI) 2019- same have been carried out PGIs, namely, PGI 2017-18, Nicobar Islands (141 in through a specially designed scheme a corpus of Rs 10 20 and published a report. by concerned States/UTs at PGI 2018-19 and PGI 2019- 2019-20 from 111 in 2018- lakh for each child when he or she reaches 18 years of age. According to it a total of 33 different levels, namely, 20. 19) and Odisha (109 in A monthly stipend once they turn 18 and a fund of Rs 10 States and UTs have school, district and State/UT Indicators like availability 2019- 20 from 72 in 2018- lakh when they turn 23 from PM CARES improved their total PGI level using the online portals of ICT facilities and timely 19) have shown marked After a meeting on May 29 to discuss and deliberate on score in 2019-20 as of Shagun, UDISE+ and availability of textbooks and improvements in the steps which can be taken to support children who have lost compared to 2018-19. Mid-Day Mea(MDM), uniforms, which are critical Infrastructure Domain their parents due to Covid-19 chaired by the Prime Punjab, Chandigarh, Tamil created and maintained by inputs for better between 2019-20 and 2018- Minister, Narendra Modi, PM announced a number of Nadu, Andaman & Nicobar the DoSEL, MoE. For the performance of students 19, indicating that the States benefits to children impacted by the current COVID Islands and Kerala occupy remaining 16 parameters, (and mentioned in the RTE and UTs have started to take Pandemic. All children who have lost both parents or the highest grade (Grade scores from National Act), are measured in the action for improving their surviving parent or legal guardian/adoptive parents due to A++). Twenty States/UTs Achievement Survey (NAS) Infrastructure & Facilities infrastructure and facilities, Covid 19 will be supported under 'PM-CARES for have scored less than 120 2017 conducted by the Domain. Significant albeit by varying extent. Children' scheme. (80% of maximum possible National Council of shortfalls in these areas have Therefore, the PGI has so far score in this domain). Two been successful in nudging 1.Fixed Deposit in the name of the child: States, Bihar (81) and the States and UTs to PM CARES will contribute through a specially designed Meghalaya (87) recorded improve both their scheme to create a corpus of Rs 10 lakh for each child lowest scores in this governance process and when he or she reaches 18 years of age. This corpus will be domain. This is a cause for infrastructure facilities. used to give a monthly financial support/ stipend from 18 concern as a proper school Through the PGI, the years of age, for the next five years to take care of his or building with adequate shortfalls can be measured her personal requirements during the period of higher facilities is a must to objectively and regularly. education and on reaching the age of 23 years, he or she improve the overall quality This is crucial for taking will get the corpus amount as one lump-sum for personal of school education. necessary steps to eliminate and professional use. the gaps. India's In case of Learning participation in the PISA in 2.School Education: For children under 10 years: Outcomes, it has been 2021 and associated CBSE The child will be given admission in the nearest Kendriya observed that, in general, exam reforms will take the Vidyalaya or in a private school as a day scholar. If the the scores obtained in the school system from the child is admitted in a private school, the fees as per the higher standards are less present largely rote- RTE norms will be given from the PM CARES.PM- than those in the lower learning-based system CARES will also pay for expenditure on uniform, text standards. It is therefore, towards a more books and notebooks. imperative to ensure better competency-based one. interventions at the lower The report says rigorous and 3.School Education: for children between 11-18 years: standards as it will have a robust in-service teachers' The child will be given admission in any Central positive cascading effect at training and school Government residential school such as Sainik School, the higher levels. The principals' leadership Navodaya Vidyalaya etc.In case the child is to be forthcoming NAS would development programme continued under the care of Guardian/ grandparents/ provide more clarity in will be complemented by e- extended family, then he or she will be given admission in quantifying the content under DIKSHA, the nearest Kendriya Vidyalaya or in a private school as a improvements in learning which will support both the day scholar.If the child is admitted in a private school, the outcomes. teachers and students. ICT fees as per the RTE norms will be given from the PM Reaffirming the common will be leveraged at all CARES.PM CARES will also pay for expenditure on knowledge that shortage of levels and particularly under uniform, text books and notebooks. teachers and principals and the revamped UDISE+, to administrative staff, lack of ensure the collection of 4.Support for Higher Education: regular supervision and reliable and credible data, The child will be assisted in obtaining education loan for inspection, inadequate which along with enhanced Professional courses / Higher Education in India as per the training of the teachers, GIS mapping of schools will existing Education Loan norms. The interest on this loan timely availability of help in decision-making. will be paid by the PM CARES.As an alternative, finances (all of which are scholarship equivalent to the tuition fees / course fees for captured in the Governance SRM University-AP celebrates success in Maiden undergraduate/ vocational courses as per Government and Management Domain) norms will be provided to such children under Central or are some of the factors Batch Placement 2021 State Government Schemes. For children who are not plaguing the education eligible under the existing scholarship schemes, PM system in the country, SRM University-AP initiated its journey in the year 2017, and now it is time to bid farewell to CARES will provide an equivalent scholarship. Performance Grading Index the maiden batch of students. The university is proud to share that 92% of the graduating (PGI) 2019-20 by MoE has students are placed successfully. About 500 companies visited SRM campuses during the Health Insurance: All children will be enrolled as a confirmed it saying , “it is Placement drive, including Amazon, Adobe, Infosys, HealthRx, Bank of America, Standard beneficiary under Ayushman Bharat Scheme (PM-JAY) for the first time that there is Chartered and many more who have offered exhilarating opportunities. Students of the with a health insurance cover of Rs. 5 lakhs.The premium a reliable tool that founding batch have received one or more job offers in reputed companies with the highest amount for these children till the age of 18 years will be corroborates this”. CTC of ₹ 29.5 LPA an average salary of ₹ 6.2 LPA, and over 57% offers were Super Dream paid by PM CARES. Department of School and Dream offers. The Campus Placement drive is still on and best efforts are put in to ensure While announcing these measures the Prime Minister Education and Literacy that all the students are placed. emphasized that children represent the future of the (DoSEL) of the MoE Dr P Sathyanarayanan, Founder and President, established this university with a vision of country and the country will do everything possible to designed the Performance providing quality education to the students who will not only be able to secure a position of support and protect the children so that they develop as Grading Index (PGI) in their choice but also add value to society. It has been an incredible journey so far, and the strong citizens and have a bright future. The PM said that 2017 to catalyse students made the university proud with their excellence in academics and extra-curricular in such trying times it is our duty, as a society, to care for transformational change in activities. \"Acknowledging the needs of the hour, SRM University-AP is dedicated to our children and instil hope for a bright future. the field of school education devising strategies to mould students to become global leaders,\" said Dr Sathyanarayanan. and the current report is its The university took it as a challenge to find the best job offers for its deserving students. The More than 9,346 children third edition. It is based on Department of Corporate Relations and Career Services (CR&CS) was deeply involved in assessment of 70 providing students with the best training and placement opportunities. SRM University-AP impacted by 2nd Covid wave parameters. The PGI is believes that every student is filled with numerous possibilities, and they can scale greater structured in two categories, heights if their potentials are explored wisely. The students of the maiden batch proved the Between March 2020 and May 29, a total of 1,742 children namely, Outcomes and vision. became orphans while 140 were abandoned due to Covid; Governance & \"We always bring the best to our students when it comes to their training and personality 7,464 children lost a parent. The tally of children who lost Management and comprises development. The thoughtfully crafted training sessions, in close coordination with industry a parent or were orphaned during the pandemic could be 70 indicators in aggregate and corporate experts, rigorous aptitude tests, mock interview rounds help students to excel in much higher than the figure of 9,346 provided by the with a total weightage of the interviews and placement rounds\", informed Mr M S Vivekanandan, Assistant Director, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights to the 1000. CR&CS. Supreme Court early in June. Supreme Court heard the Data for 54 of the 70 state and Union territory administrations in a suo motu petition on the issue.
Curriculum June 16, 2021 3 News Updates Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham launches and 'Diamond' rating in the quality of faculty and our resolve and takes us one step closer to making every infrastructural facilities. The customized 'Learning child”. Online Labs for School Experiments Management System' (LMS) of JLU was also appreciated by Google for Education offers four levels of certifications for the auditors. educators - Level 1, Google Certified Educator Level 2, (OLabs) in Maldives Jagran Lakecity University was also the recipient of the QS I- Google for Education Certified Trainer, and Google for Gauge E-Learning Excellence for Academic Digitisation (E- Education Certified Innovator. To get started in the Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, ranked the 4th Best Overall Lead) Certification 2020, a testimony to its readiness for certification journey, teachers must pass the Level 1 exam University in India in the 2020 NIRF ranking, has launched digital learning. by completing 15 hours of study in addition to activities, its much-acclaimed Online Labs for School Experiments Hari Mohan Gupta, Chancellor, Jagran Lakecity University, which include a three-hour-long examination called OLabs in Maldives for all of the island country's while receiving the honour at a graceful announcement schools. OLabs enables school students anywhere in the ceremony observed, “For us, the best recognition always Parents body demand grievance world to conduct online lab experiments more efficiently and comes through the success stories of our students. The more less expensively through the Internet. It has been developed lives we touch and enlighten with education of an cell, uniform guidelines by the varsity in partnership with CDAC, Mumbai, based on a international quality, the more rewarded we feel”. He further research grant by the Ministry of Electronics & Information added, “I am delighted that QS I-GAUGE has truly In India, closure of 1.5 million schools due to the pandemic Technology (MeitY), Govt. of India. recognised our efforts in this direction and placed us in the and lockdowns in 2020 has impacted 247 million children Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham has provided training to 194 top 25 universities of India with this recognition.” enrolled in elementary and secondary schools. The deluge teachers and teacher educators from various schools of of covid cases seen in the last three months has further Maldives to integrate OLabs in their teaching practice. The The North Cap University partners added to their woes and prolonged absence from campuses. online training session was attended by Fathimath Naseer, the Between April 1 and mid-May. This has clearly shaken Minister of State for Education, Maldives; Anil Kumar Pipal, with Canvas parents once again. HoD, eLearning Divisions, Ministry of Electronics & Parents by virtue of being the guardians of children, Information Technology, Govt. of India, and Prof. Madhu Canvas Instructure, said it has entered into an alliance with ordinarily should be the major stakeholders in decisions Parhar, Director, Commonwealth Educational Media Centre The North Cap University (NCU), located in Gurugram, part around children in normal circumstances, however, they ForAsia (CEMCA), among others. of India's National Capital Region (NCR), is renowned for its were left high and dry and also voiceless in this more than Said Prof. Prema Nedungadi, Director, AmritaCREATE, academic excellence, extensive degree courses, and relevant one year journey of helplessness due to covid. A large Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, who is leading the OLabs research programs. Canvas is part of the Instructure Learning percentage of parents, who either became unemployed or initiative at the varsity: “We are extremely delighted to Platform, which supports more than 30 million educators and underemployed and even incurred losses or emergency launch OLabs for the benefit of school students in Maldives. learners across the world. expenditures, digged into their lifetime savings with a The aim is to provide high-quality laboratory access in The collaboration will aid NCU in continuing its delivery of constant anxiety for tomorrow. Education or schooling of science, mathematics and English for students and faculty degree programs through enriching virtual experience children, one of the top priorities of households in India members of Maldives, helping enhance teaching and learning without compromising on its educational standards. Canvas probably after food, made this stress more agonizing and outcomes. Lab experiments are an integral part of science and is currently used by over 6,000 institutions globally, depressing at the same time. With a switch over to online engineering education. However, access to lab equipment is including every Ivy League school in the US, and is one of the mode of education, a glimmer of hope, though uplifted often limited for school students due to resource constraints. most extensive education communities in the world. The them somewhat, but it came with shockers. Online labs provide an alternative to physical hands-on labs platform delivers an open, extensible learning ecosystem that Most private schools didn't show much empathy with them in schools where such labs are not present or augment allows Universities to build the digital learning environment and raised demands for fees as if it were a routine. In existing access to experiments. There is an urgent need for to meet the unique challenges faced by every institution. absence of a central law or guidelines, parents as integration of virtual labs into school learning across the Canvas simplifies teaching, elevates learning and eliminates individuals or small groups did attempt to raise their voice world.” the inconvenience of supporting and growing traditional against such exploitative tactics and even engaged in Said Fathima Naseer, Minister of State for Education, learning technologies. This long term partnership will prove dialogue with schools, but without a referee, the match Maldives: “Maldives is a nation with many geographical beneficial for both parties. While the tie-up expands Canvas' turned into a chaos and court battles. challenges and has few resources such as laboratories in global outreach and student base, NCU will experience In this 'once in a century pandemic' that has added more schools. The launch of OLabs in our country is a golden seamless knowledge sharing of its hybrid programs. 1.56 lakh covid deaths from April 1 to May 29, the unseen opportunity for our school students to get access to high- Announcing the partnership Christopher Bradman - General crisis in lives of children has only deepened. Upon this, the quality virtual labs for performing various experiments and Manager of Instructure APAC said, “Canvas is designed to Supreme Court of India on May 3 in a 'landmark' judgment excel in their education.” simplify teaching, so faculty can spend more time engaging on school fee (Indian School Jodhpur v State of Rajasthan), OLabs enables school students from classes 9 to 12 to students in ways that elevate learning. We are excited to took away the powers of state governments to regulate fee understand and perform online laboratory experiments free partner with NCU and improve the learning experience for of private schools by executive orders. An ordinary citizen of cost. The program hosts virtual experiments in physics, teachers, students and administrators across India.” looks at the elected government to work for his welfare and chemistry, and biology developed by Amrita CREATE, with protection, but in absence of laws and regulations, at least, content aligned to NCERT, CBSE and State Board syllabus. World University of Design signs school fee issue continues to burn hearts. The Mathematics and English components have been “Many states have enacted fee regulatory laws but things developed by CDAC, Mumbai. The experiments offered on MOU with University of Reading are not working on ground and there is a need to study them OLabs have been evaluated and endorsed by CBSE. for what is good and not so good in them and also on OLabs is hosted on India's National Knowledge Network and World University of Design has further widened the horizons implementation,” says Ashok Agarwal, President, All India is offered free of cost to any school. The experiments are for its students to delve deeper in getting first-hand Parents Association (AIPA). According to him while the available in several languages, including English, Hindi, experience with one of the top universities in the UK and the need of a central model law is always there but parent Malayalam and Marathi. OLabs is also being used in several world – University of Reading. WUD is the first and only activists need to look at state laws to make them work and European countries and its experiments have been translated university in India that University of Reading has entered improve. into Spanish. into an MOU with. According to a parent activist from Kashmir, Asma Goni, Added Prof. Prema Nedungadi: “OLabs can be used as a The agreement will apply to a whole range of collaboration when the pandemic is showing no signs of abatement and supplementary resource for schools that have their own labs, areas ranging from Arts, Film & theatre to Communication we are already hearing about a third wave, schools will as well as a primary resource for schools in rural areas which Design, Architecture & Management. By way of continue online for some more time. “Now, tell me when all lack lab infrastructure. It has been hugely useful for school collaborative research, teaching is expected to become multi- those schools offering online use the same infra, technology students in Covid times. The number of online users of OLabs faceted and much more enriching. The understanding and resources, how is that we have to pay differentials in has doubled from 16 lakhs in pre-Covid times to 32 lakhs between the two universities will promote staff and student fee for online classes? Shouldn't there be uniformity about today. The program is currently in use across 12,000 schools exchanges and ensure mobility of qualified students from this fee at least? But who will ensure this unless, there is an in India.” one institution to the other for the purpose of enrolling in appointed authority,” she adds. OLabs was launched in December 2015. undergraduate and graduate programmes. With research at its It is also a time when officials have just taken their eyes off core and rigorous academic work by affiliated teachers in the situation. According to Mona Malik, president of United QS I-GAUGE Ratings: Jagran their respective domains, the exchange programme will help Parents Association, Delhi, none of her several letters to opening newer avenues for students. directorate of education about private school diktats have Lakecity University awarded been answered till date. Cuemath partners with Google for Fee is not the only issue that is worrying parents. The Platinum rating quality of this education is perhaps the biggest worry. While Education certification some high end private schools have been able to establish Jagran Lakecity University (JLU), Bhopal, was conferred some interactive online classrooms, a majority of schools with the revered overall 'Diamond' rating by QS I-GAUGE, a Cuemath, an after-school math and coding program for K- including government schools are relying on whatsapp note comprehensive, independent and international rating system 12 classes has partnered with Google for a certification sharing or Youtube lesson videos. “Quality of education is for India's universities and colleges. JLU was rated amongst program. As part of the partnership, Cuemath teachers and weakening day by day and needs to be looked into and it the top 25 universities in India and became the 1st and the students will be given a Google for Education certificate. can only be done if governments pay attention,” says only university in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh to get Teachers will be given a Google Certified Educator Level 1 Subrata Barua from Assam. this Diamond rating. QS I-GAUGE is a globally recognised Certificate, and students who take a 12 to 18 months When private school lobbies, which are well organized and university rating system, which has expertise, experience, Cuemath program will be awarded the Google CS First resourceful are out in strength to protect and advance their and reputation of the UK based (QS) Quacquarelli Symonds, Creator Coder Certificate. interest, parents must also find their feet. “AIPA is relentless along with deep local knowledge of luminaries from Indian Speaking on the partnership, Manan Khurma, founder- in its efforts to organize parents and make their voice heard. education. CEO of Cuemath said, “Our partnership with Google for But the fight is tough,” adds R Venkat Reddy, Nation The QS I-GAUGE rating system evaluated the performance Education will ensure that students get the best opportunity Convener, M V Foundation . of Jagran Lakecity University, Bhopal in different aspects, to gain knowledge and build on capabilities that focus on benchmarking them to the global higher education real-world skills. Cuemath's essence lies in adaptive parameters and rated it in the prestigious 'Diamond' rating learning platforms, learning management systems, smart category. classroom solutions and collaborative platforms in order to The University has been awarded a 'Platinum' rating in make children natural at Math. This step only strengthens Teaching & Learning, Employability, and Entrepreneurship
6 Curriculum June 16, 2021 Edtech Edtech LEAD named on GSV Edtech online learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The total technology to reach underserved areas, tribal and rural number of such paid users grew from 16,000 in the first schools. 150 quarter of FY 2019-20 to 80,000 in the first quarter of FY 2020-21 till now. The company is eyeing to cater to 6 to 7 lakh Learning innovator and Co-founder of Karadi Path, Mr. CP LEAD School, a K-12 EdTech player working in the daily active users through mock tests in 13 Indian Languages Viswanath said, “For Karadi Path's innovation and work in affordable private schools space via its Integrated System, in the next five years. EduGorilla is also plaaning to language learning to be recognised by one of the most has been named to The GSV EdTech 150, which recognizes encompass remedial teaching under its umbrella and prestigious institutions of the world, the London Book Fair the world's leading, most transformational education leverage connected living via integration with Alexa, Siri, IEA, is both a validation of the work we do and an inspiration technology companies. and Google Home in the next five years. to continue our journey in India and beyond. The team at LEAD School was chosen from among 2,000 venture capital “It is indeed an exciting time for the ed-tech segment in India. Karadi Path has been working relentlessly to make learning and private equity-backed private companies across several The acceleration of digitalization and the shift towards online joyful and available to every child in India. This award is even evaluation factors: revenue scale, revenue growth, user reach, learning augur well for the growth of the Indian ed-tech more special as they have come in the 25th year of the Karadi geographic diversification, and margins profile. The sector. We are enthused by the overwhelming response from venture.” ASU+GSV Summit estimates that these 150 companies our users. As a leading player in the vernacular Ed-Tech During the pandemic, Karadi Path provided teachers with together reach approximately 3 billion people -- close to half space, we are committed to ensuring access to quality content short learning videos and mentor-led resources on an android of the global population -- and generate approximately $20 at affordable costs to students across India,” said Rohit app that they could carry with them in setting up community billion in revenue. Manglik, Founder&CEO, EduGorilla. learning camps and mini-schools in their neighbourhoods. In LEAD's unique Integrated System for schools has driven 3X This development comes after EduGorilla added mock the projects catering to the tribal populations, the resources growth in 2020 by helping schools deliver uninterrupted interviews to its product portfolio, which will be aimed became portals to teaching hacks. In open fields, in garages, in learning whether online, hybrid or in physical classrooms. towards preparing the students for their interview round in deserted places of worship, in the narrow by-lanes of villages, The company currently caters to over 800k students across the exams. teachers began implementing the literacy programme, a few 2,000+ schools. It also caters to the mock test requirement of 2 crore+ users even winged it by creating makeshift classes in villages with LEAD School Co-founder and CEO Sumeet Mehta said, for 1300+ competitive exams in 5 vernacular languages- no digital access by playing the audiobooks and songs on their “The GSV EdTech 150 strengthens our resolve to serve 20 English, Kannada, Gujarati, Hindi, and Bengali. car's stereo-system. The London Book Fair awards recognize million students in the next five years.” these stories of bold innovation and the tools that have 'Meet Sydney' Virtual events transformed teaching-learning experiences. Dhurina Forays into Jammu & Karadi Path is supported in government and tribal schools by global with ibentos CSR and government partners including the NSE Foundation, Kashmir and a FICCI, US-AID, UK-AID, World Bank Collective. University of Sydney launched their first International Karadi Path has recently launched a “Raising Readers” Dhurina Ventures Private Limited, an e-Learning platform Virtual Fair- Meet Sydney India last year on ibentos virtual campaign and will be coming up with a host of offerings to for state and regional competitive exams announced their platform, which has been used by 200+ institutions so far for close reading gaps and enhance learning. expansion by entering Jammu & Kashmir. Headquartered in student recruitment programs. The winners of the International Excellence Awards will be Fatehabad, Haryana, the brand is currently present in Bihar, Talking about the virtual events, Nishant Jadhav, Senior celebrated at the Online Book Fair in a series of \"In Haryana, Rajsthan and Uttar Pradesh. With an aim to provide Regional Manager, the University of Sydney, said “We Conversation With…\" events on 29th June. They will be quality coaching and convenience at an affordable rate, they started with the India event last year which saw high uptake speaking about their prize-winning work and the pressing have also launched a specialised online course on their and reach to more than 30 tier 2 cities in India and attendance issues within their areas. These sessions will appear alongside mobile application in collaboration with the region's best rate was more than 50%. This gave a good confidence for author talks, publishing panels, seminars and more at the faculty, Wing-Ek-Udaan that will guide, educate and inform proceeding with the events in India, Middle East, China and Online Book Fair. the aspiring students about the courses' availability. The Africa region with modification of 3D landing pages. We course structure includes recorded video lectures, live were able to maintain a high level of engagement with more IIT Madras to Develop Indigenous lectures, e-notes and e-books. than 2500 registrations across different regions with an Addressing the barriers for imparting quality coaching for attendance rate of 55%+. Across different regions 40%+ Software to monitor Maritime Traffic state level civil service exam preparations, Dhurina has been students were interested in one-on-one counselling and passionately working towards transforming the socio- meeting with subject experts which ibentos team was able to Indian Institute of Technology Madras Researchers are going economic scenarios across the tier 2 and 3 markets, set up and execute flawlessly.” to develop an indigenous Vessel Traffic Software (VTS) that irrespective of student's gender and financial status, by The Meet Sydney virtual event received an overwhelming will help monitor maritime traffic. This will cater to the providing mobile friendly affordable coaching options. To response from students and parents in different countries. increasing maritime traffic and help keep pace with global provide an edge to their mission, they have been innovating Talking about the student experience, Jaspinder Bhatia, Co- technological developments in the maritime solutions so that the students don't have to depend on Founder and COO, ibentos, said, “Meet Sydney Virtual domain.Envisaged initially as part of the Maritime Vision educational setups across the urban areas that eventually Information Sessions were a comprehensive solution to all 2030 action plans, this software development project is part of leave with them less time at hand for studies and furthermore, the student requirements. Students could virtually a collaboration between IIT Madras and VO Chidambaranar added expenses. experience the university, attend the virtual event, tune in to (VOC) Port Trust in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, for which a MoU Commenting on the development, Sachin Sardana, Co- the webinars, gather information about the university, its was signed recently. AVTS is required under the International founder and COO of Dhurina said, “This foray is a strategic faculties and courses offered and have face-to-face Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea. step towards empowering the untapped potential across conversations with the subject experts. And all of this in one This software will help realize Prime Minister Narendra Jammu and Kashmir, by preparing them for state level civil place.” Modi's vision for building a 'Digital India' and using digital exams and help them reach a step closer to their dream jobs”. The virtual platform was customised to meet the specific technologies to build 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat.' This software needs of students in different global markets. Talking of the could eventually be used for monitoring maritime traffic in 650+ fellows to be in Teach For challenges, Harpreet Bhatia, Co- Founder and CEO, ibentos, other ports across India.This Research Project will be led by said, “The most interesting part was to overcome the National Technology Centre for Ports Waterways and Coasts India cohort of 2021 challenges in making our virtual platform China-ready. (NTCPWC), a Centre of Excellence at IIT Madras that China has a restricted environment when it comes to web functions as the technology arm of the Ministry of Ports, This year, 650+ Fellows (teachers) have agreed to stand up applications but with the extensive feedback and support that Shipping and Waterways, Government of India. for India and show up for India's children, by joining the 2021 we received from the university team, we were able to Elaborating on the unique aspects of this collaboration, Shri cohort and leading the charge against educational inequity. address these barriers in no time. As always, working with T.K. Ramachandran, IAS, Chairman, V.O. Chidambaranar “Using the learnings of the past year of teaching digitally, we their team was a wholesome experience and we hope that this Port Trust, Tuticorin, said, “VOC Port is the first Indian Major will equip our Fellows to maximise the opportunities of partnership goes a long way.” Port of India to sign MoU with NTCPWC for development of blended instruction. Through a balanced focus on skill, Indigenous software for VTS System. The development of knowledge, mindset, community, and culture building, the Karadi Path Receives International indigenous system by NTCPWC, as per VOC Port's Fellowship creates versatile and courageous leaders. Fellows requirement, instead of relying on proprietary and costly will be trained to sustain challenges, unpredictability, and the Excellence Award foreign made software solutions, will be a game changer in ambiguity that accompanies the current education crisis,” a Indian Maritime Industry.” statement said. The Karadi Path Education Company has been announced as The MoU was signed recently by Capt. Pravin K Singh, Welcoming the new cohort, Shaheen Mistri, Founder and the winner by the London Book Fair International Excellence Deputy Conservator, VOC Port Trust, and Prof. K. Murali, CEO, Teach For India commented, “Having the courage to Awards for the category - Educational Learning Resources. Professor In-Charge, NTCPWC-IIT Madras, in the presence join Teach For India - the courage to stand apart, to do what is Karadi Path is the only firm from India to win the award this of Mr. TK Ramachandran, Chairman, VOC Port Trust, Mr. different, to serve others - isn't easy. In a year like this, where year presented by the London Book Fair in partnership with Bimal Kumar Jha, Deputy Chairman of VOC Port Trust and each one of us have struggles of our own to face - it is even the UK's Publishers Association. The shortlist for the Prof. Bhaskar Ramamurthi, Director, IIT Madras, besides harder. Thank you for having the courage to do this. Thank different categories of the Awards featured 15 countries other senior officials of the Port and NTCPWC. you for having the compassion to serve. Thank you for not across five continents. The winners of the International Speaking about benefits to Indian Maritime Sector from this just believing that all children deserve the opportunities to Excellence Awards will be celebrated at the Online Book Fair collaboration, Prof. K. Murali, Professor In-charge, reach their greatest potential - but for getting up and doing in a series of \"In Conversation With…\" events on 29th June. NTCPWC-IIT Madras, said, “The Indigenous VTS software something about it. We can't wait to see you in this The citation from London Book Fair says, “The judges system will open up the pathway for India to develop other movement!\". enjoyed reading many excellent entries this year and all three indigenous technology solutions that maritime severely on our chosen shortlist (for Educational Learning Resources) depends on overseas solutions.” Touching on the outcomes EduGorilla witnesses 350% growth are outstanding. The Karadi Path Education project is our envisaged from this Project with VOC Port Trust, Prof. Murali chosen winner due to its innovative approach, versatile and said, “The cooperation will help to build partnerships with all in paid subscriptions in FY 2020-21 creative content, and its reach which allows the resource to be other major ports for providing technology solutions to used by disadvantaged communities who would not address their problems.” Lucknow-based ed-tech company EduGorilla has witnessed normally have access to high quality educational resources.” 350% growth in paid subscriptions along with a substantial 300% growth in revenue in the same year as students took to The award particularly recognizes resources that are designed to be cost-effective, employing the advantages of
Curriculum June 16, 2021 7 Spotlight Going innovatively Phygital: The experience of WUD's School of Architecture 2nd year students tells you why it was the best choice to complete project work in pandemic By Autar Nehru As Covid19 pandemic lengthened its dark shadows and disrupted campus lives and academic transaction alike, those students and teachers whose learning/teaching depends a lot on lab practicals, hand on training, field visits and collaborative projects were hit hardest in the past one year. However, human spirit and intelligence through ages have invented ways to adapt, survive and evolve. It is now happening in technical education as well. WUD's School of Architecture 2nd year students just demonstrated that. Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) is a rigorous five-year her relatives, she met her co-travelers program and requires regular study trips and practical training besides a lot of collaborative group work. Obviously in the evening of March 23, who too being one of the top career choices among students and having a tough competition (through JEE), those who did a lot of travel. “We were both eventually make it in country's some 860 architecture schools, are expectedly diehard enthusiasts and serious excited and nervous. Though I had students. However, college closures owing to pandemic have put students like any engineering and medical students in a visited the place as a little child, but project, not to be confused with any actual redesigning work. situation where online classes don't seem to suffice. Finding In layman terms, the students using design tools, architecture, ways and means to overcome the handicap of not studying in actually all of us were strangers to the place and there were a knowledge and other tools had to propose redesigning and the usual way of observation and hands on experience, has offer reasons for it. “An essential part of such study projects is been a mission now globally. And, several models are lot of what ifs. Meeting with friends was a counter balance to understanding the gaps the current design and then build your emerging and a few of them could well be adapted as the new case, “ adds Pulama Oinam. But this project was still very normal in future years. this nervousness. So, on March 24, when we reached the special. For Tarunya and the rest of the batch, it was more than Sonipat-based University of Design (WUD, esb 2016), even a challenge as such a complex structure needs not one but Padmanabhapuram Palace, being a Monday, it was a public several visits to understand it fully. “We had to study and before becoming a university had started B Arch under the research the culture, history, economy, climatic conditions, holiday for the monument as per ASI (Archeological Survey transport—everything about it. It was challenging but World School of Planning & Architecture and in fact, its first exciting. But in the end, we all are happy ending doing such a of India) rules,” she says like a storyteller. The three-some project in our second year itself. It has given us a lot of batch of 17 is graduating this year. However, here we would confidence,” he adds. team used this opportunity to gather folklore and other With more than 20 build-up structures to cover, the homework talk about its current batch of 3rd year 18 students, who have or actually days of class work from home went into preparing information from people nearby and acquainted themselves maps, layout and then working on redesigning premises and just completed second year of their program. As part of the final presentations. “We understood the importance of this about the timings and other info. historical site and its importance and complexity for students course, they were required to undertake architecture design Next morning was the big day for Gayathri and her team. For so as part of our endeavor to equip them, we arranged sessions with experts Ajay K Jacob and Eldo Alias for their studio project—to enhance their understanding of design and those who are familiar with Malayalam blockbuster and understanding and research purposes,' says Oinam. The live streaming and interactions on the day were also fun skills. In normal circumstances, students would go to selected iconic film Manichithrathazhu, will remember the and occasion of some camaraderie both online and offline. The phygital was coming as a reality and sinking in. In site and study it at great detail and work on the assignment. grandeur of Padmanabhapuram Palace—perhapsthe largest projects of these kinds, it was a revelation. “It was too much to But 2021 was different. No physical classes, no travel, no capture, we were completely lost in the complexity and wooden palace in the world spread over 6.5 acres and the seat difficulty of it, but those side comments and pep talks made a meeting ordinary people or officials to gain firsthand memorable day for all of us on the spot or those on laptops at of erstwhile kingdom of Travancore. It was first constructed home,” says Gayathri. knowledge about sites etc. “How can we make architecture The class was divided into four groups and each group worked around 1601 CE by Iravi Varma Kulasekhara Perumal and among themselves to come up with a redesigning model of the studio exciting and promising learning experience is always grand old-palace. Learning with the use of not only core then rebuilt by King Anizham Thirunal Marthanda architecture designing and tech skills but the broader our aim. We had drawn a list of probable sites for the project principles of real life challenges entailed a lot of paper work, Varma—the founder of modern Travancore followed by working on design softwares, preparing maps and layout—all and also decided it to look beyond our traditional catalogue. contributing to that budding architecture mind that is out to others in the line, a total of 14 kings. Nestled in the foothills of conquer the discipline. Each presentation since has been With two students in the batch from Kerala, we had included evaluated by a jury and happily all of them completed their Western Ghats, this ancient architectural marvel is a prized second year. In words of their loved and proactive teacher, Padmanabhapuram Palace from Kanyakumari distict of Pulama Oinam, “It is equivalent to doing the project as would heritage of Kerala. Till reorganization of southern states, be done normally and achieving that level using innovative Tamil Nadu, and finally went for it,” says Pulama Oinam, ways has been the best mark of this batch. It is so satisfying for Padmanabhapuram Palace was in Kerala but it is being still me as a teacher.” Assistant Professor, School of Architecture. In the month of While, the redesign concepts developed by these students administered by the state (Travancore Devaswom Board ) may not be of any public interest but the idea of doing more March, when the semester was gradually moving to its end with the existing as highlighted by Gayathri (group) in her under a special arrangement with Tamil Nadu. final presentation that included adding a resort, library and but covid infections were making a comeback as a second adding shows of performing arts as well as As the three students reached the Palace imagining a compartmentalizing the attraction for category of visitors wave, the university administrators and faculty decided to without tweaking the heritage or its sensitivity, will someday beautiful day ahead with their batch mates eagerly waiting to flow to the Government as an innovative way of engaging depute the two students from Kerala (C S Gayathri, Kavya S tourists and might be will be explored in the post-covid world. join them, it wasn't a friendly entry. “As we sought “This is just one of the many innovations we did to beat Covid (Ist year student)) to the site along a third batchmate from and keep our education on track,” remarks Dr Sanjay Gupta, permission to use our smart phones to stream live the tour VC of the university. Design thinking we suppose!. Hyderabad (Teja Rakonda). The three students would live showing our letters etc, the officials questioned the veracity stream the tour while the rest of the batch would join virtually of letters and won't allow us. It was only after our teachers and take the visit along with them. Gayathri, who lives in Kochi, got into touch with a relative and administrators intervened and kept our spirit high that living in the neighborhood of Palace and arranged the finally the permission came after a series of phone calls to logistics. Traveling for five hours first to higher ups from local officials got exchanged. It took more Thiruvananthapuram and then again for couple of hours to than a hour and made us tense. But thanks to our university, things worked well eventually,” adds Gayathri. The students used only smart phones in the name of technology and through google meet all joined the live streaming which stretches to two sessions of about three hours each. Like the visiting team was busy for approvals and coordination days before the actual visits, the other students on the research part of it. “We started collecting as much information as we could from Internet, YouTube and other sources. We researched on all aspects including history, culture, architecture and others and regularly interacted with our teachers. So, when the live video calls started, we could relate to our findings and it made our interactions more than basic,” says Tarunya Singh. So actually, what would architecture students of second year get to know from such a famed monument, already well documented and researched? Adaptive redesigning was the theme of the project.Alearning
8 Curriculum June 16, 2021 Opinion/Perspective Opportunities for School Examination Re-imagining education system to reform for better in the post pandemic world The class 12 examination for a majority of Monica Malhotra Kandhari, MD, MBD group students is a graduating exam from schools holding immense prestige and emotional value The coronavirus pandemic is that, conven- institutes can re-open and this pedagogical adaptations for and is the first major milestone of their life—as they pandemic has seriously tional classroom teaching gap will have to be bridged to online classes. PowerPoint leave school system and enter higher education or upended the education with human contact is still establish a median. The and audio-visual presenta- directly into real world of jobs. While it is the 'final' test system. Along with the shift the best mode of power of artificial intelli- tions have become the norm to assess 12 years of academic achievements of from classrooms to learning.However, gence in automating activities and teachers including senior schooling , and therefore also a decider for future computer screens almost all technology is a great enabler like grading will come in educationists are forced to course of academic life and career choice for individual aspects of learning are being and hence has a significant handy. Artificial intelligence learn the use of technology to students, for the society, it serves as a critical filter for tested. Format of instruc- role to play in the education also brings in the capacity to be able to take classes during needs of future human capital. So, naturally holding and tion, attendance, evaluation, system.With a majority of individualise the pandemic. Also teachers conducting this standardized examination is very critical role of technology and the educational institutions learning,responding to the have to be creative in how for the objectives it serves. human interaction are all having experimented with needs of a student, they tech and engage with The new mutant variants of Coronavirus seen largely being re-imagined and there digital learning and teachers emphasising on certain topics students to gain the attention responsible for the deadly second wave of covid is a growing possibility that having to learn to adapt to and helping students to of their students. The pandemic in India and the exploding deluge of cases some of these changes will technology, teacher training progress at their own speed. traditional role of teachers from March to May this year that claimed more lives last. The prolonged closure will also need to be With every future advance in has been disrupted and there (>1.70 lakh) than in the entire year of 2020, also of schools and colleges has revamped to include AI, the use case for adaptive is a need for teacher training jeopardized dream of writing board exams for more than also highlighted some practical aspects of programs like these in in pedagogy as well as in the 1.20 million class 12 students in the country. And, given underlying vulnerabilities in technology in education. education will only improve use of modern tools and aids the pressure of the exam and distress in homes and the education system and as Along with updated and expand. to make teaching more streets, authorities wisely listened to voices of students the various stakeholders pedagogy, impactful use of Assessing students and effective and engaging. The and parents and cancelled these without prolonging the strive to address challenges technology will be an testing is another area where private sector will have to dilemma. and plug the gap, education important part of teacher changes will have to be made play a major role in teacher With the outbreak of Covid pandemic in the spring of as we know is going to training programs in the to align with the new reality. training to cater to those in 2020, all schools in India were declared closed and now change forever. Blended future. Standardised testingwhich the private sector and after more than a year barring some sunny days(Jan- learning will be a new norm, Though significant has been the norm will have to government run teacher Feb this year), the sad story of schools closures which has also been advancements have already make way adaptive tests that training centers will have to continues. This meant that most of the teaching/learning envisaged in our NEP 2020. been made in digitising delivers personalised results. upgrade their curriculum and happened online and there is a broader agreement that Learning by screen or education and hence remote As it is, schools have infrastructure as well. no matter how good the enabling streaming remote learning will learning. Access to and probably for the first time Educational services technologies are, there is no substitute for immersive continue to play a major role quality of resources ever, promoted students en providers in the private classroom and on campus education. And, again the even after schools areable to available for remote masse to the next level sector have for quite equity question grows bigger with online arrangement. re-open post the pandemic. learning needs to be without any standardised sometime now offered So, the assessment schemes as have come to fore and Digitisation of education is improved. Access to high testing. Also there are batches remote learning tools and accepted, is a special version of CCE. The ICSE will the future and we have been speed internet and afford- of students in the lower materials. They have also evaluate the performance (scores) of students for past making significant strides in able gadgets to access online section who have been developed and deployed app six years, the CBSE for past three. And, given the that direction even before resources is a concern in promoted to the next class based tools for school situation, scrutiny and pressure, the schemes look fair. A the pandemic struck. For smaller cities and towns. without having once management and teaching lot of students, who tend to become more serious more than a year now, online Even in major metropolitan experienced a physical class solutions. The adaptive towards studies to score more in class 12 as they enter classes and remote learning cities, the quality and room setting. And yet a assessment feature in MBD the class itself, didn't like the idea as they were have been the medium bandwidthof internet significant number of group's Aasoka app for preparing for it like anything. And, more than this through which learning is connection can vary from students have spent the first instance, offer customised number are happy that it was a good riddance. And, still delivered to students. area to area. This is an issue day of their formal education assessments for each a third category of students, who hadn't access to classes Teachers as well as students that can be easily fixed and at home, in-front of a screen. individual student based on or quality teaching and faced pandemic challenges and have adapted themselves to the government is taking So testing students will have their competency level were ill-prepared, see this as a justice done. make the best of this mode steps to facilitate infrastruc- to be adaptive in nature where derived from the latest test In fairness of things, the situation this year is of learning. This is not to say ture development and customised assessment is taken by them. This level of unprecedented and therefore a compromise must be that remote learning is the framing policies to enhance done for each individual personalisation helps in accepted. But how will be these lessons remembered in best or the only way the quality of internet in the students based on their detailed analysis of core future needs a discussion. A lot of universities now in forward. Some schools in country. competency level, based on strengths and weakness to India are moving beyond the class 12 scores to a regime smaller town and cities were A major concern of parents learning outcomes and realign learning approach of admission practiced in the developed countries. not in a position to hold as well as teachers is the previous tests taken. With accordingly. This level of Holistic evaluation based on scores plus community classes remotely and a large imbalance in learning that individualised testing using personalisation is possible projects, skills, co-curricular etc. The common entrance number of students are arosein online technology becoming the only because of the underly- test for colleges as said in the National Education Policy suffering because of this. c l a s s r o o m s . Te a c h e r s norm, proctoring tools will ing strength of technology 2020, after its implementation, will result in a paradigm Steps must therefore be couldhardly tell how well supplement traditional that enables educators to shift. And, a good measure, of course. taken to make remote the students comprehend invigilation of exams as tailor lessons, assignments, That brings a spotlight on how will class 12 exams learning more accessible and understand the concepts student's access tests reports and practice move in future. There has to be a reimagination of sorts. and everyone can benefit of the subjects as they remotely. worksheets for their learners. It has to be robust and eliminate practices that have from this mode. themselves are teaching The role of teachers have also given exams a bad name by way of putting pressure on One key take away from the from behind a screen. The seen a significant change due students and running them emotionally. imbalance in learning will to the pandemic. Teachers And last thoughts about more than 9346 children, who be an issue once education have been forced to make have either lost both parents and one of them and some have been abandoned, need institutional as well as IMPORTANT COMMUNICATION societal support. We are accepting publication of webinar summaries . Host institution, organizations and public relation agencies can share details for listing and later the summaries for online publication on our web platforms: education21.in and curriculum-magazine.com 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, 37 Consulting Editors: Sudha Passi, M K Bhat, Ramanathan Iyer Circulation 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. 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Curriculum June 16, 2021 9 Perspective Has the age-old storytelling practice found a stronger footing in the digital education scenario? By Shachii Manik - Coordinator President's Office - JasudbenM L School As our minds began every culture tells stories. It children. an online classroom setting, digital aids like putting on questions or opinions on the to enquire, wonder is an age-old art shared Creative stories pique the without which both, the soft background music or subject taught in a video - it is and think, among family, friends and interest of learners rather educators and learners, were sound effects, videos or a time-consuming process language developed. And strangers alike. Stories by a than other dry, rote learning at a disadvantage. images freely available and may make keeping up consequently, the art of compelling storyteller techniques. And teachers The art of storytelling, rather online to help learners with the curriculum storytelling developed. For contribute to shaping the have been storytellers for the medium of storytelling, immerse themselves in the challenging. aeons, oral storytelling has listener's personality, and millennia. had to be tweaked to suit the story. Storytellers must seek the been an inherent form of help them define ideologies In classrooms, a teacher can online style of teaching. The impact of new and best of both worlds. Armed communication and an they carry for life. A good “perform” a story. They can Teachers have had to advanced technology in with the treasure trove of integral part of human life. storyteller must be able to modulate their voice and overcome many stumbling educational contexts has digital aids in the form of Our brains are wired to communicate articulately invite children from the blocks to be a successful been mostly positive as videos, sound effects and understand the world in and engross the listener in audience or even use props. storyteller in a virtual these reformed technologies games, a skilled storyteller terms of a beginning, a the narration. The learners are in a classroom. have given educators the can ignite an undying interest middle and an end. receptive state of mind as That being said, digital opportunity to enhance their and curiosity among children While not every human Storytelling is also the oldest they are in a classroom storytelling is one of the knowledge, skills, and in a classroom- be it real or culture may be literate, form of teaching that teaches setting and gripped by the innovative pedagogical therefore enhance the virtual. As children sit us various aspects of human narration. Even the more approaches that can engage standard of education. enthralled, eyes wide in experience since the passive learner is captivated. students in deep and However, a drawback is that wonder, the stories they have beginning of time. Even the Stories tend to engage a meaningful learning. a lot depends on learnt will stay with them and most complex or abstract listener's thinking, emotions As students of the world connectivity. Poor network can be applied to solve day to concepts of maths and and imagination, and they turned to online learning, the leads to visual or audio day problems, ensure science are woven into the participate with both mind teaching and learning restrictions, which adds to survival, and pass on the very fabric of our lives and and body. fraternity were faced with an educator's stress and gems of moral values and are intertwined with the both perquisites and leads to little to no wisdom in stories to the next world of human experience Storytelling via Screens challenges. Distance participation by the learners. generation. and storytelling. In 2020, the advent of the learning may be unable to To a large extent, an Using storytelling as a coronavirus pandemic that capture the wealth of visual interactive session turns into technique to teach holds a forced most educational cues and expressiveness so a one-way communication. myriad of benefits. For institutions to remain shut easily found in face-to-face While there are many ways instance, it improves the gave rise to online classroom experiences. to get responses from the attention span and nurtures schooling. Digital literacy However, to make up for it, learners - for example, the listening skills of and fluency became vital in educators began to resort to listeners can record their How Artificial Intelligence will Change the Future in a Post COVID-19 World By Bhavana Gowda Of late, Artificial during this global crisis. It is that historical data is not ways to interact with others. destruction caused by the gathered by industries rises Intelligence (AI) is being used for analyzing necessarily the only thing Digitization has become the pandemic drives to digitize, by the minute, the considered an emerging medical data, preparing that will help in predicting need of the day and may there is going to be an requirement for skilled technology that has boosted treatment plans, helping out the future, during these very well decide which abundance of data and resources that can analyze this efficiency over many with contact tracing, uncertain times. organization survives and challenges for AI to resolve. data is also increasing. industry verticals. It is safe analyzing virus transmission which one dies out. While humanity may never Opportunities are plenty, to say that AI has rates, developing drugs, and Growth of AI and Data return to the normal pre- ranging from the IT sector to transformed lives mostly detecting hotspots, among Science in Old-Guard Democratization of AI and COVID era in principle, it is entertainment, manufacturing positively. On the other many other uses. Experts Industries: With the global Machine Learning: The up to the effective to healthcare, data scientists hand, COVID-19 has believe that the hitherto pandemic, AI and data growing popularity, implementation of AI that are required to compile, transformed billions of lives untapped benefits of AI will science are expected to be infrastructure, and can make us see the future analyze and build models that across the globe negatively go a long way to help in the implemented in even the accessibility of AI and ML from a new perspective. will help to predict the future. and has left everyone technological landscape. most old-guard industries are going to impact a wide As we have seen the Relevant post-graduate wishing things return to like mining, energy, variety of industries and importance of AI and ML, it degrees in applied normal as soon as possible. Below are three emerging manufacturing, and food companies of all sizes. is natural to consider the mathematics, data science, or While it is estimated that it trends showing how AI will production out of pure During this period, the prospect of a career in AI. e-science are being held in is only a matter of time that play a major role in a post- necessity. However, other democratization of AI and Dubbed as the hottest job of high regard by most humanity comes out of this COVOD-19 world in industries may find that they ML is particularly beneficial the 21st century, careers in employers. existential crisis, many shaping the business have the opportunity to for smaller companies that data science, ML, and AI are In conclusion, the future of AI establishments are going to landscape. implement AI for bettering are trying to innovate. With in great demand. A large and ML is indeed bright and is have to adapt to the 'new their future as well. Up until democratization comes number of companies, expected to be the driving normal' that covid-19 is A Need for Planning under now, society has heavily standardization, which is the within and beyond the force behind revitalizing the going to leave behind. Uncertainty: Before the depended on technology to need of the day to make AI technology sector are industry post the pandemic of During our relentless fight global pandemic, industries continue everyday and ML more cost-effective looking for talent with COVID-19. It is expected to with COVID-19, doctors, relied mainly on historical functionality and as such, to all industries. We have to specialized skills to develop create jobs, reinvent scientists, healthcare data to plan for the future. many organizations have try to make as many and implement data science technology to adapt to the workers, and many other Advanced companies did digitized their internal and companies survive and and ML solutions to the new new normal, and be the frontline workers are being depend on AI and Machine external processes. It is thrive, and democratization normal post-COVID-19 foundation point for inspiring helped by one of the most Learning (ML) techniques to estimated that companies of AI and ML is one of the requirements. The need of innovation. important tools currently accurately predict the future, that implement the digital basic steps that the industry the hour is to not just available, Artificial but most industries were still way are more likely to must partake in. The reinvent the existing (Author is Assistant Professor, Intelligence. AI is one of the using basic analytics to make survive the turmoil that is inherent aim of AI is to technology to adapt to the School of Computer Science prime tools that is driving business decisions. This is seen in the current global optimize efficiency by the new normal, but also to drive and IT, JAIN (Deemed-to-be analysis and research, now purported to change as pandemic, where people are collection of Big Data. As innovation in the future. As University) primarily into healthcare companies are finding out looking for non-contact the trail of economic the amount of data being
10 Curriculum June 16, 2021 Careerwise Vaccine, Visa, and Vista of the Future: an Updated Guide to Getting to University Adarsh Khandelwal In the present this demand, it is probable international student; many interval between doses. If the Polish Your Pre-University Founder, COLLEGIFY circumstances, each that they too will deny entry countries have specific tests student can reach the Knowledge: new development and for those who do not carry a that need to be completed university 30 days before Many universities have our watchword right announcement might seem WHO-certified vaccination before they approve a Visa, their course, as per their Visa, degree-specific courses, now needs to be to throw a curveball in your certificate. from HPV to Tuberculosis and avail of the on-campus modules, or preparation “awareness”. By journey to your dream At present, the Serum checks. Students need to be vaccine, they would receive material to be completed keeping track of latest university – and as Institute of India's in good health before they the second dose well in time before matriculation (your developments, you will counselors, we understand Covishield is the only travel – ensure that these for school to start. It is formal start date). Ensure be able to successfully and sympathize with you. WHO-approved vaccine in formalities are completed as important to communicate that your work on these is not plan your academic The latest notification by the India, and the gap between soon as possible through with the university hindered, as these are journey and minimize CBSE Board has stated that doses has been extended to approved health centers. administration and check for foundational for you to uncertainty. it is now considering two 12 weeks. However, states quarantine requirements and understand your classes once options for marking Grade like Maharashtra, Kerala, Your Student Visa: vaccination policies. you get to university. 12 students—either the final Karnataka, and Telangana Without a valid Visa, you Despite everything that is exams from both Grades 10 have reduced this gap to 4-6 will be unable to enter the Get in Touch with Your School going on, the key takeaway is and 11 in addition to the weeks for students with country you are slated to go and University – Get the that you need to plan like you Grade 12 internal foreign university admits to. Once you have all the networking bug inside you! will reach your university in assignments will be and workers who have to necessary documents (keep Keep an eye out for updates time. For select States (the considered, or only Grades travel internationally. They a checklist handy!), you will on the current situation. Write list is expanding!), a vaccine 10 and 12 together. Students have also allotted priority need to jumpstart the to your university explaining taken now is eligible for a are awaiting a swift and fair slots and a dedicated process. The Visa will have the delay in exam result second dose by the 15th-20th decision, but if you are one of vaccination schedule for certain stipulations for announcements; they will of July at the latest. Even those who are on track to these individuals, entry; for example, students allow you flexibility provided with 2 weeks allotted for university but stuck due to establishing special portals, who are to head to the they know your intent to recuperation, this leaves administrative delays, read passport-linked vaccination USneed to secure a date to enroll with them is still high. students with a comfortable on to see what exactly you confirmation, and other apply for their F1 Visa the If there is no response, entry date of the first week of need to do in the interim. facilities to fast-track the moment their i20 Forms are request your school August. process. According to the processed. They will need to administration or counselor Get Your JAB – Kerala government, email the Embassy for this to get in touch with the If you are 18 or above, we approximately 2000 category with the copies of university instead of doing it cannot stress the importance students have already their form attached, even if yourself. The school could of having your vaccinations registered for this service the date is not initially send a letter that is followed done before you enter your and more are to follow suit – visible. The F1 Visa does not up by the student, or vice- destination country. This we hope to see other States allow students to enter the versa – the school's should be your first priority implement this policy as country before 30 days from involvement lends an official at the moment, as major soon as possible, as this is the commencement date of understanding to your case, schools in the US – over 360 the ideal decision in light of their course. and the school should ideally public and private the urgency of the situation. What does this mean for work in collaboration with institutions – mandate students who need last- the university to request an vaccination before entry to Other Medical minute vaccinations? The exemption for your unusual the country. While other Formalities: Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine circumstances and explore popular locations like The vaccine isn't the only that is available in the US how to work around the delay Canada, the UK, and health requirement that has a 21-day (3-week) in exam results. Australia have not specified needs to be fulfilled for an minimum recommended Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) & First Aid Course in India Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure that combines chest compressions often with artificial ventilation in an effort to manually preserve intact brain function until further measures are taken to restore spontaneous blood circulation and breathing in a person who is in cardiac arrest. First aid is the immediate and temporary aid provided to a sick or injured person until medical treatment can be provided. It generally consists of a series of simple, life-saving medical techniques that a non-doctor or any person can be trained to perform with minimal equipment. A new study has found that cardiac arrest occurs in around to deliver the right care at the earliest during an emergency quality chest compressions (CPR), deliver appropriate 20% of the patients with severe COVID-19 symptoms; a that can save someone's life. ventilations and provide early use of an AED promptly until large number of them will require immediate resuscitative the patient can be given complete medical care at a hospital. efforts. People infected with COVID-19 have a higher risk of Let's take a Quick look at a few Institutes offering CPR This course is open to anyone with limited or no medical dying after a cardiac arrest. Minutes matter when it comes to and FirstAid Certification Course in India training who needs a course completion card in CPR and saving lives. For instance, a patient falling unconscious due Henry Harvin: The CPR & First Aid Course by India's AED. to Covid-19 or a worker falls from height and is unconscious leading EdTech Henry Harvin ® is an accredited First Aid NIST Institute: The American Heart Association (AHA), a as a result. In this case, most people's worst fear is what to do. Training Course that includes CPR training where all non-profit organization, fosters cardiac care to reduce the It could be an emergency situation that requires immediate participants are trained on the life-saving Technique - disability and deaths caused by cardiovascular diseases. As attention before administering proper medical care by Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation which is frequently heart diseases have become the NO: 1 leading cause of death doctors. That is when two specific training comes into play - during emergency situations such as Heart Attacks, in the world, the American Heart Association educates No one can tell when you'll have to spare an actual existence. Drowning and use of an Automated External Defibrillator millions of people each year to save lives. Heart-saver CPR It could be taking a pulse and providing CPR or containing (AED). AED Course from American Heart Association (AHA) is a bleeding, anything as appropriate. These kinds of immediate classroom & video-based, instructor-led course that imparts actions are not some techniques that can be learnt by reading Lifesupporters Institute of Health Sciences: knowledge & skills to respond in sudden cardiac arrest a book. Lifesupporters Institute of Health Sciences provides emergencies. When it comes to CPR & First Aid training, many think American Heart Association (AHA) certified CPR AED Phoenix Institute off CPR and Defibrillation: Phoenix there's no point for those not in the medical field. That could course to participants on how to provide CPR in an Institute of CPR and Defibrillation, an International Training not be further from the truth, though. People in many careers emergency and how to use an Automated External Centre (ITC) provides internationally recognized benefit from being CPR & First Aid certified and many Defibrillator (AED). This course prepares participants to certifications in Basic Life Support (CPR and Defibrillation) workplaces outside of the medical field even require it so as recognize and respond to emergency situations, give high- andAdvanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).
Curriculum June 16, 2021 11 Opinion As Teachers, we must embrace willingly the change through active trainings Dr Ramesh Kumar is the need of the hour to upgrade their faculties and education system active and employ the potentials of the many cases refresher training Agarwal carry on this noble provide them with trainings moving. The students did existing Aganwadi mothers. helps us revive all our exiting profession and this was very so that the entire system not have access to school The extant resources to be knowledge which may have Training of teachers clearly understood when works smoothly. building but education was converted as early childhood become superfluous with is also very Benjamin Franklin said “Tell The NEP 2020 also constantly being delivered care givers and educators passage of time. important in the me and I forget, teach me and envisages the same point and rather delivered at its and they need to be Teachers have been the true sense that an untrained I may remember, involve me and as it stresses on adequate best. reconditioned in terms of fighters during this pandemic, teacher may not be able to and I learn”. hours of training for the NEP 2020 proposes for cognitive and meta- they are the true inspiration. deliver the content in the Teacher training is always a teachers. Training will lead Continuous Professional cognitive skills so that the Overnight we decided to shift desired manner and the very important step of the not only help to achieve the Development of teachers in desired learning outcomes to an entirely new paradigm entire exercise becomes success ladder of any target of outcome based a planned and phased be achieved. and more importantly without futile. The modern educational institute. In learning but also help the manner. As we plan for the All these policies lay any cues. Many of us in the pedagogy requires today's world where homes teachers to provide holistic development of the emphasis on the need for urban set up were having extensive training of the have become school, the competency based learning students in a systematic training of teachers so that laptops and other modern age, teachers so that the stated same teacher training has to the learners. Training will manner in the same way the future nation builders are smart devices but our rural learning objectives are given a leap to the entire benefit not only the teachers CPD should be pre planned not impacted negatively. counterparts in many cases achieved as planned. This teaching learning process. on an individual basis but and executed well on time. Apart from the teachers were still using key typing generation to which we We know that the POS (point also will uplift the image of Unplanned training sessions belonging to rural set up, mobile phones. Still, most of belong is the generation of sale) machines do not the institution.Adequate and will increase the burden of teachers linked to the urban us stood the test of time and which has seen the technical work if the link fails – even continuous training of the the teachers and also be areas also need to be trained till date are successful in divide where the young when we have debit and teachers is always desired as exasperating. In order to perpetually for overall delivering education to the generation helps the seniors credit cards- they turn to be this will not only infuse avoid such situations and development of self as well children even if it is no match to use modern gadgets so useless. Similarly the fresh ideas among the feelings, planning of CPD is as all the related for classroom experience. that they are not deprived of schools will fail to operate seniors but also help the of utmost importance. The stakeholders of the We are not only giving them a living and they do not also without adequate training of fresher's to know the multi-disciplinary and educational industry. access to the scholastic areas deprive the learners due to their teachers. modalities of the system to integrated approach of the Methodical and structured but also enabling them to fight their ignorance of using the We are living in a period be followed. evolving curriculum needs training is the need of the and swim across this situation modern teaching learning when we are open to During the lockdown and adequate and timely training hour as this will act as a along with us through various aids. criticisms as we are now even during the unlock of the teachers or else the catalyst and boost the entire life skills. Same for us In simple words, training actually delivering the phases various webinars are entire process will become educational scenario. teachers also and let's whether formal or informal subject not only to the being conducted so that the futile. The modern Orderly and consistent embrace the change! students but also to the training process is not pedagogy needs teachers to training is of utmost priority Through the continuous parents. Teachers are under stopped as training is be updated at all times and as as today we are running process of up gradation constant surveillance by the inevitable. Several private such continuous tutelage is through an era of digital through various trainings and parents during the online and government bodies have needed constantly. transformation. Training webinars we train so that the classes. Virtual classes conducted webinars to NEP further focuses on always provides a level of future of the young generation topped by parental watch constantly motivate and Early Childhood Care and job satisfaction and the is not at stake. have made the entire upgrade the teachers. Education under the able successful completion of teaching learning process During this pandemic, apart leadership of Special Joint training always helps us to (Author is Vice Principal, subject to constant from the various other Task Force of Ministries of acquire some new KPS Nadia, West Bengal) evaluation from all the warriors, the teachers also HRD, HWF and Tribal knowledge and skills and stakeholders. Keeping this in emerged as warriors who Affairs. Under this approach this increases our efficiency mind, the schools need to constantly kept the the government plans to and effectiveness at work. In Schools reopening will be determined by pandemic behavior than Vaccination of students imperative After almost a fake narrative over children likely being the indication that children will be more affected in the third boils down to how the virus will behave in coming weeks and prime target of a possible impending '3rd wave of covid wave. And there is this hypothesis that the virus enters months. upsurge' sent parents and children in tizzy and stress, experts through ACE receptors in the body and these receptors are have been allaying these fears with science and lessons from relatively less in children as compared to adults. This is a past two waves. hypothesis on why the infection has been less amongst The central government said the data doesn't suggest any children,” he said. such threat to children. Dr VK Paul, one of the key members It is pertinent to mention that in the US FDA's Vaccines and of the PM's Covid management team, speaking to a TV Related Biological Products Advisory Committee channel said, \"It is uncertain that a wave would affect (VRBPAC) meetings the rush to use of vaccines in the children specifically. Till now, children have displayed pediatric population because kids are at such low risk from similar seroprevalence as adults, which means, they are as the virus, was also questioned. There, Pfizer's COVID much affected as adults.\" vaccine is currently authorized for emergency use in Earlier, Dr N K Arora, Chairman of India's COVID-19 people as young as age 12. Moderna is authorized for Working Group of the National Technical Advisory Group people 18 and older, although the company has asked the on Immunisation (NTAGI), had said Indian data does not FDAto authorize its use in children as young as 12. show specific predilection of the currently circulating virus Peter Doshi, Ph,D, associate professor University of strains either for the youth or paediatric age group. Though Maryland School of Pharmacy and senior editor of The he stressed on the need to improve the paediatric Covid BMJ, said during the open public hearing session, there is services and align with the rest of the COVID-19 no emergency that would warrant using EUA to authorize management framework but added that based on what the COVID vaccines for children. Vaccinating children for the experience is available from our own country and that from benefit of adults is an “unproven hypothetical benefit,” other parts of the world, there is no reason to believe that Doshi said. He reminded the FDA they cannot authorize or children will be disproportionately affected in the coming approve a medical product in a population unless the weeks and months or in the next wave. AIIMS Director benefits outweigh the risks in that same population. Randeep Guleria also said there was no indication that With Covaxin trails on children authorized in India, it will children will be severely or more affected in the third wave of be keenly observed if and when a vaccine for children is the pandemic. \"If we see the data of the first and second approved. waves, it is very similar and it shows that children are usually Those tying reopening of schools with vaccination of protected and even if they get it, they only have mild children may be on wrong premise and a better bet would infection. And the virus hasn't changed so there is no be universally vaccinated adult population. But everything
12 Curriculum June 16, 2021 Interview Sunit Nandi (a rising Gig entrepreneur) 'Business (Internet communication) users should no longer need to sacrifice convenience for data privacy': Guwahati-based Sunit Nandi, a Ph D scholar of IIT-Guwahati and a trainee teacher at NIT, Arunachal Pradesh, in all 27 years of age is also a budding technopreneur. His fascinating journey of life thus far is yet another testimony as to how much influence people & trends around you have on your choices in a middle class family. Even after having created a privacy-first email hosting service (letter.is) and running a profitable e-magazine (Techno FAQ), his priority is still finishing his Ph D. Nevertheless, his ventures have already made him a youth inspiration and potentially a 'unicorn' candidate of future. Autar Nehru spoke to him on his ongoing journey. Your father, Prof Sukumar Nandi, who is a professor at Techno FAQ is your first venture that started in 2012. improving the security of my setup and optimizing email How did you conceive it and how it grew and how has deliverability. This year I felt that everyone should be able to IIT Guwahati, was the greatest influence on your been the journey so far? experience the elegance of the setup I built and I decided to True, my entrepreneurial journey started in 2012 when I launch Letter with that goal. With this email offering business childhood as far as the world of computers goes. Tell us, launched an e-magazine named Techno FAQ users should no longer need to sacrifice convenience for data (https://technofaq.org) that covers unconventional topics in privacy. some fond memories and triggers that made computers science, technology, computing, business and education. I What are its advantages over free emails and its security started it out of passion and not as a means of livelihood. I protocols? fascinating to you so early? spent my time writing articles and finding topics to cover. Letter is a privacy-first email hosting service which solves the I was first introduced to computers at the age of 3; in fact, my That used to consume all of my free time back in my college problem of email communications being treated as an father used to take me to his workplace and allowed me to days, to the point I was awake 20 out of the 24 hours of my afterthought in a world where email is the backbone of operate on the computer. I spent time on MS-DOS and day. everything. Letter is business friendly with advanced Windows 95, typing random text on WordStar and drawing My hard work finally paid off. By 2014, I was getting administrative control and features like spam aliases, figures on MS Paint. As I got older, I got introduced to advertisements and advertorial campaigns on the e- outgoing/incoming TLS enforcement, filter rules, two factor Windows 98 and Solaris and the world of the Internet and magazine from businesses that required sales and publicity. authentication, time-based OTP, anti-virus scanning and not Microsoft Explorer. The fact that one could do so many As the number of advertisers grew, I was able to generate forgetting basic email monitoring. On Letter, every mailbox activities on a computer always fascinated me. That was it, a more funds to research and write better content. In 2019, I user's email, contact and calendar data is separately encrypted positive distraction and nothing much. acquired two more e-publications, Tekh Decoded using an EC-384 keypair generated for that specific user. The However, one fine day, when I was some 13-years old, I came (https://tekhdecoded.com, focusing on consumer user's password is the passphrase for the private key (i.e. the across Internet Relay Chat (IRC), where I discovered I could electronics) and LinuxBin, now nixFAQ (https://nixfaq.org, private key is encrypted with an AES-256 symmetric key talk to random people around the world organized by topics in focusing on Unix-family operating systems, their internals, derived from the user's password). As a provider, without chatrooms. In one of the chatrooms, one person told me I apps, and hardware running Unix-family OSes). I also now explicit knowledge of your password, Letter cannot read your should try out Puppy Linux as a lightweight alternative to have a team of 5 people (excluding me), some of whom look data on disk. As a result, we operate with a better security level Windows XP. I downloaded the Puppy Linux ISO file from after the electronic publications, leaving me more time to by default and the user has control of their data by design. You the Internet, burned a CD and then booted into it, and I was focus on what I want to work on now, that is developing and will not find it on any generic email provider. instantly hooked to see how different it was compared to what running privacy-oriented services on the Internet for public But still, its user experience and features may not be I was using. It was my first view into the world of GNU/Linux. use. appealing enough? Puppy Linux was smooth, didn't lag/stutter like Windows and What kind of content is offered by your e-zine for On the contrary, as of right now, Letter has more features and was infinitely customizable. This spurred my interest in students? more fine-grained controls on its interface compared to any operating systems and networking and in general in Engineering students would find content on our e-magazines generic email hosting provided by big tech. Letter gives you computers. extremely useful for their career, whether it is for general all the features you need, without any vendor lock-in like And it decided the future course of your life almost? knowledge, or for development of their skills. Our content proprietary access protocols and proprietary email apps and Yes, as memory of the incident that opened me up to a career in has the newest, state-of-the art information about without any restrictions in importing and exporting your Computer Science, I run a service called Techno FAQ ZNC technological happenings around the world with enough emails. Also, our spam filter uses multiple neural networks to (https://znc.technofaq.org/) which allows IRC users to have a technical coverage. It is a good starting point to discover classify spam with fewer false positives compared to permanent presence on the IRC networks of their choice and various aspects in engineering and choose the field that solutions offered by big tech. Overall, the user experience preserve their conversations, even if they do not have interests the student the most in their career. should be much better than existing solutions. continuous connectivity to the Internet. Now let's come to your communication suit, Letter.is, a In the future, we plan to add Instant Messaging, like It seems Internet and communications technology and the start–up. Briefly tell us what is it? WhatsApp and Telegram, based on XMPP (which is an open changes it brought in the decade you were growing too I have often suffered due to the lack of business email standard, unlike walled gardens like WhatsApp and influenced your thought process? solutions that properly implements the basics (such as email Telegram) with end-to-end encryption by default as a part of When, I was about 6 years of age, my father wanted to deliverability, contact sync, calendars, search, etc.) and also our communication suite. demonstrate to my mother and me the Internet and how to use respects user privacy and right to their data. Email Do we see yourself as a kind of brand that will take over the it. He got a dial-up modem which was connected by a serial communication in today's world is often treated as an world as a big Indian innovation and tech firm? port to our home PC. He also brought with him a afterthought even though online businesses have to depend In the short term I plan to bootstrap Letter into a self- SatyamOnline CD. On our computer running Windows 2000, on it the most. Major email providers not only mine user data sustaining business, one that is not dependent on third parties he popped in the CD into the optical drive, installed the dialer but also use this data to display ads or sell to third parties. or investors. I do not want to chase the cool factor of being the software, connected the phone line to the modem and started Some email providers do not allow you to import or export startup unicorn that raises and then burns money to acquire the connection. After a few high pitched tones and scratching your email data, and some even lock you to their own apps. market share. Instead I wish to create a business that makes noises, the computer was connected to the Internet with 48 On the other hand, privacy-oriented email providers do not decent profit from the initial days and is able to provide kbps speeds on a 56 kbps connection. He then went on to show implement industry-standard email access protocols and consistent customer support as it scales and does not lose us how we could search on Google, send email with Hotmail, also do not implement search functionality. I was so frustated touch with its consumer base. It also makes great sense from a play Flash/Java games, and chat with people on Yahoo! with the state of email hosting that I self-hosted my own financial point of view because a privacy oriented business Messenger. Once the Internet became a daily part of our lives, work emails for several years, and spent countless days should not compromise its main goal of privacy in favour of my father replaced SatyamOnline with Tata Indicom dial-up investors. Internet as it was more cost effective. Those were some good “I was so frustated with the state of email In the long term, I plan to devolve/spin-off the business from days. hosting that I self-hosted my own work Techno FAQ Digital Media to an entity of its own that Despite, your obvious inclination to computer sciences you emails for several years, and spent countless provides easy-to-use privacy oriented services. That will took biology as subject in class XI. What was the thought days improving the security of my setup and include services other than email, such as managed hosting, behind it? optimizing email deliverability. This year I felt on-demand VPNs and identity protection services. My plan is “A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an that everyone should be able to experience to create a business that is specifically catered to protecting invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a the elegance of the setup I built and I decided privacy of people in the digital world. This kind of business sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the to launch Letter with that goal. “ has great scope in Asia because there isn't any equivalent in dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve this continent. The nearest competition is from European equations, analyse a new problem, pitch manure, program a companies like Migadu, ProtonMail/ProtonVPN, Tutanota, computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. etc. Specialization is for insects.” Your theme of Ph.D. thesis, can we get a clue? — Robert Heinlein, Time Enough for Love Unfortunately I am not able to provide any details about this My elders often quoted this and it has always stuck to me. because of Non-Disclosure Agreements. All I can tell you is When I was getting admitted to class XI, bio-informatics and that I am working on suicidal ideation and suicide detection bio-electronics were hot and emerging fields at that point of from people on social media using the content they post. time. I realised that it was better for me to take biology in order to not miss out opportunities on these interdisciplinary subjects. The other reason was that biology would never be taught again in any undergraduate CSE course, but programming would always be there even if I skipped it in HS.
Curriculum June 16, 2021 13 Higher Edu Updates SRM University-AP 's University Do not be afraid to admit your ignorance. While it is present situation which is unprecedented in its magnitude and important to project what we are good at, we must be equally gravity causing immense fear, worry and concern. Distinguished Lecture (UDL) Series candid about areas we do not know enough about. Pursue Speaking on the session, Dr Jitendra Nagpal, opined: “We excellence in whatever you do. Excellence cannot be forced have thermometers and oximeters to check the body's delivered by Prof Anil Sahasrabudhe through a process nor guaranteed by a certificate. It comes temperature and oxygen levels respectively. However, there is from an all-consuming passion to do one's best.” no device to check people's mental health. It can only be Chairman-AICTE Prof. Chatterjee thanked the Ministry of Education (GoI) & through compassion,empathy and conversations with the Government of Kerala for their support and commended people.” Digital education carries a boon that no one can ignore, i.e. the perseverance and hard work of the students and faculty in Through a lively and interactive session the webinar brought making physical distance irrelevant in education. Curriculum the face of the pandemic. He also listed out the achievements to the fore that to deal with the emotional ramifications of the Revisions, Project-Based Experiential Learning, Faculty and the laurels gained by the Institute faculty and students crisis, – protection, preparation and partnerships are Training, Industry Internships, Students Internship which further enhanced IIMK's growing reputation of that of important. Dr Nagpal also expressed that the feelings of Programmes are soon to be inseparable aspects of the a leading thought school. children should be open to discussion as children at times are changing education sector. IIMK's Management Development Programmes continued not able to express themselves. The 10th edition of the University Distinguished Lecture to record a high growth despite the Covid-19 impact. During During the session, Dr Nagpal observed that adolescents are (UDL) Series, organised by SRM University-AP, expounded the year, the Institute successfully conducted conducted 66 highly vulnerable to mental health issues during the on a pertinent problem of the current time, \"Higher Education programmes impacting 3631 particpants. The Central pandemic. Parents need to deal with them in a friendly manner in India in the Post-COVID-19\". Prof Anil Sahasrabudhe, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship to understand their issues and thought processes. Chairman of All India Council for Technical Education awarded the Institute a contract for implementing the Dr. Nagpal emphasised the importance of gathering strength (AICTE), delivered the Distinguished Lecture, and Satish Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship Phase-II Programme from the experiences of elders in families. “Elders in our Chandra, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Higher Education, under the World Bank's SANKALP Scheme. The families can play a great role in boosting our mental health. Government ofAndhra Pradesh, gave a special address. knowledge generated by IIMK faculty has appeared in Ask them to share how they coped with similar difficult Prof Anil Sahasrabudhe in his Lecture, delineated that the use leading academic journals with high citation index and situations in their lives,” Dr. Nagpal said. Sharing his of technology in the education environment has been initiated impact factor including articles in FT 50 publications. The concerns on the disturbed sleeping patterns of people during in the Pre-COVID days. Platforms such as Swayam, National Institute also broke into global rankings conducted by QS the pandemic, he recommended taking care of quality Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL) World Ranking at 101+ for its PGP and EPGP programme. It sleeping times at night. came into existence to digitally bring quality education to was also awarded Band A Rank in the ATAL Innovation The session was followed by a question and answer round everyone. Digital education carries a boon that no one can Rankings conducted by the Government of India. where teachers took guidance from Dr. Nagpal on handling ignore, i.e. making physical distance irrelevant in education. children's queries and anxieties at tricky situations during the Digital education has the ability to reach students anywhere Industry-Academia Collaboration pandemic. Dr. Nagpal also suggested that schools and and everywhere provided they are equipped with gadgets and institutions should build up a continual relationship with internet connectivity. Center at Rishihood University students even during the summer vacation by conducting Thus, the Government of India has undertaken a nationwide special sessions. project under, Bharat Net, Unnat Bharat Abhiyan to connect Rishihood University (RU) has joined hands with Bosch Apeejay Education has held a series of such webinars and every corner of India through the internet. Prof Sahasrabudhe India Foundation to set up the Industry-Academia sessions on the issue of mental health in the present scenario accepted that all subjects cannot be taught online, especially Collaboration Center. Situated within the RU campus, the and more are on the anvil. It firmly believes that a psycho- lab-based practical courses that will have the need to attend Center will offer relevant skill development programs aimed social preparedness should be part of disaster management physical classes. Music, Drama, sports, other performing and at creating more job-ready graduates. The initiative comes at lessons and mock drills conducted in the institutions. Apeejay fine arts, which are an essential part of a pedagogical system, a time when India is facing a massive shortage of employable Education is in the process of integrating the special training cannot be studied online. Moreover, a digital class can never professionals. of teachers on the sensitive issues of mental health, so that replace the bonding humans tend to develop while working in The association between Rishihood University and Bosch they in turn can help the students when they require it. This is close proximity. However, it cannot be debated that the India Foundation consistently recognised for its leadership in being done as part of capacity building programme. education system as we know it has changed. The future of skill development has been entered into on two fronts, education comes with a blended environment. Fortunately, MSME Capacity Building and running the BRIDGE Department of Management Studies, IIT Delhi National Education Policy-2020 envisioned the change long certification program. ago and introduced a relevant policy to ensure the educational The MSME Capacity Building partnership, co-created by wins Aluminum Packaging Recycling Challenge growth of the country. Rishihood University and Bosch India Foundation, is Multidisciplinary Education and Research Universities designed for those individuals pursuing self-employment Department of Management Studies, IIT Delhi and Xavier (MERU), Academic Bank of Credits, National Academic opportunities, with a keen focus on social entrepreneurship Institute of Management Bhubaneswar (XIMB) were Depository are some of the revolutionary changes that are within the MSME ecosystem. It will integrate key industry declared as the winner and runner-up respectively of this going to benefit the next generations in the post COVID days. learnings and case studies, embedded into the existing RU year's Ball Beverage Packaging Sustainable Circular The government has already established National Research course curriculum. The Center will additionally provide Challenge. This unique challenge in collaboration with Green Foundations to support mega research projects, which may incubation support and funding opportunities for promising Dream Foundation aimed to encourage the youth to innovate need several crores of rupees. Prof Anil Sahasrabudhe prospects. It will also be open to owners and employees of out-of-the-box solutions to ensure that used aluminum emphasised that studying in one's native language is an local micro, small, and medium businesses looking to beverage packaging material is collected and recycled essential requirement that NEP looks into. Prof Sahasrabudhe improve operational efficiency. infinitely. These innovative solutions, in turn, will reduce the asserted that proper administration, governance and A 2020 NITI Aayog report estimated that, of the 30 million overall carbon footprint when producing beverage cans. autonomy are some of the deciding factors for the education graduates that join the workforce every year, 53% did not Ball Beverage Packaging, the world's leading producer of sector in the coming days. While concluding his speech, he have the required skill sets required to be employed. The aluminum beverage cans, bottles and cups. further elucidated AICTE's initiatives towards the government's New Educational Policy (NEP) reflects the Aluminium Beverage Cans are the perfect example of a advancement of the education sector-Curriculum Revisions, urgent need for the strategic and sustained inclusion of circular economy, with metal recycling forever in a material- Project-Based Experiential Learning, Faculty Training, vocational skills across all streams of education. Taking that to-material loop. When a metal product reaches the end of its Industry Internships, Students Internship Programmes are into account, the Center will also run Bosch's BRIDGE useful life, the material is never lost. Through recycling, its soon to be inseparable aspects of the changing education certification program to provide vocational skill value is retained forever, making it available today and for sector. development and on-the-job training to the less-privileged, future generations. unemployed, and less-educated youth above 18 years of age. In line with this year's World Environment Day theme of IIM Kozhikode's 23rd Annual Speaking on the association, Sahil Aggarwal, Co-Founder Reimagine, Recreate, Restore; the first edition of the and CEO, Rishihood University, said, “India's recent Sustainable Circular Challenge welcomed innovative Convocation held virtually, 817 struggles with growing joblessness can, in part, be attributed solutions by pioneering organizations, enterprising student to the un-employability of its youth, which has only been groups and social entrepreneurs from across India that will students Graduate exasperated by the ongoing pandemic. Our Industry- help in ensuring efficient disposal, collection, and recycling Academia Collaboration Center aims to tackle this critical of aluminum beverage packaging cans. The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode, one of socioeconomic challenge. The support from Bosch India The Sustainable Circular Challenge witnessed participation country's top B-School, held its 23rd Convocation virtually Foundation, a pre-eminent name in skill development will from a total of 70 teams across India out of which 8 teams with A. Vellayan, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIM improve the relevance and efficacy of learning delivered were shortlisted for the finale which was organised on the Kozhikode and Prof. Debashis Chatterjee (Director) as other through the Center. We also invite corporate leaders, NGOs, World Environment Day. The winning Team \"Firefly\" from members of the Board, faculty, staff, alumni, graduating MSMEs, and skill development trainers to be a part of this Department of Management Studies, IIT Delhi focused their students and their families joined the event virtually. The initiative and aid the country's growth by improving the job- proposition on the social core, the digital channel, and the data ceremony was broadcast on readiness of its future workforce.” outcome - leveraging smartphones to transform the social http://livevc.in/iimkozhikode/live.php experience of drinking and transforming the engagement A total of 817 graduating students were conferred titles, Apeejay Education holds special between packaged beverages and the customer to digital. degrees and included students from IIM Kozhikode's The runner-up Team \"The Thinkers\" from Xavier Institute of Doctoral Programme in Management (PhD), the flagship session on mental health Management Bhubaneswar (Thinkers) was lauded for the Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP), the one- idea of changing design of the beverage cans and innovative year full time Post Graduate Programme in Business In wake of the present dreadful wave of the pandemic, mental use of QR codes and introduction of incentive schemes in Leadership (PGP-BL), and the Executive Post Graduate & emotional well-being is emerging as a prime concern. In their business model. Programme in Management (Kozhikode & Kochi Campus). this scenario, Apeejay Education recently organised a Amit Lahoti, Vice-President and General Manager, Ball The toppers from each programme were also awarded gold webinar on mental health for its school principals, teachers, Beverage Packaging, India and South-East Asia Region, said medals in recognition of their accomplishments. Women students, parents, and other members of the staff. “Aluminum beverage packaging is a true sustainability students bagged top honours for the PGP as well PGP-BL Titled 'Reaching Out - Connecting Hearts,' the webinar was champion. If collected and recycled appropriately, Programme. resourced by Dr. Jitendra Nagpal, who is heading mental Aluminium beverage cans can promote a truly circular Mr Vellayan congratulated the candidates and said “Always health department at Moolchand Hospital, New Delhi and is economy. We hope that through the Sustainable Circular play to win. Winning is not about making the other person the Program Director, Expressions India. The purpose of the challenge many more young students and changemakers will lose. It is about stretching yourself to your own limits. Once webinar was to help everyone cope up emotionally with the come forward to create solutions in collecting used so stretched, you will realize the true extent of your potential.
16 Curriculum June 16, 2021 Potpouri/Extra News BYITC India 's 'Express your lockdown stories' PMI Pune-Deccan India Chapter Essay Writing and Picture Illustration winners Hosts Regional Conference The Indian division of staying strong mentally and The selection panel was awarded the consolation British Youth International physically. comprised of two members prizes of INR 1,000 each to Project Management Institute (PMI), an association for College (BYITC) The contest came to an end from the content creation the five best entries next to project professionals and changemakers, Pune-Deccan India conducted an Essay writing and winners of the same team and two members from the winners. The consolation Chapter recently hosted the seventh Project Management and Picture Illustration were rewarded with the design and creativity prize are: Sameer Sethi from Regional Conference 2021 (PMRC21) in a virtual format on Competition last month on handsome prizes - The First, team. PIET Sanskriti School, May 29 and 30, 2021. Based on the theme 'Digital Project the topic “Express Your Second and Third winners Dr. Rashmi Mantri, Founder Panipat; Nainika Mehra Management: New Horizons. New Strategies', the two-day Lockdown Stories”. The were awarded with cash and Chairperson of BYITC from Kothari International virtual conference offered participants the opportunity to competition was organized prizes of INR 10,000, INR says, “Since the starting of School, Noida; Ayush explore the right skills, tools and techniques that can help for Indian school students in 8,000 and INR 6,000 the contest, we received Mohapatra from Saraswati them and their organizations become future ready. the age group of 4 to 16 respectively. The Five best immense interest from Shishu Vidya Mandi, Puri; The virtual conference brought together visionaries and years. The objective of the entries were also provided different school students in Aarya Chauhan from The subject matter experts who shared their views on the mission- same was to promote with consolation prizes of India. To be honest it Modern School, ECNCR, critical capabilities the new age project manager must have, creativeness and writing & INR 1,000 each. became slightly difficult for Delhi and last but not the with a particular focus on technology-enabled project drawing skills of the The Selection Criteria of the us to announce the winners least Anushka Singh from management effectiveness. They also focused on how PMI is children. winners was based upon the as each kid who had HAL School, Lucknow. empowering changemakers with the requisite skills to propel The First prize was won by creativity, positivity, clarity participated showed so growth of their career and the organizations. Malishka Jena who studies and originality of the stories. much of creativity and The exciting agenda topics included: How Digitalization in class 6th at Terna Orchids The entries were judged by genuineness in their work Impacts Project Management – Oil & Gas; To Lead is to International School, an internal panel headed by that we thought each one of Serve your Team; The Changing Skill Sets of Project Koperkhairne, Dr Rashmi Mantri, the them deserve to be Managers; Ethical Considerations in Data and AI for Project Maharashtra. Malishka had Founder and Chairperson of applauded.” Management; and much more. very well described her BYITC, United Kingdom. The Br itis h Yo u th Jay Dholakia, Conference Chair and President, PMI Pune- lockdown story which International College also Deccan India Chapter said, “Today, many organizations have included her positive and adopted digital transformation to enhance their businesses negative emotions. Through and have benefited from it. As new technologies and business her story, she had nicely models emerge, it is critical for project managers to adapt to proved that there is always a these changes effectively. The seventh edition of the PMI bright day after the Project Management Regional Conference highlighted new darkness. The Second prize technology trends, strategies to adopt them effectively, and was won by Swastik provided new-age project managers the opportunity to Panigrahi who studies in enhance their knowledge in digital project management.” class 2nd at Terna Orchids International School, Dr Sunita Gandhi appointed new Koperkhairne, Maharashtra. Swastik had Vice-Chairman of ILB expressed his lockdown story that reflected his Indian Literacy Board (ILB) announced that its Board of strong will and fighting Directors appointed its new Vice Chairman - Dr Sunita spirit against the odds. The Gandhi, who also holds the prestigious position of the Third prize was won by President of the Executive Committee, Purchase Committee Tanishq Kakani who studies and the Staff Selection Committee. in class 6th at St. Anselm's Commenting on her appointment, Dr Gandhi stated, “I take Sr Sec School, Ajmer. Tanishq had expressed his this opportunity to thank the board for lockdown story in a way unanimously electing me as Vice Chairman. It is that conveyed a message of indeed a great honour for me, as this fighting the Covid by appointment is a testimony to my peers' confidence in me. Under the leadership of our chairman, it would be our collective endeavour to lift the reputation of our organisation to even greater heights. \" KKR unveils its new Identity 'Lighthouse WE INVITE YOU TO BECOME PART OF Learning' INDIA'S EDUCATION STORY! EuroKids Group, an early childhood & K12 education You can advertise in curriculum magazine or and also put an advertorial company in India, backed by global investment firm KKR, highlighting your company/services/campus/ products etc. This will greatly unveils its new identity 'Lighthouse Learning Private Ltd.' support your marketing effort and encheantnrce efoyr oouner vyeiasrib-il2i0t2y1-a22ndwirthecoanlgloivnaglusuepport. The new identity reflects the company's vision to be a high with your current and potential clientRsegular assessment and training of the students will be quality educational platform which offers the best educational experiences through its various brands and will conducted to ensure that they are given the best serve as guiding beacon in setting new standards in treatment. education. Tracing FICCI Flo Kolkata's association with Samaritan Lighthouse Learning will continue to offer high quality Help Mission, Mrs Chamaria, said, “Our association with education through its portfolio of brands EuroKids Samaritan Help Mission began last year when we had an Preschool, Kangaroo Kids Preschool, EuroSchool, Billabong High International, and the most recent additions OUR FOCUSopportunity to help provide entrepreneurial training to of Cambridge Public School (Bangalore). some ladies from the local community. The work, the Celebrating 20 years of inception, the group has always vision, and the passion with which Mr. Mamoon Akhtar stayed ahead of the curve and is a harbinger of change in the (founder of Samaritan Mission School) has gone about educational landscape. It has set new standards and raised this landmark transformation, touching hundreds of lives the bar in many aspects, including enriching pedagogy and building a nurturing learning environment for children, — We cover latest news, producatnldauhenlpchbueislt,acbuertrteernctomevmeunittsy, atonudchterdeunsd, asnd we using technology in enhancing learning engagements, — News features, Guest Articles,tdhEeacxtidpheederitstodchooeilnlpgu.smtIrtennissgtthoetnhahtisenhdantdhsatinthteheocncoubpleatwioonrakl creating employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for — Career counselling, Skill Indiath,eEranptyrecpernetrneeuforrshsippescially-abled children was women or leading the way in enabling safety protocols for its — School/College /university evevnistusalised.” students at the pre-school and schools. — Achievements by students, faculty, institutions Prajodh Rajan, Co-founder & Group CEO, Lighthouse — Education Technology — Study Abroad Learning, said, \"As we focus on an emergent future, we are — Institution/people profiles embracing change in the form of a new identity. We offer high quality education to over 150,000 children every day across our 1,200+ pre-schools and 38 K-12 schools. Our child-first, outcome-driven approach emboldened with our new vision will continue to seek the highest benchmark in learning. However, our greatest joy will always lie in witnessing how education ignites a sense of curiosity - not only in young minds but in the education community and in shaping who we are. Lighthouse Learning will serve as a guiding beacon in setting new standards in education and driving new strategic initiatives for the organisation. Like a
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