Higher Education Digest – Must-Watch Colleges and Universities in Canada for Indian Student by Connecta Innovation

INTERNATIONAL EDITION

MUST - WATCH UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES IN CANADA FOR INDIAN STUDENTS

MUST - WATCH

UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES IN

CANADA

FOR INDIAN STUDENTS E

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Higher Education Digest April 2022

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April 2022

Vol - 4 Issue - 5

Must Watch Universities & Colleges in Canada for Indian Students (International Edition) Head of Advisory Board Dr. Manoj Varghese, Ph.D

Managing Editor Sarath Shyam

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MANAGING EDITOR’S NOTE

Why Canada is Attractive to International Students?

aring the past couple of years that restricted people’s movement worldwide, the number of students crossing their national borders in search of a quality higher education has been rising. Before the pandemic, there were over five million international students globally, compared with around two million in 2000, according to UNESCO. Looking at what lies ahead, market intelligence firm HolonIQ predicts that anywhere from 6 to 9 million internationally mobile students will enroll in foreign institutions by 2030, with an enrolment base of 8 million the most likely scenario. The firm also forecasts USD$433 billion in international student spending by 2030, more than double what it was in 2019. Countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia have been the primary choice of higher education for international students for centuries. However, Canadian universities and colleges have given these nations a run for their money in the last couple of decades. In 2019, Canada ranked third globally in foreign student attraction with a staggering 642,000 foreign students. Among them, one-third were Indian students. Recently, Canada announced additional benefits for international students studying in the country to

strengthen its position in the global education landscape. According to the reports, starting in the summer of 2022, international students in Canada who have a post-graduation work permit expiring between January and December 2022 will qualify for an additional open work permit valid for up to 18 months. Besides, the Canadian government also announced the resumption of its Express Entry draws for Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), and Federal Skilled Trades (FST) candidates in early July to help fill over a million job vacancies in the country. While Canada will likely attract students worldwide in the coming years, we have come up with a special issue featuring ‘10 Must-Watch Universities and Colleges in Canada for Indian Students – 2022.’ Since Canada has a variety of excellent educational institutions, narrowing down your list of choices can be an arduous task. We hope that our efforts will provide you with information on what you should consider when choosing the right Canadian college or university for you. Enjoy Reading.

Sarath Shyam

Higher Education Digest April 2022

ADVISORY BOARD Mr. Amulya Sah, PGD PM & IR, PG Diploma in PM&IR (XISS Ranchi) Chief Human Resources Officer, Former Head HR group Samsung R&D Institute India,Transformative HR Leader, Change agent, Digitization facilitator, Engagement architect, Trainer and Diversity champion.

Dr. Varughese K.John, PhD, MBA, MPhil, MCom, LLB. Former Program Director, MS in Management Program, GSATM - AU

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6 Dr. Ajay Shukla, Ph.D, MBA, BE. Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Higher Education UAE

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Higher Education Digest April 2022

Shanthi Rajan (MSHRM, FHEA, AMCILT) Director, Institution Development, University of Stirling, RAK Campus, UAE.

Dr. Kuldeep Nagi, Ph.D, MBA, BSc.

Dr. Hans A. Andrews Ed.D.

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Higher Education Digest April 2022

CONTENTS C O N T E N T S

UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES IN CANADA

24 Delivering Personalized and Academically Tailored Education DOMINICAN UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

Offering a Truly Canadian Education FLEMING COLLEGE

Higher Education Digest April 2022

Offering the Best of Both Worlds in Every Aspect ST. CLAIR COLLEGE

MENTOR’S MANTRA

INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE

50 How to Build a Successful Data Analyst Career

12 The Current Skill-Set Requirement and the Professional Education to Bridge the Gap

Kashyap Dalal, Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer, Simplilearn

Dr. Gary Stockport, Dean EMBA and Professor Strategy, SP Jain School of Global Management

12 Higher Education Digest April 2022

CONTENTS C O N T E N T S

INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE

Shaping Workforce: Talent & Skills Gap in the industry

Hybrid Learning Education Model and its Impact on the Education Ecosystem

Husien Dohadwalla, Founder Principal, JIRS Hybrid

66 How Open Classrooms are Transforming the Way Students Learn

Sandy Hooda, Co-Founder, Vega schools

66 Higher Education Digest April 2022

Shveta Raina, Founder & CEO, Talerang

ACADEMIC VIEW

32 Build Your Resumé at School and Graduate Career-Ready

16 A Bill of Rights to Improve Teaching Conditions!

Dr. Hans Andrews, Distinguished Fellow in Community College Leadership, Olney Central College, Illinois, USA

Dr. Heidi Northwood, Vice President Global Strategy, Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada

36 We Know Differently Now - E-Learning in Hospitality Education is Here to Stay

Ruth Puhr, Head of Teaching and Learning Development, Les Roches

36 Higher Education Digest April 2022

MENTOR’S MANTRA

The Current Skill-Set Requirement and the Professional Education to Bridge the Gap Dr. Gary Stockport, Dean EMBA and Professor Strategy, SP Jain School of Global Management

ovid-19 will, without doubt, leave behind many management and leadership lessons for many years and even decades to come. Perhaps, more importantly, it might help present a clear pathway for the future through the many experiences felt. Within this pathway, new skill sets will be required which might be represented as milestones along the way for helping to build enduring career success. What are some of these skill sets, can they be combined and how might they be built through

undertaking an Executive MBA (EMBA) degree at a quality Business School? Firstly, Thinking Strategically & Acting Fast managers need the ability to think strategically as well as recommend and justify different ways of doing things including re-inventing their organization quickly. Speed will become a crucial capability for the future. Secondly, Coping with Ambiguity & Making Decisions - Leaders will need to develop the skill set of making decisions within contexts that are turbulent,

Leaders will need to develop the skill set of making decisions within contexts that are turbulent, uncertain, and continually changing

Higher Education Digest April 2022

Dr. Gary Stockport is Dean EMBA and Professor Strategy at SP Jain School of Global Management, and he is based in Dubai. He has lived and worked in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and now the UAE. He has received many accolades for teaching and research and is a frequent contributor to Executive Education Courses.

Higher Education Digest April 2022

Doing an EMBA is an ideal way of building a professional network of peers for life with cohort peers and Alumni

uncertain, and continually changing. The ability to scenario plan about possible futures and align with potential strategies will prove essential for pro-actively preparing ahead. Thirdly, Managing Multiple Stakeholders & Clustering - Managers must effectively manage multiple stakeholders such as customers, suppliers, staff, and shareholders, etc. The capability to cluster stakeholders with similar needs and wants and therefore focus strategies upon the most important ones will be an important characteristic for future success. Fourthly, Value Creation & Making Things Happen - Leaders must create value through the creation of products and services. The ability to implement and make things happen will be directly correlated with strategic success. Building the above combination of skill sets feels a tall order. However, professional education such as doing an Executive MBA (EMBA) can help bridge this gap. Most top-notch EMBA Programs are increasingly emphasizing the following: Generalist & Holistic Education - An EMBA is a generalist management education experience that helps participants, who are typically working professionals studying part-time, analyze business problems and formulate solutions from multiple subject perspectives such as Accounting, Finance, Marketing, HRM, and Strategy.

Higher Education Digest April 2022

State-of-the-Art Academics & Practitioners - Typically, Faculty teaching on the best EMBA Programs bring many years of work experience into the classroom. This has usually been attained through Adjunct Faculty working full-time in the Public or Private Sectors or full-time Faculty via doing consulting including teaching on customized Executive Education Courses. Therefore, the real world of business is brought into the class and is looked at through the ‘lenses’ of academic models, frameworks, and theory. Within the best Business Schools, Faculty also integrate applied research into the learning using their works published in quality academic and practitioner journals. Published works including case studies help to add academic rigor into the EMBA degree and can result in a nice blend of theory and practice, which is what EMBA students who are working professionals prefer. Business Acumen - The best EMBA Programs use case studies and project-based learning to help develop business acumen for coping with ambiguity. Students are required to justify their reasoning and state any assumptions they are making when communicating their thoughts verbally or in writing. Soft Skills & Self Reflection - EMBA learning is increasingly emphasizing the development of soft skills as well as more self-reflection through journaling. Workshops can focus on improving presentation skills, selling skills, managing conflict at work (and home), and better time management. A Professional Network - Doing an EMBA is an ideal way of building a professional network of peers for life with cohort peers and Alumni. As is often said: ‘It is not what you know but who you know that counts’ for career progression. The best EMBA Programs offer many opportunities for students to network with their peers and Alumni. Increased Confidence & Career Acceleration Notable ‘outputs’ can include enhanced self-confidence at work and bringing forward career decisions as well as making bigger career decisions such as transforming careers to other Sectors and job roles and even starting an entrepreneurial venture. All-in-all, an EMBA can be worth its ‘weight in gold ‘ so to speak. That’s my conclusion after being involved in Business School Education for the past 25+ years and following the career success stories of some 4,000 MBA/ EMBA Alumni that I’ve had the privilege and honour of teaching and mentoring. Doing an EMBA can be the most important and worthwhile career investment decision anyone can ever make. Why don’t you enroll in a quality EMBA Program and find out for yourself? You may never look back.

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ACADEMIC VIEW

A Bill of Rights to Improve Teaching Conditions! Dr. Hans Andrews, Distinguished Fellow in Community College Leadership, Olney Central College, Illinois, USA

Dr. Hans Andrews is the Distinguished Fellow in Community College Leadership for Olney Central College, Illinois. He helped start the first ‘dual-credit’ program between secondary schools and community colleges in the U.S. Hans’ publications include articles in Australia, India, China, seven books on topics of accountable teacher evaluation, recognition for outstanding teachers and dual-credit. He is formers President of Olney Central College.

Higher Education Digest April 2022

If there are areas suggested for ‘remedial’ work to be done there should be a timeframe announced so the teacher has an expectation of what to work on, receive assistance, and have follow-up evaluations to chart progress

teacher’s Bill of Rights appears to be needed at this most important time. The many experiences of this author will help guide the key issues and outcomes to be highlighted in this article. These experiences include secondary school teacher and counselor, teacher union leader, a community college instruction leader, adjunct university faculty member and as a community college president and a state, national and international speaker on these topics. The ‘High Stakes Testing (HST)’ and ‘Merit Pay’ movement over the past decade has brought to the surface issues that should not have developed (Andrews, 2021). Several of them are outlined here: ● Evaluating teachers by the ‘scores’ their students receive on these state and national exams ● Deciding on retention or dismissal of teachers based on these tests and not on their actual classroom teaching expertise ● Rewarding teachers with a ‘merit pay’ system that had failed everywhere it was implemented over the previous 50+ years ● Merit pay being granted to those teachers who may have been able to ‘recruit’ top students to their classes for the purpose of improving the test scores for those teachers’ students Watching these things develop over the last decade has brought to mind so many of the things that teachers

should expect but were pushed aside. With this in mind the following expectations should become guidelines toward a Teacher Bill of Rights for teachers everywhere: A Bill of Rights Teacher expectations of ‘evaluators’ Competent evaluators should be expected and used in all evaluations of teachers. ● Evaluators should have been excellent classroom teachers themselves. ● Evaluators need to be able to accept a wide range of teaching processes they observe. ● Evaluators and teachers should both have a clear understanding of the evaluation processes to be utilized. ● The instruments to be used will have been reviewed and understood by teachers so they will know the expectations of evaluation and can offer improvement suggestions. ● Consistency in evaluation should be expected teachers and practiced by evaluators. ● Fairness needs to be expected and will allow for teachers to express disagreement where there are questionable evaluation comments or observations recorded. ● Disagreements should be expressed both orally and in writing if necessary. ● Feedback from the evaluator should be made in a reasonably short time to help relieve the anxiety of those evaluated.

Higher Education Digest April 2022

Most teachers respect their evaluators who continue to work with them to improve their delivery of competent instruction to their students

● Feedback should be both verbal and written and allow for discourse from both evaluator and teacher. ● Positive ‘recognition’ should be expressed both orally and in writing for excellent teachers. If there are areas suggested for ‘remedial’ work to be done there should be a timeframe announced so the teacher has an expectation of what to work on, receive assistance, and have follow-up evaluations to chart progress.

Professional evaluations A teacher bill or rights as outlined here should be looked at as ‘guidelines’ in developing or in improving a professional evaluation system. Such a well designed system with input from both teachers and administrators can build trust and support between teachers and administrative evaluators, and help make it a positive experience for both teacher and evaluator. The whole process of evaluation after tenure or longterm hiring has been awarded was well stated by the National Commission of Higher Education Issues (1982): ● It should assure that the tenured faculty member continues to maintain the appropriate level of competence as when they received tenure. ●It is the responsibility of both the evaluator and teachers to follow up to see that unsatisfactory performances are remediated. ● Incompetent faculty members should not be protected at the expense of the students.

Summative teacher evaluation An evaluation conducted primarily for the purpose of making personnel decisions about the teacher e.g., special recognition, reassignment, promotion, dismissal, tenure (Teacher Evaluation Glossary, 2003). Licata and Andrews (1990) took issue about whether evaluation has to be divided as either being formative or summative. They saw evaluation as a continuum providing formative support for teachers even during a process of remediation of teaching techniques that were identified as insufficient. They suggested that there will sometimes be negative outcomes in most any evaluation system whether they are considered formative or summative. In their discussion on the continuum they pointed out that those who seem to have to have a dual system are not working in the same reality as those who are in the trenches of evaluation. Most teachers respect their evaluators who continue to work with them to improve their delivery of competent instruction to their students. When asked to state some ways that their teacher evaluation could be improved the following type of responses were received: ● Utilize the results in a meaningful way to let faculty know when they are doing an excellent job and when they need help ● More feedback and awards from the system ● Reward the effective faculty members, not the slouches; there is not enough distinction now

Evaluation: Formative or summative Over the years professional researchers have tended to classify teacher evaluation as either formative or summative. The following describes what is meant by both: Formative teacher evaluation An evaluation conducted for the purpose of improving the teacher through identifying that teacher’s strengths and weaknesses.

Conclusion School districts around the world have a big job ahead as they come out of the two plus years of the pandemic. Many teachers have become worn down and need a boost from the governing boards and school administrators to help them bounce back. Working toward a ‘teacher bill of rights’ will help build positive expectations on how their teaching lives can be supported now and into the upcoming years.

Higher Education Digest April 2022

UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES IN CANADA

uality education at an affordable price is the tagline of Canadian universities and colleges. In addition to that, excellent quality of life, immense post-study work, and immigration opportunities fuel the growth of international students in Canada. Around 26

Canadian universities, today rank in the various global university rankings. So, if you are looking to study in Canada, narrowing down your option would be a daunting task. Here are ‘10 Must-Watch Universities and Colleges in Canada for Indian Students – 2022’ that will help make the process easier.

Bow Valley College

Dominican University College

Website: https://bowvalleycollege.ca/

Website: https://dominicanu.ca/

Location: Calgary

Location: Ottawa

Year of Establishment: 1965

Year of Establishment: 1900

How To Apply:

https://bowvalleycollege.ca/applying/ international-application

Higher Education Digest April 2022

https://dominicanu.ca/international-students/

Fleming College

Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning

Website: https://flemingcollege.ca/

Website: https://humber.ca/

Location: Peterborough

Location: Toronto

Year of Establishment: 1967

How To Apply:

https://flemingcollege.ca/internationaleducation/how-to-apply

How To Apply:

https://international.humber.ca/study-athumber/application-process.html

Langara College

Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology

Website: https://langara.ca/

Website: https://www.mohawkcollege.ca/

Location: Vancouver

Location: Hamilton

Year of Establishment: 1994

Year of Establishment: 1966

How To Apply:

https://langara.ca/admissions/apply-tolangara/index.html

https://www.mohawkcollege.ca/internationalstudents/applying-to-mohawk-as-aninternational-student

April 2022

St. Clair College

The University of British Columbia

Website: https://www.stclaircollege.ca/

Website: https://www.ubc.ca/

Location: Windsor

Location: Vancouver

Year of Establishment: 1966

Year of Establishment: 1908

How To Apply:

University of Waterloo

Western University

Website: https://uwaterloo.ca/

Website: https://www.uwo.ca/

Location: Waterloo

Location: London

Year of Establishment: 1959

Year of Establishment: 1878

How To Apply:

https://www.stclaircollege.ca/future-students/apply

https://www.ubc.ca/admissions/

https://uwaterloo.ca/admissions/

Higher Education Digest April 2022

https://welcome.uwo.ca/int-high-schoolstudents.html

Higher Education Digest April 2022

UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES IN CANADA

DOMINICAN UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DELIVERING PERSONALIZED AND ACADEMICALLY TAILORED EDUCATION

ducation today is a crucial investment made in the pursuit of knowledge and its utilization within society. Peppered across the globe are a myriad of universities and educational institutions offering ‘supposed’ tailored courses. However, most of these universities fail to extend unique university education and highly personalized experiences to their students from across the globe. Carving a niche for itself in exceptional education delivery while offering the complete ‘university experience’ package is Dominican University College (DUC), located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. DUC is unique as the only institution in Canada specializing in two of the oldest disciplines: Philosophy and Theology. Indeed, these two disciplines hold a firm grip on both society and the individual. Gaining a better understanding of the various ways of living can transform the entire human thought process and one’s perception of the fundamental issues of human existence. DUC is perfectly poised in this sector. “Guided by the quality of pedagogy of our professors, students at DUC mature steadily into the spirit of philosophy and theology throughout their undergraduate and/or graduate degrees. This helps them develop rigorous work methodology and confidence in studying thinkers and their texts, as well as deepening their faith in Christian thought and preparing for life beyond university walls,” says Dilyara Yusupova, Senior Recruitment and Communications Officer, Dominican University College.

Higher Education Digest April 2022

With its specialization in philosophy and theology, Dominican University College is devoted to the search for truth in an environment which nourishes critical thinking, amicable dialogue and a unique educational experience

Higher Education Digest April 2022

AECDO (Association des Étudiants du Collège Dominican d’Ottawa) is a vibrant group of students that represent the student community at DUC. It strives to make your learning journey as well as your overall university experience a memorable one

Higher Education Digest April 2022

One of the oldest university models in Western culture, DUC was established in 1900. The university boasts its star power with the names of the world-famous philosophers Étienne Gilson and Jacques Maritain, forever tied to the institution’s history. In 1934, the French Catholic philosopher Jacques Maritain visited the college and gave three lectures on ‘the major intellectual positions of the Ancient, Christian, and Modern world with regard to science and wisdom.’ And in 1935, the ‘immortal’ member of Académie française, the French Thomist philosopher Étienne Gilson, started his collaboration with the Institute for Medieval Studies (relocated to Montreal since) housed by what would later become DUC, where he delivered three lectures on ‘Duns Scotus and the theoremata.’ “Thomistic thought is to date the solid foundation that connects the two DUC faculties, Philosophy and Theology, as well as bridges

ABOUT

DILYARA YUSUPOVA, SENIOR RECRUITMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER, DOMINICAN UNIVERSITY COLLEGE Dilyara Yusupova currently represents the Dominican University College as Senior Recruitment and Communications Officer. She advises incoming international and domestic students on the current programs, builds partnerships with the international educational agents, and leads the institution’s PR and marketing initiatives.

DUC with other Dominican universities in the US and Europe,” elucidates Dilyara. Today, DUC is accredited by the local provincial and federal government to grant degrees ranging from one-year certificates to a Ph.D. “Our one-year certificates in Ethics, Philosophy with a concentration on Ethics, or Bachelor’s in Philosophy tend to be popular with Indian students. From the one-year certificates to our PhDs, all our programs and degrees are open to Indian students,” affirms Dilyara. An interesting fact about DUC is that it is a bilingual institution, which translates to students being given the choice of receiving an education in English, French, or both. An End-to-end Educational Services Provider Delving deeper into the institution and what it offers, DUC was formally affiliated with Carleton University in May

2012. Shortly after that, the institution officially adopted the name Dominican University College – Collège Universitaire Dominican. In cooperation with Carleton University, DUC successfully completed two cycles of its Institutional Quality Assurance Process (IQAP) in 2013 and 2017. While DUC may not boast of possessing an arsenal of facilities on campus, it takes pride in being centrally located. Its central location provides students complete access to a range of library services, both public and academic, and language lessons offered by the Canadian government to newcomers. “Since we are located in the nation’s capital, many of our students end up doing internships for the Canadian parliament or find employment in the Canadian government upon graduation,” adds Dilyara. Additionally, DUC has a student-run association, AECDO, a one-stopshop for international students. The platform ensures that each student is continually updated with the current events around the campus and the city, and that all its students maintain a healthy and happy academic-life balance. DUC thrives on international recognition and establishes collaborations with institutions around the globe. DUC has partnered with Blackfriars (Oxford), the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology, the Pastoral Institute of the Dominicans (Montreal), and the French Biblical and Archaeological School of Jerusalem. “Research collaborations and partnerships allow our faculty to build on their expertise, obtain federal and international grants, and involve students in their current projects,” adds Dilyara. She goes on to tell us that in essence, DUC is the intellectual home for le Centre dominicain d’éthique et de vie spirituelle, The Henry George Foundation of Canada, The

Higher Education Digest April 2022

Thomas Aquinas and Fr. Dewan conferences, the lieu of the Canadian Jacques Maritain annual conference, the AECDO Student Conference (running for over 20 years), Legenda (a monthly colloquium for local professional philosophers or theologians, independent scholars and graduate students to present their current work), the Canadian Aristotle Society, and much more. Helping Cultivate a Healthy Academic and Social Life Balance Apart from offering academic opportunities and its prime location, becoming a part of DUC does not just guarantee quality education but also promotes a healthy social life. The institution is situated close to plenty of nightlife venues, restaurants, museums, concert venues, and theaters. The National Arts Center (NAC), for instance, offers DUC students the Live Rush tickets, helping them witness some of the world’s best performers at heavily discounted prices. Along with shops, cafés, pubs, and malls, some favorite student hangouts include Ottawa’s famous Byward Market area and dozens of dance clubs, which attract thousands of guests on the weekends. “Twice a year, students get to

Brigitte Quintal DUC President

Higher Education Digest April 2022

know each other in a more informal setting by socializing in the Dominican cottage, at the heart of nature in Quebec,” says Dilyara. While relocation, starting a new course, and engaging in a new social life might be a challenging yet fruitful experience, the institution understands that tuition affordability can be another critical deciding factor while embarking upon this journey. DUC offers the lowest tuition fees in Ontario for international students. “Our approach is to provide every student with the opportunity to obtain higher education and launch a career in Canada or abroad. The DUC Foundation and its donors, religious communities, organizations, and individuals offer support to students in financial need,” informs Dilyara. The incoming students are also eligible to apply for paid teaching and research assistant positions in Philosophy or Theology. Since its inception, DUC has gained a strong foothold in the education sector and continually strives to ensure that the needs of the institution, faculty, and students are adequately met. When the world was at war with the unfortunate Covid-19 pandemic, the institution

Iva Apostolova VP Academic Affairs

29 By cultivating the habits of academic and human excellence, Dominican University College strives to develop versatile and critical minds that propose creative solutions to today’s complex problems

handled the challenge head-on and with efficiency. A COVID-19 Student Preparedness Plan for the safe arrival of international students on campus was published and approved by the government of Ontario. The faculty moved its classes to a virtual environment and advocated for social distancing and wearing of masks on campus. In March 2020, the university’s administration invested funds in risk mitigation activities, rapid communications response, and the purchase of protective equipment and supplies against COVID-19. “In response to the pandemic,

Higher Education Digest April 2022

Dominican University College library specializes in philosophy and theology, primarily in French and English, with important collections in Hebrew, Greek and Latin

Higher Education Digest April 2022

the Dominican University College partnered with Canada Homestay Network and offered international students the opportunity to live with a host family that provides a supportive, affordable, and safe housing experience at a reasonable price. Additionally, our student association, AECDO, closely monitors all DUC students’ well-being and actively advocates for academic accommodations, where needed,” states Dilyara. Since March 2022, DUC has opened its doors for inperson learning. Following the provincial guidelines, the university offers its students the opportunity to physically or virtually attend its classes. Still, some school counselors fear schools may close their doors during these trying times when final high school semesters may be interrupted. Addressing these challenges, DUC promises to continue accepting applications and assessing each file based on the courses completed by the student. This measure will ensure an objective application review and equitable student admission. Dilyara concludes, “All applications are being reviewed by a distinguished panel headed by the respective deans, and decisions are being emailed out to the students within two to four weeks from the full file submission.”

Higher Education Digest July 2020

Higher Education Digest April 2022

ACADEMIC VIEW

Build Your Resumé at School and Graduate Career-Ready Dr. Heidi Northwood, Vice President - Global Strategy, Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada

Dr. Heidi Northwood is the Vice President: Global Strategy at Wilfrid Laurier University. She is a member of the Executive Leadership Team and leads the institution’s internationalization strategy development and coordination across all offices and functions. Northwood received her bachelor and master degrees in philosophy from Western University and her PhD in philosophy from the University of Alberta in 1997. After a rewarding career at Nazareth College in Rochester, NY, she joined Wilfrid Laurier University in 2014 as Dean of the Faculty of Liberal Arts. As Dean, Northwood led the development of new programs, including the BA/LLB partnership with the University of Sussex (UK) and the Bachelor of Design in User Experience Design (UXD), and prioritized undergraduate research and experiential learning on campus. Northwood continues to research Ancient Greek philosophy and is teaching Design Ethics in the UXD program in 2022.

Higher Education Digest April 2022

Co-operative education is an education model that alternates classes with paid work terms in fields relevant to a student’s academic and personal goals

“T

here are plenty of ways to prepare for an inspiring profession before leaving university and to get your dream job.” University is a place to learn, grow, make new friends and launch an exciting future. Yet it also means juggling studies with preparing for a career. How can one make their resumé shine, despite being busy at school? It’s really a no-brainer! There are ways of building your resumé even before graduating that will put you on top. The trick is to find opportunities beyond the classroom that are the right fit and help bring your learning to life. Experiential learning gives you a chance to develop career-ready skills, gain leadership experience, and have an impact on the community and the world.

Here is a snapshot of what students can do to prepare for an inspiring future: Become a co-op student Want to learn world-ready skills, earn a salary and strengthen the degree – all at the same time? Co-operative education is an education model that alternates classes with paid work terms in fields relevant to a student’s academic and personal goals. Each year, thousands of co-op students find shortterm jobs and earn credits while they learn on the job. The students make good money; for example, a computer science co-op student can make between $650 to $700 per week, or more, in Canadian funds. That financial support can go a long way towards paying for an education. What’s more, international students are given extra support so they can successfully find co-op positions,

Higher Education Digest April 2022

like a co-op prep course that teaches resumé writing and interview skills. The types of co-op jobs that are available can vary across different companies and organizations so this support is valuable in preparing students for a variety of opportunities. By the time the students graduate, they can write a resumé and cover letter with expertise and confidence. There’s even an opportunity to be paired with a mentor – a senior international student who can offer advice. Once new students land their first co-op job, they attend a pre-work term workshop that helps them adjust to the organization’s culture. Participating in co-op can also help students determine if their program will lead them to the career they want or if they should consider customizing their degree with a minor, concentration or specialization, or even switch to a different program of study.

Completing a university degree is an important step in becoming careerready, but it’s also important to take advantage of other opportunities for learning outside of the classroom

Learn by doing Many courses include time working with people and organizations in the community. From working on a marketing promotion with a student group to helping at a museum doing archival work, students get hands-on, realworld experience while earning a credit. With Community Service Learning (CSL), students make plenty of career contacts as they improve lives too. Try an international exchange Just because a student has chosen a Canadian university doesn’t mean they can’t spread the wings further. As an international student, one already has experience with navigating new cultures. Students can try study-abroad opportunities with exchange partner institutions around the world and present themselves as global citizens to potential employers. Double your credentials Students can look for double-degree programs and pathway programs at universities that allow them to double their credentials. Options can include completing two university degrees at the same time, often in five years, or completing a college diploma that focuses on practical skills while earning a university degree that focuses on knowledge and theory. Completing a university degree is an important step in becoming career-ready, but it’s also important to take advantage of other opportunities for learning outside of the classroom. All of a student’s experiences during university contribute to the skills and knowledge that make them a valuable, sought-after employee in a variety of industries.

Higher Education Digest April 2022

ACADEMIC VIEW

We Know Differently Now - E-Learning in Hospitality Education is Here to Stay Ruth Puhr, Head of Teaching and Learning Development, Les Roches

Ruth has worked for Les Roches since 2006 initially teaching Arts and Humanities electives before becoming Faculty Development Advisor. She currently oversees Teaching and Learning Development. Ruth holds an MA in Music and an MSc in Information Technology and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Education at University College London. Her research interests include professional identity and innovation in higher education. Ruth is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (PFHEA) and serves on the Board of the Swiss Faculty Development Network (SFDN).

Higher Education Digest April 2022

We’re now seeing lots of software providers wanting to leverage the needs of education institutions, bringing digital tools that are commonplace in the workplace into the education context

s leaders in hospitality education, our responsibility goes beyond ensuring that our students gain the right knowledge or skills. Everything we do should ensure our approaches to teaching and learning are generating approaches to teamwork, idea interrogation and problem solving that are transferable into the workplace. And e-learning has a pivotal role to play in this. It’s all about work-readiness, not just in terms of the traditional hospitality notion of competencies, but in this new world where we can meet employers, colleagues and clients anywhere, anytime, it’s having an ease and comfort with a whole range of digital tools. At Les Roches, we’ve seen it become really important for hospitality students to be able to present in this kind of environment and bring a range of voices both into context and into a conversation. The outcome is that as graduates take their first career steps in 2022 and beyond, they’re equipped and able to deliver value. And as a result, their employers and entrepreneurial ventures are equally positioned to thrive. This is a key importance of e-learning adoption across hospitality education.

Technology providers are playing their part In a few short years, the ease of use of a whole range of digital tools has been transformed. We’re now seeing lots of software providers wanting to leverage the needs of education institutions, bringing digital tools that are commonplace in the workplace into the education context. In addition to the main platforms, such as Moodle and Microsoft Teams, educators can now bring in a range of tools that serve the needs of different disciplines and course types, and really ensure that knowledge, skills and confidence become embedded for the learner. These platforms range from collaborative experiences, such as Mural, that brings together learners who are on campus and remote, to sophisticated data visualisation software like Think-Cell, which is used by many of the large consultancy firms. What these technology providers have realised is that if students learn to use these tools as part of their programs, then they’re more likely to bring them into their working environment as future leaders and decision-makers. It’s a win-win situation and it’s creating an arena harmony between what learners are using to further their education and what businesses need to develop streamlined and efficient business processes.

Higher Education Digest April 2022

From an education institution’s perspective, these tools aren’t just enriching the learning experience, they’re creating a dynamic body of work that can be captured, repurposed and leveraged for new offerings. Early results - Capturing e-learning outcomes holistically is imperative Pre-covid, it’s fair to say many leaders in the hospitality education sector resisted e-learning, feeling that the required mindset and competencies needed to excel in hospitality simply couldn’t be taught remotely. As an industry, we now know differently. At Les Roches, for

Academic and skill set results are key, but it’s also important to consider the impact on the learning experience, both for the student and the teacher

example, the outcomes have been extraordinary and further reaching than we could have ever imagined. At the end of 2021 we saw results across the board higher than before the pandemic, and moreover students are happier with their learning now than they were beforehand. In terms of readiness for work, learning remotely has developed all sorts of capabilities that will enable students to be more adaptive in the workplace. This capability piece is quite extraordinary, and for many, these high-professional-value outcomes of resilience, adaptability and optimism were not foreseen at the outset of e-learning delivery in early 2020.

Higher Education Digest April 2022

“We’ve seen students display incredible recognition of the efforts made by their faculty...” Academic and skill set results are key, but it’s also important to consider the impact on the learning experience, both for the student and the teacher. We’ve seen students display incredible recognition of the efforts made by their faculty, with high levels of appreciation for the dedication and hard work that resulted in a comprehensive remote learning option being delivered in a short timeframe. On the other side of this relationship, we’ve seen a renewed sense of the vocation that teaching represents, and the sheer sense of responsibility that faculty have for their students. The role of the teacher has evolved somewhat to encompass mentorship and the fostering of a sense of belonging and community despite physical distance. As we return to face to face, we’re seeing this student-faculty relationship deepen, as students capture the best of their own learning experience and faculty build some of their adaptive teaching practices into the physical classroom experience. The direction of e-learning in hospitality Coming full-circle, as education leaders it’s imperative that we constantly evaluate how we can best serve our students. We need to understand what valid learning is, and in a world addressing diversity and inclusion, we must be equipped and capable of delivering learning experiences through a whole range of media modes. This experiential aspect is key. We should be thinking about online learning as both the provision of materials and resources, and the delivery of remote learning experiences that foster opportunities for collaboration and interactions. This encompasses both faculty and experts on the one hand, and also peer learners on the other. Flexibility as a feature of learning also now carries more weight than ever before, with students not only keen to learn in a way that suits their lifestyle, but also through approaches that are resilient to world events. Our role as educators when delivering this is to navigate the path between self-paced and asynchronous online learning with relatively little contact on the one hand, and a more immersive experience that allows for more contact, more connection and more collaboration on the other. With the aim of delivering the best education possible. It’s fair to say we’re all learning here, but two years on from the launch of remote program options at Les Roches, I for one wouldn’t have imagined that the gains would have been as powerful or transformative.

Higher Education Digest April 2022

UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES IN CANADA

FLEMING COLLEGE

OFFERING A TRULY CANADIAN EDUCATION 40

anada is one of the top destinations for Indian students looking to study abroad. A recent report shows that over 67,000 students got approved to study in Canada during the first four months of 2021, 83% more than in 2020. In fact, Canada is home to one of the largest international student populations in the world owing to the quality of education offered, affordable tuition, and friendliness towards foreign students. With three campuses in Peterborough, Lindsay, and Haliburton, Fleming College, also known as Sir Sandford Fleming College, offers international students a truly Canadian learning experience. Currently hosting over 900 Indian students, Fleming College provides international students a living and working experience in a location close to Toronto, but not with Toronto’s big city-related expenses. Peter Bondy, Director of International Education, Fleming College, says, “Within the three campuses, international students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a genuinely Canadian environment and community of their dreams. These three campuses offer all the work opportunities associated with a strong, diversified economy of over 100,000 people. International students can interact with Canadians to enhance their learning experience and launch successful careers upon graduation.”

Higher Education Digest April 2022

Fleming College features more than 100 full-time programs in Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice, Community Development, Trades and Technology, Art and Design and General Arts and Sciences.

Higher Education Digest April 2022

ABOUT

PETER BONDY

DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION, FLEMING COLLEGE Peter Bondy has been involved in the International Field since 1991 - the Department

of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) and International Education since 2004. In an international career spanning two decades, Bondy has extensive experience in education abroad program development and operations, crisis and risk management, and student advising around the globe.

Higher Education Digest April 2022

Fleming College is proud of its diversified Indian student population, with students from every region within India. Due to solid career opportunities and meaningful Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) guarantees, Indian students tend to favor one or more programs with a wide scope of employment opportunities, such as Wireless Information Networking, Project Management, International Business Management, Global Business Management, Sustainable Agriculture and Occupational Therapist / Physiotherapist Assistant. “Globally, COVID has reduced international student enrolments significantly beginning with the spring 2020 intake. However, as of 2022, we expect to increase our international student numbers steadily in the years to come,” shares Peter Bondy, Director of International Education, Fleming College.

Higher Education Digest April 2022

Fleming College offers numerous support services and activities to international students to help them transition to their new life in Canada. The eir International Student Services team provides career supports, peer tutoring services, arrival supports, immigration advice, and academic supports. International students at Fleming also have access to medical insurance and an on-campus health clinic. International students at Fleming College learn from faculty with industry experience and extensive professional networks - extremely advantageous in connecting to employers. There are opportunities for students to get real-world experience working with clients’ projects integrated into courses throughout many programs.

Higher Education Digest April 2022

Frost Campus in Lindsay features best-in-class experiential learning environments and outstanding facilities, including the new GeoCentre, the Parnham Training Centre for Drilling and Blasting, the Centre for Heavy Equipment Technology and a fish hatchery.

Higher Education Digest April 2022

Supporting your Academic Journey Fleming College’s first campus was opened on September 1, 1967. The college now has three campuses in Peterborough, Lindsay, and Haliburton, offering more than 80 programs to international students. The college empowers its students with the innovative education, research, and real-world experiences they need to build better lives, better communities, and a better world. Given the close-knit local community, Fleming’s faculty have an especially intimate and valuable relationship with business leaders and access to job-career opportunities. International students can get to know their professors on a first-name basis and receive tailored high-value advice from faculty who understand what it takes to succeed in the Canadian job market. International students’ innovation and creativity are encouraged by the close and direct interaction between domestic Canadian and international students sharing the same classrooms and labs. One of Fleming’s most valued and proven methods to prompt creativity amongst its students is the interaction between all students and the leadership and guidance of accomplished industry lead faculty.

Higher Education Digest April 2022

Fleming College’s athletic facilities in Peterborough include a large, fully equipped sports facility, pool and two FIFA 1 Star certified turf fields.

At Fleming College, students will have the opportunity to work with industry partners and expert staff to gain real-world experience in their field of study.

Higher Education Digest April 2022

“We conduct an annual technology showcase with our Technology partner. Applied projects are sponsored by various industry and community partners, enabling students to draft their business plans and work with industry partners to come up with innovative and creative solutions to real-time scenarios during their program,” adds Bondy. Fleming College has a merit-based scholarship for all international students where the students are rewarded based on their academic performance in the first semester. The college has recently launched an entry-based scholarship for students from East Asian countries. Bondy shares, “We are now working on introducing more exciting entry-based scholarships for South Asian and African countries.” Fleming College has adopted a virtual learning environment during the pandemic where international students have started post-secondary learning from

Higher Education Digest April 2022

Fleming College is noted for its excellence in environmental and natural resources sciences as well as unique programs in technology, museum management and cultural heritage, and social services.

their home country if they were not present in Canada. The campus-wide student-oriented activities and workshops were done virtually to support students’ academic journey. Fleming College continues to deliver industry-level education, preparing its students to face the employment market. “We hope to welcome students back to in-person classes soon. Both the health and safety of our students and the quality of their education remain top priorities. Our faculty has been outstanding in providing virtual learning that still leverages practical experiences. We look forward to inviting students to Canada and our amazing on-campus learning facilities when it is safe to do so.,” concludes Bondy.

Higher Education Digest April 2022

INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE

How to Build a Successful 50

Data Analyst Career Kashyap Dalal, Co-Founder & Chief Business Officer, Simplilearn

Kashyap is an internet entrepreneur with over 10 years of experience in building growth teams and hacking growth across functions. He is passionate about building highperformance teams and enjoys being actively involved in problem solving for business growth. At Simplilearn, Kashyap leads the Global consumer business and the Enterprise business in Europe, APAC and ME markets. Prior to Simplilearn, Kashyap was the Founder and CEO of Inkfruit.com, India’s first co-created products brand. Kashyap scaled the company to a successful exit in early 2013. He began his career with Unilever in Sales and Marketing. Kashyap is an alumnus of IIT Bombay and IIM Lucknow.

Higher Education Digest April 2022

If you are keen to explore a career in data science, it is useful to master Microsoft Excel and build basic skills in SQL, web development, and data mapping

ack in 2012, the Harvard Business Review described the title of a data scientist as the ‘sexiest job of the 21st century.’ Sure enough, a decade later, the field of data science ranks among the most sought-after options for professionals across a variety of backgrounds. Typically the job of a data analyst today comes with handsome salaries, considerable job security, and a chance to work with cutting-edge technologies. According to Payscale, Data Analysts can earn an annual average salary of USD 61,881. In India, the average salary for a data analyst is about ₹439,260 per year. What does the job of a data analyst entail? At a basic level, the job of a data analyst is to help businesses make sense of their data and enable better decision making. To achieve this, a data analyst must collect data, process it, and perform the required statistical analysis of data by applying the right algorithms and formulas. Therefore, the day-to-day work of a data analyst typically consists of gathering and extracting numerical data; identifying trends and patterns within the data and interpreting the numbers. In addition, they are

required to analyze market research and apply insights to guide decisions that drive the business. While the skills required to perform these tasks cannot be gained overnight, patience, hard work, and the right guidance can help steer you in the right direction. Also, a passion for numbers and a knack for extracting useful insights from processed data and presenting them in a useful format are valuable. Preparing for a Career as a Successful Data Analyst If you are keen to explore a career in data science, it is useful to master Microsoft Excel and build basic skills in SQL, web development, and data mapping. Of course, programming and software development skills are paramount. Some of the required skills include: Programming languages R and Python are perhaps the most popular languages used in data analytics. R is used extensively since it supports statistical computing and graphics. Specifically, skills in Dplyr acts as a bridge between R and SQL;

Higher Education Digest April 2022

such as mean, median, mode, standard deviation etc. In addition, familiarity with histograms, percentiles, probability, ANOVA, data chaining and distribution, correlation, causation etc. is also quite helpful. Given that data analytics boils down to numbers, advanced knowledge of matrices and concepts such as linear algebra, relational algebra, CAP theorem, framing data, and series is extremely critical. Machine Learning Machine learning is quickly becoming central to data analytics. So, the ability to drive both supervised and unsupervised learning is crucial. While supervised learning models require the knowledge of tools such as logistic regression, decision trees, support vector machines, and Naive Bayes classification; unsupervised learning use Principal Component Analysis, Singular Value Decomposition, clustering algorithms, and Independent Component Analysis. Machine learning also uses reinforcement learning techniques where the knowledge of TD-Learning, Q-Learning, and genetic algorithms comes in handy for a data analyst.

ggplot2, a system that helps users build plots iteratively; and reshape2, which is based on meta and cast formats are important. Python is also popular in data analytics for its ease of use, which makes it suitable for use in large projects. It’s also ideal for beginners, being one of the simplest programming languages. The presence of packages or libraries such as numpy, matplotlib, scipy, scikit-learn, ipython, ipython notebooks, pandas, anaconda, and seaborn makes Python immensely valuable in the world of data analytics. Statistics and Mathematics The knowledge of statistics is crucial - whether it is about forming data sets, or an understanding of basics

Higher Education Digest April 2022

Data Wrangling, Visualization, and Intuition Data wrangling involves bringing together all the research data to form a single, cohesive whole. Data analysts must work with SQL and noSQL-based databases to enable this. Once this is done, the data analyst must also find ways to effectively communicate derived insights to stakeholders through visual encoding tools such as.ggplot, matplotlib, d3.js, and seaborne. In addition, data intuition, which involves anticipating likely questions and blind spots and curating suitable responses is an important part of the role of a data analyst. The field of data science today is quite vast, with a plethora of job profiles and opportunities available to anyone interested in building a career in this field. An aspiring professional could consider a role as a Business Intelligence Analyst, Data Analyst, Data Scientist, or Data Engineer. In addition, there are also opportunities to become a Quantitative Analyst, Data Analytics Consultant, Operations Analyst, Marketing Analyst, Project Manager, or IT Systems Analyst among other things. If you’re interested in building a career in data science, there are several courses available to help build the necessary skill sets, ranging from certification programs to bootcamps that focus on teaching skills such as advanced analytics tools, data visualization tools, and programming tools. With the right training and aptitude in data science, the world is your oyster.

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Higher Education Digest October April 2020 2022

INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE

Hybrid Learning Education Model and its Impact on the Education Ecosystem 54 Husien Dohadwalla, Founder Principal, JIRS Hybrid

Husien Dohadwalla is the founder principal at JIRS Hybrid School, Bengaluru. He has been associated with international schools for more than 16 years in the capacity of Academic & Curriculum Director. He is also a certified Happiness Coach, Career Coach & mentor and Google Educator. He is an expert in both IB and Cambridge programs and since 2013 has also been working with the IB Organisation as a School Visit Team Leader and Workshop Leader to help new schools in the Asia Pacific region become IB World Schools. He is an alumni of Mumbai University and Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Kolkata.

Higher Education Digest April 2022

The hybrid learning education model offers a fantastic opportunity to create and expand online learning management systems in the country

ver the last few years, the Indian education system and learning process have grown manifold. Several stakeholders including the government, institutions, academicians and experts have conceptualized various methods and avenues with an objective to make education highquality, easy, accessible and future-ready. Suggesting that learning will happen online with students and teachers staying away from classrooms would have been deemed far-fetched until last year. But that has become a reality today because of the unprecedented global crisis caused by the pandemic. During the course, the integration of technology with education was relooked, redefined and reshaped so that the learning process continues even while schools are shut. As every tough time awaits a new beginning, the education sector has been experiencing and experimenting with an advent of newness. Thus arises the hybrid model of learning. The concept of a hybrid learning education model has evolved from online learning. It has been successfully implemented and tested in overseas markets. The use of it in India is picking up as we slowly move into the

never normal era. With hybrid learning in the spotlight, schools and other educational institutions are trying to adapt to the paradigm shift. This shift in how we view teaching and learning will have a profound impact on the education ecosystem. It is not just educational institutions that took cognizance of the rise of learning using technology, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and National Council of Educational Research & Training (NCERT), too, have roped-in organisations like Microsoft Education and Tech Avant-Garde to train teachers in online learning. This will go a long way in strengthening distance learning when the use of technology for learning has become a necessity for the smooth functioning of the education system. The hybrid learning education model offers a fantastic opportunity to create and expand online learning management systems in the country. Technology based solutions that provide hybrid learning and replicate a physical classroom is the need of the hour. Our experience of the past year has shown that online teaching alone doesn’t work and has led to learning losses. The Hybrid

Higher Education Digest April 2022

learning education model aims to overcome this. The hybrid model offers an exceptional degree of flexibility and freedom both to the students & teachers, making it possible for students to choose a learning style that suits them. This is just not possible in the traditional ecosystem and neither in pure online learning. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, too, laid emphasis on tech-enabled learning, indicating the government’s intent for an agile and flexible education system. The flexibility will help in retaining students with different capabilities and hybrid education will help teachers adopt more creative ways to engage with students, thereby helping them to remain in the mainstream. Hybrid learning is here to stay and key stakeholders - teachers and students themselves have shown a marked preference for it. The same has been brought forth in the findings of a report titled “Re-envisioning higher education through digital adoption” prepared by PwC India and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The rise of hybrid learning and its growing popularity has enabled educators to now teach in-person and remote concurrently. They can also streamline a course to cater to different learning styles. For students, it has opened the doors for access to subjects or courses as per their interests, as they enjoy the benefit of moving from in-person to remote learning seamlessly. This has boosted the student’s ability and confidence to grab opportunities to learn and grow remotely. Hybrid learning also opens the doors for international collaboration which helps students understand inclusivity and cohesive living by educating them about other cultures. Hybrid learning introduces a wide diversity of learners making each classroom a global one, allowing deep learning through peer-to-peer learning.

Hybrid learning means a deeper integration of technology in delivering education and that makes it possible for content customisation, deployment of cutting edge and latest technologies to create an immersive learning experience for students. Going hybrid also addresses an important issue in the traditional education system which is absenteeism. Students who missed class due to illness or other reasons can now catch-up and keep pace with the progress of the class. Thus, hybrid learning is not only helping change the way we think of education, it is also removing bottlenecks and barriers that existed in the traditional education system. The Hybrid Model also enables individual schools and institutions the flexibility to design their own unique model. Online sessions can be paired with a non-synchronous instruction – like a visit to the zoo, where students have the flexibility to decide when to undertake the trip. They can also decide how they would like to prepare their report and plan their visit accordingly. The flexibility to set their own timeline and complete assignments in a self-paced environment allows students to develop traits like self-discipline and independent thinking. These traits enable them to work to their best potential, unleash their creativity and bring originality in their learning. As the integration of information technology and digitisation accelerates in education, hybrid learning will become an integral component of education starting from the school level. From language apps to video tutoring and educational software, hybrid learning tools have already seen a surge in their usage. There is a growing momentum for hybrid learning and the flexibility, clarity in concept delivery and development of qualities that have practical real world applications has made both students and teachers develop a clear liking for the model.

Hybrid learning is not only helping change the way we think of education, it is also removing bottlenecks and barriers that existed in the traditional education system

Higher Education Digest April 2022

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Higher Education Digest October April 2020 2022

UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES IN CANADA

ST. CLAIR COLLEGE OFFERING THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS IN EVERY ASPECT

rossing an international border by road is always an adventure. For people living in Windsor, Canada’s 4th most multicultural city, this border crossing opportunity is at their doorstep. With Detroit, Michigan in the U.S. a hop, skip, and a jump away, visitors can enjoy a two-nation experience with a short drive across the Detroit River. It is one of the many reasons international students prefer Windsor as their higher education destination. Another strong reason is the availability of quality programs offered by globally renowned institutes like St. Clair College. “International students prefer Windsor and St. Clair College because they have access to familiar cultural and religious communities to ease the burden of transition to a new country,” says John Fairley, Vice President Communications and Community Relations, St. Clair College. “Windsor is at the most southern part of Canada geographically, so the comfortable climate and less strenuous winters make for a more pleasant living environment.” The unique location of St. Clair College on the USA/ Canada border provides students from India access to two major North American economic powers and the environment to train students in international trade and commerce,

Higher Education Digest April 2022

St. Clair College’s main campus is home to over 6,000 students studying in over 90 programs in the areas of Health Sciences, Community Studies, Engineering Technology & Skilled Trades, and Business and I.T.

Higher Education Digest April 2022

St. Clair College campus boasts a number of new academic buildings that enhance student learning including the Centre for Applied Health Sciences, which houses all of the learning labs for our 12 Health Science programs, and the Centre for Construction Innovation & Production which supports our skilled trades programs.

preparing them to excel in a global marketplace. There are currently around 4,600 students from India studying at St. Clair College. St. Clair College provides students with access to state-of-the-art facilities that house some of the world’s most sophisticated technology and partners students with industry workers to provide an inclusive approach to learning. An Institute of Global Standard Unlike most of the colleges in India, institutes in Canada are steeped in history. St. Clair College is no different. It grew out of a technical institution known as the Western Ontario Institute of Technology (WOIT), founded in 1958. In June 1965, the Minister of Education, the Honorable William G. Davis, introduced a bill that was passed consenting to the formation of 19 Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology. St. Clair was one of them. Officially founded in July 1966, St. Clair’s amalgamation with WOIT took place in September 1967. Today, St. Clair College has several articulations and pathway agreements with post-secondary institutions in Ontario, Canada, and Internationally. Through these agreements, graduates may receive transfer credits for courses, a whole semester, or a full year (or more) toward a university degree. “By offering more degree programs, extending its scope of transfer agreements with universities and colleges, and establishing entrepreneurship, research, and innovation partnerships, the College

Higher Education Digest April 2022

has broadened the ability of its students to acquire knowledge and leading-edge skills,” Fairley said. “We are committed to providing students with a myriad of opportunities to compete in the global marketplace.” St. Clair College strives for excellence in program delivery, and its commitment to excellence in teaching and learning promotes the development of its faculty and, in turn, student success. “Based on our mission

St. Clair College is located in an ethnically diverse community, surrounded by global organizations, all of which complement its programs that prepare graduates for their future as international citizens.

Higher Education Digest April 2022

acumen to market themselves in a data-driven global economy. AI and machine learning are also touched on in this program, making it vital for any graduate who wants to differentiate themselves. Finding the best employment opportunities for its students is one of the many goals set by the College. The Genesis Entrepreneurship Centre, located at the Main Campus, is the gateway to entrepreneurship and professional development at St. Clair College. It is a hub that connects students, alumni, faculty, and the community. “Whether you work for yourself, or someone else, if you have a business idea or solution, this is the place to start,” Fairley said.

and vision, a primary focus for all college activities is providing an accessible, dynamic and supportive learning environment,” Fairley said. The Centre of Academic Excellence is a resource centre for faculty. It strives to make all the teaching and learning resources, workshops, and materials available and accessible for all faculty. Through collaboration with the local private sector, St. Clair College is training students to meet the employment demands of the regional and national economy in Canada and North America. For instance, the Data Analytics for Business program at St. Clair College is a post-graduate program aimed at taking an IT background and expanding the student’s business

A Home Away From Home St. Clair College awards over $3 million a year to students excelling in their studies. Some of these scholarships tie into the students’ work or volunteer hours in the community. This allows international students to take an active role in their new homes. The College has also made services available to help domestic and international students during their stay at the campus. For instance, the Student Representative Council (SRC) is an incorporated, government-like body, which provides a variety of services to students and represents them and their interests in dealings with other agencies, both inside and outside the College. The SRC oversees most of the food services on campus, providing numerous part-time jobs for students, and manages the college’s Student Centres and several other facilities. The SRC also stages entertainment and awareness events on an almost weekly basis. Thames Students Incorporated (TSI) is Chatham’s student government that acts as an alliance between students and college staff. TSI handles all formal and informal complaints and concerns submitted by students. TSI consists of a board of directors elected from the student body and appointed by the President of TSI. The Saints Student Athletic Association (SSAA) encourages St. Clair’s students to make constructive use of leisure time to acquire new physical skills and enhance fitness. The SSAA intramurals programs stimulate social interaction with other students, facilitating the development of proper attitudes and sportsmanship. Surviving the Pandemic In preparation for the upcoming start of the Fall 2021 semester, St. Clair College has continued to work diligently with the Ontario Ministry and our

Higher Education Digest April 2022

local health authorities to provide students with a safe campus environment. In doing so, St. Clair College will be mandating vaccinations or regular testing for all staff and students. “We recognize the importance of immunization to reduce the risk of serious infection and transmission of infection to employees, students, volunteers, contractors, and members of the public who physically wish to access College facilities, resources, and campuses,” states Fairley. All staff and students will be required to attest during entry screening that they have either been vaccinated or have completed a rapid test with a negative test result when coming on-site to work. “St. Clair College

Higher Education Digest April 2022

employees or students who are unvaccinated or choose not to declare their vaccination status will be provided (free of charge) rapid testing kits that must be selfadministered at home. These individuals will be required to complete a negative test every 72 hours and attest to this result through the Student Information System (SIS),” adds Fairley. Gaining popularity on the global stage every passing year, St. Clair College reached record international enrollment and introduced popular and in-demand programming during the pandemic. St. Clair College plans to continue this growth and establish itself as a leader in international education and global training.

Higher Digital Education First Magazine Digest August April 2021 2022

INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE

How Open Classrooms are

Transforming the Way Students Learn Sandy Hooda, Co-Founder, Vega schools

Sandy Hooda, Co-Founder- Vega is a first-generation entrepreneur with a background in technology and hospitality ventures. He realised through personal experience that schools don’t necessarily spark love of learning, and that they need to do far more in ensuring success in life. To better understand whether anyone had solved this education puzzle, he spent three years traveling around the world, identifying the most progressive schools, and galvanising the superstar education leaders behind these schools in order to create Vega. His life mission is to revolutionise education based on research on ‘why’ and ‘how’ we learn so there is perfect harmony between school education, love of learning, and success in life.

Higher Education Digest April 2022

A single teacher-led classroom can suppress creativity; however, working with multiple teachers creates a safe and supportive environment

fter two years of online learning in the pandemic, schools are reopening their gates to students. Being cooped up in their houses and glued to their screens, most students have endured a decline in their physical, emotional, or mental health. Long sitting hours have resulted in poor postures, lack of socialization has given birth to hesitance and anxiety and students have forgotten how to collaborate in teams. As a result, many schools are rethinking their learning strategies. Whether it is adopting problem-based learning or blending technology into everyday learning, education is transforming gradually. One such mold-breaking concept that is redefining schooling is the introduction of open classrooms. Schools are bringing down the walls between classrooms and creating open learning spaces that inspire flexibility, a sense of community building and ignite curiosity and creativity. As a result, open classrooms are reforming and refining students’ learning experiences. Cultivates Creativity & Innovation There is no denying that working in the 21st century demands innovation and creativity. And there is no

67 better place to cultivate creativity and innovation among students than schools where they spend most of their growing years. But confined to the four walls of classrooms, their imagination and innovation suffer greatly. Open learning spaces can remedy the demerits of traditional learning by providing students flexible learning spaces where learning can be fun, inspirational and creative. Students move around and learn, participate in various activities of their interest and collaborate with each other, all of which are crucial to ignite creativity and innovation. Promotes Team Learning & Team Teaching Another relevant skill students must learn to prepare for the future is teamwork. Locked in their homes for two years, students have forgotten how to interact with each other and work in teams. Open learning enables students to learn among large groups with different teachers and facilitates a collaborative atmosphere that prepares them for the future. A single teacher-led classroom can suppress creativity; however, working with multiple teachers creates a safe and supportive environment. Furthermore, working on different projects in teams promotes healthy competition and creates a fun, interactive atmosphere for students.

Higher Education Digest April 2022

Stimulates Sense of Community Building Apart from enriching students’ learning experiences, open learning spaces can help nurture a sense of community building. Learning together in groups helps students feel more accepted and overcome the feelings of isolation and friendlessness. Students tend to help each other and assume responsibilities of the group, thereby developing a sense of community building. Today’s students do not learn well under stereotypical “stand and instruct” learning models; instead, they flourish under open and group learning methods. Prevents Bullying & Teacher Abuse Incidents of bullying and teacher abuse can affect a student’s childhood and cause them to lose confidence and trust. Bullied and abused students tend to perform poorly in academics and may even suffer mental and emotional health issues. Consequently, students can feel suffocated and threatened in the four walls of a classroom. Open learning spaces enable students to learn with large groups under the supervision of multiple teachers. As a result, bullying and the scope of teacher abuse can be minimized and a safe, fun and collaborative atmosphere can be created for students.

Students can thrive in open learning spaces where they can enjoy the freedom to choose tasks they want to do and develop a sense of ownership towards their projects

Higher Education Digest April 2022

Fosters Freedom & Ownership Students can thrive in open learning spaces where they can enjoy the freedom to choose tasks they want to do and develop a sense of ownership towards their projects. They also learn the benefits of carrying out tasks in teams which can help them in the future. Open learning not only fosters freedom amongst the students but also encourages self-directed learning. As a result, students feel more empowered to make choices that ref lect on them, significantly enhancing their learning experience. Wrapping Up The four walls of classrooms should not restrict the imagination of students. Students should be free to choose their learning tasks and projects, move around the classroom and sit across variable seating options instead of a monotonous bench or chair. The formative years of students should be full of curiosity, collaboration and creativity. Their imagination and innovation should know no bounds and their learning should be progressive, self-directed and fun. Open classrooms can enrich the learning experience of students and transform their education.

Higher Education Digest October 2021

Higher Education Digest April 2022

INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE

Shaping Workforce:

Talent & Skills Gap in the industry 70 Shveta Raina, Founder & CEO, Talerang

Shveta Raina is the Founder and CEO of Talerang. A business enthusiast and visionary in her field, Shveta started her entrepreneurial journey in 2013. Shveta has attended some top-flight universities - Bachelor of Arts, Applied Mathematics, International Relations, Economics from Brown University in 2007 and Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School in 2013. She was awarded 2nd -year Honours (~top 15%) at HBS. She has been awarded the Horace Goldsmith Fellowship for Social Enterprise; research grant from the Social Enterprise Initiative at Harvard for the employability crisis and Magna cum Laude at Brown University - Applied Mathematics, Economics, International Relations.

Higher Education Digest April 2022

Technological advancements such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, the evolution of industries such as Fintech and Edtech, the growth of digital marketing and new media has led to a whole set of new skills that are required to perform at work

s per the World Economic Forum (WEF), the process of closing existing skills gaps could add $11.5 trillion to the global GDP by the end of 2028. While the technology and digital transformation is inevitable, skilled human capital is still key to the success of most organizations. Ensuring that future generations are work-ready is key to economic progress. What is work-readiness? Every year, close to 20 million students graduate, but as per some reports, less than 10% are work-ready. Based on my research conducted as an independent research project at Harvard Business School, there are 3 steps to getting work-ready and shaping a global work-force. Colleges should follow these steps for their graduates to help them bridge their industry readiness gap. As a work-ready graduate, you need to: 1. Know yourself. Graduates are confused about which jobs to apply for, how long they will stick it out, what their short term goals are, what their strengths and development areas are. They also need a clear long-term and life vision, alignment of personal and professional

71 values, understanding of what their right-fit culture is and preferences for work-life balance. 2. Prepare yourself. Once a candidate has clarity on what they want from a job, they should start upskilling - both on soft and hard skills. This includes written and spoken communication and the ability to work smart (time management, problem-solving skills, business ethics, technical skills). Technological advancements such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, the evolution of industries such as Fintech and Edtech, the growth of digital marketing and new media has led to a whole set of new skills that are required to perform at work. 3. Prove yourself. This is the final and most important step. Once a graduate has clarity and is armed with the right skills, how can they convince a recruiter that they are the best hire for a role? This includes how to make a good first impression, networking skills, resume and interview skills, as well as industry relevance. How can our work-force stay relevant? According to Deloitte, as organizational functioning is changing, soft skills such as creativity, leadership,

Higher Education Digest April 2022

management, critical thinking, and problem-solving are gaining prominence. These traits are crucial for delivering value to businesses and ensuring their unprecedented growth. A big chunk of the existing workforce is not skilled and equipped to cope with the digital disruption that we are going to see ahead. Training, upskilling, as well as reskilling, especially online, will play a pivotal role in achieving this aim. Alongside colleges, employers should also actively invest in upskilling their teams and building leadership capability in their staff. With remote working becoming a reality, live online courses are an ideal solution to bridge this gap. Employers can identify the skills that are required and formulate mechanisms to recruit, train, and retain employees.

Higher Education Digest April 2022

Walking the talk: Everyone talks about 21st century job skills, but very few colleges and companies actually walk the talk in terms of investing in building these skills. Businesses should ensure weekly training sessions for their teams, and colleges must have industry oriented training, internships opportunities and project based learning to ensure placement opportunities for their burgeoning graduate pools. Instead of only emphasizing academic grades and technical skills, we need to also screen for adaptability, learning agility, emotional quotient and resilience. This will ensure candidates have what it takes to be work-ready and enables companies to have a future-ready talent pool. One that is ready to take on whatever challenges come their way, and grow through them.

Higher Education Digest April 2022

Amazing Opportunity for Teachers and School Leaders to enhance their knowledge through FREE Teachers Academy masterclasses from international education experts !!! For more details and registration www.teachersacademy.com

Higher Education Digest November 2021

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Higher Education Digest January April 2021 2022

Higher Education Digest April 2022