August 2011 / ` 75 / ISSN 0973-4139
www.Digitallearning.in
Dr Ashok K Chauhan Founder President, Ritnand Balved Education Foundation
Dr G Viswanathan Founder and Chancellor, VIT University
Sushma Berlia President, Apeejay Stya Group
Kris Srikkanth Former Cricketer, Chairman, BCCI Selection Committee
Meena Ganesh MD & CEO, Pearson Education Services
Shantanu Prakash CEO and MD, Educomp Solutions
N K Sinha Additional Secretary (TEL), Department of Higher Education, Ministry of HRD, Govt of India
Dr Kiran Bedi IPS (Retd), Director, Navjyoti – IGNOU Community College
Fostering Innovation
and Excellence in Education
08 volume
07
issue
Asia’s First Monthly Magazine on ICT in Education
Projectors for Home, Office and Edcuation
PRO 8200 Full HD 1080 P 4
For Sales n General Inquiries Contact : Viewsonic India (P) Ltd., Unit No. 2,3,& 4 (GF), Tribhuvan Complex, Ishwar Nagar, Mathura Road, New Delhi-110065. Phone No. 011- 42603195-97
Our Authorised Partner : 1.
2.
Redington (India) Ltd. : Vinayak Shenoy Contact No.:+ 91- 9382999433. email : vinayak.as@redington.co.in Aveco Technologies Pvt.Ltd. : Kanchan Mishra Contact No.:+ 91 - 9866697601 email : kanchan@avecoindia.com
MimioClassroom interactive teaching tools
Easy to use for teachers, engaging for students, and won’t break your school’s budget.
MimioTeach
Interactive whiteboards, redefined.
MimioVote
Student assessment made better.
MimioView
The document camera, simplified.
MimioCapture
No more “Do not erase.”
MimioPad
Full control from anywhere.
MimioClassroom™ products bring lessons to life, so kids get excited about learning. They’re easy to learn, so teachers get excited to use them. The powerful MimioStudio™ software controls everything, allowing teachers to use a single piece of intuitive software to get up and running quickly. And unique design means schools can pay less without getting less. “MimioPad is not only cost effective but it also has an additional ability to enable teachers to teach digitally and move all around the classroom. I cannot imagine my teachers teaching without one!” Ms.Satinder Khurana Principal, Amritsar, India
for kids: visit mimio.dymo.com/C7c. Call:+91-120-2488809 Email:mimioinquiry@mimio.com
©2011 DYMO, a Newell Rubbermaid company
SSN 0973-8959
volume
06
issue
08
contents A Coverage
Inaugural Session
higher education
World Education Summit 2011, The Beginning...
Promoting Collaborations in Higher Education
06
18 Distributed Education Through Technology and Collaboration
plenary Session Perspectives from Industry and Academia
26 vocational EDUCATION and Skills training track
08 Bridging Barriers in Education
Preparing Students to be Job-Ready
10
27 Education Development in the North East Region: Emerging Scenario
School Track Transforming School Education
30 World Education Awards
12
Recognising Global Innovation and Excellence in Education
Vocational Education for Social Change
31 17
Valedictory Session “...Create Employment Generators Rather than Employment Seekers�
50
4
digitalLEARNING
august / 2011 www.digitallearning.in
editorial
>
Advisory Board Prof. Asha Kanwar, Vice President, Commonwealth of Learning Dr. Jyrki Pulkkinen, CEO, Global eSchools & Communities Initiative (GeSCI) Subhash Chandra Khuntia, Principal Secretary to Government, Public Works Department, Government of Karnataka Prof. V N Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice Chancellor, Indira GandhiI National Open University (IGNOU) Prof S S Mantha, Chairman (Acting), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) President: Dr. M P Narayanan Editor-in-Chief: Dr. Ravi Gupta gm Finance: Ajit Kumar dgm strategy: Raghav Mittal programme specialist: Dr. Rajeshree Dutta Kumar Partnerships & Alliances: Sheena Joseph, Shuchi Smita, Juanita Kakoty, Ankita Verma Editorial: Divya Chawla, Rachita Jha, Dhirendra Pratap Singh, Pragya Gupta, Sonam Gulati, Shally Makin (editorial@ elets.in) Sales & Marketing: Jyoti Lekhi, Fahimul Haque, Mobile: +91-8860651632, Rakesh Ranjan (sales@elets.in) Subscription & Circulation: Gunjan Singh, Mobile: +91-8860635832 subscription@elets.in Graphic Design: Bishwajeet Kumar Singh, Om Prakash Thakur, Shyam Kishore Web Development: Zia Salahuddin, Anil Kumar
World Education Summit 2011: Moving One Step Closer Towards Excellence in Education The first World Education Summit 2011 came to its logical conclusion on 15th July 2011, after three days of intensive discussions and deliberations on key issues in the education sector. The Summit lived up to its name of being a truly global platform by highlighting global best practices, bringing innovations and change to the fore and giving added momentum to international collaborations. High level participation from global education dignitaries and ministers from across the globe and representatives from over 70 countries gave the Summit a highly international flavor. It proved that India has established its place in the international education network and will only get stronger in the coming years as the global education destination. Several noted personalities in the education sector provided their vision and perspective on the current education scenario and their vision for the future. The common goal seemed to echo across boundaries – the universal effort to move closer towards a world of inclusive, collaborative and quality education. Intensive workshop session on Distance Education, Community Colleges, Educational Development of the North East regions and Open Schooling threw a light on the extent of work being done in these fields and those that can be undertaken in order to carry forward the national mission of education for all. The Expo at World Education Summit showcased delightful technology solutions and gave a first-hand look into the most innovative technologies in education that have the potential of truly revolutionizing the education world. The World Education awards, with more than 150 nominations and over 74000 voters, adequately demonstrated the reach of the Summit across the globe. The time is now ripe for all those in the education sector to explore, innovate and display their creative best. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam honoured the World Education Summit by his gracious presence and gave an apt conclusion to the three days of jam packed itinerary in the following words, “Education in its real sense is the pursuit of truth, it is an endless journey where there is no scope for hatred or disharmony. It is an asset to the universe…” The World Education Summit is a beginning of OUR endless journey towards building a platform for exchange of excellence and innovation in the knowledge sphere.
IT infrastructure: Mukesh Sharma, Zuber Ahmed Events: Vicky Kalra Human resource: Sushma Juyal Legal: R P Verma Accounts: Anubhav Rana, Subhash Chandra Dimri Editorial & Marketing Correspondence
I take this opportunity to thank all our participants, speakers, supporters, sponsors, exhibitors, and delegates for helping us make this Summit a memorable and an enriching experience. A special vote of thanks to Prof Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice Chancellor of IGNOU, whose constant support and guidance has helped us move leap years ahead.
digitalLearning - G-4 Sector 39, NOIDA 201301, India, Phone: +91 120 2502181-85, Fax: +91 120 2500060 Email: info@digitalLearning.in digitalLEARNING is published by Elets Technomedia Pvt. Ltd. in technical collaboration with Centre for Science, Development and Media Studies (CSDMS). Owner, Publisher, Printer - Ravi Gupta, Printed at Vinayak Print Media D-320, Sector 10, Noida, U.P. and published from 710, Vasto Mahagun Manor, F-30, Sector - 50, Noida, UP Editor: Ravi Gupta
Dr. Ravi Gupta Editor-in-Chief Ravi.Gupta@elets.in august / 2011 www.digitallearning.in
digitalLEARNING
5
REPORT Inaugural Session
World Education Summit 2011 The Beginning... The first World Education Summit envisaged as a major global platform for dialogues, debates and deliberations upon policies, tools and methods of learning towards education for all was inaugrated by leading global dignitaries on 13th July 2011
Shri Kapil Sibal (centre) lighting the lamp at the inaugration of World Education Summit; L-R: Dr Taseer Al Nuaimi, Dr M P Narayanan, Loynpo Thakur S Powdyel, Prof V N Rajasekharan Pillai
T
he World Education Summit-2011(WES) was organised by the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) along with Center for Science Development and Media Studies (CSDMS) and Elets Technomedia in New Delhi. The sprawling function was inaugurated by the special guests of honour Loynpo Thakur S Powdyel, Minister of Education, Royal Government of Bhutan, Dr Taseer Al Nuaimi, Minister of Education, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and Shri Kapil Sibal, Minister of Human Resource and Development, Government of India. Participants were from academic programmes/ services of 33 participating educational institutions including IGNOU attended the event. Education industry is undergoing a paradigm shift, which aroused the need of a platform where global leaders, civil society, academia, industry can con-
6
digitalLEARNING
august / 2011 www.digitallearning.in
verge to plan and share knowledge, plans and recommendations for educational reforms. The World Education Summit proved to be that platform. The three-day event was attended by more than 1000 national and international stakeholders from development, government sector, academia, NGOs, and industry. The summit witnessed various sessions on school education, higher education, vocational and skills, and distance and open learning. Kapil Sibal, Union Minister for Human Resource and Development (HRD) and Information Technology emphasised upon the parallel system of vocational education, which will be exactly like the formal system of the Central Board of Secondary Education. “It is hoped that in the next 10 years, India will emerge as a developed nation. But this also means that India will require 500 million skilled individuals and 250 million graduates to achieve this dream. But at the moment, out of every 100 children that go to school, only 13 reach college. The global average is 23 out of 100 and in all developed countries, it is above 40. Thus, any developed nation has a critical mass of children going to college,” said Sibal, while inaugurating the WES 2011 at the Ashok Hotel in New Delhi on July 13. “In higher education, to collaborate between the universities, you need mobility and choice of set standards to easily move to reform the examination system so that the entry should be based on one exam. You need a semester system to allow that mobility,” said Sibal Reflecting upon what is happening globally in the education sector he analysed the reasons for global renaissance. “Unless we have the critical mass going to the university system for cross fertilisation of ideas, it is not possible to reach our desired goals. The Gross Enrolment Ratio in Jordan is 43 percent but there are many parts of the world where it is less than 10 percent. In India it is less than 15 percent, we must ensure that it moves from 15 percent to 30 percent,” he added
Inaugural Session
REPORT
L-R: Shri Kapil Sibal, Dr Ravi Gupta, Dr Taseer Al Nuaimi, Loynpo Thakur S Powdyel, Prof V N Rajasekharan Pillai, Dr M P Narayanan
“We need flexibility and change of mindset. Discipline of knowledge is only acquisition of knowledge. What we need is skills for tomorrow, with a change in content of education. We must ensure that a child develops employable skills during school days.” “A major challenge in this endeavour, however, is absenteeism of teachers. This is an infrastructural challenge. We are trying to ensure quality infrastructure under this act by setting out minimum parameters for a school – like, teacher-pupil ratio, the presence of a playground, a classroom of certain dimensions. But the immediate task is to remedy teacher absenteeism especially in the rural areas and to fill in the gap of 5 lakh teachers.” “As you know India is setting up a National Intelligence Grid and one of our objectives is to ensure that the connectivity of various intelligence agencies, and will also link enforcement agencies as sometimes enforcement agencies don’t have access to information with intelligence agencies and vice versa.” “Globally 80 million are out of school and 8 million are from India. Unless there is a collaborative effort from the government, private sectors and the corporates, there will not be a significant change,” he said. “We in India are concentrating on delivery and not concentrating on content. So you may have another 500 million mobile phones and broadband in place connecting every village and district but we may not have the content then it is of no use. We must shift our emphasis to create IT solutions. It is much beyond cyber security or disaster management, the entire developmental process is baseless without content. We are going to connect 26,000 colleges and 700 universities in the next two
years through the National Knowledge Network. We will connect but we need open source material and content to actually empower the students, this is a great opportunity for the IT industry,” Sibal concluded. Dr Taseer Al Nuaimi analysed the reasons for why the reforms in education sector have failed. “Firstly, reforms are often rushed from design to implementation without meeting requirement. Secondly, what works in Jordan will not work in India and vice versa. The context needs to be analysed. And lastly, leadership is fundamental and critical for reforms,” said Dr Taseer Al Nuaimi. Loynpo Thakur S Powdyel emphasised upon the need to create a platform for the whole education community. He said, “We truly need a new education civilisation. No nation can succeed when its educational system fails.” Prof V N Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice Chancellor, IGNOU while delivering his opening address said, “India is witnessing a great change in terms of quality and quantity at all levels. Establishing universities, instituting reforms, creating a national vocational framework, technology integration, all these are important areas to network. Education today is not just about spreading knowledge and skills but developing, training and capacity building.” Dr M P Narayan presented the concluding remarks. He said, “I am truly honored to have Shri Kapil Sibal. I am also thankful to everyone who has supported directly and indirectly to make the summit happen. I am sure that the outcomes, recommendations and solutions of this event will help us in making education sector digitally sound.”
august / 2011 www.digitallearning.in
digitalLEARNING
7
report
plenary session
Education Leaders’ Conclave
Perspectives from Industry and Academia The aim of this power packed session was to discuss challenges and opportunities in the role of private sector in education. The education leadership gave their vision talk on the future of education, the course that it will take and strategies that will usher in a new era in education
L-R: Dr Ravi Gupta, Dr Ashok K. Chauhan, Dr G Viswanathan, Manoj Chawla, Meena Ganesh, Shantanu Prakash, Amit Gupta, Sushma Berlia, Murlidhar S, Prof V N Rajasekharan Pillai
The power panel started with the discussion on what is the role of private sector in the context of the thought raised by Shri Kapil Sibal in the summit that the amount of investment needed in education cannot be addressed by the government alone. In light of this, the session highlighted the various challenges the private sector is facing in the education space and opportunities available. The session was started by Murlidhar S, Founder and CEO, MeritTrac Services who stated that there is a huge role of solution providers, which can add value to the education system. He emphasised on the need of private sector to bring in a combination of technology, entrepreneurial spirit and finding right need. He explained by taking the example of biometric systems saying, “Last year, we used biometrics for the first time to solve problems. We identified the problem as impersonation in any examination process in India. We combined this issue with available
8
digitalLEARNING
august / 2011 www.digitallearning.in
Eminent Panelists • Dr Ashok K Chauhan, Founder President, Ritnand Balved Education Foundation • Dr G Viswanathan, Founder and Chancellor, VIT University • Meena Ganesh, MD & CEO, Pearson Education Services • Shantanu Prakash, MD , Educomp • Amit Gupta, CEO, S Chand Group • Sushma Berlia, President, Apeejay Stya Group • Murlidhar S, Founder and CEO, MeritTrac Services • Prof VN Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice Chancellor, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) • Manoj Chawla, President, Edupreneur, Everonn
technology and derived mobile biometric authentication service which can be used in the regular pen and paper exam. This has enabled various institutions to completely omit impersonation for secure exam.” Sushma Berlia, President, Apeejay Stya Group talked about the bottlenecks to investments in private sector. She said, “To improve scalabilities in private investment we should work in two areas: How to do we provide a regulated way to encourage profit making as well as not profit making investments. For profit making, we have an open system for profit environment through companies listed in stock exchange or other regulatory bodies. We should also encourage not for profit investments.” Amit Gupta, CEO, S Chand Group shared his experience based on the company he represents and his personal experiences. He said that there is a cast difference between higher education resources, which were available 20 years back and
plenary session
the resources needed today. He also opined that there has to be a clear cut linkage between industry academia and policy makers. “As far as private sector is concerned, the government has to open up in terms of policy. Limited number of private educational institutions should be opened but there should also be avenues in terms of creating educational infrastructure, providing management services and outsourcing the components, which private sectors has excelled in.” Sharing his thoughts, Shantanu Prakash, MD, Educomp said, “According to my experience there is no alternative to private sector experience. Its high time that the debate ends and government takes suitable action. Private sector entrepreneurs are very smart as where there is an opportunity they will find a way to get into it. If you discourage growth of the private sector you distort the system. Nobody is willing to take a hard decision to solve the problem. There is a need to create a set of regulations, which work for everyone to ensure more players coming in rather than restricting them. Bigger issue is that how to create a framework that encourages and incentivises all the stakeholders including government, non government, profit and not for profit.” Meena Ganesh, MD & CEO, Pearson Education Services spoke about two critical issues – access and quality. “The kind of people we produce from schools are happy to do what they are told and follow instructions. There are multiple dimensions including better technology, better teaching methods, which teachers may be comfortable with, but the system is such that the teachers are not exposed to tools for effective teaching. Using different pedagogy, encouraging better delivery mechanism and allow and explores students to learn in a better way,” she said. Manoj Chawla, President, Edupreneur, Everonn Group talked about nurturing entrepreneurs for educational institutes to progress and develop. He focused on a need to inculcate research into the education system which is a very big challenge. Private sector has a very important role to bring automatic balancing of price and quality to create differen-
report
tiation and let the consumer decide on this. Be it cultural perspective, the new project is much more open to the consumer. “The role of a teacher is keeping and enabling rather than determining how to teach. Technology has brought the access to students to higher education, likewise private sector takes content to the learner. On a globalisation perspective, there are a lot of people looking at it for training purpose,” he said. Dr G Viswanathan, Founder and Chancellor, VIT University, focussed on three categories—availability, affordability and quality. He said, “As far as availability is concerned, we must have 1500 new universities in India. A quarter of the population use 3,500 universities, so we need more number of universities. The affiliation system in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan lags behind. More than 10 crore students are waiting to get admitted into colleges. Delhi University does not allow admission below a particular cut off. The new regulation is totally negative in this case. The country is expanding and population is expanding, we also need expansion in education. It is necessary that education should be provided to all. Mobility of students should be allowed in the country rather than encouraging them to go abroad quite often. We need to choose what is best for us and the country.” Dr Ashok K Chauhan, Founder President, Ritnand Balved Education Foundation said, “The whole world is coming to India for education as they believe in our system. The western education system is much better than technology methodologies, the curriculum, research, attitude and aptitude can be adopted but they cannot have Indian values. But we can learn and compete in the education sector as well.” Sharing his vision, Prof VN Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice Chancellor, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) said, “You are providing knowledge, skills and creating mobility through your efforts. We talk about private participation in the education sector as we see that Indian private sector plays a great role and is one of the strongest in the world. We should not take private provider as a taboo in the society. We have seen knowledge contribution and fundamental research in medicine and quantum mechanics is sponsored by the private players. The major scholarships are provided by big industrialists in the education sector.”
august / 2011 www.digitallearning.in
digitalLEARNING
9
report
plenary session
Global Education Leaders’ Conclave
Bridging Barriers in Education The session deliberated on strategies for Education Leadership across different countries to come together and harmonise efforts in bringing cordial relations in education and leadership. It highlighted the strategies of governments from different countries in promoting school education and higher education and their vision for education in the future. The Global Education Leaders’ Conclave aimed at building policies and partnerships for promoting education on the global platform. Vibha Puri Das started the session highlighting the issues pertaining to higher education in India. For universalisation of primary and secondary education and improvement in the GER (Gross Enrolment Ratio), “we have to look at strategies that will enable us to achieve these goals.” Smt Das concluded by emphasising on skill delivery to improve GER. Skill delivery should be done in a sustainable manner to ensure vertical, horizontal, diagonal mobility for students from skill to education and back again. Connectivity amongst institutions excellence in terms of optical fiber networks, teaching learning methods and national leaning network is being actualised. Dr Narendra Jadhav discussed all the four sectors of education. “We will be precisely involving education in the 12th plan.” Elementary education have two schemes - Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and Mid Day Meal scheme - which have been implemented across the country. Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan introduced in the 11th plan will continue to impact education. The PPP mode can be beneficial to the country with the premier Kendriya Vidyalays and Navodya Vidyalays. He concluded by sharing his insights on brining excellence in higher education, which needs to be addressed by holding research programs to reinforce teaching programs using technological learning methods. “We need to further facilitating investments by private institutions in higher education as resource limitation is a reality and identification of good PPP models is important.” Dr Taseer Al Nuiami focused on educational reforms globally. The fee policy needs to be revised as education is the basic human right. Incentives for innovation, for reaching the target, for teachers need not necessarily be financial but may be technological for better teaching methods. Loynpo Thakur S Powdeyl concluded the session with his vision on education. He said that if we set education right, we can set our nation right. Education / 2011 10 digitalLEARNING august www.digitallearning.in
L-R: Dr Taseer Al Nuaimi, Dr Ravi Gupta, Dr Narendra Jadhav, Vibha Puri Das, Prof V N Rajasekharan Pillai, Salil Bhandari, Loynpo Thakur S Powdyel
MODERATOR: Prof V N Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice Chancellor, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Special Guest: Smt Vibha Puri Das, Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India Eminent Panelists: • Loynpo Thakur S Powdyel, Hon’ble Minister of Education, Ministry of Education, Royal Government of Bhutan • Dr Taseer Al Nuaimi, Hon’ble Minister of Education, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan • Dr Narendra Jadhav, Member, Planning Commission & Member, National Advisory Council, Government of India • Salil Bhandari, President, PhD Chamber of Commerce
must be taken to the next higher level of engagement than merely being a mercenary pursuit of degrees and diplomas unrelieved by light and learning. “What we really need is a new civilization- an educational civilization, if you will. The hope is that our children and youth exposed to these learning experiences will imbibe the right kind of knowledge to make them better actualized and more fulfilled human beings.”
Vibha Puri Das
Dr Narendra Jadhav
Loynpo Thakur S Powdyel
Dr Taseer Al Nuaimi
report SCHOOL TRACK
Transforming School Education The World Education Summit 2011 organised exclusive sessions pertaining to school education on various thematic issues like meeting global standards in school education; power of ICT, continuous and comprehensive evaluation. The sessions were graced by eminent speakers from the government, academia and industry across the world, who shared their ideas towards building effective school education system. Report:
L-R: Kunal Sharma, Dr Thomas Christie, Son Kuswadi, Prof MA Siddiqui , Shakila Shamsu, Raj Grover, Manish Upadhyay
LOCALISED LEARNING IN A GLOBALISED CONTEXT: CAPACITY BUILDING, CONTENT AND TRAINING OF TRAINERS chair: Prof M A Siddiqui, Former Chairperson, National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) Teresa Tong
Speakers • Shakila Shamsu, Former Joint Adviser, Planning Commission, Government of India • Dr Thomas Christie, Director, Aga Khan University Examination Board • Son Kuswadi, Education Attaché, Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia • Manish Upadhyay, COO, EnglishEdge • Teresa Tong, Traning Specialist-Asia Pacific, Mimio • Kunal Sharma, Founder & Director, Mexus Education • Raj Grover, CEO, Rumi Education
Dr Thomas Christie
/ 2011 12 digitalLEARNING august www.digitallearning.in
The session highlighted the divergent local learning processes and consequences of exposure to international duress. Issues such as localised learning in a global context, dynamics within network relations and effects of regional cooperation in education were addressed in the session. It is important to know how localised future learning spaces need to be and how can they maintain their cultural relevance and authenticity, while simultaneously catering to a global community and encouraging dialogue between culturally dichotomous groups of learners. Suggestions for deriving local solutions from global data were discussed by the panelists. There is a need to bring about a change in learning and examine the examination boards. ICT set up in classroom should go beyond the hardware and extensive use of internet can enhance the reach of content. It is very important that the context should be provided, which can be achieved by creating easy to understand methodologies like docu-dramas, comics/ graphic novels on curriculum content, and by creating a platform to compete. Moreover, incentives for learning can also be created and to promote science by organising technology competition for school students. Suggestions: • Focus on glocal solutions in education • Address challenges in teaching as a profession • Stress on teachers’ development • Modify teachers’ training and capacity building to meet global standards keeping local reality into account • Collaborative learning to be encouraged • Transformed learning experience with ICT
SCHOOL TRACK report
• Innovate to learn • Adaptability is significant MARCHING TOWARDS FUTURE CLASSROOMS: PERSPECTIVES FROM THE INDUSTRY AND ACADEMIA chair: Peter Mozellus, Department of Computer and Systems Sciences, Stockholm University, Sweden Speakers • Kartikay Saini, Chairman, Scottish High International School • Dr Sarvesh Naidu, Director, Pathways World School • Sanjay Sharma, CEO, Tata Interactive Systems • Erick Archer, Product Line Strategy Manager, Education Technology, Texas Instruments • Ashok Jangra, National Business Manager, BenQ India • Simmi Kher, Coordinator India, Tony Blair Faith Foundation • Vinod Dua, Business Head, Advanced Technologies, Cisco India • Rajesh Shethia, Head Sales & Marketing,Tata Interactive System • Ajay Kapoor, Director, Oracle Education Initiatives The session deliberates on key issues in the school education sector. Keeping pace with students who are becoming more tech-savvy, schools are taking to the concept of digital classrooms — a new education technology that assists teachers with course-ware and maintenance support in digital format. Not just technology, schools are adopting diverse and innovative ways of teaching and learning. Changing patterns of teaching and learning in school education today is prime need, which can be promoted with the help of innovations in technology that have impacted the school education system. Global trends in classroom teaching systems should be adopted in future classrooms. The panelists talked about methodologies to digitise classrooms. Future classroom should be designed to meet global expectations, which can be achieved with industry acdemia collaborations. The future classroom has to keep pace with the changing role of learner and
L-R: Ajay Kapoor, Ashok Jangra, Rajesh Shethia, Kartikay Saini, Dr Sarvesh Naidu, Peter Mozellus, Erick Archer, Simmi Kher, Vinod Dua
educator. Panelists also shared that future class room scenario will have boundary less classes, with no language bar. They will be closer to real life scenario and will follow the concept of ‘do more retain more’. Suggestions: • Empower teachers • Paper based and activity based learning should go together • ICT enabled education
Dr Veera Gupta
Creating Excellence in School Education: Fundamentals for Policy Makers, Practitioners and Educationists chair: Dr Anita Priyadarshini, Director, Distance Education Programe-SSA , Indira Gandhi National Open University Speakers • Veena Raizada, Head-Academics, Next Education • Amit Gupta, CEO, S Chand Group • Tammy Hoskins, Director - International Curriculum, Ryan Intl Group of Institutions • Shweta Khurana, Education Manager, Corporate Affairs Group, Intel • Shraman Jha, SVP, School Learning Solution, NIIT Ltd • Dr Anjalee Praksah, CEO, Learning Links Foundation • Seetha Murthy, Principal, Silver Oak School • Kalpesh Gajanand, GM, Mexus Education
Rita Wilson
Kartikay Saini
L-R: Tammy Hoskins, Veena Raizada, Dr Anjalee Prakash, Amit Gupta, Dr Anita Priyadarshini, Kalpesh Gajanand, Shraman Jha, Shweta Khurana
august / 2011 www.digitallearning.in
digitalLEARNING
13
report SCHOOL TRACK Univeralisation of School Education: Strategies for Achieving Millennium Development Goals (MDG) in Education chair: Rita Wilson, Former Deputy Secretary, Council for the Indian Centrificate examinations(CISCE)
L-R: Dinesh K Saxena, Sharman Jha, Dr Dinesh Kumar, Rita Wilson, Dr Melor Md Yunus, Amit Khanna, Rama Prasad Rao
Dr Dinesh Kumar
Dinesh K Saxena
Dr D V Sharma
Many countries across the world are seeking to adapt their education systems to the needs of contemporary society, thereby resulting in expectations for schools and school leaders to change. The aim of this session was to design key strategies to promote excellence in school education and to see the global case studies and best practices that have improved quality and enrolment in schools. Session focused on very important points, which lead to excellence in school education. Assessmentdriven curriculum design evaluation, and curriculum analysis is very crucial to create excellence. To address the challenges in creating excellence, bringing parity to different IQs and skill issues, there is a requirement of collaborative schooling and pooling of teaching talents to create out of box thinking attitude. It had been highlighted in the session that the elementary school system is the foundation upon which edifice of a nation’s education system stands. There is a need for collaboration between different systems of education. Suggestions • Collaborative schooling • Pooling of teaching talents • Creating “out-of-box” thinking attitude: • Needs convergence of vision between policy maker, practitioners and educationists • Resource support through technology • Infrastructure that facilitates learning and promotes the objectives of inclusion
Jayshree Periwal, Dr Alka Bhargava
/ 2011 14 digitalLEARNING august www.digitallearning.in
Speakers • Dinesh K Saxena, State Project Director, Jharkhand Education Project Council • Sharman Jha Vice President, School Learning Solution, NIIT Limited • Dr Veera Gupta, Secretary, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) • Dr Dinesh Kumar, Joint Commissioner, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) • Dr Melor Md Yunus, Deputy Director of PERMATApinter National Gifted Centre, National University of Malasiya • Amit Khanna, Director, Business Development -India, N Computing • Rama Prasad Rao, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Government of Andhra Pradesh Government initiatives across the world have seen intense efforts in universalisation of primary education. Off late, efforts are also moving towards universalisation of secondary school education. The session discussed strategies for the universalisation of school education and highlighted issues pertaining to universalisation and achievement of MDG proposed by United Nations. In this century, we have been struggling with the universalisation of school education. Today, notion of literacy is no longer restricted to reading, writing and numeracy. Education has to help create an environment that is conducive to the cultural economic and social development of the people of this country. The out of school children, drop-out rate, which is still heavy in the country, are constraint in achieving MDG. Other concerns that interrupts the socio-economic growth includes indifferent community, largely zeal-less teachers, inertia in the administrative machinery, and female lliteracy. CBSE from the past three-Five Year Plans has been focusing on four objectives to universalise education: equity, access, relevance and quality, which has been reflecting in the various scholarships and schemes like vocationalisation of education, CTET test for quality teachers, CCE. Right to education, access to school and facilities, problems in vocationalisation like perception of inferiority, no direct linkage with job need to be addressed. There is a great need of Public Private Partnership for addressing difficulties in pursuing higher education. Private sector also showcased their innovations and solutions to give a boost to MDG. NIIT Limited talked
SCHOOL TRACK report
on Nguru solutions’ role in MDG. He emphasised that the promises we made under MDG should be kept. Ncomputing showcased it’s desktop virtualisation that can minimise cost of computing. Solutions to achieve MDG: • Enrollment to retention, • Community mobilisation • Smooth transaction: elementary to secondary • Policy driven accreditation of schools • Financial inclusion of students • Emphasis on skill development • Provision of Rs.231233 Crore for the plan period 2010-11 to 2014-15 School Education Leadership Conclave: Building Visionary Schools of the 21st Century chair: Dr Alka Bhargva, Director, Bureau of School Education, Department of School Educaton and literacy, Ministry of Human Reseource Development, Government of India Speakers • Nalini Chandran, Director, The Shobha Academy • John Chandy, CEO, Kooh Sports • Jayshree Periwal, Director, Step by Step Groups of Schools • Dheeraj Mehrotra, DGM(Product Enablement, K-12), S Chand Harcourt • Amol Arora, Managing Director, Shemrock & Shemford Group of Schools • Nagraj G Honnekeri, State Project Director, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Goa • Umashankar V, President, Pearson Schools The education leadership gave their vision talk on the future of education. The session deliberated the strategies that will usher in a new era in education. The purpose of the session was to understand the issues and challenges in managing secondary school education and prepare a response to resolve them. School has to convert the child’s innate abilities into capabilities to meet the challenges of real life. Schools should enable children to cope up with changing world with technological advancement and along with flexibility to excel in any field of his choice. Panelists discussed the vision for 21st century provision of a particular environment for academic excellence and all round development for schools. Suggestions for 21st century schools • Need for visionary educational leaders in the society • Teacher-led learning is needed to change to collaborative learning and research and discovery based learning • From ‘school-centric’ learning to anywhere/any-
L-R: John Chandy, Amol Arora, Nalini Chandran, Jayshree Periwal, Dr Alka Bhargava, Umashankar V, Nagraj G Honnekeri, Dheeraj Mehrotra
time learning, flexible learning schedules, technology enabled /assisted learning • Role of the school should change from the ‘centre’ of learning to ‘another place’ of learning From Conventional Assessment Practices to Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE): A Review of Best Practices chair: Mark Parkinson, Director, Shri Ram Schools Speakers • Prof DV Sharma, General Secretary, COBSE • Dr Kuldeep Agarwal, Director(Academics), National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) • Dr Peter Balyta, Executive Director, Global Product Strategy, Education Technology, Texas Instruments • Murli KS , CEO, 24X7 Guru • Kalpesh Bordwekar, General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Mexus Education • Rachna Swarup, Project Manager, Teacher Training, NIIT Limited • Deepa Bhushan, Head of Curriculum, Kangaroo Kids Education Limited, (KKEL) At the centre of the transformation that school education is undergoing presently is the new perspective on assessment and its relationship to the teaching-learning process. In recent years, there has been a growing concern for improving the quality of achievement of all learners at elementary and secondary level. Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) has been one of the major reforms in the School Education Sector in India. The panelists talked about various aspects of assessment. Session discussed the need of continuous assessments to support learning in schools and most importantly the key differences in conventional assessments systems and CCE. There are many challenges in adoption of CCE.
august / 2011 www.digitallearning.in
Amol Arora
Nagraj G Honnekeri
Nalini Chandran
digitalLEARNING
15
report SCHOOL TRACK
Dr Kuldeep Agarwal
L-R: Dr Peter Balyta, Prof DV Sharma, Deepa Bhushan, Murli KS, Mark Parkinson, Rachna Swarup, Dr Kuldeep Agarwal, Kalpesh Bordwekar
There are more than 40 boards in the country but only few boards like CBSE, Kerala board, and Haryana board has adopted this evaluation. There is a lot of criticism among schools for CCE. Though CCE is there in schools but serious considerations are lacking. Awareness and discussion on CCE is required. The role of teacher is important in CCE. Many teachers are not clear with CCE therefore extensive training is required. Conventional assessment practices stress on summative assessment for pass/fail. It does not focus on higher order outcomes. It is stresses not learner friendly. On the other hand, CCE stress not merely on cognitive domain but it attempts at identifying and recognizing/rewarding individual ability in diverse fields.
Dr Agarwal in the session suggested its model of CCE that is in text questions exercises in every lesson of study materials for self-evaluation. Tutor marked assignments, two public examination in a year, on deemed examination, and life skills being integrated into the curriculum and study materials of all subjects for comprehension levels of fundamentals in a child’s mind were emphasised SUGGESTIONS: • Re-look at the entire teaching learning process • Modifications that the entire school system, and all stakeholders have to make • Being truly child centric • Teacher’s Training • Re-allocation of funds and resources
Mark Parkinson
Dr Anita Priyadarshini
digitalLEARNING Education Technology Resource Guide 2011 tions. The Largest Compilation of Education Technology Products and Services from educational institu
Your chance to get featured in the only guide for technology buyers from educational institutions.
For Business Enquiries Contact: Fahim Ul Haque, fahim@elets.in, M: +91-8860651632 For Editorial Enquiries Contact: Sheena Joseph, sheena@elets.in, M: +91-8860651644
/ 2011 16 digitalLEARNING august www.digitallearning.in
SCHOOL TRACK report
Vocational Education for Social Change UPSCALING VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND SKILL TRAINING THROUGH OPEN SCHOOLING: TRENDS AND CHALLENGES chair: Dr K P Wasnik, Director, Vocational Education, NIOS, Government of India
L-R: Dr K P Wasnik, Terry Neal, Albert Joseph, Dr Saurabh Prabhakar, Uma Tuli, Dr Alka Bhargava
Uma Tuli
Terry Neal
Dr K P Wasnik
World Education Summit has organised a special session in association with National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) on trends and challenges in upscaling vocational education and skill training through open schooling. Dr K P Wasnik, Director, Vocational Education, NIOS, Government of India started the session by highlighting the immense opportunities in agriculture, industries and properly planned vocational training system, which will equip and facilitate the creation of technically qualified entrepreneurs. It faces certain challenges with regard to expansion, equity, and access and cost effectiveness. We need to change the quality; faculty training, recognition and accreditation need to be addressed. NIOS had planned this special session to address these challenges and encourage new ventures. Uma Tuli discussed about education is not merely a social change but also a creative force which reshapes and remodels society in the desired way. To make it more meaningful it is important to introduce skill training as part of the educational curriculum from primary level. Infact, it is the holistic approach that makes inclusion a reality. Terry Neal discussed about the vocational training in New Zealand. She defined vocational education as the acquisition of practical skills, attitudes, understanding and knowledge relating to occupations in sectors of economic and social life. She discussed three models of vocational education- formal secondary, formal tertiary, informal training, which can be modeled in any three sectors- private, public and non-governmental organisations. Saurabh Prakash focused on the application of the
Speakers • Uma Tuli, Coordinator, Accredited Vocational Institute (AVI), National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) • Terry Neal, Flexible Learning Manager, Open Polytechnic, New Zealand • Albert Joseph, Executive Director, FVTRS, Bangalore • Dr Saurabh Prabhakar, Professor, Central Institute for Vocational Education, Bhopal • Alka Bhargava, Director, Bureau of School Education, MHRD, Government of India open and distance learning methods to achieve the targets of Millennium Development Goals and encourage educational technology. He said there is a need to develop Management Information System for continuous monitoring and feedback, develop suitable material for learners print as well as non- print. We need to train the trainers and ensure quality and monitoring. He mentioned about various projects to upscale Vocational training programs including Hunar Project in Bihar, Udan Project in J & K, Don Bosco Model, RUDSETI and MGNAREGA future target. Albert Joseph deliberated about rising situation of school dropouts as there are limited courses for such community of students. “We observe that learning materials for students is vernacular and we need to create an environment for women to attend vocational training. The future of vocational training wishes to create a common platform to all the stakeholders and promote trade diversification,” he said Alka Bhargava focused on vocational skills to be embedded in the vocational sector to link between the general education and vocational education. “There is lack of uniformity in the courses so we need to update and reform such a connectivity to help a student to aspire for higher education. There is no recognition of the education given to the artisans. Vocational training has very low partnerships and business ventures in the market. We need to develop a competency based framework to form a standardised set up. We perceive to have a cell in the CBSE in the near future for vocational learning” she said
august / 2011 www.digitallearning.in
digitalLEARNING
17
higher education
report
Promoting Collaborations in Higher Education The World Education Summit 2011 held exclusive sessions on higher education during 13 July – 15 July 2011. There were discussions on pertinent issues like India’s move towards a knowledge economy in a globalised world, distance learning and the role of technology in education, skills development, accreditation and assessment. Report:
L-R: Prof R P Agrawal, Prof Dinesh Singh, Prof V S Ramamurthy, HE Prasad Kariyawasam and Prof V Rajasekharan Pillai
Session: IMPERATIVES FOR GROWTH IN A KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY: PERSPECTIVES FROM THE LEADERSHIP Moderator Prof R P Agrawal, Chairman, BoG, IIT Delhi
Prof Dinesh Singh
Prof Pankaj Mittal
Speakers • Prof V S Ramamurthy, Director, National Institute of Advance Sciences (NIAS) • Prof Dinesh Singh, Vice Chancellor, University of Delhi • HE Prasad Kariyawasam, High Commissioner for Sri Lanka to India • Dr Pankaj Mittal, Vice Chancellor, BPS Women’s University The aim of this session was to discuss India’s transition to a knowledge economy – an economy that creates, disseminates and uses knowledge to enhance its growth. Discussants argued for globally competitive institutions and good researchers who are also good teachers for a strong research and teaching community.
/ 2011 18 digitalLEARNING august www.digitallearning.in
Drawing on past examples of knowledge driving the economy in India, it was brought to the notice of everyone present how Indian merchants, when they went to Europe for purposes of trade, saved journey time than their European counterparts because of the nautical tables they used. This not only helped save time but also ensured transport of goods better and safely. The question raised was, is knowledge still driving the economy in India? For various reasons, education institutions in India have become silos. As the Indian economy is growing, it is growing independent of any great educational institution inputs. As this growth is not coming from the knowledge sector, the question arises that can this growth sustain itself? Just having industrial growth and high-tech products is not enough as India enters different markets in different parts of the world. A common concern that emerged throughout the session was, divesting education from the real world is harmful. Knowledge that comes from the undergraduates must be integrated into systematised knowledge and the emphasis should be on inter-disciplinarily studies. For example, in health, the best solutions are today coming from technologists and mathematicians. Such interdisciplinary studies, therefore, have to be encouraged and promoted. Certain key suggestions that came out from the session were • Knowledge should create innovators and should not be driven by rote learning to pass exams and get jobs • Identify capable students and introduce them to the teaching culture during their higher education under a mentor • India needs to harness experts on politics and economy of the countries whose markets she enters • Apart from ICT skills, the 21st century knowledge economy also demands soft skills such as prob-
higher education
report
lem-solving, effective communication, team work, analytical skills . • It is important to improve the Research and Development infrastructure in India Session: IMPROVING GROSS ENROLLMENT RATIO AND MANAGING QUALITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTES: HOW TO BRIDGE A BALANCE (Special Session in Collaboration with IGNOU) Chair Prof K Kannan, Vice-Chancellor, Nagaland University Speakers • Prof Ajoy Kumar Ray, Vice Chancellor, Bengal Engineering & Science University • Prof Pankaj Jalote, Director and Professor, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) • Dr Ifeanyi Paul I., National Open University of Nigeria • Dr C Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor, O P Jindal Global University • Prof Dinesh Singh, Vice Chancellor, University of Delhi Presentations and discussions in this session steered towards the fact that the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) cannot be spoken of without associating it with retention. Retention is possible only when there is a sensitivity and understanding about where the students come from. The role of ICTs in improving GER was also discussed in this session. Further, there were thoughts that there should be a move from regulation to self-disclosure regimes by the government. Session: IT FOR EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION AND GOVERNANCE This session saw deliberations upon designing and developing appropriate learning environments based
L-R: Prof K S Rangappa, Dr Vinay Kumar Pathak, Dr B K Murthy
L-R: Prof Pankaj Jalote, Prof K Kannan, Dr Paul Ifeanyi, Prof Ajoy Kumar Ray, Dr C Raj Kumar, Prof Dinesh Singh
Moderator Dr. Vinay Kumar Pathak, Vice Chancellor, Uttarakhand Open University Speakers • Dr BK Murthy, Director, Head, National Knowledge Network Division, Ministry of Communications and IT, Department of Information Technology, Government of India • K S Rangappa, Vice Chancellor, Karnataka State Open University Plans and recommendations • Mesfin Benhur, General Manager, Wireless and Networking Solutions, APAC, Motorola on sound pedagogical and didactical principles to ensure optimal learning in new environments. It emphasised the importance of keeping abreast with developments in learning theory and to identify and anticipate shifts in learning paradigms to be able to adopt and adapt educational technologies. Collaboration, interaction and sharing emerged as the key paradigms for quality education and innovation during the session. It was suggested that the government could act as a catalyst towards this end. The government could take steps to ensure an agile, responsive, and unified organisational structure for information technology planning at universities; plan and deploy an integrated, comprehensive and robust networking and telecommunications infrastructure to support all types of digital communications. The session also highlighted the need to deploy and operate a “next generation” information environment to support pervasive and aggressive use of Information Technology (IT) in all facets of university life. It focused on developing standards and purchasing programmes for hardware and software that could ensure a manageable and least cost maintenance programme campus-wide.
august / 2011 www.digitallearning.in
Prof V S Ramamurthy
Dr C Raj Kumar
Prof Pankaj Jalote
Mesfin Benhur
digitalLEARNING
19
INDIRA GANDHI NATI Maidan Garhi, New Delhi
IGNOU leading the ict way • In just four years, IGNOU has, in the face of stiff competition from both public and private institutions almost trebled the number of students on its rolls from 1.1 million to about 3.5 million • Has contributed over 11 lakh professionals to the country’s talent pool so far since its inception in 1985 – thus working towards its twin goals in the Decade of Innovation – providing Inclusive Growth and enhancing Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) • Reached out to the unreached and the marginalised by offering a slew of programmes for jail inmates sex workers, differently-abled • Provided an alternative educational system by setting up 517 Community Colleges across the country • Reached out to the Armed Forces with initiatives like Gyan Deep with the Indian Army and Akashdeep with the Indian Air Force • Ushered in a new era of multimedia and ICT-enabled education through initiatives like Edusat, FlexiLearn and the newly launched website on IT Mass Literacy Programme of the Department of Information Technology (DIT), Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Govt. of India • Producing industry-ready managers for several sectors by partnering with public and private sector institutions • Establishing a global educational footprint with over 42,000 students enrolled at its 67 Overseas Study Centres in over 40 countries • Diversifying educational delivery through on-campus, online and distance learning modes
Impressive Growth in Receipts…
Powered by Student Fees…
ONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY – 110068, India, www.ignou.ac.in
Have a query for IGNOU? An SMS will get you the answer Keeping in mind the huge numbers the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) caters to, the university has launched its second level of SMS alerts service enabling students who are on its rolls as well as the prospective ones to send their queries to IGNOU by SMS. Students can SMS their queries at 9223051616. The query should be prefixed with IGNOU followed by space. For example: IGNOU What is the last date for submission of examination form? International students can also send in their queries on this number to IGNOU. Owing to IGNOU’s presence in over 40 countries this new initiative will benefit students all over the world who are more than 3.5 million as well as all other stakeholders including prospective students. Prior to this, IGNOU was sending SMS alerts to communicate with the learners. The SMS alert service was in existence since November 2008. Till date, more than 1 crore SMS were sent from different departments of IGNOU to its students and other stake holders. Now, with the launch of the latest query-on-SMS service, any one will be able to communicate to IGNOU using SMS. It is now moving towards a more interactive and accessible interface. IGNOU always has been the pioneer in the new-age enterprising initiatives. It has a slew of online courses, facility of video-conferencing lectures, online library and notes, using Edusat and FlexiLearn for ICT-enabled education are some of its new age multimedia interventions.
academic growth Academic Programmes Have Increased…
And So Has Faculty Strength…
And The Number of Consultants…
And The Number of RTAs…
report
higher education
Moderator Amit Khare, Joint Secretary, Department of Higher Education, MHRD, Govt of India Session Chair N K Sinha, Additional Secretary (TEL), Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India Speakers • Prof M J Xavier, Director, Indian Institute of Management, Ranchi • Prof P R Ramanujam, Pro Vice Chancellor, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) • Sumeet Verma, Head Higher Education, Intel Technology India Pvt. Ltd. L-R: Prof M J Xavier, Amit Khare, N K Sinha, Sumeet Verma, Prof P R Ramnujam
N K Sinha
Suggestions • Infuse IT into appropriate areas of university teaching and learning • Establish standards for delivery systems in technology classrooms • Establish comprehensive career paths for IT staff across the campus, including competitive salaries and opportunities for professional growth and advancement • Provide extensive computer training opportunities for the university community • Acquire an integrated library management system and increase digital library information holdings • Develop goals and policy for the use of e-mail for official university business, academics and research • Formally establish an Information Technology Coordinating Council (ITCC) for academic computing and instructional technology services
turn this section of the population into a skilled and qualified force. Learning in silos should be broken to bring greater diversity on the table. Suggestions • Most of the costly technologies and softwares are web-enabled, hence, can be shared among all learning institutes • Low-cost devices should be produced (like the computers at US$35 declared by the Government of India last year, that is now at the production stage) to be made available to students in India • Direct Transmission to Home (DTH) channels to be made available on computers, which are low cost, for students so that they can access educational channels and programmes on air • Integration of haptic simulators with the vocational modules • All educational processes should be archived
Amit Khare
Prof M J Xavier
Prof K Kannan
Session: CREATING A LANDSCAPE FOR FOSTERING DIVERSITY AND ENCOURAGING INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION AND SKILLS TRAINING The emerging trend of ‘internalisation’ was discussed during the session and it was arrived at that India should look at other parts of the world other than the US and UK for learning collaborations. The need of the hour is to develop globally competitive workforce who can be absorbed anywhere. Discussants reiterated that learning should be a collaborative and community approach, and content should be pedagogically effective and competent. Students should be able to mix and match what he or she wants to learn; thus, content should be available to this end. Discussants also asserted that if the system cannot absorb the unskilled and unqualified, “we will not be able to achieve our development goals.” Hence, it is important to come up with modules to
/ 2011 22 digitalLEARNING august www.digitallearning.in
Session: INTERNATIONAL PRACTICES IN ASSESSMENT, ACCREDITATION, EVALUATION AND QUALITY STANDARDS IN HIGHER EDUCATION This session deliberated upon the diverse range of practices in accreditation, audits, institutional aca-
L-R: Rajeev Menon, Biswajit Mukherjee, Prof H A Ranganath, Dr Thomas Christie
higher education
report
Moderator Prof H A Ranganath, Director, National Assessment & Accreditation Council (NAAC) Speakers • Dr. Thomas Christie, Director, The Aga Khan University Examination Board • Rajeev Menon, GM and Head of Innovations and New Products Development, MeritTrac Services • Biswajit Mukherjee, International Center for Academics, College of Distance Education and Online Studies, Nepal
demic reviews, evaluation and other quality assurance activities at the programme, institutional, national and regional levels, as well as audits in higher education institutions. It was brought to focus that for the first time, institutions during Assessment and Accreditation are being challenged with queries including accessibility to the physically challenged and being sensitive to their needs, adoption of energy efficient systems, water harvesting and conservation efforts, eco-friendliness and quests towards a carbon neutral campus. The major highlights included: Internationally accepted accreditation framework needs to be developed, accreditation to facilitate mutual recognition of programmes, and accreditation as a step towards global ranking has to be ensured.
L-R: Prof Ajoy Kumar Ray, Prasanna Goudar, Deepankar Bhattacharya, Dr C K Ghosh, Prof Fong Soon Fook
Moderator Prof Ajoy Kumar Ray, Vice Chancellor, Bengal Engineering & Science University Speakers • Prasanna Goudar, Vice President, Pearson Education Services • Prof Fong Soon Fook, School of Educational Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia • Deepankar Bhattacharyya, Senior Manager – India (Education Programmes), Autodesk • Dr C K Ghosh, Director, National Centre for Innovations in Distance Education, IGNOU • Kapil Khandelwal, yGen Management Consulting Pvt. Ltd.
Challenges • Accreditation in the current global practice is very complex, not in accordance with the changing scenario in education service sector • Accreditation has to be in accordance with the new modes of programme delivery like ODL, online, and m-Learning • Accreditation policies need to have a more global approach than a local approach • Accreditation policies should be in accordance with new educational standardisation approaches like ISO
Challenges • Change the status quo in education • Create a new mind-set of academics and stakeholders • Retraining of faculty members • Develop scientific temper (i.e., the inquisitiveness to question) among students • Merge real life applications with scientific theories
Session: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS (STEM) EDUCATION: ELEMENTS TO DRIVE INNOVATION AND DISCOVERY This session focused on STEM education, a move world-over to promote a drive towards innovation and scientific discovery, as well as to maintain a nation’s economic competitiveness. The session discussed the importance of STEM education in a globalised economy, strategies used by educational institutions to adopt STEM education, and policies, practices and case studies that have promoted STEM education across the globe.
Session: CHANGING DYNAMICS OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN A GLOBALISED CONTEXT: ENVISIONING STRATEGIES FOR THE FUTURE Speakers in this session discussed changing patterns of higher education and accreditation in a globalised context, curriculum practices, need for maintaining quality standards in education, and challenges and opportunities for higher education in the changing times. They also emphasised the majority of problems faced by the management or an administrator in an educational institute is due to wrong information, no information or delayed information to the concerned stakeholder in the system. They brainstormed on methods to remedy this.
august / 2011 www.digitallearning.in
Prof H A Ranganath
Prof Fong Soon Fook
Prof Ajoy Kumar Ray
Dr C K Ghosh
digitalLEARNING
23
report
higher education
Moderator Dr Darlie Koshy, DG & CEO-IAM & ATDC Speakers • Ranjan Choudhury, Principal, Programme Development, National Skill Development Corporation • Manfred Haebig, Manager, GIZ • A S Kumar, Head, Infrastructure Advisory Division, Fortress Financial Services • Goeffrey Conaghan, Commissioner to India, State Government of Victoria, Australia • Manish Upadhyay, COO, EnglishEdge
L-R: Shantanu Rooj, Dipankar Choudhury, Dr Seema Parihar, Dr Sandhya Chintala, Divya Bhasin, Sandhya Guness, Pureza Veloso
Moderator Dr Sandhya Chintala, Senior Director-Education Initiatives, NASSCOM
Dr Sandhya Chintala
Pureza Valdehueza Veloso
Goeffrey Conaghan
Manfred Haebig
Speakers • Pureza Valdehueza Veloso, President, Cebu International Distance Education College • Sandhya Gunness, Lecturer, University of Mauritius • Divya Bhasin, CTO, EnglishEdge • Dipankar Choudhury, Managing Director, yGen Management Consulting Pvt Ltd • Dr Seema Parihar, Joint Director, Developing Countries Research Centre, University of Delhi • Shantanu Rooj, Director, Glodyne Technoserve Limited
Suggestions • Use mobile technology for learning and exchanging information • Students should be accommodated as interns in the industry during vacations for real-time experience • Cloud computing that comes with no capital investment and is scalable and accessible on demand across the Internet, should be invested upon by the educational institutes on a pay-peruse basis, eliminating upfront investment costs • Collaborative Digital Learning methodologies: Hybridisation of face-to-face and online teaching methods • High levels of interactivity to aid the traditional teaching programmes Session: EMPLOYABILITY GAP IN HIGH GROWTH SECTORS: IMPLICATIONS FOR AN EXPANDING ECONOMY In a growing global population that still falls short of skilled workforce, the session deliberated upon best practices to promote skills training to the youth, effective policy reforms to create quality in skills training,
/ 2011 24 digitalLEARNING august www.digitallearning.in
and strategies for aligning education with employability skills. There were also discussions on accelerating the process of setting up vocational universities and clusters across all the states in India and in integrating the industry with vocational training. During the session, what was also touched upon is the expanding German economy and relationship with India that can be tapped through skill development. Suggestions • The Indian textile and fashion industry is in great demand and requires many skilled people. The academia and industry need to address this together. So is the case with Bollywood which requires animators, editors etc. in a large scale
L-R: Manfred Haebig, Ranjan Choudhury, Geoffrey Conaghan, Dr Darlie Koshy, A S Kumar, Manish Upadhyay
•
•
•
•
Like in Germany, even in India, while imparting skills training, an individual should be an ‘employee’ rather than a ‘trainee’ Campaign against the stigma associated with vocational training and encourage industry participation in government-sponsored schemes Evolve a better institutional and regulatory framework for increased private sector participation in existing or new ITIs Evolve a mechanism for ensuring regional participation and micro level development encouraging the unreached population’s participation in vocational training through PPP
report
higher education track
Distributed Education Through Technology and Collaboration A special session on ‘Open Universities in the Digital Era’ was organised in collaboration with the Distance Education Council at the World Education Summit (WES) 2011. This session charted out a roadmap for all kinds of education from primary level to the university. It foresaw a technology-driven education scenario where few years down the line, the best lectures will be available online
L to R: Dr Vikas Gupta, Dr Kannan Mani Moudgalya, Dr AM Sherry, Prof K R Srivathsan
Speakers • Prof K R Srivathsan, Pro Vice Chancellor, Indira Gandhi National Open University • Dr Kannan Mani Moudgalya, Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Bombay • Dr AM Sherry, Professor, Information Technology, IMT, Ghaziabad • Dr Vikas Gupta, Director, Distance Education Council, Indira Gandhi National Open University
The Distance Education Council (DEC) special session touched upon the pertinent issue of how Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) don’t use softwares because they are expensive. Solutions are required to tackle this impediment. Educational softwares are important, especially those that can be used for the benefit of linguistically minority groups. Discussants called for collaborations to create such softwares to benefit diverse linguistic groups as well as rural areas, / 2011 26 digitalLEARNING august www.digitallearning.in
where aspirations are very high. Additionally, it emphasised the importance of training teachers and students to use these educational softwares. Operating costs of the SMEs, it was suggested, could be reduced by eliminating print materials, sharing educators across multiple courses, standardising, replicating and delivering digital content, and integrating social media into teaching and learning. The role of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in integrating the left-out population into mainstream education was also deliberated upon by the participants. Not everyone is fortunate enough to go to college and pursue education and many have to forgo formal education owing to family responsibility, financial crisis and other concerns. ODL can and does immensely contribute to bring individuals into the mainstream. Suggestions • Peer-to-peer interaction is a challenge in ODL • Distance learning will soon become distributed learning. India needs an openly published course management framework, especially with regard to ODL • Strong ties between industry and academia to be developed • Develop pathways for research and development, innovation and entrepreneurship • Improve quality of interactivity and increase learner participation in education endeavours • Transformational change in the process of registration, learner support and evaluation • Integrating industry, economy and societal needs • Make curricula flexible • Enhance interdisciplinary education • Make education relevant and choice-based, including sturdy practical applications related to real life experiences.
vocational EDUCATION and Skills training track
report
Preparing Students to be Job-Ready A special session on ‘Community Colleges- Opportunities and Challenges’ was organised in association with the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Community College Unit on 13 July 2011 at the World Education Summit 2011 in New Delhi
CHAIR: Dr Kiran Bedi, IPS (Retd), Director, Navjyoti – IGNOU Community College
L-R: Dr Rewa Thapar,Chandni Bedi, Dr Kiran Bedi, Lt. Gen. S.P. Kochar, Prof G Pankajam, Pallavi Kumar
The session saw the presence of prominent practitioners from community colleges all across India, who shared with the audience the need for community colleges, challenges, best practices and success stories. Chaired by eminent social reformer Kiran Bedi, the session arrived at a significant outcome with strong implications of growth for the future.
Dr Kiran Bedi
Crucial issues The key speakers elucidated how community colleges are experimenting with rural entrepreneurship on the basis of a need-based curriculum identified by the community. To boost these institutions, it was suggested that the curriculum should be updated regularly and handson training be provided to the students by taking the lab to the field. It was held that these colleges should also aim at developing the confidence of the students, especially through interactions based on love and respect between the students and teachers. Community colleges should also encourage students to innovate during their coursework to create further knowledge. Discussants also drew attention to the fact that ‘unemployability’ is as much a crucial issue in India as unemployment. It was highlighted that job-readiness comes only with soft skills – team spirit, the right attitude, communication skills, the ability to change, etc. Hence,
SPEAKERS • Prof Ananda Deb Mukhopadhayay, Former Vice Chancellor, Vidyasagar University • Dr Rewa Thapar, Faculty Town School – IGNOU Community College • Prof G Pankajam, Former Vice Chancellor, Gandhigram Rural University • Pallavi Kumar, Representative, Mohan Foundation – IGNOU Community College • Lt. Gen. S.P. Kochar, ARMY-IGNOU Community College • Chandni Bedi, Principal, Navjyoti – IGNOU Community College • Prof Kalyani, Vice Chancellor, Tamil Nadu Open University along with technical skills, it is very important to develop soft skills for tapping optimal human potential.Community colleges, therefore, should make soft skills an integral part of the curriculum. Case studies in innovation Many interesting innovations in the context of community colleges were discussed at the session. The Mohan Foundation - (IGNOU Community College), for example, is working towards creating a band of transplant coordinators in India, where they are not yet perceived as healthcare professionals. Organ donation management is an important and emerging profession because there is an acute demand for its services. Another encouraging case that came to light is the ARMY-IGNOU Community Colleges’ vocational education programme for the Army jawans. There are some 47 such colleges all over India and they issue certificates to the jawans for their work in the Army so that their experience in the Army doesn’t go unrecognised. They also train jawans on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and English speaking skills, so that they can begin a second career after the army with ease.
august / 2011 www.digitallearning.in
digitalLEARNING
27
INDIRA GANDHI NATI
Maidan Garhi, New Delhi
International Partners’ Meet @ A forum for exchange of ideas among
The Indira Gandhi National Open University had extended its outreach beyond the borders of the country. International Division was established on 16th October 1997 as a Cell and was upgraded to a Division in 2002. The university entered into bilateral and multi-lateral cooperation and alliances and has now centres in 40 countries. The phenomenal growth of open and distance learning in the international arena is a testimony to the increasing demand for Indian higher education. The system has attracted learners by its unique features such as relaxed entry schedule, flexibility of time and space, its cost effective quality education, needbased professional courses and contextualized course-curriculum.
ONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY – 110068, India, www.ignou.ac.in
World Education Summit 2011
IGNOU international partners
Participants from: Sri Lanka Kuwait Kenya Dubai Bahrain Qatar Nepal Singapore Muscat Mauritius Riyadh Dammam Sharjah Bangladesh Ivory Coast Kyrgyzstan London Saudi Arabia Papua New Guinea Botswana Malawi Rwanda Kaduna Mongolia Afghanistan ....and many more
report
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND SKILLS TRAINING TRACK
Education Development in the North East Region: Emerging Scenario The Education Development of the North East Regional Unit (EDNERU) of IGNOU organized a special session on the emerging scenario of education in the North Eastern states of India. The session was attended by key stakeholders in the education sector from States in the North East. The objectives of the session was to exchange ideas on challenges and opportunities in the education sector and explore avenues for vocational and skills training in the region
Prof Srivathsan pointed out that one of the most important method of promoting education in backward regions of India is to link ICT with development. The Community Knowledge Enterprise, he emphasized, can play an important role in inculcating common IT literacy among masses. The session provided insights into the work being done by IGNOU for promoting education in the North East. Indira Gandhi National Open University in its endeavour to bring quality education to the North East region has further expanded its activities in the region by establishing the IGNOU Institute for Vocational Education and Training (IIVET) at Shillong, Meghalaya to equip people with skills and knowledge to expand their life choices. Panelists at the round-table discussion
Speakers • Prof K R Srivathsan, Pro Vice Chancellor, Indira Gandhi National Open University • Prof Debjani Roy, Director, Centre for Traditional Knowledge Systems • Dr Bini Toms, Deputy Director, EDNERU Dr Bini Toms opened the session by highlighting the activities of the Educational Development of North East Region Unit (EDNERU), which was established with the objective of creating educational access and to equalize the opportunities of education and vocational training to the hitherto ‘unreached’ in the North East Region cutting across physical and geographical barriers. Prof Debjani Roy specified some of the activities of the Centre for Traditional Knowledge Systems, which has been in the process of assessing, analyzing and accrediting the traditional knowledge of North East region. / 2011 30 digitalLEARNING august www.digitallearning.in
Suggestions • The session highlighted a need to set standards for vocational education and training. IGNOU has been working towards this endeavour and has been promoting the accreditation and certification of traditional knowledge and vocational skills in the North East. • One of the key requirements that was pointed out was the need for faculty development and training workshops in order to update the skills of faculty members of educational institutes of the North East region. • It was also highlighted that skills development in the North East should not just focus on the organized sector but also on the unorganized sections. • There is also a need to integrate the indigenous knowledge of the traditional communities in the north east with modern trade and employment. Efforts have to be strengthened to ensure that indigenous knowledge are not wiped out by the onslaught of modern technologies and trade.
Recognising Global Innovation and Excellence in Education Objectives and Outcomes The World Education Awards were an integral part of the World Education Summit, instituted with the primary aim of felicitating innovative and unique initiatives in education in India and across the globe. The awards welcomed global leaders to present their innovative projects and share their ideas to educate others of the developments being undertaken by various organisations holding education technologies as their base. World Education Awards were open to all national and international, government and private organisations. More than 150 nominations were received from around the globe under various categories. The nominations were open to jury evaluation and public voting process.
World Education Public Choice Award Nominated projects were screened and put online for the public to vote. Projects that received the maximum number of votes under each category were given the World Education Public Choice Award. The public voting process received a whopping response with over 73, 812 voters from around the world casting their votes. World Education Jury Choice Award Nominations were screened by an eminent panel of jury members, who then chose the best project from each category. The selected project received the World Education Jury Choice Award
Guests of Honour
Loynpo Thakur S Powdyel Hon’ble Minister of Education Royal Government of Bhutan
Kris Srikkanth, Former Cricketer, Chairman, BCCI Selection Committee
Dr Taseer Al Nuaimi Minister of Education, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Prof V N Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice Chancellor, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
World Education Award Winners
Jury Members • Dr Thomas Christie, Director, Aga Khan University Examination Board • Naimur Rahman, Director,OneWorld South Asia,OneWorld International • Rita Wilson, Former Deputy Secretary, Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) • Dr Veera Gupta, Secretary, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) • Dr Dinesh Kumar, Joint Commissioner, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) • Prof. Vincent Ado Tenebe, Vice Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria • Prof Arun Nigavekar, Raja Ramanna Fellow and Former Chairman, University Grants Commission • BS Raghupathy, Joint Director, Department of Employment and Training, Government of Karnataka • Ashish Garg, ICT Specialist, India
august / 2011 www.digitallearning.in
digitalLEARNING
31
Best Green Campus Awards
HER HIGCATION EDUJury
ard Aw
Achievements * The Hindustan University received G-CUBE Award in the year 2008 for Good Green Governance of the campus
HER HIGCATION ic EDU ubl
P oice Ch ard Aw
Hindustan University Green Yuvatharang Hindustan University Bay Range Hindustan campus is built amidst a lush green stretch of over 150 acres abutting beautiful lakes. The green atmosphere is conducive for a calm and peaceful academic pursuit. The green campus has around 800 trees. This reduces the overall temperature in the campus by 3 to 4 degree Celsius. The project Hindustan University’s Green Yuvathanrang (HUGY) includes Rain Water Harvesting over 50,00,000 sq.ft. of area. A well designed effluent treatment plant (STP) has been established in 2005, which in turn feeds the ECO system.
achievements * The entire building is a non-smoking building thereby ensuring the health and safety of all its occupants. The project has achieved a combined recyclable content value of 12.63% of total material by cost
Website: www.hindustanuniv.ac.in
Great Lakes Green Campus Great Lakes Institute of Management The Institute is the first educational institute in India to have achieved LEED PLATINUM certification under LEED India NC version 1.0. Great Lakes Institute Campus sports many green features that directly contribute to the environment in terms of reduced energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, impact on the local environment and usage of natural resources. The institute has scored 52 points against 69 points which has enabled it to receive the Platinum rating. Website: www.greatlakes.edu.in
Best Higher Education Institute to Provide Global Student Exposure achievements * The Financial Times (FT) of London has ranked S P Jain’s Global MBA Program as 9th Best in Asia, 2nd Best for Value for Money, 3rd Best for Placement Success and 4th Best for International Mobility in January 2011
B-school with Campuses in Dubai-Singapore-Sydney SP Jain Center of Management The Institute was established in 2005 with campuses in DubaiSingapore-Sydney. SP Jain Center of Management runs several full-time programs apart from various specialised and executive education programs. Building on this successful track record for MBA programs, S P Jain took a step forward and launched its first Global BBA Program in 2010 with the focus of imparting complete education and inculcating a global mindset at an undergraduate level. S P Jain has thus, through contemporary pedagogy and industry relevant curriculum, moved from strength to strength, to emerge as one of the premier global business schools. Website: www.spjain.org
/ 2011 32 digitalLEARNING august www.digitallearning.in
HER HIGCATION ic EDU ubl
P oice Ch ard Aw
Best Higher Education Institute to Provide Global Student Exposure
Achievements * A double degree program enables students to receive degrees from two different universities. 20 students have so far participated in the programs
HER HIGCATION EDU
y Jurard Aw
UKM-UDE International Academic Collaboration Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia The international academic collaboration between Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (The National University of Malaysia) and Universitat DuisburgEssen in Germany started in 2000. The main focus is on joint educational offers, mobility of students, researchers and lecturers as well as initiation of research and development projects which are connecting the German and South East Asian regions.
Best ICT Enabled Higher Education Institute of the Year
HER HIGCATION ic EDU ubl
P oice Ch ard Aw
achievements college received the Award for Best upcoming Engineering College in Punjab by Indian Achievers Podium and the International Intellectual Achievement Award by Global Achievers Foundation
* The
Technical Education to Rural/SubUrban Youth Seth Nand Lal Bajaj Educational & Charitable Society The project aims to impart higher technical education to the students of rural areas of Punjab. With this objective, the promoting body of Seth Nand Lal Bajaj Educational & Charitable Society started technical educational institutes in the rural area. The society has started three engineering colleges and a polytechnic college for students.
Website: www.ukm.my
Website: www.spcetlalru.com
Best ICT Enabled Higher Education Institute of the Year achievements * The system is in use for the past 9-months across the University and has recorded almost 50,000 unique files and more than 1,16,000 file movements during this period
File Tracking System (FTS) Jamia Millia Islamia
HER HIGCATION EDU
y Jurard Aw
The File Tracking System developed by the FTK-Centre for Information Technology, Jamia Millia Islamia attempts to facilitate users to track their files using their computers and also to find out genuine overload in offices. Within nine-months of its implementation, the system has compiled information on 49,969 unique files created by university users. As system usage continues to grow, it would provide extremely useful data for analysis of organisational processes and their improvement. The system is capable of providing information such as movement of files through different offices with date and action, the top-notch departments which receives/send files, the average hops-per file in the University etc. Website: www.jmi.ac.in august / 2011 www.digitallearning.in
digitalLEARNING
33
Best Interface Between Academia and Industry in Higher Education
Achievements * There has been a steady increase in campus placements every year. The project has increased exposure of staff and students to the latest in the industry
HER HIGCATION ic EDU ubl
P oice Ch ard Aw
Bridging the Industrial and Academia Divide at Hindustan Hindustan University This project was started with the objective of bridging the gap between academia and industry under the Industry Academia initiative at Hindustan University. The university entered into an understanding and tie – up with various industries to accomplish the goals of Bridging the Industrial and Academia Divide at Hindustan (BIADH). For example, more than 500 students were trained on technical skills as designed by Infosys, under Campus Connect program.
HER HIGCATION EDU
y Jurard Aw
achievements GTU innovation Sankuls, involving 250,000 students, 10,000 faculties and more than 300 Udisha Clubs in Colleges across Gujarat are being linked to SMEs in industrial estates
* 25
GTU Innovation Council Gujarat Technological University GTU Innovation Council’s first objective is to nurture creativity and innovation within the University community. GTU Innovation Council has set up 25 GTU Innovation Sankuls. The Council is setting up Udisha (Universal Development of Integrated Skills through Higher Education) Clubs in every GTU Institution for mapping every technology student with an appropriate industry and for developing soft-skills of the students. Website: www.gtu.ac.in
Website: wwww.hindustanuniv.ac.in
Best Innovation in Open and Distance Learning Practices achievements * IMT has been awarded the Best B-School in Distance Learning (Dainik Bhaskar Feb 2010); Outlook (Carrers 360) IMT-CDL as No. 1 in Aug, 2010; IMT-CDL No. 1 in Learning & Experience, Hindustan Times, 11 Aug, 2010
Post Graduate Diploma in Management IMT-Center for Distance Learning Post Graduate Diploma in Management, approved by DEC, PGDM approved by DEC, Ministry of HRD with effect from July 2007 was started for the benefit of working professionals. It provides quality Distance Education for working professionals. The programme incorporates digital library, video conferencing, innovative workshops with live webcasting, online classes though webex, online examinations, online assignments, digital study material, recorded lectures on website, online mentoring and face to face faculty interaction. The model is a convenient and flexible mode for students and working professionals. Website: www.imt.edu
/ 2011 34 digitalLEARNING august www.digitallearning.in
HER HIGCATION ic EDU ubl
P oice Ch ard Aw
Best Innovation in Open and Distance Learning Practices
Achievements * In a first-ofits-kind event, the Honorable PM of India will be addressing all universities in India on August 15th, 2011 through A-VIEW
HER HIGCATION EDU
y Jurard Aw
Amrita Virtual Interactive E-Learning World (A-VIEW) Amrita E-Learning Research Lab (Amrita University) Amrita Virtual Interactive E-Learning World (A-VIEW), is a project undertaken by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, for providing and promoting quality education. The MHRD is distributing A-VIEW, an E-Learning tool, developed by Amrita E-Learning Research Lab, to all universities and colleges in India free of cost, under National Mission on Education (NME) through Information and Communication Technology.
OOL SCHCATION ic
Best Global Collaborative Learning Award
EDU ubl
P oice Ch ard Aw
achievements project has helped create an international perspective among students and teachers. The TIS students and teachers have a greater capacity to embrace differences and diversities
* The
Destination Success from S. Chand Harcourt (India) Pvt. Ltd. Tagore International School (TIS) The project is a multidimensional and multi-strand project of collaboration with schools in several countries – China, Japan, France, U.K. Singapore. TIS has established a unique educational collaborative project with a school in each of the above countries. Website: www.tagoreint.com/ www.sch.co.in
Website: www.amrita.edu
Best Global Collaborative Learning Award achievements * The project has brought around 1000 students together from across the globe. One of the most important achievements is the composition of an anthem- ‘An Ode to Stamps’
Windows to the Past Chronicles of Stamps St.Marks Sr.Sec.Public School
OOL SCHCATION EDU
y Jurard Aw
The project was started to peep through the windows to the past and look for interesting stories about stamps and to appreciate the beauty of stamps. The project reaches countries of Asia, Europe, Australia, Canada. It is based on the concept of ‘Everything has a story.’ And every story reminds us of how, where and why is that depiction important. But the human race tends to move on so fast that even before one relishes the experience to the fullest, “we ‘stamp’ on the things and move on.” Like everything else ‘stamps’ have its own story to tell. Website: www.saintmarksschool.com august / 2011 www.digitallearning.in
digitalLEARNING
35
Best Initiative for Enabling ICT in Schools
Achievements * The stakeholders are happy with the school’s transparent work culture and it provides a good cost saving in the overall usage of stationary and printing
OOL SCHCATION ic EDU ubl
P oice Ch ard Aw
SchoolExcel by Glodyne Technoserve Limited Smt. Sulochanadevi Singhania School The project is called as ‘SchoolExcel’ introduced by Glodyne Technoserve Limited at Smt. Sulochanadevi Singhania School in 2009. SchoolExcel is a unique and comprehensive Web Based School Management Software (ERP) and is offered as a completely managed service to the school. It is an interactive common, collaborative platform for all entities and stakeholders viz. students, parents, teachers, management, and administrators of the school.
OOL SCHCATION EDU
y Jurard Aw
achievements school has enabled discussions about student work and learning to happen in social learning environments such as Voicethread, thus extending the experience to a broader community of learners
* The
21st Century Learning on the Cloud The American School of Bombay The project was started with the objective of moving traditional software-based learning and management services to a cloud environment while retaining secure, reliable service in order to better facilitate anytime, anywhere learning opportunities. All students of the school from grade 3-12 use Google Apps/ Dropbox for creating, editing, storing and sharing documents. Website: www.asbindia.org
Website: www.singhaniaschool.org/ www.glodynetechnoserve.in
Best for Innovation in Maths Education achievements * The project has helped develop interest in the subjects, face the challenges in competitive exams and remove fear of Mathematics. The students enjoy doing Mathematics at ease
Techno-Mathematics Kendriya Vidyalaya, Malleswaram Kendriya Vidyalaya Malleswaram stepped onto the threshold of technology in the Teaching–Learning process of Mathematics in July,2008. KVM experimented the project ‘TechnoMathematics’which set KVM on the track of learning, experimenting, innovating and fine tuning. Project ‘Techno-Mathematics’ embraced into its fold teachers and students and developed them into individuals equipped with the power of the 21st Century skills. With students and teachers comfortable with basics of computer skills, Oracle initiated ThinkQuest resulting in students and teachers programmed for Project Based Learning. Microsoft’s program, Project Shiksha was also implemented at KVM as Microsoft’s Partners in Learning initiative. Website: www.kvmb.org
/ 2011 36 digitalLEARNING august www.digitallearning.in
OOL SCHCATION ic EDU ubl
P oice Ch ard Aw
Best Innovation in Maths Education
Achievements * HeyMath! is a curriculum specific e-learning resources in Mathematics that blends conceptual understanding, procedural fluency & problem solving skills
OOL SCHCATION EDU
y Jurard Aw
HeyMath! by Sankhyaa Learning Pvt Ltd Rajkiya Pratibha Vikas Vidayalaya The project was launched with the aim of supporting schools in the teaching and learning of Mathematics. HeyMath! is a digital curriculum in Mathematics developed since 2000 in formal collaboration with the University of Cambridge, UK and has been widely implemented Rajkiya Pratibha Vikas Vidayalaya. HeyMath! has been supporting the work of teachers and helping students build a strong foundation in Mathematics.
OOL SCHCATION ic
Best Innovation in Science Education
EDU ubl
P oice Ch ard Aw
achievements project has helped improve grades due to interesting assignments. It has provided true learning which could be applied in real life situations. It has also provided for a high degree of student involvement
* The
Digitizing Teaching and Learning Scottish High International School The project – Heart the Server digitizes teaching and learning at the School . It is techno aided and as the name implies it stresses on research work in various areas involving the usage of technology, application, networking, collaboration. The project was initiated to utilize technology to enhance teaching and learning. The main objective was to enable students to become partners in education thereby making them creators and not just the consumers of knowledge.
Website: www.heymath.com
Website: www.scottishigh.com
Best Innovation in Science Education achievements * Robolabs was featured on the cover page of India Today, amongst the young achievers of India, October 2010. It was also featured amongst top 10 Young Entrepreneur by Business World, March 2010
RoboLABS by ThinkLABS Technosolutions Pvt Ltd O.P. Jindal Modern School
OOL SCHCATION EDU
y Jurard Aw
Robotics Learning System (RLS) is Thinklabs Robotics Education platform, implemented in the school through setting up a Robotics Lab (RoboLab). By building and programming robots, students explore fundamentals of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). RLS takes children beyond text based study and teaches through the process of discovery. Children develop competence with numbers and measures. The handson way of learning gives them visual grasp of math and science. Robotics competitions embedded in RLS ensure creativity and innovation while fostering teamwork. Website: www.opjms.edu.in/ www.thinklabs.in august / 2011 www.digitallearning.in
digitalLEARNING
37
Best Innovation in Special Needs Education
Achievements * All SEN students have made good progress-in academics and non- academics. SEN students have won many awards in school and other competitions
OOL SCHCATION ic EDU ubl
P oice Ch ard Aw
Integration of Children with Autism in Mainstream School Scottish High International School The programme was started with the objective of integration of special needs students with regular students for their holistic developmentacademics, creative arts, physical, social and emotional development. Each SEN student has an Individualized Educational Plan which is implemented in school. The objective was to develop each child’s capacity to its fullest potential.
OOL SCHCATION EDU
y Jurard Aw
achievements project won the eINDIA 2010 Award for ‘Pocket Education’ of Universiti Sains Malaysia, and the Jury Award as the best Open and Distance Learning Initiative of the Year in digitalLEARNING category for year 2010.
* The
DHH Mobile Project Universiti Sains Malaysia The DHH Mobile Project was initiated by mobilelearning@usm in August 2010 to fulfill the needs of hearing parents of Deaf or Hard of Hearing Children (DHH) children in terms of basic sign language. As such, these parents are able to interact effectively with their improved knowledge in basic sign language. This pilot study has been conducted on the parents of DHH students in Federation School for the Deaf, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
Website: www.scottishigh.com
Website: www.usm.my
Best Innovative Practices in Education achievements * 10 Satya Bharti Schools in 2010 and 9 Satya Bharti Schools in 2009 were declared winners at the National level in the Design for Change School Contest 2010 and 2009 respectively in various categories
Satya Bharti School Program Bharti Foundation The Program is the flagship program of Bharti Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Bharti Group of Companies. It is an educational initiative aimed at providing free quality education to underprivileged children across rural India with a special focus on the girl child. Currently 242 Satya Bharti Primary Schools and five Satya Bharti Senior Secondary Schools are operational across six states of Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, reaching out to more than 30,000 underprivileged children. Of these, in the primary schools 48% students are girls, 76% students belong to the SC/ST/OBC sections of society and in the senior secondary schools 47% of students are girls and 59% students belong to SC/ST/OBC families. Website: www.bhartifoundation.org
/ 2011 38 digitalLEARNING august www.digitallearning.in
OOL SCHCATION ic EDU ubl
P oice Ch ard Aw
Best Innovative Practices in Education
Achievements * The project received the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Access to Learning Award, 2006
OOL SCHCATION EDU
y Jurard Aw
Community Library and Resource Centre Rural Education and Development (READ) Global The project was started with the objective of establishing Community Library and Resource Centres (CLRCs) and to provide a platform for local socioeconomic initiatives. READ has established more than 55 Community Library and Resource Centers across Nepal, India and Bhutan, reaching 1.8 million people. It has launched several rural businesses like furniture factories, ambulance services, and sewing centers.
AL ATION VOC CATION
EDU blic Pu oice
Ch ard Aw
achievements project has helped in the creation of educational and certification opportunity for trade level manpower of auto industry. It is also the recipient of IGNOUs University Gold Medal 2008 for innovative programme delivery mechanism in ODL
* The
Website: www.readglobal.org
Best Innovation in Vocational Education and Skills Training
Motorcycle Technicians Competency Development Project Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) IGNOU-HHML Motorcycle Technicians Competency Development Project (IHMTCDP) is a collaborative initiative of IGNOU and Hero Honda Motors Ltd. (HHML), towards competency based skill development training for motorcycle technicians by providing a Certificate Programme in Motorcycle Service and Repair (CMSR). Website: www.ignou.ac.in
Best Innovation in Vocational Education and Skills Training achievements * Outdoor Camps Experiential Learning Activities for Teamwork and Leadership among medical students won the first prize for educational innovation category in UKM Quality Award competition in 2010
Personal and Professional Module in Medical ProgrammeS Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia
AL ATION C TION A VO C
EDU
y Jurard Aw
Personal and Professional module is one of the modules in the Integrated Curriculum of the Medical Programme in the Faculty of Medicine, UKM. One of its teaching– learning activity is the PPD Camp which is conducted in three phases. These 4-day camps are attended by medical students at the beginning of the respective academic session. During the camp, the students are taught using various methods such as role-play, telematches and jungle trekking. The facilitators comprise lecturers from various academic departments. Website: www.medicine.ukm.my august / 2011 www.digitallearning.in
digitalLEARNING
39
INDIRA GANDHI NATI Maidan Garhi, New Delhi
New Prospects • Certificate programme in Ayush Nursing in collaboration with Department of Ayush, Government of India, for Auxiliary Nurse Midwives • Certificate programme in Adolescent Health and Counselling in collaboration with IGNOU’s Educational Development of North Eastern Region (EDNERU) • Diploma programme in Critical Care Nursing, aims to enable nursing professionals to develop skills for quality nursing care to patients in intensive care settings • Courses will enable crucial skills’ development through specific knowledge impartment at very nominal fees • Short duration certificate courses, apt for practicing nurses and teachers
IGNOU launches a slew of programmes in health education The largest distance learning University continues to scale new milestones. IGNOU has launched a range of new certificate courses for nurses, teachers and parents.
IGNOU to boost Health Education The Indira Gandhi National Open University’s (IGNOU’s) School of Health Sciences (SOHS) has launched two new certificate programmes and one diploma programme with the objective of augmenting education avenues for medical, nursing and teaching personnel through distance education mode. A certificate programme in Ayush Nursing has been launched in collaboration with the Department of Ayush, Government of India, for Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANM) which aims to provide quality care to the patients undergoing treatment under ayurvedic system of medicine. The programme is of minimum six months duration and maximum two years. In-service ANM’s are eligible to apply for the course for a nominal fee of `1500. Another certificate programme in Adolescent Health and Counselling has been launched in collaboration with IGNOU’s Educational Development of North Eastern Region (EDNERU) which aims to prepare teachers and parents to help adolescents to develop healthy life style and meet the stress of life. The six months programme will enable the learners to strengthen their knowledge in understanding needs and concern of adolescent; build knowledge on physical, cognitive, emotional and psychological changes in adolescent and develop skills in handling challenges related to them. A diploma programme in Critical Care Nursing has been launched which aims to enable nursing professionals to develop and apply advanced nursing care knowledge and skills for quality nursing care to critically ill patients in intensive care settings. This programme is of minimum one year duration and can be completed in maximum three years. In-service registered nursing professionals at all levels or B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Nursing are eligible to apply for this programme. Detailed handbook and prospectus cum admission form can be obtained from the regional centers of IGNOU and at its headquarters in Maidan Garhi on payment of Rs. 100 in cash or through post by sending an IPO/ Demand Draft of `100 in favour of IGNOU, payable at New Delhi.
ONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY – 110068, India, www.ignou.ac.in
Application form and prospectus can also be downloaded from the website. In such cases IPO/ Demand Draft of `100 in favour of IGNOU should be send along with the application form. The duly filled in application forms along with the copies of certificates and prescribes fee in the form of demand draft drawn in favour of IGNOU should be submitted to the concerned regional center only. The last date for the receipt of the applications forms for the above three programmes is 31st August 2011 without late fee.
Highlights and Achievements •
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
University unfailingly reported an excess of receipts over expenditure Student enrollment has doubled in four years from 1.5 million to over 3 million UNESCO declared IGNOU as 2010’s largest institution of higher education in the world Fees from students virtually doubled in four years from `158.52 crore to `312 crore Share of non-plan administrative expenses to total expenditure fell from 28.24 to 17.14 percent University ably managed higher payout on salaries on account of Sixth Pay Commission Bulk of University’s expansion came about from internal accruals Largest number of government-supported schemes in the Social and Rural Development Sectors The bulk of total receipts has increased to `448.55
•
•
•
•
•
crore(2009-10) from `286.54 crore(2000-07) which now contributes a healthy 88 percent of internal revenue generation Regional centres has gone up from 59 to 62, while study centres has risen from 1468 to over 3000 Programmes like Akashdeep (Air Force) and Gyan Deep (Army), generated revenue of almost `14 crore; similar for Navy in pipeline Besides Gyan Darshan24x7 TV channel and Gyan Vani-FM radio station, a two-way teleconferencing, interactive radio counselling and relay educational programmes coming up Payments of wages and salaries went up from `35.68 crore to `86.12 crore Non-plan expenditure towards staff has seen a hike from `9.23 crore to `57.02 crore
Best Public Private Partnership in Vocational Education and Skills Training AL ATION VOC CATION
EDU
Achievements * 3000 learners currently undergoing ICT and BPO courses; 30 Learners selected for Live Internship; Placement for 57% of learners in the local SA industry
AL ATION VOC CATION
EDU blic Pu oice
Ch ard Aw
skill development project NIIT Ltd, Dept of Economic Development & Tourism of Kwa Zulu natal, CII The Department of Economic Development & Tourism of Kwa Zulu natal, NIIT and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) reached an agreement in August 2008 to train 10000 under- privileged young people in ICT and BPO skills over five years . This enabled the establishment of a Software Training and Business Process Institute in alliance with the formal sector in the country under Public Private Partnership.
y Jurard Aw
achievements * The project has led to an improvement in subject knowledge among medical practitioners. Confidence levels have risen due to continuous interaction with Specialists at HMRI 24x7 Health Helpline
Website: www.niit.com
Community Paramedics Training Health Management and Research Institute The objective of the initiative is mainstreaming of unqualified medical practitioners (RMPs/PMPs) into the Health System of the State. All the unqualified medical practitioners in rural areas are provided training based on the syllabus prescribed by AP Para Medical Board. They are examined after training and all successful candidates are awarded certificates by the AP Para Medical Board. After such certification, they are referred as “Community Para Medics”. Website: www.hmri.in
Best Assessment Tool for Measuring Skills achievements * Iken Assessment system provides for micro-analysis of student’s preference as reflected in their performance in every topic of every subject in every grade (over K-12)
Iken Assessment System Mexus Education Pvt. Ltd. Iken Assessment System has been offered by Mexus Education to the educational institutions as a tool to facilitate diagnostic and formative assessment techniques of evaluation that would encourage student involvement and provide for practice and improvement instead of considering students accountable for skills and concepts. A repository of over 25,000 multiple-choice questions is offered to the schools as a part of Learning Management System (LMS). The Iken Assessment system offers teachers the flexibility to add new questions to the test. These assessments should be incorporated throughout the instructional process to allow for remedial teaching as well as gauging the right pedagogy based on the orientation of the class. Website: www.mexuseducation.com
/ 2011 42 digitalLEARNING august www.digitallearning.in
ATE TOR PRIV SEC ic
l Puboice Ch ard Aw
Best Innovation in Open & Distance Learning
Achievements * WizIQ has more than 1.4 million registered users across the globe. more than 9000+ classes per week happens through WizIQ Virtual Classroom
ATE TOR PRIV SEC ic
l Puboice Ch ard Aw
WizIQ.com authorGEN Technologies Limited WizIQ is an online learning and teaching platform enabling educators and students to meet online in real time for virtual classes as well as for teaching asynchronously through tutorials and online assessments. This is available for universities, educational organizations as well as individual teachers. WizIQ is a highly scalable solution for both synchronous teaching and asynchronous tutorials and assessments. WizIQ is used for everything from teaching hybrid courses at major universities offering distance education to offering guitar lessons one-on-one across thousands of miles, WizIQ is an incredibly flexible tool for delivering and enhancing any type of training or instruction across the globe.
ATE TOR PRIV SEC ic
l Puboice Ch ard Aw
achievements have successfully adopted this solution and it is being used in more than 20 schools in India. As the solution is convenient to tech savvy children they can buy and learn scientific concepts at home * Teachers
Website: www.WizIQ.com
Best Innovation in Science Education
Mobile Science Lab NIIT Limited Mobile Science Lab is a first of its kind portable computerized science laboratory for schools in India that brings a Science Lab right into the classroom. It offers a wide coverage of subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Environmental Sciences. More than 210 experiments based on the NCERT Curriculum can be carried out by the students. The solution helps foster higher order thinking skills in children inculcating in them habits of curiosity to pose questions, seek answers and think scientifically. Website: www.niit.com
Best for Innovation in Teaching Pedagogy achievements * Teachers have a well researched bank of strategies they can refer to any time.Teachers also get implementation ideas on behavior management techniques, teaching tools, assessment strategies etc
Empowering Facilitators with Effective Strategies (EFES) Educomp Solutions. Ltd.
ATE TOR PRIV C SE ic
l Puboice Ch ard Aw
EFES is a bank of over fifty , well researched , audio visual classroom teaching strategies for collaborative learning, presented as short films. Each strategy provides a 360 degree perspective to its usage It not only provides ideas and suggestions for the facilitator to expand his/her knowledge, it also shows several well thought of innovative classroom management ideas, seating plans and demonstrates the impact it will have on the students. Since it is available on the web it can be viewed by any facilitator, at any time at his/her own pace. It empowers the facilitator to become a part of the 21st century teaching learning process. Website: www.educomp.com
august / 2011 www.digitallearning.in
digitalLEARNING
43
Best for Innovation in Vocational Education & Skill Training
Achievements * The Program has been implemented across 57 plus affordable schools in the very first year thus catering to more than 100 teachers and close to 15000 students
ATE TOR PRIV C SE ic
l Puboice Ch ard Aw
RUMI Digital Skills Program RUMI Education Pvt Ltd The RUMI Digital Skills Programme is aimed at providing ICT skills with a vocational bent to children from the affordable school segment and thus creating various avenues of employability. Rumi partners with affordable private schools to dramatically improve the quality of mass-market education. It provides a comprehensive education solution for Pre-Primary through Class X. RUMI focuses on the holistic development needs of the students and seeks to deliver an education for life. This approach will lead to greater employability, higher incomes and ultimately, a prosperous society.
ATE TOR PRIV C SE ic
l Puboice Ch ard Aw
achievements project has helped make the best teacher of the district available to thousands of students across different locations. It has led to an immense improvement in the quality of learning among students
* The
Website: www.rumieducation.com
Best Innovative Practices in School
E-Vidya Project Everonn The aim of the project has been to introduce Instructional Computing Technology (ICT)in schools of Gadchiroli District. To implement this project, Everonn signed an MoU with the district collectorate in January 2010. Computer aided learning and computer education projects commenced from July 2010 and the VSAT studio was inaugurated and functional since August 2010. This project is a combination of computer education, computer aided education and VSAT based education in 206 schools across taluks of Gadchiroli district. Website: www.everonn.com
Best Interface between Academia & Industry achievements * Over 1000 students have participated so far in the program. It has helped provide internships to over 150 students who have the access to an ecosystem that comprises Industry representatives and select startups
I Spark Initiative by Microsoft Microsoft Corporation (India) Pvt Ltd Microsoft in India has been working towards building a vibrant local software economy by developing high-end skills of the students as well as the startups through a series of initiatives. I-Spark is one such Microsoft Local Software Economy [LSE] initiative to support and encourage innovation at the grass root level, strengthen competencies of students and foster entrepreneurship through a formal association with colleges. The program helps empower students through various Microsoft programs, strengthen IT skills, foster innovation in the student ecosystem and support and accelerate success of startups. Website: www.microsoft.com
/ 2011 44 digitalLEARNING august www.digitallearning.in
ATE TOR PRIV SEC ic
l Puboice Ch ard Aw
Best mLearning Initiative of the Year
Achievements * The program is highly beneficial in terms of upgrading the vocational, social and professional skills of the learner
ATE TOR PRIV SEC ic
l Puboice Ch ard Aw
Educonnect: Language Connects programme Educomp Solutions. Ltd. Educonnect Language Connects’, a user-friendly English communication enhancement program, has been designed by a team of educational researchers from Educomp Solutions Ltd. for the masses who wish to fulfill their dream of fluent communication in English. The bilingual approach used in ‘Educonnect Language Connects’ makes it a self-paced learning program that helps learners to relate the known (in their own language) to the unknown (in the English language) with ease.
ATE TOR PRIV C SE ic
Best Multimedia Content for K12 Education
l Puboice Ch ard Aw
achievements solution has been effectively and successfully used in a wide spectrum of schools in national and international locations; and also in schools with a state of the art infrastructure and schools with elementary infrastructure
* The
Website: www.educomp.com
Destination Success S. Chand Harcourt (India) Pvt. Ltd. Destination Success is a path breaking technology enabled education solution designed to meet the dynamic needs of the teachers and students in schools. Based on educational practices , it uses the latest and easy- to- use technological framework to make for an enriched teaching learning environment. The solution presents a holistic educational programme with digital and print materials , student tracking and report generating facilities. Website: www.sch.co.in
Best Technology Solutions for Higher Education Institutes achievements * More than 10 institutions and 67000 students are using eCAMPUS software, a 240 % growth over the last year. Embedded YouTube Video helps to make learning more interactive and in the dissemination of faculty expertise
eCAMPUS - Web based Distance Education ERP APEX eLearning Technologies Ltd.
ATE TOR PRIV C SE ic
l Puboice Ch ard Aw
The objective of eCAMPUS is to make distance learning programs faster, better and less expensive at the same time making learning simple by using the most cost effective technologies. eCAMPUS - Web based Distance Education ERP is a tool that has the power of Communication, Organization, Management and Training. eCAMPUS is the strategic partner of choice for higher educational institutes interested in leveraging eLearning for their distance learning programs. eCAMPUS helps the academic institutions launch eLearning based Distance Learning Programs (DLPs) making it easy for the students to access learning and interact with their peers. Website: www.apexelearning.com august / 2011 www.digitallearning.in
digitalLEARNING
45
Best Test Preparation Services for Exams
Achievements * The training has helped provide maximum selected candidates in banks. Mock exams are conducted among 50000 students pan India
ATE TOR PRIV C SE ic
l Puboice Ch ard Aw
Revolution in banking competitive examination Mahendras Mahendra Educational Pvt. Ltd Mahendra’s Banking Institute is specialized in preparing for banking examinations. Mahendra’s is known as one of the best educational institute imparting quality education in various fields such as Probationary officer, Bank Clerk, Specialist Officer. It provides the finest details and knowledge of the Banking sector and its changing needs.
ATE TOR PRIV C SE ic
l Puboice Ch ard Aw
Best Tool for Innovative Teaching and Learning
achievements * Digischool
uses multi touch interactive white boards with a combination of images, animations, video and audio. Students get world class content delivered in a unique manner, making learning interactive and fun
Website: www.mahendras.org
HCL learningdigischool HCL Learning Digischool’s philosophy is captured in the phrase “Equipped Teaching and Easy Learning.” Digischool is about making learning fun and meaningful and is a comprehensive solution for effective and interactive teaching learning in the K12 segment. Digischool integrates seamlessly with the diversified educational requirements of the Indian curriculum followed across various boards. Here initiatives are driven through passion, innovation and imagination to create learning interventions that are engaging, effective, and rewarding. Website: www.hcllearning.com
Best Training Provider to Working Professionals achievements * The programme has trained more than 6500 working professionals including 1500 senior management executives leading organizations in a span of 4 years
NIIT IMPERIA NIIT Ltd NIIT Imperia is an initiative to provide quality management education & customized learning solutions to the working professionals, and to multi-location companies with geographically dispersed work force, through the strategic academic alliances with the top Indian B-schools, using the state- of-the- art synchronous learning technology (SLT) at the core. SLT is dedicated broadband two-way audio-video used to create remote classrooms that are linked LIVE to teachers in the institutions. The technology permits full features of face-to-face teaching: from a raised-hand-seeking-teacher’sattention, to tabulation of responses to quizzes randomly created by the teacher. Website: www.niitimperia.com
/ 2011 46 digitalLEARNING august www.digitallearning.in
ATE TOR PRIV SEC ic
l Puboice Ch ard Aw
Best Use of Social Media in Education
Achievements * The project minimises the need for (fully) face to face course delivery through the use of key social media elements
ATE TOR PRIV SEC ic
l Puboice Ch ard Aw
The Knowledge Universe Collaborative Learning Space Knowledge Universe Since 2008, Knowledge Universe has been working on the development of a customised learning management system that would be used to digitise and deliver courses in a stable, secure and most importantly, social environment. As of May 2011, Knowledge Universe has a robust system that incorporates the best and most relevant aspects of a social media platform into a structurally sound Collaborative Learning Space.
ATE TOR PRIV SEC ial
c Spention Meward A
achievements project has extended the assessment platform to 2.3 million homes through the DTH services of TATA SKY as partners under Actve learning
* The
Website: www.kueducation.com
Best Tool for Innovative Teaching and Learning
24x7guru.com LearnSmart India Pvt Ltd 24x7guru.com is an intelligent webbased assessment application that enables a student to take tests as per the course curriculum: chapterwise, periodic and customized! The application is parameterized in terms of complexity levels and provides a new set of questions each time a student attempts to answer. The scalability is scientifically designed and is aimed at drilling down conceptual comprehension as well as functional clarity amongst students. The portal provides for objective type questions with instant results along with analytical feedback of performance. Website: www.24x7guru.com
Best Multi Media Content for K12 Education achievements * The initiative, in association with Global Telemedicine Healthcare Network Foundation (GTHNF), won this award for the implementation of DigitALly in 40 schools across Shillong in unfavourable conditions
ATE TORl PRIV C SE ia
DigitALly Pearson Education Services
c Spention Meward A
DigitALly teaching tool helps teachers manage an open repository of multimedia-based and syllabus-specific learning objects. The interactive content enables teachers to transform traditional blackboard-and-chalk classrooms into interactive learning centres, and helps students better understand and retain concepts. DigitALly has over 7,000 animations, 10,000 self explanatory diagrams, 3D interactivity, worksheets, quizzes, e-books and several hours of experiments – all of which are regularly updated. It empowers teachers to customize their teaching sessions, keeping the learners’ pace in mind. Website: www.pearsoneducationservices.com
august / 2011 www.digitallearning.in
digitalLEARNING
47
event
EXHIBITION
Showcasing Technology Innovations in Education...
/ 2011 48 digitalLEARNING august www.digitallearning.in
EXHIBITION
august / 2011 www.digitallearning.in
event
digitalLEARNING
49
report
Valedictory session
L-R: Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, Dr Ravi Gupta, Loynpo Thakur S Powdyel, V N Rajasekharan Pillai, Taseer Al Nuaimi, M P Narayanan
“...Create Employment Generators Rather than Employment Seekers� Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, Former President of India and an eminent scientist shared his vision for reforming education while delivering valedictory address to conclude the World Education Summit 2011. He urged the university and school education system to create two cadres to build a global human resource
The curtain went up again after the closing of all the sessions, the hall was jam packed and eyes were focused on the dais to see the icon Dr APJ Adul Kalam, former President of India and an eminent scientist speaking at the World Education Summit. He delivered his valedictory address to conclude the three day event, which received huge applause from Dr Kalam for national and international participation, schools, colleges, community colleges and for the number of recommendations it had brought out. The closing ceremony was chaired by Dr Ravi Gupta, ConvenorWolrd Education Summit and Editor-in-Chief, digital/ 2011 50 digitalLEARNING august www.digitallearning.in
LEARNING Magazine in the gracious presence of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Former President of India, Dr MP Narayanan, President-CSDMS and former Chairman, Coal India, Prof VN Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice Chancellor IGNOU, Loynpo Thakur S Powdyel, Minister of Education, Royal Government of Bhutan and Dr Taseer Al Nuaimi, Education Minister of Jordan. Dr Abdul Kalam admired the concept of World Education Summit and gave a message to all the participants that India should be open to sharing expertise and experience available to many nations. At the same time it should also keep in mind the need
Valedictory session report
of educating 600 million people and hence Indian policy, education and training has to walk on its own shadow. India has to build its own education system with employability as a key focus.” He also urged that the university and school education system should create two cadres to build a global human resource. First is the global cadre of skilled youth spreading knowledge of special skills and the second is the global cadre of youth in higher education with relevant expertise, which covers not only the service sector of India but also the skilled human resource requirement globally. These two cadres will attract the manufacturing and service sector in India and will also skill the human resources globally. While explaining one’s attitude towards entrepreneurship Dr Kalam emphasised upon the moral conduct of the students and said, “They should know how to calculate risks but with righteousness. Moral leadership requires capability and disposition to do right things. In all schools and colleges this is essential for capacity building. All schools should introduce a moral science class in their curriculum.” Touching upon the issue of skill development, he delineated that the aim should be to create employment generators rather than employment seekers. The education system should highlight the ability to generate wealth. Expressing the education scenario in the country, he felt the need for capacity building to meet the demands of global environment. He also said that private education is a very creative ingredient and must be fostered. While concluding his address he said that education in its real sense is the pursuit of truth. It is the endless journey where there is no scope for hatred or disharmony. It is an asset to the universe. Education enhances the personality of a human being.
Dr Kalam ‘The Iconic Leader’ reaching out to an ardent admirer at the Summit
Delighted with the three days conference and agreeing with the thoughts of Dr Kalam, Dr Taseer Al Nuaimi summaried the lesson and challenges that had been learnt in the conference. He emphasised
While concluding his address he said that education in its real sense is the pursuit of truth. It is the endless journey where there is no scope for hatred or disharmony on the flexible approach towards education where curricula is designed to be fluid rather than rigid so that transformed learning experience can be promoted. He also suggested that along with economic function of education, the social function of education should also be taken care of. He concluded the evening by appreciating the potential of ICT in education as a tool to help education to reach its goal of meeting learners’ need and become an engine of social, economic growth. ICT based model should be carefully chosen as it cannot fix the bad education system alone. He supported the model, which is pedagogical in nature not the technological that can be identified by taking time for proper evaluation before adoption.
august / 2011 www.digitallearning.in
digitalLEARNING
51
13-15 JULY 2011 New Delhi, INDIA
Thank You We wish to express our sincere thanks for all the sponsors, exhibitors, participants & individuals in making World Education Summit 2011 a humongous Success! gold sponsors
assessment partner
associate sponsors
exhibitors
Chamber Partner
K-12 partner
silver sponsors
school solution partner
india’s Largest ICT Event 15 - 17 december, 2011
Mahatma Mandir, Gandhi Nagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
www.eINDIA.net.in
Steering
e-inclusive economy Highlights of the Conference • Meet key decision makers, experts, leaders and stakeholders in ICT arena at one platform • Meet Professional service providers, IT vendors, Telecom vendors, Consulting firms, Government agencies and National and International development organisations in the domain of ICT • Great networking opportunity with high profile speakers, researchers and ICT entreprenuers from India, Asia and beyond • Get updated on the latest developments in ICT initiatives from the industry’s leading ICT infrastructure providers
organisers
supporting partner
media partners
news
Product Launch
Casio Launches Environment Friendly Mercury-Free 3d Projector Series Casio India Company Private Limited launched the mercury lamp-free, high-brightness data projectors - Short Throw, Pro and Standard models Speaking at the launch of the projectors M. Naka, Managing Director, Casio India Company said, “Our eco- friendly projectors promise to revolutionize the India market with never before features such as projection in a 3D format as well as converting the projection screen into an electronic blackboard by mouse operations and writing on the projection screen with the optical interactive pointer to name a few.” Elaborating further, Kulbhushan Seth, Head of Sales and Marketing, Casio India Company said, “These projectors are targeted to education sector as Casio projectors are compatible with interactive learning where in projectors can be integrated with our mathematics teaching tools furthermore content that can be customied as well based on requirement. With its interactive pointing system makes learning becomes even more interesting” The new range of projectors includes Standard, Pro Models and Short Throw Models. The Standard model projector series has an ANSI lumen upto 3000 is compatible with 3D contents. The price for Standard Series ranges from `69,995 to `99,995.
The Pro model has a 10W monaural speaker installed in the projector, which permits powerful sound output without an external speaker. A DLP 3D projection function adds a stereoscopic image projection capability, facilitating highly persuasive presentations with impressive audio and visuals. The price for ProModel Series ranges from `1,19,995 to `1,34,995. The Short Throw series with upto 3000 lumens is equipped with a set of applications, making it suitable for classroom teaching. The shorter projection distance provided by this close-up projection reduces shadows on the screen and eliminates the possible distraction of projector light shining in viewers’ eyes, optimizing user and viewer comfort. These projectors priced from `1,29,995 to `1,34,995.
Connoiseur launches new innovative products at WES 2011
Connoiseur Electronics Pvt Ltd launched new innovative products at the World Education Summit 2011 on 14th July at The Ashok, Delhi. The new products included convertible classmate PC, mobile charging cart, smart e Board, Connoi Smart Podium. Connoi Intel-powered convertible classmate PCs are cost effective education solution designed and developed by Intel. This can instantly convert from clamshell to touchoptimised tablet mode, giving students new flexibility and micro-mobility inside and outside the classroom. Intel-powered convertible classmate PCs are designed to meet the needs of 21st century teachers and students.
/ 2011 54 digitalLEARNING august www.digitallearning.in
Connoi Charging Cart are optimised for educational uses. The cart holds the mobile computing products like laptops, nettops etc. It may also provide security locks, wireless access points, battery chargers and printers. Classroom e-Learning, which brings technology into the class room, has emerged as one of the best alternative for schools systems that are not ready to implement 1:1 e-Learning, or want to move incrementally toward a 1:1 environment. Using Mobile carts or Computer on Wheels (COW’s), classroom e-Learning delivers significantly more value than traditional PC labs and helps school leaders develop the expertise and skills needed for successful 1:1 eLearning. Connoi Smart eBoard will be the cost-effective interactive whiteboard system. Its innovative product transforms legacy ordinary whiteboard or any surface to interactive area instantly by just placing two receivers on the top of your whiteboard frame or mounting on the wall. Connoi Smart Podium is the dual monitor podium system. The digital podium system enables the user to write on a tablet monitor with a built in podium. The system allows the user to directly write on a multimedia teaching plan and save the images along with the voice, for the easy production of multimedia learning content. The digital podium has a built in sound system, which is essential for e-learning.