AICTE launches programs for uninterrupted technical education during lockdown

ALL INDIA COUNCIL For TECHNICAL EDUCATION, , statutory body under HRD,for technical education, has worked out a strategy for Continuation of academic pursuit during lockdown in India. The outbreak of COVID pandemic in India like other countries has caused extreme distress to the students impacting academic activity.  AICTE says in a statement it has endeavoured to leverage digital access for continuation of the academic activities by online mechanisms. Various activities such as webinars, Faculty Development programmes, leadership talks etc have been progressively taken up by AICTE. These activities have seen active participation from all stake holders with positive outcomes. A course on Universal Human Values was introduced by AICTE as a part of engineering curriculum. An online webinar for 5 days was conducted from 02 April 2020 to 06 Apr 2020. This was attended by more than 50 participants who were mentored by 12 senior faculty members. The Workshop was aimed on ‘Vision for Education and Role of Universal Human Values’ for decision makers in institutes. A similar 5-days online workshop has now been scheduled between 10 to 15 April 2020 on ‘Incorporating Universal Human Values in Technical Education’ for Vice Chancellors and University coordinators. More such online courses on Universal Human values and Student Induction Programme will be organised for training faculty after taking the Vice Chancellors of Universities on board. In order to foster an ecosystem where institutional support is made available/ rendered on voluntary basis to the society, leading to measurable outcome, AICTE has recently launched the Utkrisht Sansthan Vishwakarma Awads (USVA) 2020 under the theme “INDIA FIGHTS CORONA”. The detailed guidelines have already been released on 07 April 2020. Institute can submit their respective nomination by 30 April 2020.  AICTE Training And Learning (ATAL) Academy has been implementing the Faculty Development Programme (FDP) in the key emerging areas. Under the present circumstances, a 5 days Online Faculty Development Programme through live sessions was conducted on ‘Internet of Things’ from 06 April 2020 to 10 April 2020. The FDP was well received with more than 100 participants joining the online workshop from across India. Various sessions during the workshop were also mentored by 10 senior academicians and experts who had joined the sessions remotely. A similar FDP of 5 days was conducted from 13 Apr to 17 Apr on Artificial Intelligence. Based on the feedback of the participants, 15 more courses are planned to be added under ATAL. These programmes shall be delivered online for which expansion in digital platform is underway. The expanded capacity shall allow 1000 faculty 2 members to attend the online sessions simultaneously. In addition to the above, AICTE shall also 1000 faculty members to attend the online sessions simultaneously. In addition to the above, AICTE shall also be organising workshop on Exam Reforms for updating faculty members. MHRD has announced a National Educational Alliance for Technology (NEAT) as a Public Private partnership model in Jan 2020. The aim of NEAT is to bring the best technological Products in education technology on a single platform for the convenience of learners. The portal is now fully functional and has 13 companies with 45 different products available online for learners. The NEAT envisages to offer free seats to 25 % students from weaker sections of society. Under the prevailing lockdown, the number of registrations has now increased from 22000 to nearly 68000 students. Given the present circumstances, fruitful discussions have thus been held to allow free usage of contents for benefit of all students & faculty members. In order to spread awareness, video sessions on NEAT regarding benefits for students were recorded on 02 & 06 Apr 2020 and online discussions were also held with Google team in India & Singapore for expansion of the portal. AICTE had also created a web portal (https://helpline.aicte-india.org) which was launched by Human Resource development Ramesh Pokhriyal “Nishank” on 03 Apr 2020. The portal aims to support stranded students and re-connect them to their family, schools, colleges and meet their urgent personal needs including psychological support. More than 16700 institutes/ NGOs and other organisations have voluntarily come forward to provide assistance at such a crucial juncture. Till date 2815 students had submitted their issues and necessary help is being extended to them. Other organisation in the Country may also join the effort to provide help & relief to such students affected due to lock down/ COVID-19. To scout for technological solutions that can help in effectively handling the crisis arising in light 1000 faculty members to attend the online sessions simultaneously. In addition to the above, AICTE shall also be organising workshop on Exam Reforms for updating faculty members.  As per the National Educational Alliance for Technology (NEAT), a Public Private partnership model, the best technological Products in education technology on a single platform for the convenience of learners will be ensured. The portal is now fully functional and has 13 companies with 45 different products available online for learners. The NEAT envisages to offer free seats to 25 % students from weaker sections of society. Under the prevailing lockdown, the number of registration has now increased from 22000 to nearly 68000 students. Given the present circumstances, fruitful discussions have thus been held to allow free usage of contents for benefit of all students & faculty members. In order to spread awareness, video sessions on NEAT regarding benefits for students were recorded and online discussions were also held with Google team in India & Singapore for expansion of the portal. Two more sessions have now been planned to be broadcasted on social media. The talk on this subject shall be delivered by Dr M P Poonia, Vice Chairman, AICTE.