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Academic Innovation

Karnataka’s KWIN City to Host Premium Global Educational Institutions

Karnataka’s Minister for Commerce, Industries, and Infrastructure, MB Patil, announced plans to establish the Knowledge, Wellbeing, and Innovation (KWIN) City as a premier educational hub, offering land to host the Tata IISc Medical School and other global institutions. Spanning 5,800 acres between Dabaspet and Doddaballapur, KWIN City will comprise four key districts—Knowledge, Health, Innovation, and Research—designed to attract world-class academic and research institutions. Patil has extended an invitation to the Tata Group and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) to consider setting up the Tata IISc Medical School in KWIN City, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting transformative educational initiatives. Tata Group had earlier pledged ₹500 crore for the medical school on IISc’s Bengaluru campus. “We encourage IISc and the Tata Group to explore this project in KWIN City or consider future endeavours here,” Patil stated on X, highlighting the government’s proactive approach. The minister also announced plans for a roundtable led by the Karnataka Chief Minister to engage not-for-profits and foundations interested in investing in education, skilling, and innovation. “KWIN City aims to attract the top 500 foreign educational institutions to establish campuses in India by leveraging UGC regulations,” he added, emphasizing academia-industry collaboration to position Karnataka as a global education leader. Patil has initiated discussions with international institutions, including Johns Hopkins University, University of Liverpool, and York University, offering them opportunities to establish campuses in KWIN City. KWIN City will also feature a Life Sciences Park, aimed at making it Asia’s leading hub for academic medicine and healthcare innovation, attracting national and international hospitals. As an educationist, Patil underscored the transformative potential of institutions in driving local economic growth, describing KWIN City as a long-term engine of innovation for India. “One single institution can accelerate the local economy,” he noted. With its futuristic vision and robust infrastructure plans, KWIN City promises to redefine Karnataka’s role in global education and research. Source: Money Control Photo Credit: Money Control

Unlocking Learning Potential: Embracing Open-Book Exams in Higher Education

In the wake of transformative changes in Indian education post-COVID, the paradigm shift towards online learning has brought forth an array of challenges and opportunities. As institutions adapt to this new normal, the realm of assessments undergoes a profound evolution, with open-book exams emerging as a promising avenue. Dr. Selvam Jesiah, a distinguished Professor of Management at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, sheds light on the merits and hurdles of integrating open-book assessments in higher education. Dr. Jesiah underscores the pedagogical significance of open-book exams, emphasizing their capacity to foster deep learning and critical thinking while alleviating stress among students. Citing the All India Council for Technical Education’s endorsement, he highlights the alignment of open-book assessments with Bloom’s Taxonomy, designed to cultivate higher-order cognitive skills essential for holistic development. However, Dr. Jesiah cautions against misconceptions surrounding open-book assessments, clarifying that it demands rigorous preparation and active engagement from both educators and learners. He delineates the nuanced approach required in framing questions that necessitate analytical reasoning and application of concepts, rather than mere regurgitation of information. Moreover, he emphasizes the indispensable role of teachers in guiding students towards a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, indispensable for navigating open-book exams effectively. Yet, transitioning towards open-book assessments presents formidable challenges. Dr. Jesiah identifies the imperative of teacher training and mindset realignment as pivotal in ensuring the efficacy of this evaluation method. Crafting question papers that stimulate critical thinking poses a formidable task, demanding concerted efforts to recalibrate traditional assessment practices. Moreover, Dr. Jesiah advocates for a nuanced consideration of students’ socio-economic backgrounds, recognizing disparities in access to resources and technology. Addressing these inequities entails reimagining examination infrastructure and support mechanisms to accommodate diverse learning needs. In conclusion, Dr. Jesiah emphasizes the collective responsibility of administrators, educators, and students in navigating the complexities of open-book assessments. By embracing a paradigm shift in assessment practices, he envisions a transformative learning landscape where the cultivation of higher-order thinking skills takes precedence over rote memorization. Through collaborative efforts and a steadfast commitment to pedagogical innovation, Dr. Jesiah envisages a future where open-book exams serve as catalysts for fostering a generation of adept critical thinkers and problem solvers. Source: The Hindu  

Maharashtra Unveils ‘MAHASWAYAM’ Portal for Online Higher Education Courses

The state government of Maharashtra is gearing up to launch ‘MAHASWAYAM,’ a dedicated portal for higher education courses. Drawing inspiration from the central government’s SWAYAM portal, ‘MAHASWAYAM’ aims to create a comprehensive platform for online courses, aligning with the evolving landscape of education. Chandrakant Patil, the Minister of Higher and Technical Education, chaired a meeting on Friday to deliberate on the effective implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) in the state. Professor Shailendra Deolankar, the Director of Higher Education, underscored the active involvement of state universities in offering online courses. To ensure inclusivity for all students, the decision was made to launch ‘MAHASWAYAM’ as a state-centric portal. Under the NEP, students now have the flexibility to pursue online courses for minor subjects, earning valuable credits towards their final scores. Addressing concerns related to academic calendars and fees on the existing SWAYAM portal, Deolankar emphasized that ‘MAHASWAYAM’ aims to provide a holistic solution for both students and administrators. “To implement this initiative, the state government has formed a consortium comprising Yashvantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University, Savitribai Phule Pune University, University of Mumbai, and Shivaji University, Kolhapur. Over the next three months, the consortium will collaboratively design the portal, focusing on courses related to Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS),” said Deolankar. Minister Patil stressed the importance of leveraging social media for information dissemination, urging the department to comprehensively update the web portal in multiple languages. Additionally, he directed the creation of a dedicated Twitter handle for the Higher and Technical Education Department to ensure regular updates reach a wider audience. The imminent launch of ‘MAHASWAYAM’ is anticipated to reshape the higher education landscape in Maharashtra, offering students a versatile and accessible platform for online learning.