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Tamil Nadu Half-Yearly Exams 2023 Postponed; New Schedule Announced

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In response to the aftermath of Cyclone ‘Michaung,’ the Tamil Nadu government has officially declared the postponement of the half-yearly examinations for state-run and government-aided schools. Initially slated to commence on December 11, Chief Minister M K Stalin directed the deferment across the state to accommodate the recent challenges faced by educational institutions. The School Education Department swiftly formulated a revised timetable, rescheduling the half-yearly exams for classes 6 to 12 to take place from December 13 to 22. This adjustment aims to provide students and schools with sufficient time to recover from the disruptions caused by the cyclonic weather conditions. In the wake of Cyclone ‘Michaung,’ schools in Chennai, Chengelpet, Kancheepuram, and Tiruvallur districts had been closed from December 4 to 9. The government allocated a fund of ₹1.90 crore to address the aftermath, focusing on activities such as cleaning school premises affected by heavy rains and flooding in the aforementioned districts. With schools set to reopen on December 11, the government has scheduled the distribution of textbooks and notebooks on December 12. This initiative is specifically aimed at assisting students who may have lost or damaged their study materials during the adverse weather conditions. A key factor influencing the decision to postpone the exams is the realization that students cannot adequately prepare without their study materials. Consequently, a collective decision was made to reschedule exams uniformly across all districts, maintaining a common question paper throughout Tamil Nadu.

Prioritizing Mental Health: The Cornerstone of Student Success in Education

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Blog on Edu

In today’s fast-paced world, the pursuit of academic excellence often overshadows the importance of mental health and well-being in education. However, the two are inextricably linked, as a student’s mental health profoundly affects their ability to learn, grow, and thrive. This blog will delve into the vital connection between mental health and well-being in education, highlighting its significance, addressing challenges, and providing strategies to foster a healthier, more supportive educational environment. The Significance of Mental Health and Well-being in Education Academic Performance One of the most apparent ways mental health influences education is through its impact on academic performance. Students struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues often find it challenging to concentrate, complete assignments, and excel in exams. When educational institutions prioritize mental health, they create an environment that supports students in overcoming these barriers. Emotional and Social Development Education is not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s also a journey of emotional and social development. A positive and nurturing educational environment contributes to students’ emotional resilience, interpersonal skills, and self-confidence. Healthy mental well-being allows students to navigate social challenges, build relationships, and develop empathy and emotional intelligence. Motivation and Engagement When students feel mentally well, they are more likely to be motivated and engaged in their learning. A positive mindset encourages curiosity, creativity, and a thirst for knowledge. Students who feel supported and valued are more likely to take ownership of their education and explore their potential to the fullest. Also Read: Mobilizing Global Education and Cultural Exchange through Technology Challenges in Promoting Mental Health and Well-being in Education Stigma Stigma surrounding mental health remains a significant barrier in education. Students often fear judgment or discrimination if they disclose their mental health issues. Schools and colleges must actively work to eliminate this stigma by creating an open, non-judgmental environment. Lack of Resources Insufficient resources for mental health support within educational institutions pose a challenge. Overburdened counselors and a lack of access to mental health professionals can impede students’ access to help when needed. Investing in more resources for mental health services is essential. High Academic Expectations The pressure to meet high academic expectations can exacerbate stress and anxiety among students. Education systems need to strike a balance between rigorous academic standards and students’ mental well-being. Also Read: Nurturing 21st Century Skills in Education: Fostering Critical Thinking and Digital Literacy Strategies for Fostering Mental Health and Well-being in Education Education and Awareness Educational institutions can promote mental health awareness through workshops, seminars, and campaigns. By fostering an understanding of mental health issues, schools can reduce stigma and encourage open conversations. Accessible Support Services Schools and colleges should provide accessible support services, including counseling and mental health professionals. Creating a safe space where students can seek help without judgment is crucial. Encouraging a Balanced Lifestyle Promoting a balanced lifestyle that includes physical activity, healthy eating, and relaxation techniques is vital for mental health. Encouraging students to take breaks, exercise, and practice mindfulness can significantly reduce stress levels. Peer Support Programs Peer support programs, such as mentorship and support groups, can be highly effective. They enable students to connect with peers who have similar experiences and create a network of emotional support. Flexible Education Models Educational institutions can explore flexible education models that allow students to learn at their own pace and in a way that suits their individual needs. This reduces the pressure and stress associated with traditional learning methods. Also Read: ArdorComm ‘New Normal – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2023’ to be held at Pune, Maharashtra on 24th November 2023 #ELSAPune #ELSAMaharashtra Conclusion Mental health and well-being are not optional add-ons in the educational system but are fundamental to the success and happiness of students. By recognizing the profound connection between mental health and education, and by taking steps to address challenges and implement supportive strategies, we can create a nurturing environment that allows students to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. It is the responsibility of educational institutions, parents, and society as a whole to prioritize mental health in education, ensuring that our students can reach their full potential and lead fulfilling lives. The author, Pratik Ghosh is associated with ArdorComm Media

Nurturing 21st Century Skills in Education: Fostering Critical Thinking and Digital Literacy

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Blog on Edu

In today’s rapidly evolving world, the education sector plays a pivotal role in preparing students for success in the 21st century. It’s not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in an era of constant change and digital transformation. Two of the most vital skills for students to develop are critical thinking and digital literacy. In this blog, we will explore the significance of these skills in the education sector and provide an in-depth guide on how educational institutions can cultivate critical thinking and digital literacy among their students. Why are 21st Century Skills Important in Education? As the world becomes more interconnected and technology-driven, the demand for 21st century skills has intensified. These skills are fundamental to success in education and beyond, and they go far beyond rote memorization. Critical Thinking in Education Critical thinking is the ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information in a systematic and reasoned manner. It empowers students to become lifelong learners and problem solvers. Here’s how critical thinking benefits education: Enhanced Learning: Critical thinking engages students actively in the learning process. It encourages them to ask questions, explore, and make connections. Problem-Solving: In the classroom, students often face complex problems. Critical thinking equips them to dissect problems and find creative solutions. Better Decision-Making: Students who think critically make informed choices, whether in choosing a college, a career, or a course of action. Digital Literacy in Education Digital literacy, in an educational context, refers to the ability to use digital technology and tools effectively and ethically. In today’s digital age, it’s vital for students to be proficient in: Digital Research: Finding and evaluating information online for academic projects. Online Safety: Understanding how to protect personal data and be mindful of online threats. Communication Skills: Collaborating effectively online and communicating clearly and respectfully. Also Read: ArdorComm ‘New Normal – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2023’ to be held at Pune, Maharashtra on 24th November 2023 #ELSAPune #ELSAMaharashtra Cultivating Critical Thinking in Education Educational institutions can play a significant role in cultivating critical thinking skills among their students. Here’s a guide on how to do it: Curriculum Integration Embed critical thinking into the curriculum across all subjects. Encourage students to question, analyze, and think independently. Incorporate projects, debates, and case studies to stimulate critical thinking. Encourage Diverse Perspectives Create a learning environment that values diversity of thought. Encourage students to engage in open discussions, consider multiple viewpoints, and respect differing opinions. This helps broaden their perspective. Promote Problem-Based Learning Implement problem-based learning approaches. Provide students with real-world problems, allowing them to apply critical thinking skills to find solutions. This approach fosters practical application of knowledge. Teacher Training Train educators in strategies that promote critical thinking. They can serve as role models for students, demonstrating how to analyze information and make sound decisions. Assessment and Feedback Develop assessment methods that measure critical thinking skills. Provide timely and constructive feedback to help students improve. Also Read: The Rise of Podcasts: Exploring the Audio Entertainment Revolution Developing Digital Literacy in Education Digital literacy is integral to education in a world increasingly reliant on technology. Here’s how educational institutions can nurture digital literacy: Digital Literacy Courses Introduce digital literacy courses or integrate digital literacy elements into existing subjects. Ensure students understand how to use digital tools effectively. Online Safety Education Educate students about online safety, privacy, and cybersecurity. Teach them to identify and avoid online threats and to protect their personal information. Information Literacy Incorporate information literacy into research projects. Teach students how to evaluate the credibility of online sources and discern between accurate and unreliable information. Digital Communication Skills Foster digital communication skills by encouraging respectful and effective online interactions. Emphasize the importance of digital etiquette and responsible communication. Stay Updated Educational institutions should stay updated with the latest technology trends and tools to ensure they are providing the most relevant digital literacy education to students. Also Read: The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in HR Leadership Conclusion In the education sector, it is crucial to recognize that preparing students for the future goes beyond academic knowledge. Fostering critical thinking and digital literacy is essential to equip students with the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century. By integrating these skills into the curriculum, promoting diverse perspectives, and ensuring digital literacy, educational institutions can empower students to excel not only in their academic endeavors but also in their future careers and personal lives. As education evolves, these skills will remain fundamental to success in an ever-changing world. The author, Pratik Ghosh is associated with ArdorComm Media

AICTE Extends Admission Deadlines for 2023-24 Academic Session

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The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has introduced a modified academic schedule for the 2023-24 academic session. As per the newly announced calendar for technical and professional education, the deadline for first-year student admissions into vacant seats at technical institutions has been extended to October 30. Additionally, the last date for lateral entry admissions into second-year courses for newly enrolled students is also October 30. Furthermore, the cutoff date for universities or boards to grant affiliation to technical institutes is also October 30. Nevertheless, institutions offering online and open-distance learning (ODL) programs will adhere to the University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines for approval and course admissions in the first and second sessions. The updated academic calendar is available on the official AICTE website, aicte-india.org. The AICTE made these adjustments in response to a Supreme Court order dated October 13, 2023. Consequently, the deadline for admissions into all AICTE-approved institutions and affiliation with universities has been extended to October 30, 2023. Previously, the deadline for admitting first-year students to institutions was set for September 15, and the affiliation grant deadline was July 31. It’s important to note that these revisions do not apply to standalone PGDM and PGCM institutions.

‘New India in the 21st Century’ launched in USA: World Leaders and Nobel Peace Prize Laureates launch Dr Shishir Srivastava’s latest book

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‘New India in the 21st Century: 21 Visions for a Developed India by 2050’ written by Dr Shishir Srivastava was launched on 13th Oct 2023 at Hotel Le Meridien, Pasadena Arcadia by HE Anthony Carmona, former President of Trinidad and Tobago, HE Pakalitha B. Mosisili, former Prime Minister of Lesotho along with Nobel peace prize laureates Abdessatar Benmoussa and Jerry White. The author was invited to address the World Leader Summit of Love and Peace here in Los Angeles, USA. In ‘New India in the 21st Century: 21 Visions for a Developed India by 2050’, Dr Shishir Srivastava has outlined a roadmap for India’s transformation into a developed nation by 2050. He emphasizes leveraging India’s cultural heritage and its youthful population across 21 critical areas. The book explores India’s recent achievements and suggests using economic reforms, IT capabilities, infrastructure development and education to fuel sustainable growth. Each chapter follows a three-fold approach: reviewing past accomplishments, providing a comprehensive plan for progress, and presenting an optimistic vision for India in 2050. The book has been appreciated by Shri Narendra Modi, Shri Rajnath Singh, Shri Piyush Goel, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Dr MS Swaminathan, Dr Vikram Singh, Ms Saina Nehwal and Dr Jagdish Gandhi. Dr. Shishir Srivastava is a respected figure in international relations and motivational speaking with over 23 years of experience and is Head, International Relations at City Montessori School, Lucknow, India. He is also an accomplished author, with notable works including ‘The Eight Powers within You’ and ‘Utho Yuva,’ the latter of which earned praise from Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. For more information and to obtain a copy of ‘New India in the 21st Century: 21 Visions for a Developed India by 2050,’ visit https://www.amazon.in/New-India-21st-Century-Developed/dp/B0CH8NCTL7 To learn more about the author, Dr. Shishir Srivastava,  please visit his website at www.drshishir.in.

Syeda Khadija, Director, Olive Garden Kindergarten, Bengaluru, Emphasizes on Teacher Training

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“I train my staff, and I make it a point that I tie up with various online platforms to get the staff trained,” says Syeda Khadija, Director, Olive Garden Kindergarten, Bengaluru, in an interview with Pratik Ghosh, Content Writer, ArdorComm Media at the ‘New Normal – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2023’ #ELSABengaluru #ELSAKarnataka How are you feeling to witness the New Normal Education Leadership Summit & Award in Bangalore? It’s really very educative and informative, and I’m gaining a lot of information. I really liked the section of “I-Math,” and I went and personally spoke to the people there at that counter, and probably I’m going to tie up with them, so it’s benefiting us. As you know, the theme of our event is “New Normal Karnataka.” What’s your take on this? Frankly speaking, new norms have been a problem for kindergarteners because they are not giving us the exact policies that have to be implemented. When children are getting admitted, we are very much confused about what is the age group we have to admit the child in. So, without the right information, we are stuck nowhere. They need to really give us the proper information on it. And now, again, it’s changed, so I’m not in favour of this because it’s not giving us enough information. How do you train the teachers? Can you emphasize on teacher training? Firstly, I have got myself trained by Lata ma’am, who is a Montessorian, and under her guidance, I train my teachers. It’s very clear that all the teachers who are there in my school are trained because, as one of our speakers did say, if a teacher is not trained, the children are not going to get on the right path. So, I train my staff, and I make it a point that I tie up with various online platforms to get the staff trained. That is how we go about it. As you can see in this kind of forums where we bring in education leaders, EdTech players, as well as the government, how does this kind of forum benefit the education sector? It gives us a better understanding of what is happening around and helps us improve our skills. Like I just said, I liked the section of “I-Math,” so I’ll be introducing it into my school. That is going to help us, and yes, they are giving us some information on the National Education Policy, so that’s clearing our doubts. So, they are benefiting us. Any message or wishes for ArdorComm Media Group on recently completing its 2 years journey? Frankly speaking, ArdorComm was the first company who recognized the work of Olive Garden during COVID, and we were awarded by them. That is the reason why, again, I’ve been a part of it. Definitely, I’m giving you all the best wishes to grow further and try to circulate more information to us.

Sudhir Shetty, Vice President – Marketing, Anthology, Discusses the Company’s Vision for Education Technology in India

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“Our USP has always been that we will bring the best-in-class solutions in whichever areas we operate,” says Sudhir Shetty, Vice President – Marketing, Anthology, in an interview with Pratik Ghosh, Content Writer, ArdorComm Media at the ‘New Normal – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2023’ #ELSABengaluru #ELSAKarnataka How are you feeling to witness the New Normal Education Leadership Summit and Awards in Bangalore? Yeah, it was a good event as I got a lot of new learnings. There were people from public universities, private universities, corporates, so it was a really good session. Could you highlight what Anthology is offering to the K-12 as well as the higher education sector? We are globally one of the largest education technology providers for higher education. We are in 80 plus countries and work with around 8,000 plus institutions. We offer end-to-end solutions for students, from the time they take admission to the time they become alumni. We incorporate the best of Enterprise Solutions, from teaching and learning to operations to CRMs. We have it all. We have been in India for some time under different names, and we primarily promote our SIS (Student Information Systems) and our Learning Management Solutions under the Blackboard name. What is the vision and mission of Anthology? We are in the business of education, so we aim to spread education across the globe and improve from an India perspective. We want to be enablers in the gross enrolment ratios, encouraging students to go for higher education. Our global aim is to improve the lives of both educators and people who are getting educated. What’s the USP (Unique Selling Proposition) of Anthology? We build the best-in-class technology solutions, but we also work in an interoperable world. We believe that the student and learner experience should be world-class, and we build all our solutions with a focus on the learner’s perspective and promoting lifelong learning. We were the first to incorporate AI from OpenAI into an LMS solution, and we have many firsts in this field. We invented the category of learning management 30 years ago. Our USP has always been that we will bring the best-in-class solutions in whichever areas we operate. Any message or wishes for ArdorComm Media Group on recently completing its 2 years journey? I would wish them all the best of luck, and they have been a great partner to us. We’ll continue working with them as it has been really helpful in spreading our message to this market, especially in growing in this market.

Dr. Hemalatha S. Murthy, Principal Director, White Petals Group of Institutions, Shares Insights on Technology Driven Learning

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“We gain unique insights and takeaways every time we attend such events,” says Dr. Hemalatha S. Murthy, Principal Director, White Petals Group of Institutions, in an interview with Pratik Ghosh, Content Writer, ArdorComm Media at the ‘New Normal – Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2023’ #ELSABengaluru #ELSAKarnataka How are you feeling to witness the New Normal Education Leadership Summit and Awards in Bengaluru? It’s a great pleasure. I have been associated with Chandan Anand and LinkedIn for more than eight years. They have been organizing tremendous events focused on the process of learning through technology, awareness, and principles of education. These events can significantly impact the transformation of education. As you know, the theme of our event is New Normal Karnataka. What’s your take on this? My take on this theme is how technology, including chatbots and AI, can be implemented in Karnataka. The state has not only Bangalore but also many rural areas. We should strive to make Bangalore a better place using AI and ChatGPT. How are you implementing these new-age technologies in your institution? We have already started incorporating these technologies, and we’re exploring the use of chat GPT to enhance the educational materials provided to students. In forums like this, where we bring together education leaders, EdTech players, and government representatives, how do you think they benefit the education sector? These forums are not about individuals but about a group of people learning from each other. We gain unique insights and takeaways every time we attend such events. It’s about mutual learning and growth. Any message or wishes for ArdorComm Media Group on its 2nd anniversary? I would like to encourage you to keep growing. There’s a lot that needs to reach educators and students through your efforts. Continuous learning and improvement are key. Thank you.

Karnataka Establishes New Textbook Revision Committee with Three-Month Mandate for Curriculum Overhaul

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The Karnataka government has taken steps to form a fresh textbook revision committee aimed at revising the state’s educational curriculum. This initiative will focus on first and second language Kannada textbooks for classes 1 to 10, third language Kannada textbooks for classes 9 and 10, as well as social science textbooks for classes 6 to 10. In an official order issued on September 25, the government appointed Dr. Manjunath Hegde, a retired history professor, as the chief coordinator of this committee. The panel, comprising 37 members including education experts and academicians, has been granted a maximum of three months to complete the revision of textbooks. The goal is to implement the updated curriculum in the academic year 2024-25. It’s worth noting that the previous textbook revision, conducted when the BJP was in power, faced criticism due to concerns of ideological bias. At that time, Rohit Chakrathirtha, a right-wing ideologue, was appointed as the chairman of the revision committee. The opposition, led by the Congress, accused the government of injecting a right-wing perspective into the textbooks by including content related to RSS founder KB Hedgewar, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, and works by right-wing activists like Chakravarthy Sulibele. The primary responsibility of the 37-member committee is to provide educational guidance and recommendations to the government regarding the revision of textbooks in the specified subjects and classes. Additionally, the order suggests that the chief coordinator and other committee members receive a monthly honorarium and other facilities during the three-month period. Dr. Manjunath Hegde, hailing from Uttara Kannada district, will lead the committee, overseeing five subject-specific textbook revision committees: Dr. Anjanappa, a Kannada professor at Tunga Mahavidyalaya in Shivamogga, will head the first language Kannada textbook revision committee, consisting of 10 members. Dr. HS Sathyanarayan, a Kannada lecturer at Government Girls PU College in Chikkamagaluru, will preside over the second language Kannada textbook revision committee, also comprising 10 members. Dr. Manjanna, a lecturer at Government Women’s First Degree College in Davangere, will lead the third language Kannada textbook revision committee, which includes four members. Dr. Kiran M, an assistant professor at the Central University of Gulbarga, will serve as the president of the social science textbook revision committee for classes 6 and 7, comprising seven members. Dr. Ashwathnarayan, a retired history professor of Bangalore University, will head the social science textbook revision committee for classes 8, 9, and 10, with 10 members. One noteworthy change this year is the inclusion of minority representation in the committee, addressing a criticism faced by the BJP last year. The Congress government has appointed three Muslims to the committee, including Waseem Anwar, an assistant teacher at Karnataka Public School in Tumkur, who is a member of the social science textbook revision committee for classes 6 and 7. Tabbasum Fathima, an assistant teacher at Government Urdu High School in Ramanagara, and Shaheena Alampura, an assistant teacher at Government High School in Bengaluru Rural, are members of the social science textbook revision committee for classes 8, 9, and 10. Earlier this year, the Congress government had initiated 18 changes in the Kannada and Social Science subjects for classes 6 to 10. These changes involved the removal of a class 10 lesson on Hedgewar, “Who Should Be an Ideal Man,” and its replacement with “Story of Sukumara Swami” authored by Shivakotacharya in Kannada language. Additionally, the Congress reintroduced “Letters from a Father to His Daughter” by Jawaharlal Nehru, translated into Kannada by Siddanahalli Krishna Sharma, in class 8, reversing the BJP’s previous decision to exclude it and introduce “BhooKailasa” by Parampalli Narasimha Aithal, which has now been removed.

Indian Government Launches Skill India Digital: Transforming Skill Development, Education, and Employment Landscape

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The Indian government, under the leadership of Union Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan, unveiled Skill India Digital (SID), a digital platform with the goal of revolutionizing the education, skill development, employment, and entrepreneurship landscape in India. SID serves as the digital public infrastructure (DPI) for India’s skill development, education, employment, and entrepreneurship ecosystem, aiming to make skill enhancement more innovative, accessible, and personalized, particularly focusing on digital technology and industry 4.0 skills. Its primary objectives are to facilitate the hiring of skilled talent, support lifelong learning, and promote career advancement. Furthermore, SID will serve as a comprehensive information hub for all government initiatives related to skill development and entrepreneurship. Minister Pradhan expressed that the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has established an open-source platform to cater to the diverse skilling needs of India’s population. Skill India Digital represents a significant step towards leveraging India’s demographic advantage and positioning the country as a global skills hub. This digital initiative is set to revolutionize the learning and skill development landscape, making skilling accessible to everyone, anytime and anywhere. SID offers support in multiple Indian languages and ensures secure access through Aadhaar-based eKYC verification to ensure genuine participation. The platform adopts a mobile-first approach, enabling uninterrupted learning on handheld devices. One of its standout features is the use of Digitally Verified Credentials, which allows users to present their qualifications, experiences, and certifications in a digital format with built-in authenticity. Through personalized QR codes, potential employers and partners can easily access a candidate’s portfolio, showcasing their skills, qualifications, experiences, and accomplishments. The platform is designed to encompass all training programs initiated by both central and state governments, as well as various departments. This centralized hub for skill development initiatives aims to provide learners with improved accessibility, personalized learning experiences, streamlined verification processes, and enhanced career guidance. Ultimately, Skill India Digital seeks to empower individuals to acquire relevant skills, stay updated with industry trends, and contribute effectively to the country’s workforce development.