Reimagining education in post pandemic world
The coronavirus pandemic has seriously upturned the education system. Along with the shift from classrooms to computer screens almost all aspects of learning are being tested. Format of instruction, attendance, evaluation, the role of technology, and human interaction are all being re-imagined and there is a growing possibility that some of these changes will last.
The prolonged closure of Colleges has also highlighted some underlying vulnerabilities in the education system and as the various stakeholders strive to address challenges and plug the gap, education, as we know, is going to change forever. Blended learning will be a new norm, which has also been envisaged in our NEP 2020.
Digitization of education is the future and we have been making significant strides in that direction even before the pandemic struck.
For more than a year now, online classes and remote learning have been the medium through which learning is delivered to students. Teachers, as well as students, have adapted themselves to make the best of this mode of learning. This is not to say that remote learning is the best or the only way forward.
Some Colleges in smaller towns and cities are not in a position to hold classes remotely and a large number of students are suffering because of this. We are taking every Stepto make remote learning more accessible and everyone can benefit from this mode.
One key takeaway from the pandemic is that conventional classroom teaching with human contact is still the best mode of learning. However, technology is a great enabler and hence has a significant role to play in the education system.
Assessing students and testing is another area where changes will have to be made to align with the new reality. Standardized testing which has been the norm will have to make way for adaptive tests that deliver personalized results.
So testing students will have to be adaptive in nature where customized assessment is done for each individual student based on their competency level, based on learning outcomes, and previous tests taken.
The role of teachers has also seen a significant change due to the pandemic. Teachers have been forced to make pedagogical adaptations for online classes. PowerPoint and audio-visual presentations have become the norm and teachers learned the use of technology to be able to take classes during the pandemic.
This level of personalization helps in-detailed analysis of core strengths and weaknesses to realign learning approaches accordingly.
This level of personalization is possible only because of the underlying strength of technology that enables educators to tailor lessons, assignments, reports, and practice worksheets for their learners.
Coming to the advances of technology and requirements of this 21st century and in particular in the last decade, we have experienced anexponential growth in the information technology coupled with newer and better technologies in other sectors.These changes will continue to emerge at a pace faster than any other time in human history. 3D printing, artificial intelligence, robotics, nanotechnology, 5G wireless communication, stem cell therapy and distributed ledger are a few examples of such technologies.Entire manufacturing organismhas changed. We no longer depend on fossil fuels for production of energy or transport. New world has come with advancement of materials, methods, manufacturing,and computerization(in the form of AI, Robotics, Machine Learning, and Data Science). New Green Highways are planned which reduces the distance as well as time in commuting.
Significant economic, social and military benefits can accrue for India by investing in emerging technologies and provide an impetus to its aspiration of being a major player in a multipolar world order.
A 2019 survey found that only 47% of Indian graduates were considered employable. However, regulatory changes proposed under the new National Educational Policy (NEP) aims to reduce overregulation and provide significant autonomy to educational institutions.
By keeping these in view,we at NMCE have adapted Curriculum which suits to the present industry as well meets the future requirements by
- Addressing the gaps of Syllabus recommended by the affiliating university by taking special topics through classrooms as well as offering at least 40% more practical’s
- Encouraging the students to join in Skill India Programs offered in the college
- Training in Soft skills/Analytical skills/ Core and IT training for their employment with better packages
- Encouraging and mentoring the students to write NPTEL exams in advance technologies.
- Encouraging the students to take Minor degree (Dual degree) for their better prospects in future.
The fruits of our efforts are witnessed through Campus selections of students with better packages in renowned companies in all branches of engineering.
We wish the students, parents and all concerned that NMCE, Peth is an ideal partner in shaping the careers of budding engineers to serve the nation.Prof. Dr. B.Srinivasa Varma
Ph.D.,
FIE,LMTSI
M.Tech.(Mech.),NIT, Kurukshetra
Ph.D.(Ceramic Cutting Tools),NIT, Warangal
Principal, Nanasaheb Mahadik College of Engineering