NextEducation, India’s definitive provider of technology-backed K-12 solutions has significantly altered the education landscape in the nation since its inception in 2007. The company has created innovative products that make the processes of teaching and learning easy, engaging and effective. Its leading product offerings such as TeachNext, LearnNext, MathsLab, ScienceLab, RoboticsLab and EnglishLab are used in over 6,000+ schools across the country. In an interaction with BW|Businessworld’s Manish Kumar Pathak, Beas Dev Ralhan, CEO, NextEducation, gives insight on how he plans to further add value to the business venture.Edited Excerpts: What is with IITians and entrepreneurship? Is the environment fostering people to take risks?I think the IITs provide preliminary skills and confidence to their students and prepare them well for corporate sector jobs. This encourages the students, even if a few of them, to take risks and accept the challenges that entrepreneurship poses. What are K-12 solutions, and how has it managed to carve out a marketplace for itself?K-12 solutions are solutions that facilitate teaching and learning in a school. By introducing interactive technologies in the classrooms, and by making school management and learning tools readily available, K-12 solutions have successfully carved out a marketplace for itself. Right now, the largest segment is teaching aids (digital classrooms) and the market is expected to expand tenfold once adaptive learning becomes the primary way of teaching kids. Considering the risks, has the education sector in India become more receptive to changes? Is the system becoming more transparent?The education set up in India has reached a level where there is no dearth of new and innovative ideas in the market. Everyday a new product is introduced to explore the learning processes in children. Since, parents nowadays are more educated and involved than ever before, a certain pressure has built up on the school managements to provide quality education to its students. Moreover, because of the many management softwares and applications in existence, school management has become much more transparent and efficient than ever before. What are your essential targets, and what are your future expansion plans?Our vision is to reach out to at least 25 per cent of the kids in India. But as of now, instead of expanding, we are focussing on consolidating our products and services. I am very happy with the way we and our products have been received across the country and we would definitely want to expend further. What is your USP which you consider to be the pivotal aspect of your model?For us, a customer’s satisfaction is more important than our profit. We believe that in order to acquire a large customer base we need to focus on quality rather than quantity. But, it is difficult to find collaborators and sponsors who share our beliefs. We are very grateful to have such investors who have established their faith in our company. Are people receptive towards the technology aspect in education, considering many are more comfortable with the conventional learning and teaching methods?I feel students and parents are quite receptive. But, the responsibility primarily falls on the teachers, headmasters and principals of the schools. They not only have to employ the latest innovations in classrooms but also make sure that no student is left behind. Where do you see the education sector in future? Will the bubble burst or just enlarge further?The bubble encompassing the education sector has already burst. In the case of the K-12 solution market, a number of investments have failed and the competition pool has reduced from double digit to single digit players. I think over the next 2-3 years, with 4G readily available, the market will multiply at least ten times. How effective will the concept of Big Data be in India, since the demography is so vast and diverse?As far as I understand, Big Data refers to huge data sets which can’t be processed with the commonly available software tools within a specific period of time. Big Data becomes further complicated in diverse cultural setups, like India. In the education sector, Big Data’s impact is immense and we are working on various solutions powered by it. However, right now, I cannot elaborate further due to the competitive nature of such solutions.
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IMT Ghaziabad has announced the opening of its admissions process for all its two year PGDM and MBA programs of 2016 at IMT campuses viz. Ghaziabad, Nagpur, Dubai and Hyderabad. IMT Common Application form can be via the IMT Common Application form, which is now available online till 26 November at www.imt.eduEligibility Criteria:To register for admission process, the candidate must provide educational qualifications, contact details, etc. and at least one of the following: registration number for CAT 2015 or ID for XAT 2016 or ID for GMAT (if available) or Roll-No for CMAT (if available). IMT Ghaziabad will be accepting CAT/XAT/GMAT (test taken between 1st January 2012 – 31 March 2016) while IMT Nagpur and Hyderabad will be accepting CAT/XAT/GMAT/CMAT (to be conducted in 2016).All the candidates are required to update their GMAT/ CMAT Test score, on or before 15 April 2016. Additionally, in case of CAT and XAT, all applicants are required to fill the registration number of the test score that he/she is willing to submit. For candidates who are applying on the basis of GMAT/CMAT and their score is not updated, processing of application will be provisional.For IMT, Dubai, all Indian Resident students are required to take an English Proficiency Test. The minimum score, which is required for admission is 6.0 for IELTS, 550 for paper-based TOEFL while 79for internet-based TOEFL test. All the scores are valid for a period of 2 years only.IMT will short-list the candidates for interview based on their best available test scores in CAT/XAT/GMAT for IMT Ghaziabad campus and CAT/XAT/GMAT/CMAT score for Nagpur and Hyderabad campus. The Communication and Personal Interview Process (CnPI) will be conducted at one of the centres selected by the candidates in Communication& Personal Interview Schedule Form available on IMT's Admissions Portal during a specific period of time in the month of January 2016. The details of the same will be mailed to the candidate.Post short-listing on the basis of available scores, the shortlisted candidates will be called in for a Communication and Personal Interview (CnPI) round. The candidates will face a written communication test (WCT) followed by a Personal Interview (PI).The IMT panel of experts will test the candidate’s oral communication skills, analytical and leadership skills, language proficiency, coherence, work experience, domain knowledge etc. After the CnPI process, IMT will take the final decision on admission by taking into account the candidate’s academic record, entrance test scores, work experience and performance in the CnPI round.For admission in PGDM programme, the applicants must have a minimum three-year Bachelor's degree or equivalent with minimum 50 per cent marks in any discipline or CGPA of at least on 3.0-4.0 scale in any discipline (for IMT Dubai). Applicants who are appearing for the final-year degree examination can also apply. For PGDM (Executive) program, the candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in any discipline with at least 50 per cent marks and a minimum three-year work experience after graduation as of 30th June 2016.
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Chanakya IAS Academy has organsed a seminar 'Art of Success' for the aspiring candidates of Civil Service Examination. Chanakya IAS Academy in association with Art of Success created a platform for the aspirants to build their confidence level by listening to Mr. A.K. Mishra, the celebrated motivational speaker.A.K. Mishra, Managing Director of Chanakya IAS Academy, said, “This seminar is an initiative to empower the civil services aspirants with prerequisite skills to succeed in Civil Services Examination, to break their myths related to the examination and to provide right guidance to the students to excel in their chosen fields. Art of Success organized the seminar for the aspirants with a belief and goal to spread the knowledge and motivation to the aspirants, who aim to be a Civil Servant.”This initiative of Art of Success served the purpose of the candidates on how to come out with flying colors in the most competitive examination. He has also set straight the myths associated with the Civil Services Examination and motivated the deserving students on how to succeed and overcome all the difficulties in lifeA.K. Mishra, Managing Director of Chanakya IAS Academy, popularly known as Success Guru, was the chief speaker of the programme. The seminar witnessed the aspiring candidates from all over India. A.K. Mishra is the renowned motivational speaker of Art of Success encouraged the hardworking students to express their doubts, fears or any preconceived notions that has been a barrier to get through one of the most competitive examination.(BW Online Bureau)
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"The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires." William Arthur WardIn the olden days, teacher was considered as a provider and transmitter of information. A teacher was considered as an authoritarian over her subject matter and the student regarded teacher as a role model.The young today are facing a world in which communication and information revolution has led to changes in all spheres: scientific, technological, political, economic, social and cultural. To be able to prepare our young people face the future with confidence, purpose and responsibility, the crucial role of teachers cannot be overemphasized. New demands are often placed on the schools in addition to the existing ones, to be equipped with current knowledge and modern methods of acquiring new knowledge. It is teacher's responsibility to see that the student is prepared and is equipped to compete in the current scenario. Time has come when a teacher needs to realize that, " Knowledge is like an ocean- never ending and deep." As teachers, we are just ice-burgs with a small crown over our head.In the dynamic society like ours, the role of a teacher has undergone lots of transformation just as the needs of our students have changed and revolved. As a part of teacher community, we complain and argue saying, "Hamare time pe aisa nahi tha." Or, "Yeh generation lucky hai.", "Yeh bacche teacher ko mante nahin." My question to all my fellow-beings is, " Do you really think that we can buy respect." I feel that as a teacher a student needs to respect a teacher from within. Respect will not come just by students wishing us, getting up in class once you enter, calling us madam. It is necessary that she earns it. A teacher will definitely achieve it if she meets the demands of the student. To meet these demands, the teacher should herself be a learner and ready to transform herself to accept the new roles.Changing roles:1. Facilitator: A teacher needs to facilitate and inspire students for self study and go beyond the text -book.2. Democratic: A learning environment created which is more flexible.3. Emphasis on overall development: Teacher needs to understand specific learning abilities of each individual and try to build the personality of an individual through various teaching learning activities.eg, Role play, debates, seminar and discussions etc.4. Practical oriented: A teacher should plan the curriculum and the course in a way that entails a practical approach. It is essential that teacher provide training in such a way that the matter learnt in theory is applied in real life. This could be achieved through actual experimentation, laboratories, simulation.5. Multidisciplinary approach: A young student may have lots of interests and as a teacher we need to understand and provide time for students to identify their own interests. A multidisciplinary approach will also help the new generation to face challenges holistic way and not in parts.6. Counselor: Students undergo lot of stress. A good teacher needs to understand student's psychology, identify deviations and assist them to cope.7. Technosavy: A teacher needs to understand newer methods in teaching learning activity which would make her class interesting, interactive and sustain the attention of the students.8. Role model: Students look up at the teachers as role models. Time has come when students observe their teachers behavior in all respects. Moral values like respect, punctuality, honesty, sincerity can be only transferred if you as a teacher practice.Thus, it is clear that teaching has undergone evolution with time. Lets learn to face these challenges and transform our outlook to education and help the citizens of tomorrow to create a Better India. All that is required is:M- MotivateI- InspireG- Goal settingH- Honest effortT- Timely interventionThe author, Avani Oke, is Principal of K.J. Somaiya College of Nursing
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The college admissions process can be complicated, overwhelming, and let’s face it – stressful! From writing your resume, requesting references, and racking your brain for the perfect essay topic to demonstrate your personality and your strengths, completing the application process can be time consuming and daunting. To help you through the college application process, we’ve came up with our 5 tips for “Keeping it Real” – and maintaining your sanity – to ensure your applications are postmarked by the application deadline. Check out our tips below:1. Be yourself.The fact is, the best story you can tell is your own. Many students tell us that they want to stand out in the college process. Yet, these same students often seek to imitate what they think has “worked” for others—friends, neighbors, random postings online. This is not the place to start. The best college applicants are the ones who do the hard work of getting to know themselves by setting goals, and assessing their strengths and weaknesses at the start of the process. These applicants also approach their college applications by thinking about what they want colleges to know about them, rather than trying to guess what they think colleges want to hear.2. Be open.The perfect college for you could be one that you have never heard of before you started the search process. We tell our students to spread a wide net when it comes to assembling their college lists. With so many colleges to choose from, it is important to keep an open mind as you explore college options. Also, if you find a school that piques your interest, stay focused on that interest. If others seem more focused on magazine rankings or “name brand” colleges, just remind yourself that you have done the research and know yourself the best.3. Be realistic.While it is okay to reach, you want to make sure that your college list does not include only highly selective schools. When it is time to choose which colleges you would like to attend, you want to have choices. Likewise, be realistic about your finances. Talk with your parents early on in the process to access your family’s financial resources and what might be available to you. Use the Net Price Calculator on each college’s financial aid website to gauge what you and your parents will be expected to contribute to your education if admitted. Also, think in advance about how much loan debt you’re willing to take on, if finances are a concern.4. Be thoughtful.A successful college process does not happen by accident. You need to understand deadlines, application requirements, including standardized tests, and the financial aid process. Additionally, you should create time in your senior year schedule to research colleges and draft your applications. In reality, applying to college is similar to completing a major long-term class assignment. You’re required to think through each step in advance, do your homework, and then work towards managing the project over an extended period of time. As with other parts of this process, we recommend sketching out a game-plan with your school counselor, teacher, or other trusted adult.5. Be bold.Put yourself out there. If you do not know the answer to something college related, ask people who know the answer. Utilize your school counselor, or if the answer is college-specific, call the college admissions or financial aid office. Some students need more information on specific academic programs at colleges. We advise our students to go to college websites and look for contacts in academic departments of interest. They’re happy to help you understand their offerings. At every point in the process, seek competent advice from experts who can help you.We hope that you find these tips helpful. Applying to college employs the academic and personal skills you’ve learned to this point, including self-advocacy, research, personal reflection and self-expression.The authors are Roland Allen & Amy Warren, Instructors of The Road to Selective College Admissions
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Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is giving Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) $35 million to develop a facility promoting education and leading-edge research by CMU's faculty and students.The gift from TCS is the fifth largest gift in Carnegie Mellon's history and the biggest the school has received either from outside the US or from a corporation.The gift also will endow presidential fellowships and scholarships, increasing the availability of a CMU education to outstanding students."With our shared commitment to education and research in areas that help address many challenges of our time, the partnership with TCS is both natural and extraordinarily promising," said Subra Suresh, president of Carnegie Mellon."Together, our two organisations have the capabilities and capacity to make breakthrough discoveries, and the scale to make societal impact on a global scale.""TCS is proud to invest in this landmark partnership with CMU to promote market-driven innovation and accelerate advancements in technology," said Natarajan Chandrasekaran, chief executive officer and managing director, TCS."As global leaders, Carnegie Mellon and TCS have the intellectual power, creativity, institutional nimbleness, and global reach to capitalize on new opportunities and have a lasting impact on society and industry through cutting-edge digital research and a long-term commitment to education."TCS is part of the Tata group, India's biggest industrial conglomerate.
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The School of Inspired Leadership, also known as SOIL, is a private business school located in Gurgaon, Haryana, India. It was founded by Anil Sachdev who was formerly the CEO of the consulting firm Grow Talent Company Limited before the consulting business was sold to the American HR Consulting firm Right Management. The name Grow Talent Company was retained and SOIL functions as a unit of Grow Talent Company.“Many leaders like Ratan Tata, Narayana Murthy, Azim Premji among others who I’ve dealt with over the years as clients and batchmates who have inspired me to form a curriculum for students to become future leaders in their own field,” says Anil Sachdev, Founder & CEO, SOIL. The B-School was established by a consortium of 32 companies including Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), Infosys, Birla Group, Dr Reddys, Hindustan Unilever, Infosys, Johnson and Johnson, Kohler, Larsen and Toubro, Mahindra, Max, Maruti Suzuki, Nokia, SAS, SAP SRF, Schneider, Symphony, Tata Steel, TVS Motors, Volvo-Eicher among others. The school faculty that are mostly from the corporate world coach some of the top leaders of the company on leadership. Sachdev himself has coached LIC and IRDA top executives. “The industry consortium’s involvement is what makes us who we are. They have been part of our visioning and have helped us through each stage of growth in the past several years. They joined hands with us to literally ‘co-create’ a business school that addresses the needs of corporate India,” says Sachdev Forty per cent of the entire curriculum focuses on spiritual learnings, yoga, travelling to spiritual places. It encourages students to work for social development as every week a student is mandated to work with a non-profitable organisation (NGO). “With so much corporate corruption around we teach our students to be honest and ethical,” says Sachdev. SOIL is now opening another institute in Manesar that will under graduate to post graduate courses on Design Thinking, Innovation and Entrepreneurship among the regular Masters in Business Administration (MBA). The other university will be established in Pune in the next 5 years.
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The IITs have seen a marginal rise in the number of girls joining in various courses this year too, from 8 per cent last year to 9 per cent in the current batch. Though, in absolute numbers, girls on the elite institutes' campuses have gone up by 40, compared to 2014, gender disparity continues to be a problem. Of the 9,974 students allotted seats in 18 IITs in the first joint seat allocation process, only 900 are girls, according to a report in The Times of India. While 102,385 male students registered for the IIT Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) advanced 2015 exam, 96,895 actually appeared and 23,407 passed. Of the 22,355 girl students who registered, 20,342 appeared and 3,049 cleared the exam. Girls accounted for 11 per cent of those who found a place on the merit list. Aditi topped among women, with an all-India rank of 7. Only five girls made it to the top 100. IIT aspirants have to clear two-phased JEE (Mains) and JEE (Advanced) exams to gain entry into the elite institutes. The girls' academic performance, too, has shown an upward trend over the last few years. However, social scientists believe that girls are not encouraged by either their parents or the social system to get into engineering. They are more opt for medical or humanities subjects. Professors attribute the poor representation of girls on engineering campuses to the mindset of people. Quoting Pradipta Banerji, director, IIT-Roorkee, the newspaper reported that girls are poorly represented only in the undergraduate programme, though their success percentage is usually on par with boys. Additionally, girls have fared much better than boys in this year's CBSE class XII examinations, where the overall pass percentage stood at 82.66 per cent. The pass percentage of girls stood at 88.52 as compared to 78.27 per cent for boys. BW | Businessworld’s latest issue focus on workplace respecting the dignity of women, and where male colleagues don’t treat it as a sexual hunting ground. A good work environment, where women colleagues don’t live in fear of being hounded and harassed, will logically be a more productive place too. The start-up wave in this respect comes as a breath of fresh air. It is breaking gender barriers and providing new opportunities to women to become first generation entrepreneurs.
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