Category: Education

Education

Newcastle University excels in a leading guide of global universities

Sep 3, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #global universities, #Newcastle University, #Professor Chris Day, #UK, #Vice-Chancellor and President

New Delhi, September 03, 2020: The Times Higher Education World University Rankings place Newcastle joint 178th in the world, a rise of more than 20 places from its position in 2019. Areas where Newcastle University scored highly include: International Outlook, which measures the proportion of international staff, proportion of international students and the scale of international co-authorship (ranked 114th globally) and for Citations (ranked 126th).

Professor Chris Day, Vice-Chancellor and President, Newcastle University, UK, said: “There are many ways of assessing our value as a University, and World Rankings are only one measure that can be used to assess the quality, impact and reputation.

“Nevertheless, our strong position in this influential guide is one of the signals of the quality of our research, teaching and employer reputation. I would like to thank academic and professional service colleagues for their hard work and for helping our students to develop the skills needed by employers, especially against the backdrop of this challenging period.”

The latest rankings results are consistent with the University’s strong performance in other international league tables, including the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, which ranked Newcastle 11th in the world for its impact on society and leadership in sustainable development.

Times Higher Education World University Rankings evaluate five strategic Higher Education areas: teaching, research, citations, industry income and international outlook. The latest rankings guide encompasses 1,527 universities in the world

Education

Flexibility in visa rules, enhanced health precautions for students travelling to the UK for new academic year

Sep 3, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #health precautions for students taraveling to Uk, #students travelling to UK, #Vinay Malhotra, #VISA rules

• Health precautions introduced throughout the visa application system, including the doorstep ‘On Demand Mobile Visa’ service available for student visa customers.
• UK Visas and Immigration has introduced greater flexibility in visa rules, allowing students to apply for visas when they are able to travel to the UK, rather than at the start of their studies.
• Students completing courses online will still be eligible to apply for the Graduate Immigration Route, provided they are in the UK by 06 April 2021.

As part of its commitment to enhancing the visa system experience for students, United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has introduced flexibility in visa rules, with health precautions throughout the visa system, to ensure a comfortable and safe environment for all customers, especially incoming international students, along with its visa services partner VFS Global.

Health precautions across the visa system

In order to ensure a safe environment for customers and employees, VFS Global has established standardised protective measures to be followed across all its UK Visa Application Centres. To ensure health and safety norms are followed, the centres have implemented a mandatory online appointment system, besides checking body temperature of all customers at the entrance and maintaining physical distancing measures. Additionally, staff also carry out preventive measures such as disinfecting high-contact surfaces, body temperature screenings, use of hand sanitisers, regular hand washing, etc.

Since 06 July 2020, UK Visa Application Centres have re-opened in 11 cities in India in a phased manner: Ahmedabad, Bengaluru (Global Tech Park only), Chandigarh, Chennai, Jalandhar, Kochi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai (Mahalaxmi only), New Delhi (Shivaji Metro Stadium only), and Pune – and these centres are receiving Tier 4 applications. All of the above locations are operational subject to local lockdown regulations.

Students who begin courses online can apply for visa later

To limit the disruption caused by ongoing COVID-19 travel restrictions, UKVI is allowing incoming international students to apply for study (Tier 4) visa when they are due to travel to the UK, rather than at the start of their course. This means students who have already gained admission can begin their courses online and apply for a UK study visa when they are ready to do so.

New Graduate Immigration Route policy enhanced

The new Graduate Immigration Route that allows students who complete undergraduate or Master’s degrees to stay and work, look for work, and gain experience in the UK for up to two years (three years for PhD students) from Summer 2021, has been modified to accommodate students who start their courses overseas, online. These students will be eligible to apply for the Graduate Route, provided they are in the UK before 6 April 2021 and complete the final semester of their studies in the UK.

The Graduate Immigration Route policy was announced in September 2019 to help the UK attract and retain even more of the best international graduates from India, ensuring those graduates secure skilled jobs and contribute to the UK’s economic growth.

In 2019/20, student visas from India were 4.5 times what they were in 2016

• According to data from UKVI, almost 50,000 student visas to the UK were granted to Indian nationals in the year ending March 2020. This was a 136% increase from the year ending March 2019.
• This increase was the largest number of grants to Indian students since the year ending September 2011.
• Globally, in the year ending March 2020, almost 300,000 student visas were granted (including dependents). This is a 23% increase on the year ending March 2019 and the highest level since the year ending June 2011.

David Ratcliffe, UK Visas and Immigration Regional Director, South and South-East Asia said:

“Over the last few years, we have seen a huge increase in the number of Indian students choosing the UK’s world-class higher-education system as the destination for their studies. Despite the challenges of Coronavirus, we are confident that many thousands more will join their compatriots at university in the UK this autumn.

“For those travellers, our message is clear: your safety is our highest priority. Throughout the visa application process and your travel to the UK, we are taking measures to ensure you are safe and secure. Also, the new Graduate Route is guaranteed to open next summer – meaning those students heading to the UK this autumn will be able to apply for 2 years additional post-study leave to kick start their career in the UK.”

‘On-Demand Mobile Visa’ to apply for a visa at your doorstep

All visa customers, including students, can also avail of the optional On-Demand Mobile Visa service* that enables them to submit their visa application and enrol biometrics from the comfort and safety of their home. Once a visa decision is reached, passports can be couriered to the customer’s home. Customers in India can visit https://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/in/en/premium-services/on-demand-mobile-visa to book this service at attractive rates.

*Booking the On-Demand Mobile Visa does not guarantee quick turnaround times or a positive decision on visas, that is at the sole discretion of UKVI.

Commenting on this, Vinay Malhotra, Regional Group Chief Operating Officer (South Asia, Middle East & North Africa and Americas), said, “As borders re-open and travel resumes, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety precautions according to the guidelines of the World Health Organisation and local authorities. We are conscious that this is the time students will be applying for visas to travel to the UK for higher education and would like to reassure them of a safe and seamless visa application process, at our Centres or via the doorstep service.”

Education

Tech Avant-Garde, Knowledge Key Foundation, Microsoft to conduct first-ever Knowledge L’avenir Conclave to facilitate Digital Transformation & Holistic Learning and make schools-teachers future-ready

Sep 2, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #Ali Sait, #Digital Transformation & Holistic Learning, #Knowledge Key Foundation, #L’avenir Conclave, #Microsoft, #Tech Avant-Garde

2 September 2020: Tech Avant-Garde, in association with Microsoft, Knowledge Key Foundation, Lycee Corp, Efeeonline and Roshini Social Schooling will be conducting first-of-its-kind Knowledge L’avenir Conclave webinars starting 5 September 2020. L’avenir Conclave webinars are part of Tech Avant-Garde’s “Digital Transformation and Holistic learning” program, which has transformed schools from four walls of the classroom to Connected Learning Community. This grand education showcase will last for 12 weeks and over 3,000 teachers will exhibit their Digital Teaching Skills and over 150,000 teachers will attend. Over 72,000 schools across India with a student-teacher population of 76 million (7.6 crore) will get inspired to make the Digital Transformation.

Some of the participating early-adopter schools include Aligarh – Blossoms School; Bengaluru – TCIS-Sarjapur, TCIS-Whitefield, BGS World School, Green Field School, Venkat International School; Hosur – Litera Valley Zee School, MMS-RICE; Hyderabad – Oxford Grammer, Sri Aurobindo International; Kanpur – Huddard School, Dr. Virender Swaroop Education Centre; Pune- Orbis Mundwa; and Thane – Arya Gurukul amongst others. Mr. Nanik Rupani, Chairman, Emeritus, Priyadarshini Academy will be a Guest of Honour at the Conclave.

Ali Sait, the CEO, Tech Avant-Garde, said, “In today’s world where knowledge is the greatest asset, the benefits of the information-rich, technology-enhanced, the Connected Learning environment must be extended to empower students, teachers, parents, schools and entire communities to learn without limits. ‘Digital Transformation and Holistic Learning’ program has helped schools build the Connected Learning Community through our training of school management, teachers, parents and the students.” He added, “Knowledge L’avenir Conclave webinar will give teachers an opportunity to exhibit their digital teaching skills in presence of the teaching fraternity, and the community at large. This will make them confident and will encourage them to improve themselves. These webinars will redefine education and give purpose to teachers to reinvent because there is no greater payback than recognition. The take away would be an insight into the future of education, 21st Century Pedagogy and Digital Transformation.”

Under the above program, teachers have been trained in Gen Extra Muros – Knowledge Beyond Walls pedagogy. The teachers who are trained under this program are “Future Ready”. They are eligible to take part in Knowledge L’avenir Conclave to display their digital teaching skills. Each Knowledge L’avenir Conclave webinar will be a one-day event; in which teachers from one school will present topics of their choice, using technology-based teaching tools. In every webinar, an average of 20 teachers from 1,000 schools will get an invitation to attend and witness this digital teaching extravaganza. The attendees will get insight on digital teaching and would get inspired to enhance their teaching skills. Knowledge L’avenir Conclave participation is only by invitation – each invited school is allowed to enrol teachers to make a presentation in the webinar to exhibit their digital teaching skills.

Ali Sait’s dream of a Connected Learning Community is a simple yet powerful idea with even more relevance today than when he first introduced the concept in the year 2002. His vision is that the world is an enriched learning environment in which technology used well enhances and expands opportunities for learning while providing the practical technology experience needed in today’s society and workplaces. In the Connected Learning Community: Students, educators and parents have any time, anyplace access to learning; Learning is relevant, individualized and personalized; Schools have information systems that support accountability and efficient management; Schools, campuses, homes, libraries, businesses and global resources are connected in a dynamic, collaborative learning environment. Yet for 21st-century learning, technology alone is not sufficient. Schools, students, and teachers must have the vision and opportunity to experiment, innovate and create with technology as a learning tool. Ali wants to facilitate a New Era of Education in a growing number of schools and communities around the world. Technology has helped launch a new era of education that simultaneously fosters academic excellence and the practical experience needed to succeed in life and work in the growing knowledge economy. Nevertheless, communities have only begun to tap the potential of technology for learning.

Most of these students and teachers would require items such as Laptops, Tablets, Handheld devices, electronic writing pads, learning software, internet, desks, chairs, etc. Tech Avant-Garde is planning to showcase these products in Knowledge L’avenir Conclave webinars along with the names of the fulfilment agencies.

Education

‘Ryan International Group of Institutions’ collaborates with ‘The College Board’

Sep 2, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #Director, #Dr. Snehal Pinto, #Ryan International Group of Institutions, #The College Board

Mumbai, September 2020: Ryan International Group of Institutions, one of India’s foremost K12 Education brands have collaborated with the globally renowned institution The College Board. This coveted association will enable thousands of students of diverse Education boards of Ryan Group of schools across India with easy accessibility to the PSAT 8/9 and PSAT 10 examinations held by the US-based non-profit and education led organization – The College Board.

The alliance is aimed to benefit the students from the perspective of exam preparedness and convenient registration, and will further support the students with a simplified process of college application through the registered app as well. PSAT 8/9 examinations are taken by Grade 8 & 9 students and PSAT 10 by Grade 10 students to get an insight and assessment on the subjects that they need to work on for score improvement. These examinations help the students to prepare and understand their scope of performance for the eventual PSAT and ultimately the SAT exams that are instrumental in the college application and acceptance process.

Speaking on the collaboration, Dr. Snehal Pinto, Director, Ryan International Group of Institutions shared, “In our effort to provide an easily accessible platform for our students across the country for higher education opportunities, this collaboration with the College Board is expected to benefit the community of diverse learners aspiring for enrolment in reputed institutions in India as well as abroad mainly the United States. This association will facilitate a great starting point and thriving prospects for college education with the help of professionals from across the globe. We look forward to establishing a long term association with the College Board in order to continue providing opportunities for our Ryanites to prepare themselves for their next step of academic life.”

Ryan International Group of Institutions, through their partnership with The College Board, aims to pave a path for their students to make them college-ready and provide not just convenient registration but also easy accessibility to college and career guidance programs and services for the Advanced Placement Program and the SAT provided by The College Board.

Education

Industry Experts addressed Orientation Program at Amity Gurugram

Sep 1, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #Amity University Gurugram, #Honourable Chancellor of AUH Dr Aseem Chauhan, #Orientation Program, #Vice Chancellor Maj Gen BS Suhag

Keeping its tradition of blending modernity with the antiquity of India’s spiritual civilization, Amity University Gurugram began its weeklong Orientation program today with the Vedic Hawan invoking the powers of divinity and blessings of God Almighty. The first-day orientation was participated by around 1500 students and parents and was graced by the Honourable Chancellor of AUH Dr Aseem Chauhan. The experts from the industry addressed the freshers on Future of Work and Career opportunities and inspired them to be future-ready to work in the technology-intensive work environment of the digital age. The experts also shared the current technology challenges and skillsets akin to the new and emerging technologies such as IoT, Bigdata Analytics, AI and Robotics.

Addressing the inspired minds of the freshers, the Vice-Chancellor Prof PB Sharma in his opening address on “Professionals of the Digital Age- Innovate, Excel and make Mother India Proud” invited the budding professionals to empower themselves with the capabilities of the new age as also to nurture themselves as responsible citizens of the global society. Professor Sharma also shared the glimpses of major Research and Innovations happenings in AUH and invited the freshers to take the best advantage of the research-intensive academic environment that the AUH offers. Prof Sharma called upon the freshers “To pay a much greater attention to the health of the environment and tackle the formidable issues such as climate change, water and energy security and create a sense of pride in being Indians, yet never forget that we in India stand for the welfare of entire humanity, harmony, peace and happiness all around”.

The six-day orientation program is devoted to familiarizing the new students with the teaching-learning environment that the university offers, its academic rigor, research opportunities and community outreach programs specially designed to sensitize the students with the needs of the society and community around.

Addressing the freshers Honourable Chancellor of AUH Dr Aseem Chauhan said “The class of 2020-21 is very special as you are entering into your higher studies in the middle of the COVID Pandemic crisis. You have a great opportunity to build and create the world of your dreams. At Amity, your exciting journey that begins today shall inspire and empower you to perceive the world with a different perspective and shape you as outstanding professionals and make you better human beings by instilling in you the values and sanskaras that are part of the core philosophy of Amity that is being nurtured under the visionary leadership of our Founder President Dr Ashok K Chauhan. You are part of the bright future of our great nation. From today you are a part of Amity family, I want you to behave differently and act highly responsively. I congratulate you for the choice you made to join Amity University Gurugram”.

The Dy Vice Chancellor Maj Gen BS Suhag, Pro VC Dr Padmakali Banerjee also addressed the freshers. The heads of the institutions of AUH also in their pre-recorded messages welcomed the freshers on the auspicious occasion of the beginning of the academic session. A unique feature of the inaugural session was the screening of the video clippings of Amity Eminent Webinars addressed by Nobel Laureates of Peace His Holiness Dalai Lama, Nobel Laureate Shri Kailash Satyarthi and Nobel Laureate Prof Muhhamad Yunus and also Padma Vibhushan eminent Scientist Dr RA Mashelkar, former Director General CSIR and eminent Corporate Leader Padma Bhushan Dr Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Chairperson Biocon Ltd. The program was coordinated by Director Admissions and Dy Director Amity Business School Dr Vikas Madhukar and was assisted by Dr Monika Yadav and Dr Pooja Rana.

Expressing her great delight at the online orientation program, Neha, 1st-year student said, “Starting from the virtual tour to the talks delivered by the guests, I love every part of the orientation program. I am looking ahead to know more about my university in coming days of orientation ceremony.”
In the afternoon session the Amity Institute of Behavioral Science conducted Psychometric Profiling of the freshers and the Dean Student Welfare Maj General GS Bal introduced the freshers to the Student Clubs and Student Societies at AUH and invited the freshers to take full advantage of the cultural activities conducted throughout the year.

Education

FIITJEE becomes Country’s 1st Coaching Institute to conduct National Level Proctored Online Test Successfully!

Aug 22, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #FIITJEE, #National Level Proctored Online Test

Amidst current restricted situation due to COVID-19, FIITJEE- India’s leading institute for Engineering Entrance Exam preparations has successfully conducted National Level Proctored Online Scholarship cum Admission Test (POSAT) and Proctored Online Scholarship Test (POST) on 2nd August 2020.

FIITJEE is the country’s First institute to conduct any test using Remote Proctoring Technology. It is yet another Achievement added to FIITJEE’s Success Story! More than 15000 students from different states, towns and even from villages appeared in the test without facing any language or technical challenge. Students from all corners of India appeared in the test. Students used Laptop, Desktop, tab and Smart mobile phone to appear in the test. Students who used mobile devices were also able to appear in the test successfully and smoothly. Even the test was conducted successfully in the low bandwidth area.

FIITJEE had set up a Large-Scale Help Centre that was available to provide instant support to students. The Entire process was conducted in a very professional manner. The support was well appreciated by students & parents.

Prior to the exam date, FIITJEE also provided a Mock Test for all the Registered Students so that they could practice and get the real experience of the proctored test. Students were allowed to appear thrice in the mock test.

It was a 3-tier Proctoring System wherein the First-tier was handled by Artificial Intelligence, the Second-tier by FIITJEE’s trained Live Online Proctor (Invigilator) and the Third-tier is Post Test proctoring by Examination Supervisor with the help of periodic Images Captured during the test, Video Recording and Click-by-click audit trail of the student.

Proctored Online Test was a replica of FIITJEE’s Offline Test where invigilation of the test was done through Live Online Proctor with the help of Artificial Intelligence. Students were supervised with the help of the camera and mic on their Laptop / Desktop / Mobile.

During the test, students’ all actions and activities were recorded and supervised remotely. Proctor got notified if any student was suspected of cheating through a detailed log of suspicious browser activity and audio-visual events that have been recorded during the exam. Proctor was allowed to send a warning to the student at any time through chat very much similar to offline invigilation.

The Proctored Online Scholarship Test (POST) was conducted for all FIITJEE Classroom Program students who have already taken admission during lockdown through Home Based Online Admission Tests. The Proctored Online Scholarship cum Admission Test (POSAT) was for Class VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI,XII and XII Pass students who wished to take admission in FIITJEE Classroom / Live Online Classroom Program.

Education

Kitabee launches a unique module to provide best quality training for CAT aspirants at home

Aug 21, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #CAT, #Kitabee Education Services, #Mr. Neraj Naiyar (IIT alumni), #NMAT, #SNAP, #XAT

Delhi, 21st August 2020: Kitabee Education Services that offers cost-effective, practical as well as time-tested solutions for students, have now announced virtual training modules for aspiring students for CAand other MBA entrance exams. The online modules have been meticulously designed to provide crucial study resources, mock tests and live classes to help students to secure exceptional scores in the upcoming CAT 2020 exam and other B-school admission tests. The last batch for CAT 2020 aspirants will be starting from 20th August 2020.

In an attempt to introduce feasible and innovative pedagogical solutions for students, Kitabee has curated a step-by-step test system that helps students acquire the skills to crack the best results in MBA entrance exams. The pandemic outbreak has led to many students in a state of confusion and misery as they do not have the scope of learning from leading experts on the subjects of their interests. Kitabee has taken to address the challenges being faced by students by bringing the best teachers from the domain at the convenience of being at home and learning from the masters directly.

All the digital training classes have been carefully designed to strengthen talented students and provide exposure to proven pedagogy, high-quality study material and a step-test system that gently fosters a student’s skill while preparing them to score well in exams.

Neraj Kumar Naiyar, Founder of Kitabee and IIT Alumnus added, “We are now entering an unprecedented era of education that will challenge the way we have practised teaching until now. We pride ourselves on our commitment to our students, our integrity and professionalism. Delivering outstanding results each year, we have been able to help numerous students to pursue MBA from their dream colleges”.

Kitabee is also introducing a special webinar where Mr. Neraj Naiyar (IIT alumni) will be talking about strategies for cracking CAT in the time frame of 100 days. This includes helping students with daily study schedules to suggestions on approaches while taking mocks. The webinar will end with a Q&A session where doubts and confusions are addressed for better clarity on various aspects of a subject.