Vidyasagar University is a leading institute for computer applications located in Paschim Medinipur, India. It aims to provide world-class education with a focus on the rural areas of Midnapore. The university has state-of-the-art infrastructure including labs, libraries, hostels, and smart classrooms. It offers specialized courses in areas such as BCA, MCA, and provides placements and career guidance. Notable alumni of the university have achieved success in academia and research. Going forward, the university plans to introduce more job-oriented courses and increase international collaborations to further enhance education.
Rapple "Scholarly Communications and the Sustainable Development Goals"
Top Computer Application Institute - Vidyasagar University
1. Education. Innovation. Success
NOWLEDGEREVIEW
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www.theknowledgereview.com
Scintillating
Institutes
2018
10
The
Most
COMPUTERAPPLICATIONS,
for
VIDYASAGAR UNIVERSITYVIDYASAGAR UNIVERSITYVIDYASAGAR UNIVERSITY
Indian Edition - March 2018
A Revolutionary Frontrunner in the Field of EducationA Revolutionary Frontrunner in the Field of EducationA Revolutionary Frontrunner in the Field of Education
2.
3.
4. ‘
Editorial
ducation is the most powerful weapon which you can use to
Echange the world–Nelson Mandela
Higher education in India has received a major facelift due to the
recent technological advancements. Implementation and intervention
of computer based technologies in education has helped in
transforming it drastically. Modern computer based tools and
applications are increasingly being used by teachers and students alike
for enhancement of the educational experience. Educational soft
wares, applications, e-books, and so on are rapidly making their way
into classrooms and academic curriculums.
This modern age of technological advancements depends a lot on
computer technologies. Almost every industry and every organization
requires computer technologies to perform major and intricate tasks.
These tasks are made easy and can be performed in a jiffy, thanks to
the latest computer applications and soft wares. Selecting the right
person with exceptional computer skills and in-depth knowledge of
computer soft wares and applications for managing and dealing with
computer applications, soft wares, and other related technologies is a
matter of utmost importance for any company.
The leading institutions of computer application play an important
part in providing industries the eligible human resources with the
required skill set. These institutions educate the students about the
latest technologies and developments in the field of computer
applications, and train and prepare them for the highly competitive
business world. Indian computer application institutions offer many
computer application courses including Bachelor in Computer
Applications (BCA), Master in Computer Application, and Diploma in
Computer Application. Candidates successfully completing any of
these courses can pursue a successful career.
Growth in investment and infrastructure has opened path for
implementation of advanced technologies in the educational procedure
and strategies. Better educational facilities, in turn, have provided the
students scope of exploring the various possibilities and advantages of
computer applications.
The scenario of education in computer applications is becoming more
and more specialized with each passing day. Government bodies are
providing full support and assistance to take computer application
education to the next level. The new era of computer education has
opened up new avenues for students and has refurbished the structure
and procedure of computer application education in the country.
‘
TR
Technology
and
Innovation:
Redening
Education
Ananda Kamal Das
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t
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n
t
s COVER
STORY
Vidyasagar University A Revolutionary Frontrunner
in the Field of Education
Cherry-picking
A graduate Program:
Look before You leap!
26 - VETERAN VOICE
Enhancing Employability
Quotient is the key
to Economic Growth
34 - MENTOR’S INSIGHTS
E-learning and Employability
Skills Needs and
Proper Implementation
20- EDUCATOR’S INSIGHTS
08
7. A R T I C L E S
EDITOR’S PICK
Education and Cyber
Security: Challenges and
Opportunities
Sri Ramakrishna College of
Arts and Science:
Educating Youth to Meet the Global Needs
42
ASM:
Integrating Creativity, Perseverance,
and Commitment to Achieve Desired Goals
18
Pranveer Singh Institute
of Technology :
A Forerunner at Achieving Educational Excellence
24
PSNA College of Engineering
and Technology:
A Premier Institution with International Standards
30
REVAMPING EDUCATION
Fintech: Rapidly
Making its Way
into MBA Curricula
TECHNOLOGICAL REVOLUTION
Machine Learning:
Transforming
Higher Education
EDUCATION INSIGHTS
Predictive Analytics:
Revolutionizing the
Process of Education
32 4022 36
8. he computer application education sector in India is rapidly growing. Innovative
Tteaching procedures accompanied by modern technologies, instruments, computer
based tools, soft wares, and e-books are gradually being used in educational
institutions to improve the teaching–learning techniques and to provide a major boost to the
computer education sector.
The leading computer application institutes are providing specialized courses to train, educate,
and prepare eligible candidates for offering their services and contributing in the development
of the technological sector of the country. These institutions offer a variety of courses
including Bachelor in Computer Applications (BCA), Master in Computer Application, and
Diploma in Computer Application, after completing which they can pursue a successful career.
The Knowledge Review thus comes up with a special issue “The 10 Most Scintillating
Institutes for Computer Applications, 2018” which highlights some of the best institutes in
India which are transforming and enhancing computer education in a creative fashion. It enlists
those institutes which have set a benchmark in the field of computer education, research and
training.
The Cover Story of this issue features Vidyasagar University, an elite institution providing
world class education, which aims at becoming a top class institute par excellence and
educating youth to excel in their domain.
The issue also features Amrapali Institute of Management and Computer Applications, ASM’s
Institute of Management and Computer Studies, JB Institute of Technology, Mandsaur
University, Marian College, Pranveer Singh Institute of Technology, PSNA College of
Engineering and Technology, Sengunthar Engineering College, and Sri Ramakrishna College
of Arts and Science.
This issue also includes an enlightening article from Mr. Pankaj Acharya, Associate
Professor and Head, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, JIET College of
Engineering.
So, flip through the pages for more information on these elite institutions!
Discovering the Leading
Computer Application Institutes
TR
9.
10. “We aim to provide an answer to the
education needs of the region”
12. The University aspires to become an institute par
excellence and maintain a top class standard
comparable to the best international universities
by tapping human potential from all sections of the
society and educate young students to excel in their
domain
Vidyasagar University, named after one of the most
illustrious sons of Bengal as well as one of the doyens of
Indian Renaissance, Pandit Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar,
has grown out of a long cultural and educational
movement in West Bengal in general and in the
undivided district of Midnapore in particular. The idea
of founding a University in the district was mooted by
the various organizations, notably by the Regional
Education Association, Midnapore, headed by Professor
A.K. Gayen of IIT, Kharagpur. The Ghani Committee
appointed by the U.G.C. also suggested, among others,
for the setting up of a University in Midnapore on the
ground of its ‘having a compact area and a manageable
number of colleges’ (at that time there were 36 colleges
with an enrolment of about 42,000), and also of its
having the great advantage of co-operation of the IIT,
Kharagpur. The Committee was also of the opinion that
the new University would develop on the lines suited to
the needs of this backward area.
Paramount Educational and Infrastructural Facilities
The university has a wide range of infrastructural facilities
including Administrative block (New and Old), Commerce
& Management block, Humanities block, Science block,
Centre Library, indigenous power house, state-of-art
auditorium, student amenity centre, playground, boys’&
girls’ hostels, and teacher & nonteaching staff residential
gallery. A fully automated central library using ultramodern
RFID method for quick accession and requisition is in place.
The university has a Metrological Park for providing
environmental data. It also has one ‘Adivasi Museum’ to
promote research and education of ‘Adivasi culture’. The
university also provides many other distinct facilities
including conveniences for differently abled persons - ramp,
toilets, wheel chair, and green transport within campus. It
provides transport facilities to the students and employees.
Wi-Fi facility is provided throughout the campus including
the residential area. There is also a special app for students
We cater to
the needs of
higher
education
emphasizing
on the rural
areas of
Midnapore
“
COVER STORY
13. The
10Most
Applications 2018
Scintillating Institutes
for Computer
known as “Chhatrabandhu”. Many health support
facilities are provided to the students in the campus
including a medical unit, 24 hours ambulance, and
medical shop in the campus. Many other amenities are
also made available to the students including gymnasium
for male and female (separately), sophisticated
instrumental facility within the campus, a number of
smart class rooms, and facility of remote user system in
central library. A number of departments of the university
have been recognized by UGC and DST through their
UGC-SAP and DST-FIST programmes. The university
also conducts PG programmes, including some laboratory
based science subjects, in distance learning mode under
the Directorate of Distance Education in which more than
15000 students are enrolled each year.
The university has received NAAC Accreditation (Cycle
3: CGPA: 2.86) and offers many popular academic
programs including M. Sc in Chemistry, M. Sc in Applied
Mathematics with Oceanology and Computer
Programming, M. Sc in Zoology, M. Sc in Human
Physiology with Community Health, M.A in English
and History, M.A in Santali, M.B.A, Integrated M .Phil.
-Ph.D. Program in Life Science, M.Phil. in Women
Studies, and M. Sc in Remote Sensing (RS-GIS).
About the Vice-Chancellor
The University has evolved remarkably under the
leadership of Professor Ranjan Chakrabarti,
Vice- Chancellor, in the last six years. He is a former
Professor and Head of the Department of History,
Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India. Professor
Chakrabarti was a recipient of the Fulbright
Post–Doctoral Fellowship at Brown University (USA)
and in 1997 he was awarded the prestigious Charles
Wallace Fellowship at the School of Oriental and
African Studies (University of London) to explore the
social and cultural implications of power and the
exercise of colonial power in such social or cultural
spaces or sites such as the forest and its animals. A
remarkable change in the quality and infrastructure of
the university has occurred after he joined as the
Vice-Chancellor in 2011.
Major Achievements and Collaborations
Throughout its illustrious journey, Vidyasagar
University has achieved many remarkable landmarks. It
has been ranked among the top 100 Universities of India
by National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF),
th th
MHRD. Being ranked 87 in India and 4 in the state,
the university has made its niche among the first
hundred universities of the country. Situated in Paschim
Medinipur, in the remote heartland of tribal habitation,
Vidyasagar University has now achieved the distinction
of being the only university in West Bengal to have a
smart campus. The varsity signed a couple of
Memorandums of Understanding with the University of
Lodz, Poland and the University of Chittagong,
Bangladesh. The newly established publication division
of the varsity has begun its maiden journey by
symbolically bringing out an aesthetically designed
authentic volume of Vidyasagaar Rachanavali. An
impetus has been created in the research environment by
adopting the principle “one teacher and research
project” as proposed by the present Vice-Chancellor of
We promote an all-round
development of the
students with a proper
blending of knowledge
and wisdom acquiring
adequate skill in their
own subject or trade or
vocation through
teaching learning process
and human qualities
“
“
14. the university. The university has been declared as a smart campus. The Central Library
st
of the University has become a Digital Library. Vidyasagar University bagged the 1
rd
position in the 33 Inter-Varsity Youth Festival 2017-18 in music event (Folk
orchestra), and also qualified for the South Asian Inter-Varsity Youth Festival, 2017-18.
It has also adopted a number of villages for outreach activities including social welfare
programmes.
Accomplished Alumni
Vidyasagar University has produced many alumni who have achieved success and have
made it big in various walks of life. Some of the accomplished alumni of the university
include Dr. Bijoy Krishna Das, Associate Professor, IIT Madras, Chennai, India; Dr.
Rina Maiti, Assistant Professor, IISC, Bangalore; Dr. Saijuddin Sekh , Associate,
Department of Nutrition and International Health, John Hopkins University, USA; Prof.
Dipanjan Pan, Assistant Professor, Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of
Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA; Prof. Subhadip Ghosh, Dept. of Chemistry,
National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar, Odisha;
Dr. Anirban Mahapatra, Assistant Director, Editorial Development at American
Chemical Society, 1155 16TH STREET NW, Washington, D.C., USA; Dr. Ramaprasad
Bhattacharya, Joint Director, Directorate of Public Instruction, Higher Education
Department, Govt. of West Bengal; Dr. Arun Chakraborty, Associate Professor, Centre
For Oceans, Rivers, Atmosphere and Land Science, IIT Kharagpur; Dr. Siddheswar
Maikap , Associate Professor, Chang Gung University, Taiwan; Dr. Saroj Maity,
Scientist , Space Applications Center, ISRO, Jodhpur Tekra, and many more.
Career Opportunities and Exposures
The university provides a wide array of exposures and opportunities for the educational
and professional development of the students. Ph.D. / D.Sc. Programmes are conducted
by most of the academic departments. It conducts campus interview through placement
“
“
We strive for
the creation
and
dissemination
of knowledge
through
continuous
research and
learning
process
15. cell. Moreover, training programme for
NET/SET is conducted for the academic
growth and development of the students. The
university has a Language Laboratory for
training and guidance of the students. It also
conducts career oriented computer courses.
Future Prospects
The university has achieved many goals
throughout its successful journey, and plans to
continue doing so in the future. It aims
towards the upliftment of the socio-
economically backward population of the
‘Jangal Mahal’ region. The university plans to
introduce more job oriented courses for the
students. They plan to introduce an online
feedback system replacing the manual one for
the evaluation of teachers by students, and to
introduce the School of Life Science and
school/center for other disciplines. Moreover,
it also plans to increase the number of
international collaborations for teaching and
research.
Words of Trust
“I am proud to be a student of this university.
The learning facilities, practical training,
good library facility, publication of results,
career guidance provided by the university
are really trustworthy.” - Adrija Tripathy,
pursuing Ph.D. under DST inspire scheme in
Nutrition.
“It was a pleasure that I am a student of
Vidyasagar University, which provided me
very good learning facilities with modern and
sophisticated equipment in addition to
different smart campus facilities.” - Soumen
Pramanik, a student of M.Sc in physics.
“My experience of studying in this University
is very edifying. I repose complete trust on
this institution. I recommend all auspicious
students and scholars to study here for the
best of their career.” - Suparna Majumder, a
P.G student in Human Physiology.
www.vidyasagar.ac.in
Use of Solar Power as alternative source
of energy in the campus
Benzamin Franklin 11 KV Electric substation
T R
16.
17. URLName of the Institution Location of the Institution
Amrapali Institute Of
Management And
Computer Applications
amrapali.ac.in
Kaladhungi Road,Shiksha Nagar,
Haldwani, Uttarakhand 263139
ASM's Institute of
Management
and Computer Studies
asmibmr.edu.in
Audyogik Shikshan Mandal, MIDC,
Block ‘C’, Chinchwad, Pune,
Maharashtra,411019
JB Institute of Technology jbiet.edu.in
Survey No. 156 To 162, Bhaskar Nagar,
Moinabad Mandal, Hyderabad,
Telangana 500075
Mandsaur University mandsauruniversity.edu.in
Mhow-Neemuch By-Pass Road,
Rewas Devra Road, SH-31, Mandsaur,
Madhya Pradesh 458001
Marian College mariancollege.org
Kuttikkanam, Idukki District,
Peermade, Kerala 685531
Pranveer Singh Institute
of Technology
psit.ac.in
Kanpur - Agra - Delhi National Highway - 2,
Bhauti, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 209305
PSNA COLLEGE OF
ENGINEERING
AND TECHNOLOGY
Kothandaraman nagar, Silvarpatti,
Dindigul, Tamil Nadu 624622
SENGUNTHAR
ENGINEERING COLLEGE
scteng.co.in
Kumaramangalam Road, Tiruchengode,
Tamil Nadu 637205
Sri Ramakrishna College
of Arts and Science
(formerly SNR Sons College)
srcas.ac.in
Nava India Bus Stop, Avinashi Rd,
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Vidyasagar University vidyasagar.ac.in
Vidyasagar University Road, Rangamati,
Medinipur, West Bengal 721102
psnacet.edu.in
18.
19.
20. Their mission is to deliver excellent education in order to
contribute towards the socio-economic transitions of the nation
by presenting unique pedagogical opportunities aimed at
developing outstanding, effective, committed & dedicated
socially responsible global managers & leaders who make
valuable contributions at all levels of the corporate world and
society at large
Audyogik Shikshan Mandal
(ASM) group of institutes is a
trailblazer in the field of
education. Established in 1983, the
group has successfully completed 35
years in spreading the light of
knowledge among its students and has
also successfully transformed the lives
of thousands of its students through
advanced industry-oriented learning,
robust infrastructural facilities, talented
faculty, and excellent placement
services. During its illustrious journey
of more than three decades, the group
has consistently nurtured and delivered
adept professionals to the corporate
world. Recognition among top
B-Schools in the entire nation is a sign
that reflects the quality and acceptance
of its education among the diverse
student community across the length
and breadth of the nation.
The faculty of ASM comprises a
robust mix of academicians, industry
practitioners, teaching faculty, and
mentors from the industry that makes
the learning very informative,
practical, and interesting.
About ASM’s IMCOST
IMCOST (Institute of Management
and Computer Studies) is one of their
pioneer institutes in the field of
management and computer study and
is located in the vicinity of Thane. It
is a 56,000 sq. feet building with an
excellent infrastructure conducive to
learning.
The institute conducts various events,
seminars, workshops and soft-skill
development programs in order to
train students and sharpen their skills
so that they become industry ready.
These along with many other programs
are designed to groom students through
real-life situations which ultimately
assist them in facing similar challenges
with much more confidence in their
careers.
Their real goal at IMCOST is to
unleash the best creative and analytical
potential of their students so that they
become excellent professionals that
can meet global quality standards on
all parameters.
Distinguished Courses Offered by
the Institutes
There are plenty of full time and part
time academic programs offered by the
ASM group of institutes. Some of the
notable ones are enlisted here.
Education. Innovation. Success
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ASM:
Integrating Creativity,
Perseverance, and Commitment
to Achieve Desired Goals
21. Full time: Masters In Management
Studies (MMS), Masters In Computer
Application (MCA), B.Com
(Accounting & Finance), B.Com
(Banking & Insurance), B.Com
(Financial Markets), Bachelor Of
Management Studies (BMS) at ASM
IMCOST, ASM IBMR, IIBR have
MBA in various specialization
(University approved), PGDM
Business Analytics and Big Data,
PGDM Enterprise Management,
PGDM International Finance
(approved by AICTE), and PhD
program (Affiliated to Savitribai Phule
Pune-University).
Part Time: Management Of Marketing
Management (MMM), Management Of
Financial Management (MFM), and
Management Of Human Resources
Development (MHRDM).
Infrastructure Facilities
The institute provides a wide range of
state-of-the-art infrastructural facilities
for student career development. Their
classroom comprises of LCD
projectors, speakers, white-board,
internet, and more, that too in an air-
conditioned environment which makes
the learning environment very
engaging.
The institute also has a spacious library
with huge collection of diverse books,
journals, periodicals, and CDs. An
advanced computer lab with 300
high-end computers, 300 seated fully
audio-video equipped auditorium,
seminar hall, cafeteria, faculty room,
exhibition, and entrepreneurship room
and more.
Grooming for Success
ASM has an impressive track record of
placements. Their 45,000+ students
have been placed into various
prominent companies in and around
the world including many
multinational giants as well. These
alumni provide networking strengths
and enable continuous industry-
academia interface. Their Industry-
Academia Interface & Activities are
designed with a lot of consideration to
make a student desirable to the
industries and they act as milestones in
their journey towards their placements.
With the endeavor to provide trained
manpower to industries in order to
boost productivity, student grooming at
ASM begins from day one. Various
activities like student counseling,
self-assessment workshop, resume
building, interview and GD
preparation, aptitude training,
telephone and business etiquettes, and
many more assist students to prepare
for final placements. Many renowned
MNCs like Wipro, Reliance, Hindustan
Petroleum Corporation Ltd etc. are
associated with ASM, which take part
in the campus recruitment process.
Notable Alumni
· Ashish Choure: An MCA graduate
working as a Software Developer at
CyberTech Systems and software
private ltd.
· Viredra A. Baranwal: Working as a
Project Engineer at Wipro
· Nrupa Pradeep Gupte: Working as
a Software Developer (Robotics) at
Jardine Lloyd Thompson
The
10Most
Applications 2018
Scintillating Institutes
for Computer
The Leading Lights of ASM
T R
ASM marches ahead on the road to success under the leadership of Dr. Asha
Pachpande, Director, ASM Group of Institutes, and Dr. Sandeep Pachpande,
Chairman, ASM Group of Institutes. Dr. Asha is the Founder Director of the
Institute of Business Management& Research, Chinchwad. “At ASM’s Institute of
Management and Computer Studies, Mumbai, we are passionate about excellence!
Excellence in the field of education.” says Dr. Sandeep.
Dr. Asha adds “We continue to offer a challenging curriculum which provides
opportunities for academic achievement, personal growth, and professional
development.”
Education. Innovation. Success
NOWLEDGEREVIEW
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22. ith the rapid growth of
Wdigital technology and rise
in virtual learning,
education centers are offering online
courses and degrees to students.
E-Learning has a vital role to play as a
class room teaching tool or self-study
platform for skill development in
future.
The entry of mobile technology in the
information era has witnessed a radical
effect on the knowledge acquisition of
an individual to sustain in the
competitive scenario. The professional
of the digital age is expected to acquire
ICT (Information and Communication
Technology) skills to survive and
succeed in their career. The learning
with digital technology comprises of
ICT products such as teleconferencing,
E-mails, audio, television lessons,
radio broadcasts, interactive voice
response system, online videos, etc.
For E-learning, it is important for the
mentors to know the need about
shifting the learner’s attitude towards
learning. They should be intrinsically
motivated to learn and for this, there is
a need to create awareness and develop
an understanding of the relevance of
the employability skills amongst them.
As a mentor, it is necessary to
understand how a mentor can engage,
impart knowledge, develop relevant
skills, and make them ready for the
employment.
Benefits of E-learning are easy to use,
useful even at distant places and in
remote areas, helps in professional
development & continued education,
helps in educating large number of
people, develops reflective & critical
thinking, and delivers a broad array of
solutions, knowledge, and
performance.
Apart from the aforesaid benefits,
E-learning needs careful planning in
implementation. Students do not
automatically become conscientious,
self-motivated individuals. Success in
fact depends on the level of interaction
between students and lecturers that is
required to stimulate good results.
Students’ lacking in the skill to study
independently is not reacting well in a
virtual environment. The issue of
isolation caused by E-learning has
sparked a rigorous debate amongst
researchers.
The critical success factors in an
E-Learning environment are different
to those in a traditional learning
environment. The institutions
incorporate elements of online learning
into degree courses and many are
looking in hindsight at the factors that
affect the performance of students who
enrolled.
Quality assurance is a key issue in the
implementation of E-Learning. As the
number of non-accredited institutions,
which are offering degrees, increases
rapidly, these are damaging the
reputation of online learning. A number
of virtual programs have thrown up
quality concerns, which in turn means
that providers of quality E-Learning
programs must fight harder for
recognition from employers and the
wider society.
The implementation of the E-learning
with digital technology is a costly
affair due to the huge investment to
initiate. The operational cost is
required for up gradation and
maintenance of digital tools affect
outcome. Another limitation in the
online world is the continuous
availability of internet connection.
A reasonable proportion of students
who enrolled for various online
courses have discontinued it, which
proves that absence of human factor in
virtual learning is a major drawback
for its final success.
Employability is not about getting a
job. Conversely, just because a student
is on a vocational course does not
mean that somehow employability is
automatic. Employability is more
E-learningand
EmployabilitySkills-
NEEDS AND PROPER
IMPLEMENTATION
Education. Innovation. Success
NOWLEDGEREVIEW
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23. about developing attributes, techniques
or experience just to enable a student
to get a job, or to progress within a
current career. It is about learning and
the emphasis is less on employ and
more on ability. In essence, the
emphasis is on developing critical,
reflective abilities, with a view to
empower and enhance the learner.
Employability is the ability of an
individual to gain employment that is
appropriate to his/her educational
standards. An individual employability
depends upon his or her assets in terms
of knowledge, skills, and attitudes; the
manner in which these assets are used
and deployed; presented to potential
employers and the context within
which the individual works.
Lacking in employability skills may
lead to a risk of unemployment or it
will be difficult to progress at work.
Poor employment skills are of great
concern for the individuals as well as
employers, society, and economy.
Employability skills refer to personal
skills like self-management, problem-
solving, and people skills supported by
functional competencies like
traditional literacy, numeracy, and
effective use of Information and
Communication Technologies.
The skills, knowledge, and
competencies that enhance a worker’s
ability to secure and retain a job;
progress at work and cope with
changes, secure another job if he/she
wishes or has been laid off can enter
more easily into the market at different
periods of the life cycle.
E-learning can be used in teaching,
training, and learning strategies for all
the employability skills in various
ways. E-learning provides structures
that take account of the relationships
between the employability skills that
facilitate the identification of effective
teaching and learning strategies.
Employers need reliable, responsible
workers who can solve problems and
who have the social skills and
approaches to work with other
workers. Employees with these skills
are in demand and are considered
valuable human capital assets to
companies. Unlike occupational or
technical skills, employability skills
are generic in nature.
With the help of E-learning, an
individual can get knowledge and
employability skills. Using E-learning as
a tool for self-learning the individuals are
lagging behind in the personal qualities
such as team spirit, cooperativeness,
taking responsibilities, honesty,
adaptability, and flexibility. These
qualities are developed when a person
learns or gets training in the traditional
way. Online or learning through ICT
based technologies give more knowledge
to the learner’s but the traditional way
not only nurtures them with the
knowledge but also guides them how and
when to use this knowledge.
Although there is a rapid growth in
E-learning sector, but traditional learning
has its own importance and values. In
traditional learning ICT based tools can
be used to enhance the quality of
knowledge and will keep alive our
tradition of Guru-Shishya.
Mr. Pankaj Acharya has
experience of 12 years in
teaching, research, and
industry. He did his graduation
from University Of Rajasthan
and Post-Graduation from
M.B.M. Engineering College in
Computer Science Engineering.
He is working in JIET College of
Engineering in the capacity of
Associate Professor & Head,
Department of Computer
Science and Engineering. He
has organized many national
and international level
conferences. His area of
research is Distributed
Systems, Machine Learning,
and Artificial Intelligence.
ABOUTTHEAUTHOR
T R
Pankaj Acharya
Associate Professor
& Head of Department
Education. Innovation. Success
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24. MACHINELearningTRANSFORMING
Higher Education
The digital revolution has
transformed almost every
major industry around us. It
has revolutionized and made things
easier for us, essentially becoming a
major part of our lives. Technological
innovations like Artificial Intelligence
(AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are
at the vanguard of this transformation.
Many major industries including
transportation and retail have
successfully adopted these emerging
technologies to enhance and improve
their business. The higher education
industry is also picking up the pace in
implementing these technologies for a
smoother and improved functioning.
Technological advancements have
modified classrooms and educational
institutions. Modern technological
tools and gadgets like projectors,
computers, and many more are being
widely used in classrooms to enhance
the teaching–learning process and to
provide a lasting experience. Machine
learning is increasingly making its way
into higher education, personalizing
education at all levels. It reads and
identifies data patterns and contributes
in making data-driven predictions and
decisions. Moreover, machine learning
improves formal and informal
curriculum in many ways. Teachers are
integrating machine learning in
education. They have witnessed that
implementing machine learning in
education has increased its efficiency
on both ends improving the
coordination between teachers and
students and creating an opportunity
for a customizable learning experience.
Higher education institutions are
utilizing machine learning and the
endless possibilities that it brings to the
table to upgrade to the next level.
The Advantages of Implementing
Machine Learning
Higher education is a field with
tremendous potential for the
applications of machine learning. It can
be used efficiently to enhance the
instructional procedures to bring in
better results. Artificial intelligence can
help in making teaching in the
classroom personalized and
differentiated. It can help in delivering
customized lectures and sessions to
each student by assessing their
individual needs. Customized content
for each student will help in clarifying
their doubts and provide scope of
better understanding of the subject. It
can also help in reducing the excess of
the teachers so that they can work one-
on-one with the students and clear their
more complicated misconceptions.
Machine learning tools can assess the
work instantly and provide the teachers
a more detailed and analyzed report of
the student’s performance. The teacher
won’t have to wait long after the test to
analyze the student’s performance, as it
can be analyzed almost immediately.
Machine learning can also be used for
identity and accessibility. It can help
institutions to identify and maintain a
user profile and provide them with the
access to login to multiple systems
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25. depending on their roles. In case of any
unauthorized access or breach, it
launches additional authentication
procedures and security measures to
prevent the occurrence of any cyber
breach.
Higher education institutions need to
maintain past records and analyze the
data for smooth workflow, improved
student performance, and growth in
institutional efficiency. Machine
learning helps in studying the student
patterns so that the institutions can
analyze and predict risk factors and can
come up with strategies to improve
performance and increase the student
retention rate. Moreover, institutions
can also use machine learning for
unlocking historical data to gather
information which can help them in
answering real tactical questions for
making informed decisions. This data
can be used to determine the risk,
outcomes and costs associated with
building new strategies and processes
and to make decisions which can drive
engagement.
The prime responsibility of an
educational institution is to analyze
and examine a student’s performance
and to provide them the scope to
improve themselves. It aims at
providing the students the best possible
study environment. Institutions can use
machine learning to monitor student
progress and predict their future
performance based on their current and
past academic data. It also provides
institutions the information related to
any issue or challenge that the student
is facing or may face. This will help
the institution to be prepared and
provide them the required information
they need.
Machine learning applications study
the student behavior, right from the day
they apply to an institute to the day
they sign for courses. They analyze the
students’ logic and judgment behind
the choices made. Universities use
predictive algorithms of machine
learning and gather certain behaviors
which emerge during the admission
cycle, which make the enrollment
process simple and effortless.
The Disadvantages of Implementing
Machine Learning
Machine learning has enhanced the
education process simplifying various
complexities. In spite of its various
rewards, machine learning comes with
a bunch of disadvantages. Machine
learning is basically a cultural process.
It can enhance the teaching procedure,
but cannot completely transform the
cultural element of learning which
comes from humans. Moreover,
teachers can understand the needs and
requirements of the students in a way
that machines can never do. Machine
learning is just a supporting tool to
enhance the education process; it is not
the only means of education. It can’t
replace the human approach and the
human understanding even though it
provides detailed information on the
strengths and weaknesses of a student.
Learning is a process of developing a
purpose and instilling it. It is inherently
a human activity which simply cannot
be downloaded or installed by a
machine.
Judicious Implementation
Machine learning has definitely
revolutionized education. It has
simplified and enhanced educational
procedures. It has definitely brought
major improvements in education and
will continue to do so. But, the
ambience that human beings create in
the classroom can never be replaced. It
should be thoughtfully utilized in the
classroom as a supporting tool with the
objective of enhancing the quality of
education, rather than the only tool for
quality education.
TECHNOLOGICAL REVOLUTION
T R
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26. The institute aims to provide an environment of
effective learning and innovation to transform
students into dynamic, responsible, and productive
professionals in their respective fields, who are
capable of adapting to the changing needs of the
industry and society.
Quality Educational and
Infrastructural Facilities
Pranveer Singh Institute of
Technology (PSIT) is one of the
premier institutes for imparting
quality technical education, keeping
pace with the ever changing world of
science & technology. PSIT presently
offers graduate and post graduate
programs in engineering,
management, pharmacy, and computer
application. The institute is affiliated
to Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical
University (APJAKTU), which was
set up by the Government of Uttar
Pradesh, formerly known as
UPTU/GBTU.
The institute has state-of-the-art
infrastructural facilities. It is the only
institute in UP with a centralized AC
campus. PSIT provides 24×7
uninterrupted power supply (33 KV)
directly from the power house. There
are spacious hostels (AC/Non-Ac) in
the campus separately for girls and
boys. It has separate hygienic AC
mess and cafeteria for 1200 boys &
600 girls. It also provides other
facilities like RO water supply on
campus, and 24x7 medical services.
The campus is Wi-Fi enabled with
lease line of 155 Mbps (STM-1). It
also has provisions of indoor-
outdoor games & play grounds. The
institute has on-campus SBI Bank &
multiple ATMs, and separate
luxurious AC buses for students &
faculty.
Some of the other exceptional
infrastructural facilities of PSIT
include a centralized AC Library
equipped with digital access. The
institute has hi-tech laboratories,
equipped with state-of-the art
equipment. It also has a state-of-the-
art auditorium with a seating capacity
of 1300 people, an Innovation &
Incubation Center for PSITians, and
hi-tech computer labs having more
than 1500 computers.
Major Accomplishments
The institute has made many
noteworthy achievements throughout
its illustrious journey.
Shilpa Sharma (Session 2015-16), a
Pranveer Singh
Institute of Technology
A Forerunner at Achieving
Educational Excellence
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27. student of PSIT, won university Gold
Medal in AKTU merit list. Ankita
Agrawal (Session 2012-13) won
university Silver Medal in AKTU
merit list. Shiva Srivastava (Session
th
2016-17) secured 4 position in
AKTU merit list. Naincy Saxena
th
(Session 2011-12) secured 5 position
in AKTU merit list. Ashutosh Pandey
(Session 2014-15) secured 4th
position in AKTU merit list. Prerna
th
Gupta (Session 2012-13) secured 8
position in AKTU merit list.
APJAKTU has bestowed upon PSIT
the “Excellence Award” for two
consecutive years on the basis of best
academics, facilities, infrastructure,
and placements in reputed companies.
st
PSIT has been awarded 1 among all
Private Engineering Institutes in UP
th
(Non-NCR), 10 among all Govt. &
Private Engineering Institutes in North
rd
India, 33 among all Private
th
Engineering Institutes India, and 54
among all IITs, Govt. & Private
Engineering Institutes across India by
Times of India.
Career Opportunities and
Exposures
The MCA Department of the institute,
under the leadership of eminent data
scientist and social worker Dr. Ajay
Pratap, is focused on development
and strengthening of core technical
competence, problem solving,
creativity, critical thinking, research,
team work, communication skills, and
readiness for lifelong learning. The
department is committed to academic
excellence and uses modern
pedagogical approaches for
facilitating student centric learning.
The department has a team of highly
qualified faculty members with rich
experience in research, industry, and
academics. It emphasizes on the
technical and corporate training of
students to develop the abilities to
design and conduct experiments, and
also to improve reporting and
communication skills, which bridges
the gap between industry and
academia and increase their
employability. For one to one problem
solving, they also use the mentor-
mentee concept to boost the student
on an individual level. PSIT conducts
aptitude training & personality
development programs for the overall
development and career enhancement
of the students. It also has a Start-up
Center for the pass out PSITians.
The institute has an Entrepreneurship
Cell which focuses on the exploitation
of entrepreneurial innate of the
students. The cell is run by the
enthusiastic students of PSIT. It aims
at promoting and developing
entrepreneurship culture among
students. The motive of the
Entrepreneurship Cell is to create real
entrepreneurs and convert their ideas
into reality by providing proper
platform to upcoming youth, and
associate with sponsors, investors, and
young entrepreneurs. The cell works
to induce an entrepreneurial mind-set
in the students and support the
innovative streak in them.
The
10Most
Applications 2018
Scintillating Institutes
for Computer
About the Chairman
T R
Mr. Pranveer Singh is the Chairman of the institute. He is an eminent
professional, educationist, and nationalist. He has gained a prominent
position in society due to the exemplary work he has done in his career. He
has completed his graduation in Science. He is an entrepreneur who
always had a mission to impart education in UP. He has a vision to build
an institute with a good reputation and world-class facilities. He
established Pranveer Singh Institute of Technology (PSIT) in 2004. Under
his astute leadership, within the span of 13 years, PSIT has achieved
success and has created world-class professionals.
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28. C
hoosing the perfect school to
earn your Graduate degree is
never easy. It is going to be a
huge investment of time, money as
well as energy; you want to be sure
that your chosen program is ideal for
you. It is very important to know the
real facts to find the best graduate
program for you. There are any
number of considerations to make,
and it's important that you look at
them all before deciding where to
continue your education. It can be a
daunting task if you are unclear about
CHERRY-PICKING
A
GRADUATE
PROGRAM:
LOOK BEFORE
YOU LEAP!
Dr. Dhananjay Patil
M.A., M. Phil., Ph.D. (Pune)
S.V.K.M’s Institute of Technology,
Dhule, Maharashtra, India.
VETERAN VOICE
Education. Innovation. Success
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29. your requirements. Here are few
key considerations that can help you
find the education program that’s
perfect for you.
The Program/ Curriculum
In my opinion, this is the most
important pivotal factor to ponder.
Choose the school that is notoriously
known for the program you are
considering. Not every graduate
program in education will feature the
same curriculum, so it’s important that
you acquaint yourself with the
curricula at each of the schools you
are interested in. Whatever your
focus, be sure your graduate program
offers everything you want. Graduate
programs can vary widely by
institution. Even if some programs
have a similar name, the course of
study might have a completely
different curriculum. Focus on career
goals and choose a program that will
help to shape your future.
Accreditation
Find out if the school or program is
accredited or not. Even though
accreditation does not guarantee
quality of education, it will help you
in the future as most employers give
little importance to unaccredited
institutions.
In the age of technology, many
schools are providing online degrees.
Also, there has been a outpouring of
online universities. Many of these
universities have no accreditation and
no credible value to employers. While
online degrees are convenient, make
sure you’re receiving one from an
accredited university.
Research Faculty
This should be one of the important
criteria in your graduate program
search. Your graduate program will be
as good as the faculty members who
teach there. You must fully investigate
the faculty interests and research areas
of each program. You need to check
the reputation of lecturers or other
faculty members before registering.
While much of a graduate program’s
work is independent, you still will
need to find a program with members
that you can build
amicablerelationships. It is extremely
difficult and it is extremely unpleasant
to work with someone who does not
have an interest in your work.
Resources
This is a sort of a catch-all category.
How are the facilities and labs? We
used to talk mainly about library
resources here (number of volumes,
periodicals, e- resources, etc. in your
field), but resources really means just
about anything that supports the
graduate program, including
endowments and foundations that
support student research and
publications.
Consider the cost
Do the math, before you make your
decision, you should look into what a
graduate program offers in terms of
financial support. There are some
graduate programs that offer financial
assistance that will definitely help
your cause, find out if your school
offers any such assistance. Tuition
cost or course fees are not the only
factors worth considering. You also
need to estimate how much you are
going to spend on books and other
supplies. The more financial help you
receive in scholarships or grants, the
less money you have to spend. Don’t
be afraid to negotiate with your top
schools; if a school really wants you
in their program, they will find
additional resources for you.
Campus Culture
This is a big one. Campus culture
means more than just festivities and
fun. It also affects to the ideologies
that are rooted into a school. Whether
it be social or political, choose a
school that fits your views if you are
liberal, moderate or conservative.
Most do not consider this, but do you
want to attend a university where you
are uncomfortable? Where you do not
fit into the atmosphere?
Employability
Last but not least, does the school
help you find employment, research
programs (further education), and
internships/placements during
graduate studies?
Spending two or more years in
intensive study can be exciting and
rewarding. Consider these criteria
before selecting a graduate program.
Other important factors you need to
consider are reputation of the school,
admission requirements, ranking,
flexibility of time and location. Take
the time for investigation and make
the best choice you can.T R
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30.
31.
32. The college aims to achieve academic
excellence by imparting knowledge and skills
through problem solving, practical training
and design & development of innovative
projects
PSNA College of Engineering
and Technology is a
prestigious institution for
higher learning with 34 years of
academic excellence in the field of
technical education. The institute is
known for producing meritorious
students with excellent career growth
and universal recognition. Their
students get the best of opportunities in
the form of an excellent ambience
conducive to learning, eminent faculty
members, well–equipped laboratories,
ten hostels, four air-conditioned
auditoriums, one cafeteria, one state-
of-the-art indoor stadium, and twenty-
four play grounds. The institution has a
modern library with both hard and soft
reading sources. It has 91370 volumes
of books on 39298 titles, covering all
disciplines of engineering and
technology, science & humanities and
management studies.
The campus spreads to 150 acres and
is administered by Sri Rangalatchumi
Educational Trust with
Tmt.K.Dhanalakshmi as its
Chairperson, Rtn. R.S.K.Raguraam
as its Pro-Chairman, and
Mr.R.S.K.Sukumaran as its
Vice-Chairman.
The institute offers 7 UG
Programmes and 9 PG Programmes.
It has 6482 students and 440 faculty
members with 131 Ph.D holders. It
also offers Business English
Certificate Course (BEC) of
Cambridge University.
About the MCA Programme
The PG Department of Computer
Applications (MCA) has 20 members
of faculty out of which 8 faculty
members are with Ph.D and 12 are
with PG qualification with rich
academic and industrial experience.
Eight members of faculty are currently
pursuing Ph.D.
The department conducts two courses
namely Domestic Biometric Data
Entry Operator and IT Coordinator in
Schools under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal
Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), schemes
sponsored by the Ministry of Skill
Development & Entrepreneurship
(MSDE), Government of India. It has
124 high end computers in 3 exclusive
PSNA College of
Engineering and
Technology:
A Premier Institution with
International Standards
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33. labs with 260 mbps and campus wide
WiFi connectivity. There is a separate
library with 10900 volumes of books,
160 IEEE Journals with digital library
and other multimedia facilities.
Major Accreditations
The programmes offered in this
institution have been accredited by
National Board of Accreditation – New
Delhi since 2002. The Institution is
also accredited by NAAC with “A”
Grade from 2017. The institute is
recipient of National Level Best
Engineering College Award in 2007
from ISTE, New Delhi. The institution
th
is ranked 78 by Ministry of Human
Resources Development, Government
of India National Institutional Ranking
Framework – India Raking 2017 in
Engineering category. In 2018, the
institution found a place in the rank
band 101-150 by NIRF. The institution
st
has won 1 prize with cash award 1
lakh under the “Ministry of Social
Justice and Empowerment” in Smart
India Hackathon 2018 Grand Finale
held at Bhopal on 30 & 31 March
2018.
Eminent Alumni
The alumni of the college have
occupied very high positions at
national and international level
organizations. Some accomplished
alumni of the institute include Col. M
Balaji (1994 Mechanical Engineering),
HOD of Department of Automotive
Engineering, Military College of
Electronics and Mechanical
Engineering, Secunderabad; Vimal
Nath. K (2005 B.Tech IT),
Infrastructure Delivery Manager,
Thomson Reuters, Bengluru; and
Neetha Mathew (2001 MCA), Senior
Developer in SAP, SAP Labs,
Montreal, Canada.
Career Opportunities
PSNA provides a variety of career
opportunities to the students. The
institution has a Placement Cell which
networks and interacts with the
representatives of many industries. The
HR managers and industry
professionals are invited to the campus
to interact with the students on career
challenges and opportunities. MoUs
were signed between the departments
and related industries/research
organizations for effective transfer of
technical knowledge to the students
and to relate the theoretical knowledge
to direct application. The Training and
Placement Cell (TPC) trains the
students who are eligible for
placement. The institution organizes
various placement drives on the
campus by inviting MNCs and many
National level industry houses of
repute. More than 80% of the students
have been consistently placed in
leading MNCs for the past five years.
In the current year, 1065 offer letters
have been provided to the students by
the various industries, which include
MNCs like CTS, TCS, iNautix, Wipro
etc.
The
10Most
Applications 2018
Scintillating Institutes
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The Founder of PSNA
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Kalvi Thanthai Shri. R.S. Kothandaraman is the Founder of PSNA. His
abstract ideas took concrete shape when he established Sri Rangalatchumi
Educational Trust in 1984. The trust bearing his parents name started an
engineering college by name Pacheri Sri Nallathangal Amman College of
Engineering and Technology (PSNACET). PSNACET nourishes a vision
of providing academically ambient environment for its students so that they
blossom as technologically superior, socially conscious and nationally
responsible citizens. Through its vision, mission and behavioral policies,
PSNACET fulfills the cherished goals of its founder.
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34. Education
Cyber Security:
Education
Cyber Security:
&&
echnology and education are interconnected in this modern era. Educational institutions are using modern technology
Tto teach the students effectively and conduct seamless research. Even the smallest primary schools are using
advanced technology for educational purpose. Technological upgradation undoubtedly provides endless benefits and
also enhances and upgrades the educational procedures.
Using technology increases power and makes things easier, but also brings along a number of risks. Over the years, the threat
of cyber security is increasingly emerging in our society harming many people every day. As per research, many malicious
actors are increasingly targeting educational institutions. A malicious actor (from within or outside the institution) may hack
into the institution’s cyber system to gain sensitive information through social engineering tactics. It may also happen that an
innocent individual within the institution is duped by a mischievous external actor and leaks crucial internal information.
Accordingly, these institutions should take the necessary actions in order to protect themselves from any type of external or
internal cyber threats.
Challenges and Opportunities
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35. Cyber Risks for Educational
Institutions
Usually, the networks and systems of
an educational institution are not as
strong and secure as that of
commercial organizations and SMBs.
It might be because of many reasons
like:
1) The networks at college and school
campuses are open and free-for-all.
Students can access the network
anytime without any restrictions.
2) There might be a lack of IT security
policy monitoring and implementation
in such institutions.
3) Users carry and use their own
device within the campus and the
institution’s network.
4) Many institutions have their own
open Wi-Fi hotspots and network
access, which may be used by hackers
and cyber criminals as a tool to breach
security and access valuable
information.
5) There is a huge amount of user data
which can be hacked or compromised
by cyber criminals. This may include a
wide range of information like the
students’ personal information, credit
card data or financial information.
Moreover, cyber criminals may also
target the huge amount of intellectual
property generated through research.
6) Another reason that college and
school IT security is comparatively
weaker than the corporate sector is its
relatively unattractive wage structure
as compared to the corporate sector.
Because of this reason, educational
institutions are unable to hire and
retain superior and first-rate security
professionals. These given factors may
make educational institutions
vulnerable to security breaches, data
disclosures and ransomware attacks.
Cyber criminals may target educational
institutions to gather personal
information of students: their names,
ages, address, and so on. They may use
such information for ransom or to sell
illegally on the dark web. Recent data
states that the number of serious cyber
security data breaches in universities
had increased over the last two years,
with substantial 1152 breaches in
2016-17. Dangers for an educational
institution from an internal threat can
be as simple as a laptop left logged in
or passwords written somewhere for an
outsider to easily unlock it and extract
important data. This may enable
anyone – a teacher, a student or a staff
– to access confidential information on
that system or compromise someone’s
social media account, or even worse.
Nefarious external elements can also
make phishing attempts or bribe
students, teachers and staff to divulge
important information of the
institution. Moreover, hackers can hack
into the institute’s website and gather
information which often appears in the
institution’s website.
Dealing with Cyber Threats
Educational institutions can use
modern technology to gather
information on whether anyone is
accessing the personal and important
information stored in their systems. It
will help in providing instant response
capabilities to prevent data breaches.
Moreover, such technologies can also
help institutions in tracking departing
students, and also some suspicious
students who may leak sensitive
information to external bodies
intentionally or unintentionally.
The present day education system has
witnessed numerous attempts by cyber
criminals to deploy targeted
ransomwares through social
engineering and other means. The
threat actors rely on cold calling as the
initial attack course, followed by
hacking, phishing and other such
methods.
Schools and colleges need to protect
students and teachers from
inappropriate and illicit material in this
age of bring your device (BYOD).
Responsible authorities, school leaders
and IT professionals should study and
encompass the methods, techniques
and tools employed by cyber criminals.
While doing so, they must also support
and allow the acceptable and
reasonable use of network facilities
inside the institution.
All the network users should be
educated and properly trained about
the cyber risks. They should be made
aware of their roles and responsibilities
towards safe and efficient use of cyber
networks, and should be trained about
the cyber risks and how to prevent
them.
Towards a Secure and Connected
Campus
Educational institutions should make
sure that least privilege principles are
followed within the campus. This
means that staff and students should
make limited use of the institution’s
network facilities based on officially
stated requirements. Concerned
authorities should constantly review
the user’s access, and should take
necessary actions in case of non-
compliance.
Moreover, in order to prevent data
security breaches, administrators
should maintain multi-layered defense
systems from data theft and
destruction, corruption, and
exfiltration.
The education system is marching
ahead towards growth, innovation and
development due to the advent and
implementation of modern
technologies. Educators are bringing
revolutionary changes through
technology. But, while implementing
these technologies, the emerging risks
of information security should be kept
in mind. T R
EDITOR'S PICK
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36. Dr Aloysius Edward J.
Dean,Faculty of Commerce and Management
Kristu Jayanti College,Autonomous,
Bengaluru,Karnataka,India
Education. Innovation. Success
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37. he education system is not static, but dynamic. Education, globally, is in transformation. 2025
Tmarks 75 years of constitutional democracy, 35 years of economic liberalization and 20 years of
accelerated educational reforms for India at a time when the world’s oldest civilization is also
its youngest nation. The Indian higher education system has undergone massive expansion to become
the second largest in the world. Despite ongoing debate about whether they can and should, most higher
education institutions include the development of employability skills within their curriculum. However,
employers continue to report that graduates are not ready for the world of work, and lack some of the
most basic skills needed for successful employment. Higher educational institutions devise a curriculum
to bridge the skill gap. Academics alone can’t assure jobs for students. They need to have access to
holistic experience to equip them for every aspect of their life and career. The role of educators is to
guide them not just towards academic excellence but various co-curricular, extra-curricular and
community service of which they could be passionate and proud. Once all these factors come together,
their employability quotient will automatically rise. It is the responsibility of the higher educational
institutions to develop the curriculum incorporating all these factors to make the students employable.
The problem of unemployment can be solved only when the institutions focus on enhancing employable
skills of the students.
st
Educators today have to keep in mind that the 21 century learners have a very different profile. He/she
prepares himself to use those technologies in near future that haven’t been invented so far. He/she is
likely to undertake jobs that don’t exist today. The students remain networked globally. They prefer to
get engaged in multiple tasks; are digitally literate and have strong visual and spatial skills. They remain
tethered to the internet; want to learn things that matter and look for challenging jobs. A number of
personal and social skills popularly known as soft skills have become imperative for enhancing
employability in both wage and self- employment.
India has seen rapid growth in recent years, due to the growth in new-age industries. The demand for a
new level of quality of service has increased with the increase in purchasing power. It is important to
note that the knowledge, skill and dynamic workforce forms the backbone of our economy. To reap the
benefits of such a young workforce, we need to implement the reforms in the education system and also
bring forth new factors of production, namely knowledge, skills and technology which have the ability
to unleash the productive frontiers of the economy in the most efficient and dynamic way. If India
needs to emerge as a developed nation in next 20 to 25 years, then it has to improve and develop its
human resource, which is as important as natural resources of the country. It is possible only by
focusing on enhancing employable skills of the students. Public and private enterprises should work
together and look for the required upliftment of higher education and improve employable skills.T R
MENTOR’S INSIGHTS
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38. Revolutionizing the Process of Education
The current education scenario has drastically changed with the advent of the latest technologies. Today’s educators
are laying much stress to make sure that students are trained well in each class so that they are well-prepared to enter
the workforce or pursue higher education. It is critical for every educational institution to frame clearly-defined goals
for student learning, and focused summative and formative assessments and activities to enhance the students’ mastery in the
subject being taught. Educators should be trained to accomplish these learning goals in a state or national level and should be
provided with the tools truly required for creating the conditions needed for the educational growth of the students.
Predictive analytics is nowadays playing a major role in educational institutions. Many schools are collaborating with
universities and major organizations to introduce advanced analytics for creating innovative and new models and tools to
develop and enhance the students’ performance. Predictive analytics is being used by many schools to monitor, assess and
predict student performance in order to improve learning.
Schools are using predictive analytics in many ways. They are using it to build an early warning indicator based on the
students’ attendance, course failure and behavior to predict dropouts. It is also being used to predict timely graduation
procedures, and to track student grades. Moreover, it is also being used to measure indicators to predict whether the students
are ready for college and a career. Nowadays, it is also being utilized to identify and retain efficient teachers.
Predictive analytic models are used to examine students on school-based or classroom-based indicators to predict an outcome
that needs attention and improvement. Statistical analysis is used to measure indicators which could include measurable
elements like course grades, attendance, course level, suspensions, extra-curricular activities, and so on. Moreover,
data such as classroom observations and non-cognitive variables can also be used. Predictive analysis can
provide a predicted score which can be useful in categorizing students in various groups requiring high
intervention, medium intervention and low intervention.
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39. Advantages of Predictive Analytics
Proper predictive analysis provides data and indicators
which can be constructively utilized by the school staff to
improve the educational status. These indicators provide
institutions the scope to control and improve certain
conditions in the academic environment. For example, the
school staff can change or influence certain elements like
enrolment in rigorous courses or student attendance.
Results of predictive analytics can help the school
authorities and staff as they can use the data to take
necessary decisions. Schools and colleges can use this
information as a tool to monitor progress and development
of individuals and groups. They can use it to identify
student needs, utilize the resources and come up with
necessary intervention programs and plans to assist and
support the students in need.
Policies can be changed based on the information gathered
out of analytics. Moreover, school staff can also use the
results in designing intervention strategies. Teachers can
use the results to improve instruction procedures for each
student. They can also interact with the parents regarding
their ward’s progress. Teachers can also gather information
from students about individual students, their strengths and
weaknesses and assist them in setting objectives.
Limitations of Predictive Analytics
Though predictive analytics comes along with its set of
advantages, it also has its own limitations. Predictions are
made on the basis of the data collected from the school’s
database. Other influencing factors like family, peers, and
counselors are not considered, which may affect the
student’s performance and progress with time. Therefore,
predictive analysis should be used by the educators in
addition to other influencing factors.
Predictions are often made based on historical data on an
individual. For example, based on the indicators of a
th
student studying currently in the 9 standard, one cannot
make accurate predictions of how the same student will
perform or behave three years later. Many factors should be
taken into consideration like personal and social aspects.
Proper research procedures should be followed and
constantly updated with time along with changes in student
cohorts, course structures and instructional assessments.
In spite of its few disadvantages, predictive analytics has a
comparatively higher share of advantages, and should be
encouraged in educational institutions.
Proper Implementation
For successful implementation of predictive analytics,
schools should maintain a well-developed data system to
gather essential data and make accurate predictions. It
should be made sure that accurate data is available, stored
properly, and can be used as and when required. Data
should be stored and maintained properly using specialized
soft wares if needed. Proper training should be provided to
the staff and teachers on how to use the results. Schools can
also outsource organizations that specialize in big data and
analytics. The heads of the institutions should be trained on
how to properly utilize the collected data for policy
implementation, resource allocation and for effective
support and interventions. Students should be given proper
attention and steps should be taken to improve teaching
procedures and policies as per the requirements.T R
EDUCATION INSIGHTS
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43. Technological growth has drastically affected major
parts of our lives. It is entwined with almost all our
daily activities and has had a major impact on
various sectors, including education, business, healthcare,
finance, and so on. A key technological advancement,
which is popularly known as ‘Fintech’, has revolutionized
the business and financial sector, making transactions and
procedures effortless and trouble-free. Fintech is the
outcome of a technological detonation in the financial
sector, where there weren’t much of innovations going on.
Fintech brings in technology-related innovations in the
financial sector, which have the ability to alter long-
standing financial structures and change the way we use
financial instruments. It blurs industry boundaries,
facilitates strategic disintermediation, and revolutionizes
how firms create and deliver products and services. It
creates significant privacy, regulatory and law-enforcement
challenges, provides new gateways for entrepreneurship,
and new opportunities for inclusive growth. One can make
payments easily and can conduct hassle-free business
dealings in a jiffy, thanks to the advent of revolutionary
fintech applications. These applications have
disintermediated the entire financial procedure making it
direct and simple.
FINTECH REVOLUTIONIZING BUSINESSES
Fintech can now be seen applied on areas including
payment, credit, equity and crowd funding. These days,
online retailers are also using their own payment systems
and are offering credit facilities to customers. The
application of fintech has also led to the formation of
consumer and smaller-sized lending companies. Moreover,
another factor influencing the credit space is that
individuals can now invest on startups owing to a few major
initiatives. According to recent data, the global venture
investment in fintech grew by 11 percent to $17.4 billion in
2016.
A DRIVING INTEREST IN B-SCHOOLS
Many B-schools are adding fintech specializations into their
curriculum because of the rapid growth of this sector in
recent years. These schools are assessing the growing
demand for professionals in the fintech sector, who have
analytical skills based on the information technology area.
They consider that the banking industry, the credit industry,
the investment industry, and the payment industry are
transforming with technology and big data. Students want
to get into the fintech sector because of its vast scope and
potentially large returns for getting in early. Institutions,
along with traditional syllabus, are also teaching students
how the markets are being influenced by modern
technologies, helping them come up with new business
ideas in order to participate successfully in this
technologically driven financial system. A leading
American business school was the first one to teach a
course on blockchain, the technology that first came up as a
system reinforcing the virtual currency, bitcoin. Moreover,
another major educational institution is focusing on
financial inclusion, or designing affordable products and
services for disadvantaged customers.
Universities are also inviting financial technology
executives to deliver guest lecture sessions. They are
aiming at providing innovative fintech sessions and
programs which will help in boosting students’ careers,
whether they start their own businesses or join other
organizations. Major B-Schools are covering an assortment
of topics under fintech, which include: Blockchain, Digital
Identity, Digital Money and Cryptocurrencies, Digital
payments, and many more. They are conducting special
classes on fintech and its applications to clarify students’
doubts and queries and strengthen their understanding of
this financial phenomenon. Many institutions have launched
their own student fintech groups which invite guest
speakers, conduct community events and provide
innovative opportunities. Moreover, some major
universities are promoting and encouraging student-led
fintech clubs and organizations.
CHALLENGES IN A FINTECH COURSE
Teaching a fintech course is a challenging job as it includes
incorporating previously independent disciplines into
something that results in a successful end product. Though
the material rapidly changes, the fundamentals of financial
models and risk management remain the same, irrespective
of what platform is used. Students are being taught that the
underlying financial concepts remain the same, but the
physical form of services change. These days, instead of
paying bills in cash, payments are being made by bitcoins
or by phones. Loans are being provided through an online
platform instead of going to a bank.
For MBAs who want to perform innovatively, be
entrepreneurial in a low-risk environment, launch their own
business and take it towards success, fintech has been an
attractive option. This attraction has led them to demand for
fintech as a curricular and extra-curricular choice. Hence,
with the recent developments and its current growth and
usage in the business sector, fintech has emerged as the
trending term in business schools and MBA curricula. T R
REVAMPING EDUCATION
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44. The college aims to educate the youth to meet the
global challenges and enable them to excel in the
field of their choice and instill in them a sense of
social responsibility through enriched trainings
and research
S
ri Ramakrishna College of
Arts and Science (formerly
SNR Sons College) is a 31 year
old prominent institution in
Coimbatore, situated in the heart of the
city with 16.28 acres of land. The
institution comes under the renowned
S.N.R Sons Charitable Trust,
Coimbatore. Since its inception, the
college has maintained its uniqueness
in introducing new courses, concepts
and innovative practices in the field of
higher education. It was SNR Sons
College which first introduced
Electronics and CS & HM in
Undergraduate Programmes in 1990s
and in 2017 again SRCAS is the first
institute to introduce Twinning
Programme in the stream of Arts and
Science College with Asia Pacific
University, Malaysia.
Quality Infrastructure
The college has well-equipped
infrastructure with the facilities of
ICT enabled class rooms, state-of-art
lab facilities, two libraries with latest
books, magazines and journals, both
national and international, with
digital contents, Wi-Fi enabled
campus, canteens, and playgrounds.
The college has Dell-EMC research
lab for research and related activities.
Courses Offered
The college offers numerous UG
courses like B. Sc. Computer
Science, BCA, B. Sc. IT, BBA with
Computer Applications, B Com, B
Com with Computer Applications,
and many more.
It also offers many PG courses like
M. Sc. Computer Science, M. Sc. IT,
MBA in International Business,
M Com in Finance and Computer
Applications and so on.
There are four additional
certificate/diploma/advanced diploma
courses offered including PG Diploma
in Retail Management, PG Diploma in
Computer Application with
specialization in Cyber Law and
Security, PG Diploma in Advanced
Computing, and diploma in foreign
languages-Spanish. PhD and M.Phil
research programs are offered in the
field of Computer Science,
Management, Commerce and English.
About the School of Computing
The School of Computing encourages
cooperative learning, thereby setting a
Sri Ramakrishna
College of Arts
and Science:
Educating Youth to Meet
the Global Needs
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45. collaborative environment which
allows students to explore the research
challenges that lie in the intersection of
Computer Science and other
disciplines. In addition to these, the
research department enables scholars
to equip themselves to meet the ever-
growing demands of the industry. The
school also has signed MoUs with
reputed concerns like Dell EMC,
CCube Technologies, Coimbatore and
LAKHSHAYA Cyber Security Labs,
Coimbatore for the benefit of the
Students and Faculty Members.
The Department of Computer
Science was established with the
objective of imparting quality
education in the field of Computer
Science. The department has modern
facilities for teaching, learning and
research. The department offers a wide
array of research opportunities and
programs of study at undergraduate
and postgraduate level.
The Department of Information
Technology, right from its inception
has been imparting quality education in
the field of Information Technology.
The department has expanded and
grown in terms of dissemination of
knowledge with different computer
platforms for grooming professional
students to meet the incessant demands
of the IT Industries.
The Department of Computer
Applications (UG) was established in
the year 1999. The Department has
made a mark in the global arena by
admitting and educating students from
the world over. The Department of
Computer Applications emphasizes
both education and research.
Major Accreditations and
Achievements
Sri Ramakrishna College has achieved
many landmarks throughout its
illustrious journey. It has received the
rd
3 cycle of NAAC re-accreditation
with ‘A’ Grade. The college has been
awarded as the Best Private Institute
for Arts & Science in India by
ASSOCHAM & the Education Post. It
was ranked Fifth in Swachhta Ranking
for the cleanest higher educational
institution in the country by MHRD.
Career Opportunities and Exposures
To give better career opportunities,
various MOUs have been signed with
various reputed organizations. The
college develops the soft skills of
students via PACE with continuous
analysis and interview drives. They
develop linguistic skills through STEP
from “The Hindu” for English
proficiency. They also provide RACE-
a special coaching for Bank Exams.
Internships for IT and Non IT fields are
provided for industry exposure.
The college offers job oriented courses
on current trends with external
certification and training. It follows
outcome based education to all the
students. Students are continuously
encouraged to participate in various
inter-collegiate competitions conducted
by various colleges to show case their
talents.
Future Plans
The college aims at industry–academic
integration. They are looking forward
for the better abroad universities and
research institutes to make their view
wide. They are exchanging their
students and staff members to the
international universities to sharpen
their views about cross culture
environments and trends for teaching
learning process.
The
10Most
Applications 2018
Scintillating Institutes
for Computer
Percipient Leadership
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Dr. K. Karunakaran is the Principal & Secretary of the institution. He holds a doctoral degree in
Chemistry. 27 years of experience in the eld of higher education has turned him into an able
administrator. He also acts as the President of Bharathiar University Afliated Colleges’ Principals’
Association. Under his guidance, the college has procured a number of laurels. ‘The Most Promising
Institute for Arts & Science in India’ in the Asia Education Summit & Awards 2017 at New Delhi,
International Accreditation by CIAC, SIRO Recognition, ‘Accreditation by Computer Society of India’,
in Swatchhta Ranking, Fifth Rank among the cleanest higher educational institution in the country
th
by MHRD, 48 Rank in the survey of The Week Magazine, The Best Local Chapter of NPTEL are the
awards and recognition the college has won in the recent years. In the month of December, the
Principal and Secretary of the college Dr. K. Karunakarn, has won the Prestigious Indywood
Education Excellence Award for introducing Innovative Educational Practices.
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46. Curtis Institute Of Music
1726 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA
www.curtis.edu