Rebooting Education With New Age Advancements

“Education is not the learning of facts but the training of the mind to think,” said Albert Einstein. In recent years, there has been a sea-change in the understanding of what we need from professionals of tomorrow. We need thinkers and thought-leaders that can shape the future. Interestingly it has coincided with new-age digital disruptions that have made information easily accessible to Gen Z. Knowledge acquisition for them, is not limited to classroom learning. The new Internet age has practically made traditional modules of learning redundant.

Traditional learning worked on “one size fits all” model with the unreasonable expectation that all students have similar capabilities. If learning institutions and educators have to keep up with the evolving demands of the industry and Gen Z learners, they have to embrace new-age advancements. These pedagogies and technologies encourage students to be inquisitive, to explore and innovate. New age universities like SRM – AP, Andhra Pradesh have already incorporated these advancements in their learning experiences for students.

Multi-stream learning

“Interdisciplinary communication is where truly great ideas emerge,” said Carl Seger. As work environments get more collaborative across functions, it’s vital for future professionals to have insights into streams that are beyond their domain. Moreover, experts also assert that multidisciplinary learning encourages lateral thinking, which is a sought after trait in tomorrow’s professionals and leaders.

Active Learning

Active Learning places greater responsibility for learning on students as they are actively involved through case studies, role plays etc. It does not diminish the role of the instructor but simply puts more onus on learners, which develops problem-solving skills amongst them. Application cards, minute papers, visual modeling are some of the advances in strategies that are being adopted by leading learning institutions today.

Artificial Intelligence

AI become the buzzword and is certainly here to stay. It has revolutionized the way curriculums are delivered across schools and Universities. AI has the capability to arm educators with insights to understand students’ performance, their strengths and weaknesses. This information can be used by educators to offer more personalized guidance to suit their specific needs. AI tools overall generate a more dynamic learning experience for students.

Virtual and Augmented Reality

Virtual Reality has taken the education sector by storm due to the truly immersive experience it creates for learners. It makes it easier for students to process and absorb the information they are getting. Augmented Reality through the mediums of video clips, images, animations etc. create a real-time experience while keeping students engaged. Experts believe it can enhance creativity, problem-solving skills and critical thinking skills amongst students.

Remote to Hybrid learning

Remote learning was already gaining prominence before it was necessitated by the pandemic this year. The potential of virtual classrooms is limitless as high-quality learning is made available to students across the planet. Modern technologies like Zoom, social media, video-conferencing are being leveraged to deliver highly productive sessions for educators and students alike. These learning experiences complement offline learning into a powerful Hybrid learning module.

Education sector as we knew it has gone through a reboot. It’s up to learning institutions and academics to keep pace and put their best step forward. Some of the pioneers of new-age education in India like SRMAP are already leading the way.

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Skills To Ace In The Post Covid World

Fear of the Unknown is the greatest fear of all, they say. It’s that fear that we have almost universally dealt within this year of uncertainty. The word “new normal” has been coined and is talked about by experts in great detail. But what does it truly entail? How do professionals of today and tomorrow navigate their way through the new normal on their way to success? It’s time to upskill, but what are the skills that will be in demand in the post-Covid world?

The new world might be mired in uncertainty, but one thing is certain – that workspaces will see a transformation in times to come. If you want to make your mark in the changing professional scenario then here are skills you should possess:

  • Adaptable professionals for the flexible work environment: Work from home has already become a norm for companies big and small. Workspaces will keep evolving rapidly in times to come. As a professional, you need to keep pace with the changes or be left behind.

  • Get what it “techs”: Technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Robotics, IoT had already made their presence felt before the pandemic. They will make businesses more resilient in the post-CoVid world. Being equipped with skills in the latest technologies is the surest way to futureproof your careers.

  • Data with destiny: Data has become the most valuable asset for organizations. But as Bernard Merr writes in Forbes, “Data is useless to a company unless there is data literacy – people equipped with skills to understand the data and make better decisions because of it.” Data literacy skills will score high on companies’ priority list.

  • Innovators have a way in: In spite of the difficulties this year, some businesses have thrived. It’s largely because of the creativity they have shown in catering to their audience through innovative strategies. In the future too, organizations will be focused on professionals who can think and function creatively.

  • Critical thinking will be critical: With great amounts of data, comes great responsibility to analyze it discerningly. The rise of fake news, misinformation has been a menace in the recent past. The industry will be looking for critical thinking professionals, who can scrutinize information for objective decision making.

  • Leaders are forever: Technological disruptions with the changing nature of the workplace have meant that teams and teamwork have become more fluid. It will take strong and capable leaders with high EQ to bring out the best in their teams. Leaders who can encourage and enable seamless collaborations will be highly sought after.

Research and innovation-driven Universities like SRM University – AP, Andhra Pradesh have already incorporated platforms and initiatives in their curriculum to equip students with these skills. “We, at SRMAP, believe that the Universities and educational institutions need to trigger the thought process and inquisitiveness to go beyond the classrooms and textbooks,” says Prof. D. Narayana Rao, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University. And it’s this inquisitiveness and thinking out of the box that will make all the difference in the post-CoVid world.

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Hashmmath Shaik zooms in on the college experience SRM University, AP in the year of the pandemic

It was a case of first impression being the lasting one for Vijayawada boy Hashmmath Shaik when he visited SRM University, AP campus. He left having made his decision to enroll for the B.Tech, CSE program. And though he hasn’t been able to return to the campus due to the pandemic last year, he believes his learning experience hasn’t been compromised. He journals his experiences of first year of college; from virtual orientation to Zoom classes and extracurricular activities.

“Choosing the graduation program and college is a big deal and I didn’t want to leave anything to chance. Hence I wanted to check things out myself and was completely blown away by the infrastructure at SRM University, AP. Coming from Vijayawada, this was a whole new world to me, but I knew that this is what my dream college would look like.

Unfortunately due to the pandemic last year, we haven’t been able to go back to campus. But my B.Tech CSE program began with a virtual orientation program that put all of us at ease. It was a well-rounded program with quizzes and games and motivational sessions. There were talks about mental health in times of the pandemic, which was very thoughtful.

While I have not been able to attend offline classes, I don’t think the learning experience has been compromised in any way. Zoom is a brilliant platform for student engagement. Teaching practices where students are asked to solve questions are also very helpful. We have had our exams in lab classes, which was good practical exposure for all of us.

I am very impressed by our faculty members, not only because they too had to adapt to online teaching but they have also done it brilliantly while focusing on students’ needs. We are given assignments on a regular basis to understand if we have grasped the topics. They are always accessible and pay special attention to topics so that we have complete clarity about them.

Besides academic learning, I am thrilled to see the preparations for cultural activities that are held online. As a first year student, I have missed those experiences that are crucial to college life. I can’t wait to get back to campus and participate in Basketball games, play guitar – these are my main interests. I also want to be a part of the theatre group and perform on stage.

I think hostel life is one of the coolest aspects of college years. I can’t wait to experience it with my batch mates who come from everywhere in India – UP, Odisha, and also African countries, Bangladesh. I haven’t seen all of them though we are connected on social media. I am confident that when we meet it will be like we have been friends forever. I am really looking forward to it.”

Testimonial

“Zoom is a brilliant platform for student engagement. Teaching practices where students are asked to solve questions are also very helpful. We have had our exams in lab classes, which was good practical exposure for all of us. I am very impressed by our faculty members, not only because they too had to adapt to online teaching but they have also done it brilliantly while focusing on students’ needs.” – Hashmmath Shaik, B.Tech CSE, Batch 2020-24.

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N Lakshmi Nagendra feels he has come a long way in a year filled with personal and professional growth

Covid-19 pandemic put a dampener on the spirits of many college freshers who missed out on the campus experience. N Lakshmi Nagendra talks about it with a tinge of sadness but he knows that his college experience hasn’t been compromised. As he grows in both personal and professional walks of his life, he tells us why he feels he might have struggled with the transition at any place other than SRM University, AP.

“When I first visited SRM University, AP campus I had travelled a few hours from my hometown in Khammam, Telangana but it felt like I was transported to a completely new place. I was amazed by the state of the art infrastructure on the campus. I am glad I took the decision to enroll with the university because I have come a long way only in one year of the program.

Since I am very interested in the field, I opted for B. Tech Computer Science with Cyber Security. But as I was looking forward to being on the campus and starting this new chapter in my life, the Covid-19 pandemic had hit. It was definitely disappointing but we had to seek solace in the fact that we could be in the comforts of our homes.

I think at any other place we would have struggled with the transition, but SRM University, AP had left no stone unturned to ensure that we moved to online learning smoothly. We could see the efforts being made right from the virtual orientation program, which was filled with exciting activities. Unique events like Chess and other games made it a lot of fun for all of us.

The campus diversity is one of the reasons I chose the University, and so far I have come across students from many different states. Although we have met virtually, I have become friends with some of them. A friend from Pune knows more about coding than we do, so I learn from him. These interactions are truly enriching.

I can say that the classroom learning experience is of very high quality. I have learned so much from my faculty members, not only about the subjects but dealing with everyone in such a calm and composed manner. We are also connected through Whatsapp, and whenever we have any queries we know that we can reach out to them without any hesitation.

Some of the highlights for me are the group discussions where we learn from each other’s diverse perspective. I also love playing games and doing experiments in the lab. There are many fun events being conducted online, which keep us going. Of course, we wish that we could be back on campus, but we have time. And right now we are making the most of it.”

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WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE ECE OVER CSE?

Why should you choose the ECE department?

To play an important role in the futuristic technologies both in Indian and global markets, for example, 6G, Glasses free 3D-TV, Autonomous driving, Industry 4.0, Augmented/Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence etc.

How is ECE better than other engineering branches?

Name any top inventions you are aware. Be it Mobile phone, Computer, Satellite, Internet, 5G/6G, IoT, AR/VR, Holograms, Machine Learning, AI, smart homes/cities, together with some of the recent necessities like CT scan, Oximeter, infrared thermometers are all the products of ECE.

How is the ECE syllabus unique at SRM University AP?

The syllabus helps students to be industry ready at the time of their graduation by incorporating design thinking curriculum along with advanced courses such as AI-ML, IoT, Embedded systems, Advanced VLSI, Signal processing, Communication systems, and Networking which are the current needs of the industry.

What do I learn in ECE?

You will learn, understand, and build a variety of things that you see/use every day: right from a small switch which just turns ON and OFF the electricity to a mobile phone and a supercomputer which is a backbone of today’s digitised world.

What are the differences and similarities between CSE and ECE?

To begin with, we offer the same syllabus for the 1st year for both CSE and ECE. Later, while CSE focuses to train you towards only programming languages, ECE offers a step-ahead opportunity to get you hands-on both the Software & the Hardware.

How tough is the ECE syllabus in comparison with other branches?

ECE department syllabus adapt to the changes in the technologies faster than any other branches thus it might look difficult in few people’s perception, but it is not.

I may be interested in higher studies; how adaptable does the ECE syllabus have?

ECE is the only branch which gels better with other engineering departments. For instance, you can easily opt for Mechatronics (Robotics & Structural health monitoring), EEE (Renewable Energy & Smart grids), Civil (smart cities, dams, buildings) and Nanotech (Nanobots, carbon nanotubes) to name a few. This is possible by opting for some minor degree in these disciplines.

Okay, are ECE subjects hard to study?

Absolutely NOT and let us BREAK this myth by joining the following webinar where you’ll be introduced to the syllabus of ECE and additional benefits that you will get by joining ECE department at SRM AP.

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“Does ECE branch provide more opportunities than CSE”?

Does ECE branch provide more opportunities than CSE branch?

As ECE branch offers combine courses of both hardware and software fields leading to more job opportunities in private as well as government sector. In addition, it is easy for ECE graduates to establish their own start-ups.

What is the Scope of ECE branch in government jobs?

Yes, after clearing technical exams conducted by UPSC [IAS/IES] and PSUs [defence, railway, intelligence agency] ECE graduates can secure higher rank jobs in government sector. ECE is one of the four branches [Civil/EEE/MECH/ECE] eligible to write IES exam.

Does ECE gives you freedom in finding jobs?

Certainty, ECE is an all-rounder branch of Engineering, as it is not limiting only to IT jobs but provides job opportunities in both government and private sectors [Core and Non-core].

What is the Scope for higher Studies in India and abroad?

ECE department has established Higher Studies Connect Club (HCC) that helps students in preparing GATE [IITs, NITs, IIITs, NTU, NUS] and GRE/TOFEL/IELTS [Abroad Universities] and assists in admission process.

Does ECE department of SRM AP support students to pursue PG program in Abroad Universities?

The ECE graduates have been benefited with full one semester fee for getting admission in top 10 QS ranking Universities and 10,000 USD for 11-25 QS ranked universities in the previous years.

How is the placement of ECE students at SRM-AP?

100% of the students of the first graduating batch are already placed at TCS, Infosys, L&T Technology, Climber, ET Media, SMART, Cognizant, Healthplix, Vodafone etc. There are 1.4 offers per student, around 55% students got job in super dream companies.

What are the internship opportunities for ECE students?

Summer Internships are mandatory for third-year students. The previous year students have completed their internships from various reputed government sectors/Industries such as ECIL, SHAR Sriharikota, DRDO, BEL, BSNL, Geek technologies, Android dev. and Thermofisher.

Does SRM AP offers any training for Entrepreneurship?

Yes, SRM AP has established Technology Business Incubator that would support the students to launch their own start-up ventures.

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How is the life of an ECE student at SRM University, AP

1. Why ECE at SRM AP?

ECE curriculum prepares you to take part in the next gen industrial revolution (Industry 4.0 and beyond). So, if you think you can contribute by innovating and solving real life problems – JOIN US.

2. How is the life of an ECE student at SRM University, AP?

Activity based learning from friendly, inter & multi-disciplinary experts makes learning in SRM AP ECE engaging. Students will also be able to publish research papers, give a talk on international conferences, file patents and participate in different competitions (e.g. Hackathon) which leads to a rich learning experience.

3. Is ECE faculty at SRM University one of the best in the country?

Our faculties obtained PhD from premier institutes, like IITs and/or internationally recognized institutes, and are having diverse research & industrial experiences.
Visit – https://srmap.edu.in/seas/electronics-and-communication-engineering/faculty/

4. What unique infrastructure does the ECE department at SRM AP have?

Industry standard laboratories (hardware & software) will help students for lab based hybrid learning. In addition to this, faculty’s research grants projects (worth Rs 2 crores) which allows students to take part in cutting-edge projects based learning.

5. What is the Semester Abroad Program (SAP) at SRMAP?

SAP aimed for SRM AP students to let them spend one full semester in one of our collaborating universities (University of California, University of Wisconsin, Flinders University, IIT Chicago, Efrei Paris, National Tsing Hua University, University of Skovde, North Eastern University, Asia University). So far, 31 students have benefited through SAP.

6. Does the ECE department have specialised clubs for experiential learning?

Yes, ECE department have established clubs to technically strengthen the students’ knowledge:
⮚ Linux [To ease out learning complex coding in Advance OS and Computer Networks]

⮚ Antenna/Microwave component designing [To bridge the gap between RF, Microwave Industry & conceptual theoretical classroom learning].

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Get B.tech degree from USA by joining ECE department at SRM University- AP

1. What is Twinning Program (2 + 2)?

Students who would complete their first two years of undergraduate coursework at SRM University – AP may apply to transfer to IIT in Chicago to complete their 3rd and 4th year, successful completion of which would get them Bachelor’s Degree from IIT Chicago.

2. What is the Eligibility Criteria?

Transfer applicants must be in good academic standing at the local college in order to be considered for admission to Illinois Tech. Students must also be in good financial standing at all previously attended colleges/universities.

3. What do I Study?

Undergraduates study in six of Illinois Tech’s eight academic divisions. Students are encouraged—and even required—to take courses from across the various programs to complete their degrees.

If you do not have a planned area of study before entering, you can choose an Undecided path among Armour College of Engineering, College of Science and Letters, or a General Undecided. Illinois Tech has 36 undergraduate majors complete list is at http://admissions.iit.edu/undergraduate/programs/majors

4. When should I apply?

For most Illinois Tech undergraduate programs, students may apply for admission for either the Fall or Spring Semester. The Illinois Tech program liaison transmits candidate’s credentials and supporting letters to Office of Undergraduate Admission at Illinois Tech, by the admission deadlines for visiting / Transfer students: April 15 for August (Fall) admission or October 15 for January (Spring) admission.

5. Will I get any Scholarships?

The scholarship amount is based on the applicant’s academic credentials. Students with outstanding credentials may receive annual scholarship of USD$10,000 to USD $30,000 per year. The scholarship is renewable until completion of bachelor’s program, provided student is full-time enrolled in an Illinois Tech’s Bachelor’s program and in good academic standing. For additional information, visit http://admissions.iit.edu/undergraduate/finances/scholarships

6. How much do I need to pay for one full academic year at IIT, Chicago without any scholarship?

Total cost of attendance is US $67,505 for the year (includes Tuition and Fee, Room and Board, Health Insurance) but students may deduct their scholarship awards from this total for FAS. Note: This amount does not include travel and personal expenses, books and supplies, and emergency costs. Note that this figure is an estimated cost for the upcoming year. Tuition is not fixed and one can expect a slight increase annually.

7. What about Accommodation inside the campus?

On-campus housing is not required but is encouraged to gain the most from campus life. – The choices from undergrad students include McCormick Student Village, State Street Village, or Gunsaulus Hall. Housing options, pictures and prices are listed here at the below link.
http://www.iit.edu/housing/choices/

8. Is twinning program available only with IIT, Chicago?

Yes, as of now SRM University- AP signed MOU with only IIT, Chicago and we are trying for more such MOUs with other prestigious universities.

9. Will I be able to work during my studies at IIT, Chicago?

  • International students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week in on-campus jobs

  • Jobs will vary every semester, depending on which departments are hiring

  • Students looking for jobs can apply through IIT’s Office of Student Employment

  • Students looking for research opportunities can utilize resources at IIT’s Office of Undergraduate Research

CPT/OPT:

  • F1 students are eligible for CPT/OPT http://web.iit.edu/international-center/current- students/employment/f-1-employment-options CPT must be authorized by the International Center

  • OPT must be approved by I-Center and authorized by the US government

  • F1 and J1 students are be eligible for on-campus jobs; see the Student Employment Office SEO site:
    http://web.iit.edu/student-employment/international-students

10. Is there any websites, where I can look for any additional information related to twinning program?

Website: http://web.iit.edu/

Transfer Guide for 2019-20 is at
https://www.iit.edu/sites/default/files/2019-11/uga_transferviewbook_2019-20.pdf

International View book for 2019-20 is at
https://admissions.iit.edu/sites/admissions/files/elements/uga/pdfs/brochures/UGA_InternationalViewbook_2019-20.pdf

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Sruti Poolla on the highs and highlights

From the virtual tour of the campus to online learning and events, Sruti Poolla, student of Class of 2023 at SRM University, AP has been wowed by the experiences she has had. Bonding with her batch mates from around the country and participating in diverse discussions, she has learned the importance of looking at global problems from different perspectives. As she eagerly waits to explore the campus, Sruti offers her own perspective on her first year in college.

“Can you believe it; I have been doing my B.Sc. (Hons.) Economics from SRM University, AP for a year but haven’t visited the campus once! But we are playing with the cards we have been dealt with and it’s been a lot of fun.

We had a virtual tour of the campus again on the orientation day, and it just blew my mind. I saw the library and the hostel rooms and was completely bowled over. I cannot wait to get on the campus and visit the library, as well as the basketball court. Besides that, I want to sing on stage.

It has been a joyride right from the virtual orientation where we had all our queries about the University and department answered. The online Freshers event was a lot of fun, and I have also participated in carnivals.

As far as learning goes, I really didn’t think it was possible online. But our faculty members have gone to great lengths to make it engaging and exciting for us. We have our classes on Zoom and we have breakout rooms, polls, which encourage us to participate in the learning process.

It has also offered us the platform to interact with our peers and batch mates. We are connected on Whatsapp groups and have bonded quite well. Interacting with students from different states, backgrounds, and cultures is an enriching experience in itself.

I’d say that my friends are quite opinionated, which is great because you are always learning something new. In fact, that has been my biggest learning experience so far – knowing that there are many perspectives to any global problem.

I am really looking forward to being on campus so that I can explore my college years to the fullest. We have all the platforms to take on new challenges and grow into well rounded individuals and professionals. I am definitely ready for it.”

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Rasheed Amina Karim Firdous finds his true calling

It is the second time lucky for Rasheed Amina Karim Firdous who found exactly what he was looking for at SRM University, AP. After pursuing a semester in Computer Science Engineering, the young man from Vijayawada dropped out only to find his true calling. The B. Sc (Hons.) Economics, Class of 2023 student looks back on his first year at the university and tells us why he feels he is in the right place at the right time.

“Unlike most of my batch mates, my college journey began differently. I pursued a semester in Computer Science Engineering but realized that it wasn’t for me. Around that time, my father was seriously ill so I dropped out for a semester. The gap and space I had made me realize what I really wanted, and this time I found exactly that at SRM University, AP.

I enrolled for B. Sc (Hons.) Economics program and to my surprise my story resonated with that of our faculty Ms. Shrabani Mukherjee. When she shared her story with the class I felt instantly connected and knew that I was in the right place. Her encouragement has motivated me and made me more disciplined towards academics, especially at a time when I was feeling unsure and unsteady.

Everything at the university has been a pleasant surprise from day 1. Let’s start with the virtual campus tour, which had me mesmerized. It is wonderful to see that the campus has been built while keeping the balance between aesthetics and the environment. It has all the modern amenities that are designed keeping students’ needs in mind.

The virtual orientation was planned with activities on mental health, yoga, budget as well as some fun tournaments. It was particularly thoughtful to focus on mental health in the last year of uncertainties. I am grateful to be able to pursue my studies on a brilliant platform with caring faculty members to guide us along the journey.

We have a Google classroom where we can access all the notes, presentations shared by our faculty members. We have Zoom calls for meetings with breakout rooms that invariably lead to amazing discussions. We can connect with our batch mates on Zoom, whatsapp or regular calls. We discuss ideas, play games and have built camaraderie.

It’s one of the main reasons I want to get on the campus as soon as possible. We have students from various states, who bring their own cultures, traditions, view points to the campus. Everyone has their own talents; one is a singer, someone else is into cricket. It is such a stimulating environment and I can’t wait to participate in those thought provoking discussions in person.”

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