Language Lab to Boost Student Communication Skills
The Department of Literature and Languages at SRM University-AP celebrated the launch of its Language Lab, a state-of-the-art, 70-seater facility designed to enhance the Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing (LSRW) skills of its students.
The inauguration was witnessed and officiated by the honourable Vice Chancellor, Prof. Manoj K Arora, along with Prof. Vishnupad, Dean- ESLA; Prof. C V Tomy, Dean-SEAS, Dr Vinayak Kalluri, Dean-Academic Affairs, Ms Suma N, CFAO; Dr Sayantan Thakur, Assistant Professor and Head; Dr Karthik Rajendran; Dr Srabani Basu, other faculty members, research scholars and students.
The laboratory, valued at 10 million rupees, is equipped with Sanako and Lanquill software, providing students with access to advanced resources. During the event, Vice Chancellor Prof. Manoj K Arora emphasised the value of communication he stated “Communication is an essential skill. With this lab, our students have a real opportunity to build those skills and contribute meaningfully to society.” he also voiced that, In future, the varsity will also be looking forward to opening this facility to the wider community so that more people can benefit from this resource.
Dr Thakur and Dr Amlan Baisya, Assistant Professors at the university, provided insights into the laboratory’s cutting-edge software and technology. They explained how these tools can significantly enhance the learning experience, making language acquisition more interactive and engaging. The faculty expressed their excitement about the opportunities this facility will create for both students and instructors alike.
Prof. Arora took a moment to commend the Department of Literature and Languages and the Directorate of Information Technology and Knowledge Management (ITKM) for their commitment to advancing education through innovative resources. He underscored the bright future ahead, not only for students but for the entire university community, as they leverage this new laboratory to improve communication skills that are vital in both academic and professional settings.
- Published in Departmental News, English Current Happenings, English news, News
Dr Sayantan’s Research Paper on Overcoming the Digital Divide
In the context of online English education in India, the “digital divide” has emerged as a significant obstacle, especially for students from rural or underprivileged areas. Dr Sayantan Thakur, Assistant Professor at the Department of Literature and Languages in his article introduces a research study titled “Navigating the Digital Divide: Challenges and Strategies in Teaching Communicative English Online in Indian Classrooms,” which aims to address the unequal access to online learning tools.
Abstract
The advent of online learning platforms is providing new opportunities for English language learning (ELL) in India. However, there is a significant challenge posed by the digital divide – the gap in accessing technology. This study investigates what causes the digital divide in internet ELL classrooms such as infrastructure limitations, device ownership and usage, and digital literacy skills; and how they affect student engagement, development of communication skills, and overall learning experiences. It suggests ways to bridge this gap which include government policies on infrastructure development; affordable tech solutions like mobile apps; teaching programs that enhance digital literacy among learners; support for teachers involved in web-based pedagogy. Through these recommendations, education stakeholders can create an inclusive cyberspace for all students where their communication abilities will be nurtured throughout different parts of India.
The Practical Implementation
The practical implementation of your research on “Navigating the Digital Divide: Challenges and Strategies in Teaching Communicative English Online in Indian Classrooms” has far-reaching social implications. By addressing the digital divide, your work can help level the playing field in education, especially for students from underprivileged backgrounds.
Improved Access to Education: Implementing strategies like infrastructure development, affordable mobile-based learning tools, and digital literacy programmes can provide more students, especially in rural and low-income areas, access to online English learning resources. This improves their chances of acquiring essential communication skills, opening doors to better job opportunities.
Empowering Teachers: Equipping teachers with digital tools and training enables them to deliver more effective online lessons, increasing student engagement and success rates.
Reducing Inequality: Bridging the technology gap can reduce educational disparities between urban and rural areas, promoting social mobility and reducing the long-term impacts of inequality.
Building a Digitally Literate Society: Enhancing digital literacy among students and teachers fosters a society better prepared for the demands of the modern workforce, ultimately contributing to economic growth and social inclusion.
Future Research Plans
- Regional Literature in Translation
- Tantric Tradition and Eastern Indian Literature
- Folk Music of Bengal
- Indian Philosophy, Aesthetics & Literature
- Published in Departmental News, English Current Happenings, English news, News, Research News
A Sustainable Greywater Treatment Method
Addressing the ever-demanding crisis of water scarcity, Dr Mohit Aggarwal, Assistant Professor from the Department of Civil Engineering, has published a paper titled “Polyculture Microalgae and Zno/GAC-nanocomposite System for Greywater Treatment” in the Q1 journal Biomass and Bioenergy with an impact factor of 5.8. In his research, Dr Aggarwal explores sustainable methods to treat wastewater with algae and nanoparticles, providing an efficient method to reuse greywater and reduce water consumption.
Abstract
This study explores sustainable greywater treatment using microalgae and a ZnO/GAC nanocomposite in a 15-day batch photobioreactor. The system achieved significant nutrient removal, with 80% TOC, 94.2% PO43−, and 99.6% NH4+ efficiencies. Microalgal growth was enhanced by the nanocomposite, reaching a density of 1.8 g/L. The resulting biomass had a high heating value of 18.32 MJ/kg. The ZnO/GAC nanocomposite maintained effective removal over four cycles. The treated greywater met reuse standards for toilet flushing, with pH 8.5, turbidity <4 NTU, and COD, NH4+, and PO43− of 34, 0.032, and 0.48 mg/L, respectively.
Explanation of the research in layperson’s terms
Water scarcity and pollution are serious problems, and our research aims to find an environmentally friendly way to treat greywater (wastewater from sinks, showers, etc.). We explored the use of algae combined with special nanoparticles (zinc oxide) to clean the water more effectively. The algae grow in the water and help remove harmful substances like carbon, phosphorus, and nitrogen. The nanoparticles make this process even more efficient.
After treatment, the water is clean enough to be reused, for example, in toilet flushing. This method not only helps clean wastewater but also provides a sustainable way to reuse it, which can reduce water consumption and help the environment.
Practical implementation/ Social implications of the research
Practical implementation
The system developed in this research can be implemented in decentralised greywater treatment units, especially in water-scarce areas. It provides a cost-effective, eco-friendly solution for treating household or industrial greywater. The treated water meets the quality standards for reuse in applications like toilet flushing or landscape irrigation, reducing freshwater demand.
Social implications
This research promotes water recycling, contributing to sustainable water management practices and helping to address water scarcity issues. This can improve access to water in communities with limited resources, reduce the pressure on freshwater supplies, and lower the environmental impact of wastewater discharge, leading to healthier ecosystems and communities. Additionally, adopting such systems on a larger scale can foster greater awareness of water conservation and responsible resource usage.
- Published in CIVIL NEWS, Departmental News, News, Research News
Marketing Wizard Delivers Lecture on D2C Marketing
The students of Paari School of Business (PSB) had a memorable experience when Mr Siddesh Joglekar joined as a guest lecturer at SRM University-AP. The CRCS team’s dedicated efforts and the unwavering support of Prof. Bharadwaj Sivakumaran, Dean of PSB, made this unique opportunity possible. Students had the privilege of engaging in a personal interaction with the esteemed guest on September 18, 2024.
During the lecture Mr Joglekar shed light on various aspects of professional growth and marketing strategies. He placed significant emphasis on the need to foster a collaborative environment and recognising the contributions of peers.The lecture also delved into the imporatance of networking for career advancement, especially through ones’ Alumni Associations
Mr Joglekar delved into the expansive potential of Direct to Consumer (D2C) marketing, using examples from renowned companies like Twitter, Walmart, Instagram, Zomato, Amazon, Tesla, and Google to illustrate the evolution of brand images. A poignant quote from Mr Joglekar, “Companies are transformed into brands by people who dare to dream,” encapsulated the essence of the discussion, emphasising the role of visionary individuals in shaping successful brands.
Interactive elements were woven into the session, including an activity where students were tasked with creating logos that branded themselves, thus reflecting a unique aspect of their identity. This hands-on approach not only made the learning process engaging but also provided practical insights into branding.
A comparative analysis between traditional retail and D2C highlighted key differences such as distribution channels, pricing strategies, and brand control, offering a deeper understanding of the contemporary marketing landscape. The concepts of Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) and Life-Time Value (LTV) were also explored, underscoring their importance in building a strong brand identity.
As the session neared its conclusion, Mr Joglekar introduced an innovative activity that involved reverse engineering an advertisement concept, inspired by the 2022 ad campaign featuring Mr Neeraj Chopra for Cred. This exercise prompted students to think creatively and apply the concepts discussed in a practical context.
The session wrapped up with a Q&A segment, where discussions ranged from market profitability to the advantages of D2C marketing, allowing for a comprehensive review of the topics covered. Ms Andrea Benedict extended a vote of thanks on behalf of the student fraternity of PSB, culminating in a group photo session that captured the essence of the enriching experience.
- Published in Departmental News, News, Paari Current Happenings, paari-guest-lectures