Need to train educators in India as HEIs prepare for NEP 2020 implementation: Experts at panel discussion by D2L
As hundreds of colleges prepare to implement the New Education Policy (NEP 2020) this year, a crucial aspect of a successful rollout becomes apparent: training educators to deliver a seamless teaching experience. To address this need, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has launched a capacity-building program aimed at training 1.5 million higher education teachers for the forthcoming NEP implementation. This program emphasizes research, skill development, technology integration, identifying learning outcomes and assessment, among other themes.
In light of these changes, teachers must be trained in the use of digital tools and modern technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) to remain relevant and updated.
To address the growing demand for educator training in the new era of teaching and learning, D2L, a global learning company, organized a webinar. The event featured a panel of experts and stakeholders in the education field who discussed how higher education institutions (HEIs) need to adapt to the NEP 2020. This included Dr. Prem Das Maheshwari, business director -South Asia at D2L, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, chancellor of AAFT University and president of the International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI), and Prof. Sasmita Samanta, chairperson and managing director at Sustainable Outreach and Universal Leadership Limited (SOUL)
Here are some noteworthy insights and facts that emerged during the webinar, focusing on the topic of how institutions can prepare, support and train educators for success in the new world of teaching:
The panel highlighted the importance of proper training for teaching faculty and the strategic use of AI in the teaching and learning process. The discussion also emphasized the use of advanced tools like learning management systems (LMSs) to create a holistic educational environment.
Dr. Prem Das Maheshwari, business director-South Asia at D2L and the moderator of the panel, emphasized the increasing role of new-age technologies like AI in education for optimal outcomes, citing it as a tool to help eliminate mundane tasks.
Expanding on Dr. Maheshwari’s insights, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, chancellor of AAFT University and president of the International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI), stressed the need for HEIs to carefully and strategically incorporate technologies like AI. He also pointed out that the NEP aims to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4, which seeks to ensure inclusive, equitable, quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Additionally, Dr. Marwah highlighted India’s post-COVID-19 digital transformation and the government’s efforts to digitize education in smaller towns, cities and villages.
Prof. Sasmita Samanta, chairperson and managing director at Sustainable Outreach and Universal Leadership Limited (SOUL), explained that the NEP empowers faculties, allowing colleges and universities to make 20%-30% changes in the curriculum—a significant shift from the previous practice where curriculum changes were solely controlled by the UGC.
Furthermore, the panel discussed the importance of balanced technology use in education to foster strong character development in students. All panelists concurred that research must play a pivotal role in the education space, especially in light of the significant post-pandemic progress in ed tech.
Private universities are now offering programs for classroom management and effective teaching and learning processes with the aid of technology, focusing on developing critical skills and encouraging social innovation. AI in education serves as a valuable tool for active learning. It plays a pivotal role in providing students with interactive and personalized learning experiences. It enhances active learning by tailoring content, assessments, and feedback to individual student needs, making the educational process more engaging, efficient, and effective. This, in turn, fosters deeper understanding and knowledge retention.
The panel also noted that one of the primary challenges today is the adoption of technology, highlighting the need for more training for teachers to facilitate innovative technology use. It also emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusivity in implementing digital and tech-enabled learning.
D2L’s award-winning platform, Brightspace, is compliant with both UGC and NEP standards, and more HEIs are embracing these innovative tools for self-improvement. Innovative platforms like D2L’s Brightspace are becoming increasingly important as India strives to promote technology-enabled learning through its visionary NEP policy.