The 10 most scintillating institutes for computer applications, 2018

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Indian Edition - March 2018

The

10 Scintillating Most

Institutes for

COMPUTER APPLICATIONS,

2018

VIDYASAGAR UNIVERSITY

A Revolutionary Frontrunner in the Field of Education

Editorial

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Technology and Innovation: Redening Education

ducation is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change 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. T R

Ananda Kamal Das

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Pooja M. Bansal MANAGING EDITOR Rajarshi Chatterjee EXECUTIVE EDITOR Ananda Das ASSISTANT EDITOR Ashwini Deshmukh VISUALISER David King ART & DESIGN DIRECTOR Amol Kamble CO-DESIGNER Alex Noel PICTURE EDITOR Shweta ART EDITOR Poonam Mahajan BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Akansha Garewal MARKETING MANAGER Ankush Patel BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVES Truptesh, Pradnya, Aditi, Samriddhi RESEARCH ANALYST Chidiebere Moses CIRCULATION MANAGER Robert DATABASE MANAGEMENT Stella Andrew TECHNICAL HEAD Swapnil Patil TECHNOLOGY CONSULTANT Vivek Bangade TECHNICAL SPECIALISTS Amar, Pratiksha DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER Marry D’Souza ONLINE MARKETING STRATEGISTS Alina Sege, Shubham Mahadik, Vaibhav K SME-SMO EXECUTIVES Prashant Chevale, Uma Dhenge, Gemson, Irfan

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COVER STORY

08 Vidyasagar University 20- EDUCATOR’S INSIGHTS

E-learning and Employability Skills Needs and Proper Implementation

A Revolutionary Frontrunner in the Field of Education

26 - VETERAN VOICE

34 - MENTOR’S INSIGHTS

Cherry-picking A graduate Program: Look before You leap!

Enhancing Employability Quotient is the key to Economic Growth

A R T I C L E S 22

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TECHNOLOGICAL REVOLUTION

EDITOR’S PICK

EDUCATION INSIGHTS

REVAMPING EDUCATION

Machine Learning: Transforming Higher Education

Education and Cyber Security: Challenges and Opportunities

Predictive Analytics: Revolutionizing the Process of Education

Fintech: Rapidly Making its Way into MBA Curricula

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24 ASM:

Integrating Creativity, Perseverance, and Commitment to Achieve Desired Goals

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Pranveer Singh Institute of Technology : A Forerunner at Achieving Educational Excellence

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PSNA College of Engineering and Technology:

Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts and Science:

A Premier Institution with International Standards

Educating Youth to Meet the Global Needs

Discovering the Leading Computer Application Institutes

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he computer application education sector in India is rapidly growing. Innovative teaching 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! T R

“We aim to provide an answer to the education needs of the region�

VIDYASAGAR UNIVERSITY A Revolutionary Frontrunner in the Field of Education

COVER STORY

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We cater to the needs of higher education emphasizing on the rural areas of Midnapore

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he 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

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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

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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), MHRD. Being ranked 87th in India and 4th 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

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We strive for the creation and dissemination of knowledge through continuous research and learning process

the university. The university has been declared as a smart campus. The Central Library of the University has become a Digital Library. Vidyasagar University bagged the 1st position in the 33rd 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.

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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

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 socioeconomically 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.

Benzamin Franklin 11 KV Electric substation

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. T R www.vidyasagar.ac.in

Use of Solar Power as alternative source of energy in the campus

Name of the Institution

URL

Amrapali Institute Of Management And Computer Applications

amrapali.ac.in

Kaladhungi Road,Shiksha Nagar, Haldwani, Uttarakhand 263139

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

psnacet.edu.in

Kothandaraman nagar, Silvarpatti, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu 624622

SENGUNTHAR ENGINEERING COLLEGE

scteng.co.in

Kumaramangalam Road, Tiruchengode, Tamil Nadu 637205

srcas.ac.in

Nava India Bus Stop, Avinashi Rd, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

vidyasagar.ac.in

Vidyasagar University Road, Rangamati, Medinipur, West Bengal 721102

ASM's Institute of Management and Computer Studies

Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts and Science (formerly SNR Sons College)

Vidyasagar University

Location of the Institution

ASM: ativity, Integrating Cre d Commitment n a , e c n a r e v e s r Pe ed Goals to Achieve Desir

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udyogik 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.

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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

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.

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.

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

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.

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ts of ASM

Asha ership of Dr. ad le e th er d pande, s un andeep Pach e road to succes S e r. th D n d o an d s, ea es ah p of Institute Director of th ASM march r, ASM Grou the Founder to is ec a ir sh D Institute of A e, r. d D n Pachpa . “At ASM’s Institutes. ad f o w p ch u in ro h G C cellence!

SM rch, onate about ex Chairman, A ess Management& Resea si as p e ar e w , usin dies, Mumbai Institute of B omputer Stu C Sandeep. d r. an D t s y en sa Managem cation.” u ed f o d el fi the vides Excellence in m which pro lu u ic rr cu g in ng al d profession offer a challe al growth, an e continue to n so “W er s p d t, ad a en Dr. Ash achievem for academic opportunities ” development.

h The Leading Lig

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 airT H E

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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.

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.

Grooming for Success Notable Alumni 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 industryacademia interface. Their IndustryAcademia 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

· 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 T R

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E-learning and Employability Skills NEEDS AND PROPER IMPLEMENTATION

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ith the rapid growth of digital 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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 T H E

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Pankaj Acharya Associate Professor & Head of Department

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, problemsolving, and people skills supported by functional competencies like traditional literacy, numeracy, and T H E

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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

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. 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.T R

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MACHINELearning TRANSFORMING

Higher Education

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he 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

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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 oneon-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 T H E

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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 T H E

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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 T R education, rather than the only tool for quality education.

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Pranveer Singh gy o l o n h c e T f o e t Institu t Achieving a r e n n u r e r o F A ellence Educational Exc

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uality 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 afďŹ liated 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

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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.

infrastructural facilities. It is the only institute in UP with a centralized AC campus. PSIT provides 24Ă—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 indooroutdoor 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-theart 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 T H E

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ent He is an emin . te u it st in e minent airman of th gained a pro gh is the Ch as h in e S H r t. ee is v reer. He n nal Mr. Pra done in his ca ist, and natio n as o h ti e h ca u rk ed o , w eur who exemplary professional an entrepren y due to the is et e ci H so . ce in n en o ci n to build S positi raduation in He has a visio g P. is U h d in te n o le ti p has com part educa lities. He mission to im rld-class faci o a w ad d h s 04. Under an n ay o w ti al (PSIT) in 20 d reputa o y o g g lo a o n h h it w ec achieved stitute of T an institute rs, PSIT has veer Singh In ea n y ra 3 P 1 f ed o sh an li estab the sp nals. ership, within lass professio -c his astute lead d rl o w d te has crea success and

m About the Chair

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 Gupta (Session 2012-13) secured 8th 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.

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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 mentormentee 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. T R

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VETERAN VOICE

Dr. Dhananjay Patil M.A., M. Phil., Ph.D. (Pune) S.V.K.M’s Institute of Technology, Dhule, Maharashtra, India.

CHERRY-PICKING A GRADUATE PROGRAM: LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP!

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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

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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.

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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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PSNA College of d Engineering an Technology: tion with u it t s In r ie m e r AP tandards International S

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SNA 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 stateof-the-art indoor stadium, and twentyfour 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

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The college aims to achieve academic excellence by imparting knowledge and skills through problem solving, practical training and design & development of innovative projects

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 T H E

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. His der of PSNA n u o F e th is latchumi ndaraman . R.S. Kotha ed Sri Ranga ri sh h li S b i ta a es th e n h a Kalvi Th ape when e started an ok concrete sh is parents nam h to g s n ea ri id ea b ct st ra College of tru abst gal Amman in 1984. The n a st th ru a T ll a l a N n o ision i Sri Educati nourishes a v T name Pacher E y C b A e N eg S ll P co SNACET). so that they engineering echnology (P r its students T fo d t n a en g m n n o ri ir Enginee bient env ationally nscious and n ademically am co ac ly g al in ci id v so ro r, p io policies, of gically super d behavioral lo an o n n o ch si te is as m , blossom h its vision der. zens. Throug ti ci le b si n o als of its foun o g resp ed h is er lfills the ch PSNACET fu

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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 is ranked 78th 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 has won 1st prize with cash award 1 lakh under the “Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment” in Smart India Hackathon 2018 Grand Finale T H E

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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. T R

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Education &

Cyber Security:

Challenges and Opportunities

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echnology and education are interconnected in this modern era. Educational institutions are using modern technology to 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 beneďŹ ts 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.

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EDITOR'S PICK 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

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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 noncompliance.

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

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Dr Aloysius Edward J. Dean, Faculty of Commerce and Management Kristu Jayanti College, Autonomous, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

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MENTOR’S INSIGHTS

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he education system is not static, but dynamic. Education, globally, is in transformation. 2025 marks 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.

Educators today have to keep in mind that the 21st 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 T H E

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Revolutionizing the Process of Education

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he 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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EDUCATION INSIGHTS

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

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addition to other influencing factors.

Predictions are often made based on historical data on an individual. For example, based on the indicators of a student studying currently in the 9th 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

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Fintech:

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REVAMPING EDUCATION

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echnological 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 longstanding 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

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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

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a n h s i r k a m a Sri R College of Arts and Science: h to Meet Educating Yout s the Global Need

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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.

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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

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 T H E

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ctoral degree in ship n. He holds a do Percipient Leader Principal & Secretary of the institutioha to an able s turned him in

cipals’ aran is the er education ted Colleges’ Prin Dr. K. Karunak the eld of high lia in f A ce en ity ri rs pe ve ex ni omising ars of hiar U els. ‘The Most Pr Chemistr y. 27 ye esident of Bharat ur la Pr e of th r be as m ts nu ac Delhi, e also ured a ds 2017 at New college has proc administrator. H ar e th Aw , & ce it an m id m gu ion Su of India’, er his the Asia Educat mputer Society Association. Und in Co a’ by di n In tio in ta e di nc re e countr y n, ‘Acc s & Scie l institution in th SIRO Recognitio Institute for Art na C, io A at CI uc by ed n er tio high are the ccredita ong the cleanest apter of NPTEL Ch International A am l k ca an Lo R st fth Be e Fi Th anking, December, the Week Magazine, in SwatchhtathR In the month of e survey of The s. th ar in ye k nt an ce R re e 48 in th us Indywood

by MHRD, e college has won unakarn, has won the Prestigio th on iti gn co re awards and llege Dr. K. Kar l Practices. cretar y of the co tive Educationa va no In g in uc Principal and Se od r intr llence Award fo Education Exce

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 evergrowing 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 T H E

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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 3rd 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 RACEa 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. T R

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Curtis Institute Of Music 1726 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA www.curtis.edu