E-learning has marked the dawn of an educational revolution: Dr. Akash Sharma, Noida International University

The advent of e-learning marked the beginning of an educational revolution. It breaks down geographical barriers like never before and plays a vital role in making education more accessible to all. There is affordability potential related to accessibility, as online programs can be less expensive than traditional classroom programs. Dr.Akash Sharma (Director – Admissions and Outreach Department) Noida International University in an interaction with FinancialExpress.com explained the latest trends in education. Excerpts:

How is e-learning reshaping higher education?

Online learning marked the dawn of an educational revolution. It breaks down geographical boundaries like never before; play a crucial role in expanding education accessible to all. Accessibility is potentially affordable, as online programs can be cost effective compared to traditional classroom programs. In this regard, the Covid pandemic has been a blessing in disguise when it comes to education, as what began as a needs-driven constraint has allowed us to understand the great promise of online learning for the to come up. Certainly, there are challenges in digital access as well as adoption. There is a need to come up with a robust system and method that will complement the online environment. Nevertheless, we are at a time when we face past challenges that will open up a lot of opportunities for higher education. To reign in the maximum potential of online education, one must meet the varying needs and requirements of those who choose to learn online.

What do you think is the reason why Indian students travel abroad for education?

It’s no secret that students who travel abroad for study do so in search of a quality education. Many students in particular and people in general have this belief that they will get a better education there, which is true in many cases; they are also applying to foreign educational institutions to take a course of their choice which is not available in their country and these students are not just going for education per se, they are looking for better career opportunities that come with international qualifications. Other reasons such as exposure, travel opportunities and the desire to explore new cultures and places are also often associated with the main reasons for studying abroad.

Do you think that the policy of open book exams in universities will make the future of tomorrow?

There is no doubt that Open Book Examinations (OBE) may or may not bring a paradigm shift in our education system. The big question is, ‘are we ready for this?’ Because although at a glance the OBE may look like a system designed to relieve gratuitous pressure on students and many see it as a cakewalk system where students will not feel the need to studying is not as simple as that. OBE involves much more than a change in the examination and assessment system. While students will not have to work for hours to learn formulas and definitions, OBE requires that they need to work on their analytical and interpretive skills while acquiring and applying knowledge and must so be fed accordingly. This means we may have to change the current education system, we may have to rewrite study materials and curricula, because most of what we currently follow does not encourage students to be critical learners assets. And there is a need to build the capacity of teachers and trainers to create the desired educational ecosystem where OBE is fair to students. So, OBE is certainly not and should not be an immediate solution, but with changes involving various stakeholders, it is expected to bring about a better system in the long run.

In your opinion, how has the admissions process to universities and colleges changed in the post-COVID era? Which course is widely chosen by post-COVID students?

The unrest caused by the Covid-19 pandemic has led to a health and economic crisis and has also hampered the education system. The global education system has also suffered a severe blow because of this and the sudden cessation of physical classes has led to the adoption of modern technology-driven teaching approaches by educators. Tools such as Microsoft Team, Google Meet, and Zoom mobile/desktop apps have become a household name for conferencing delivery.

Educational institutions, in the post-Covid era, decided not only for review their pedagogy but modernize Admissions process as well as. Currently, there is more emphasis on the online mode of filling the application form and conducting entrance exams as well as GD-PI rounds via video call.

Currently, students are inclined to opt for courses such as BTech, MBBS, and MBA. But courses related to nursing and paramedical science are also growing in popularity.

Tell us about Noida International University, scholarship options and process.

The International University of Noida was established in 2010 under the aegis of Maruti Educational Trust with the aim of transforming the educational landscape of India and focusing on eradicating long-standing issues related to gender, race, culture, etc., International University Noida has inscribed its name in the exclusive list of universities offering world-class education not only to Indian nationals but also to students from over 30 different countries striving to benefit from a quality education.

It is recognized by UGC, NMC, BCI, CoA, IAP, NCTE, etc. Communication, architecture, nursing and health sciences, fine arts, education, business management, related health sciences, public health, etc. The campus is spread over 75 acres of land and provides all basic facilities for students including well-equipped laboratories, accommodation facilities, access to medical facilities, transportation facilities, cafeteria and wi-fi enabled campus . To achieve its goal of preparing students for industry, the International University of Noida has also collaborated with more than 28 international organizations.

Noida International University has collaborated with world renowned institutions to promote various learning methodologies and student exchange programs. The University has collaborated with many well-known educational institutions such as Harvard Business Publishing Education, New York Institute of Technology, Academy of Governance of Fujian Province, Fort Hays State University, AIMST University-Malaysia, Tbilisi Open University, Crimean Business Institute-Crimea, etc. ., to enhance the life and career of the student by providing a world-class environment and teaching faculty for their future. The University also introduced a special scholarship for women – the backbone of society and enabled them to go hand in hand with men, thus leading the symbiotic relationship.

The scholarship criteria for students are mentioned below:

Students who scored between 70 – 85, 86-96, 96 – above will receive a scholarship of 15%, 30% and 100% respectively. While boys who score the percentage between 70-85, 85-95 and 96 above will get the scholarship of 15%, 30% and 100% respectively for all undergraduate courses. For postgraduate courses, 15%, 30% and 100% scholarship is given to boys and girls. Students who have been admitted from the athletic quota will receive the 15%, 50% and 100% scholarship based on their class 10 and 12 grades.