5-days Faculty Development Program on Emerging Technologies for Educators organized by RIMT University

The School of Engineering (SOE), School of Computing (SOC) and Department of Research and Innovation (DRI) organized a one Faculty Development Program (FDP) on Innovative Technologies for Educators in association with E & ICT Academy, Centre for Advance Computing (CDAC) Mohali. The program was funded by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and aimed to equip educators with cutting-edge tools and methodologies to enhance teaching and research capabilities.

The main objective of this FDP was to enhance faculty knowledge and practical insights and hands-on experience in the fields of AI, IoT, Robotics, and AR/VR and to promote the integration of emerging technologies into educational practices and curricula.

The “Emerging Tech for Educators” program spanned five days, covering a broad spectrum of cutting-edge technologies and their applications in education. Day one begin with an inaugural session on the impact of NEP 2020 on higher education and skill development by Dr. Meenakshi Sood, followed by a discussion on project-based learning and teaching pedagogy by Mr. Tanvir Singh. The day was concluded with an expert lecture on an introduction to EICT Academy and emerging technologies by Dr. Balwinder Singh.

Day 2 focused on artificial intelligence, starting with a session on AI in everyday life by Ms. Sonia Dosanjh, followed by basics of AI and machine learning by Dr. Sanjay Madan. Dr. Satish Kumar then explores practical applications of AI, and Dr. Satbir Singh covers AI programming and training models. The day wraps up with a practical assignment on AI datasets led by Ms. Alina or Mr. Abhijeet.

On Day 3, the program featured an expert lecture on Outcome based Education by Dr. Satish Saini, Director of IQAC, RIMT University followed by the discussion on entrepreneurship and skill development by Ms. Vibhuti, and Mr. Nilesh presented a talk on  digital healthcare through virtual reality applications. Dr. Suneet Madan led a session on creating interactive experiences using Unity, followed by Ms. Himani’s discussion on AR/VR applications in education and a practical session on AR/VR tools online.

Day 4 began with an introduction to embedded systems and IoT applications by Dr. Mooninder Singh. Dr. Baban kumar provides an overview of IoT platforms and development boards, while Mr. Rohan D leads a short project on developing IoT applications. The day concludes with a informative lecture by Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Dean of the School of Computing.

The final day covers robotics, with Dr. Mandeep Singh introducing its applications and an expert lecture on “Sand to semiconductor”-a brief introduction about designing of VLSI chips by Dr. Balwinder Singh, Director C-DAC Mohali and at the end of program, there was a reflection and feedback session along with certificate distribution. In closing ceremony, Dr. B.S. Bhatia, Pro Vice-Chancellor of RIMT University congratulated the participants and organizing committee and he ensured that these types of activities are essential for the growth of RIMT University and will be conducted on regular basis. The program ended with closing remarks given by Dr. Satish Saini, Convener of the faculty development program, and a vote of thanks by Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Co-convener of the faculty development program, where he thanked the RIMT management, HODs, participants and all the experts for providing opportunity to learn new skills which will be effective in teaching. The sessions were coordinated by Er. R P Singh, Coordinator of the faculty development program.

The closing session saw the presence of distinguished guests, including Dr. B.S. Bhatia, Pro Vice-Chancellor of RIMT University, Dr. Jibanananda Mishra, Dean Academics, and Dr. Balwinder Singh, Joint Director at CDAC Mohali and  Dr. Mandeep Singh . The FDP was led by Dr. Satish Saini, Dean of the School of Engineering and Director of IQAC, as the Convener, with Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Dean of the School of Computing, serving as Co-Convener, and Mr. R.P. Singh, Associate Director of DRI, as the Coordinator.

This initiative reflects RIMT University’s dedication to research, innovation, and teaching excellence, with the FDP poised to empower educators to better prepare students for an ever-evolving professional landscape. This FDP will also promote the integration of emerging technologies into educational practices and curricula and foster collaboration among educators and technologists.