Patiala, 03 September
The UGC-Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre (MMTTC) at Punjabi University, has initiated a Refresher Course in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and an NEP Orientation & Sensitization Programme, both conducted online, uniting a diverse group of academicians and researchers from across India.
The ICT Refresher Course is designed to equip educators with advanced tools, applications, and methodologies in digital learning, programming, and emerging technologies, aiming to transform teachers into leaders of innovation and knowledge dissemination. Similarly, the NEP Orientation & Sensitization Programme seeks to foster reflection, learning, unlearning, and collective growth among educators, aligning foundational knowledge with modern practices as outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The inaugural session was graced by Prof. (Dr.) Jagdeep Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Punjabi University, Patiala, as the Chief Guest, and Prof. (Dr.) Jaswinder singh brar, Professor at the Centre for Economic Change and Dean of Academic Affairs, as the Guest of Honour.
Dr. Raman Maini, Director of MMTTC, welcomed the dignitaries and participants, expressing gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for his visionary leadership and unwavering support in advancing academic excellence and faculty development initiatives. He praised Prof. Jagdeep Singh for inspiring educators to engage with cutting-edge knowledge and national educational reforms. Dr. Maini also acknowledged Prof. (Dr.) Jaswinder singh brar’s significant contributions to policy-making, research, and academic planning at the university.
Dr. Maini commended the Course Coordinators for their efforts: Dr. Lakhwinder Kaur and Dr. Navdeep Kanwal for the ICT Refresher Course, and Dr. Nidhi Walia and Dr. Heena Atwal for the NEP Orientation & Sensitization Programme. He emphasized the timeliness of both programs, stating, “ICT empowers educators to innovate in teaching, while NEP 2020 encourages a holistic, learner-centric approach to reimagine Indian education. These programs will enhance academic capacity and promote quality education aligned with national priorities.”
watch…..MMTTC Launches Refresher Course in Social Sciences and NEP Orientation Programme
In his address, Chief Guest Prof. (Dr.) Jagdeep Singh highlighted the significance of the ICT Refresher Course and NEP Programme in equipping participants with essential tools for academic excellence in the digital era. He urged participants, saying, “Never underestimate your influence. Every lecture, conversation, and gesture has the potential to shape a student’s future. Let’s use this opportunity to reflect, learn, unlearn, and grow as educators and researchers.” He added, “ICT is a lifeline for effective teaching and research, while NEP 2020 challenges us to align Indian education with global standards and indigenous values, equipping you with the knowledge and vision to shape the future of our institutions.”
Guest of Honour Prof. (Dr.) Jaswinder Singh Brar, Dean of Academics, lauded MMTTC’s initiatives and the organizers’ efforts in conducting innovative programs, emphasizing that ICT is the backbone of modern education.
Dr. Lakhwinder Kaur, Course Coordinator for the ICT Refresher Course, remarked, “Let’s build a community of educators committed to excellence, empathy, and lifelong learning. This course is a step toward leveraging ICT for effective teaching, research, and institutional development.” Co-Coordinator Dr. Navdeep Kanwal outlined the course themes, which include ICT in research, e-learning platforms, plagiarism detection tools, big data applications, AI-enabled teaching, and digital security practices.
Dr. Nidhi Walia, Course Coordinator for the NEP Orientation & Sensitization Programme, emphasized that the two-week program aims to raise awareness and build capacity among teachers regarding NEP-2020’s key features and implementation strategies, fostering a spirit of inquiry. Co-Coordinator Dr. Heena Atwal added that the programs are designed to enhance professional competencies, promote innovation, and encourage collaboration. She also delivered a formal vote of thanks to the dignitaries, experts, and participants.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Maini expressed gratitude to the dedicated staff, including Dr. Mandeep Singh (Technical Officer-II), Mr. Dyal Dutt, Mr. Surinder Singh, Mrs. Kanta Rani, Mr. Mahaveer Singh, and Mr. Surinder Kumar, for their exemplary organizational skills and vital contributions to the programs’ seamless execution.
With an enthusiastic response from participants, the ICT Refresher Course and NEP Orientation & Sensitization Programme are poised to be a pivotal step toward enhancing digital capabilities, fostering academic excellence, and preparing educators for the future of higher education.
