<< Kerala Education Grid >>

1. Management Of Refereed Content Generation and utilization for formal Higher Education, by Prof. K.R. Srivathsan

Abstract: As universities, colleges and premier institutions are getting increasingly connected and with network services improving, a key issue is how to add educational services of value to the vast number of students and teachers. The challenge is to generate quality content in large scale and in hundreds of courses, with associated facilitation of the university and college system. This paper outlines the approach centred around a refereed and quality assured development of rich content. We show how this scheme addresses the diverse components of the pedagogic processes involving all the stakeholders in higher education. Click here for the paper.

2. A three phase approach for staging the development and launching of e-courseware in the colleges, by Prof. K.R. Srivathsan

Abstract:The development of E-Courseware for subjects taught in the colleges needs considerable enthusiasm, time, teamwork, and a systematic approach by the concerned Course Expert Group and the authoring team. There is the need to keep the universities and colleges consulted during the process, so that the final output has quality and enthusiastic acceptance on the part of teachers and the university system.
Unlike the individual professor-centric courseware development, Education Grid attempts to put in place a formal group effort that has wider acceptability while concurrently maintaining high standards of quality in the educational processes as suited to our Indian University system. Contents available from elsewhere will have only informal reference value unless it is put through a CEG driven CQM processes. Click here for the paper.

3. Do IT Yourself Document Series chapter 1 - colleges to establish and benefit from education grid services, by Prof.K.R.Srivathsan.

Abstract:This document serial no. 2k3-2 together with an earlier one [1] gives an introduction to the vision, mission and approach of the Kerala Education Grid [KEG] and its role in enhancing the quality of education provided in the colleges supported by the higher education system. The parameters at the core of quality education are delineated in some detail. An overview of the infrastructure requirements and the associated cost for each college are indicated. It recommends the setting up of a college level Education Grid Management team. The document also indicates what kind of information its benefits the KEG will bring to the colleges. Click here for the paper.

4. EDUCATION GRID - A Distributed learning environment and management framework across institutions.by Prof K. R. Srivathsan, Manjul Sahai and Abhay Singhal

ABSTRACT: A Web-based networked information and collaboration architecture is hereby presented as Information and Knowledge Grids. This architecture is made possible by a new generation of advanced web-servers called as Aggregation Grid Servers (AGS) based on a concept called Info-Space Operating System (iSOS). Using iSOS, a class of Education Servers have been developed that configure themselves as Education Grid. The Education Grid supports multiple independent course-specific collaborative information and knowledge networks across distributed servers over the Internet. These are in the process of getting deployed in the colleges of Kerala in India for improving the quality of higher education. The Education Grid provides affordable and pedagogically effective online assisted learning environment for the colleges in any subject. The paper describes in some details of the architecture of iSOS based AGS, the Education Grid and the processes of courses management over it. Click here for the paper.

Abstract: Today, the Internet and web-technologies have become commonplace and are rapidly decreasing in cost to such an extent that technologies such as Application Servers and Enterprise Portals are fast becoming products and commodities of tomorrow. Web enabling any information access and interaction - from Enterprise Portals, Education to E-Governance or for Healthcare, and every thing that one can imagine - is fast becoming all pervasive to such an extent that almost everyone one the world is affected by it, or contributing something in it. Click here for the paper.

ABSTRACT: Thus far Information Technology has grown mostly from the 'T' or Technology side of IT. As this technology is becoming mature and supply of the same is exceeding demand, it is becoming a superspecialty. The 'I' side of IT is steadily becoming more important. Subjects like taxonomy, metadata frameworks, information systems organization, semantic web, knowledge management, etc. are getting increasing attention. In future, the 'T' will be more and more shaped by ways the 'I' is generated and used in different domains of real world and activities of daily life. The dynamics of 'I' or information as driven by those who use it requires relevant practical paradigms that are aligned with knowledge based wealth creation activities. Present approach of pushing more technology in the form of Enterprise Applications Integration [EAI] has to be integrated with processes that sustain effective knowledge management and culture of learning organization. In this paper we bring out that the ancient Indian Vedic view of Pancha Kosha, i.e. the five-layers view of conscious human existence, together with a 'Knowledge Plant' management model to provide some deep insight into how we holistically integrate people, process and technology with capacity to drive the information space in ways that sustain knowledge enabled wealth creation by organizations working in focused activities. Click here for the paper.

Abstract: Presently Information-Communication Technologies, or ICT, is used in education mainly for Internet access, email and limited e-journals access facilities. In a limited way, some form of distance classroom options are used by IGNOU or a few elite institutions. Recently MHRD and some states have taken a few significant initiatives to make better uses of the capabilities provided by IT for education. Notable among these are the NPTEL, INDEST and the Infonet/AICTE/ERNET connectivity programs. Click here for the paper.

8. Proposal for industry induction training program for graduates of engineering and postgraduates in sciences under VISTA, by Prof. K.R. Srivathsan, Coordinator - Kerala Education Grid And Director IIITM-K

Abstract: This proposal is submitted in response to the concerns expressed in a meeting of key Government officials, Vice Chancellors, representative experts of the academia and members of the GTech / CXOs of IT industry in Trivandrum.
The proposal targets at training of graduates chosen by the Technopark and Kerala based IT industries. The broad training outline is given in this document. The training will have substantial practice orientation in soft skills, written and spoken communications, software engineering and IT industry processes. Click here for the paper.

9. Creating Human Resources for Information Technology - A Systemic Study (Version 2.0) Submitted to NASSCOM IT workforce Development Group, by R. Narayanan and S. Neethi January 2005

Abstract: Information Technology has emerged as a key dominant sector of the Indian economy. Various agencies have studied the issue of developing Human Resources for the IT sector. The quantitative need is sought to be filled by opening more and more engineering colleges – a short-sighted measure. The issue of human resources development for IT cannot be handled through a linear Cause - Effect model. In this report we analyze the needs and constraints of various stakeholders affected by the issue through a Systems Approach. We derive viable design interventions that would balance the needs and constraints. We attempt to map the knowledge and skill components for different educational streams against taxonomy of IT careers. Click here for the paper.

10. Proposal for conducting Courses for engineering colleges Through broadcast mode Under Kerala Education Grid / VISTA

Abstract: Although many activities have been going on under the Kerala Education Grid Project, they do not directly address the immediate concern of supporting the colleges for overcoming the acute shortage of quality teachers. This proposal provides a refreshingly different attempt to provide quality instruction in the professional subjects of the engineering curricula by involving the Education Grid and the NPTEL group of IITs and IISc. The approach is delineated in Section 3. Before that we briefly review related initiatives and activities that are taking place in the country to address this problem. Click here for the paper.

11. Integrated master plan to establish EDUSAT services for education and knowledge empowerment --- A project report of the Government of Kerala

Abstract: This proposal presents a unified master plan to exploit the many opportunities provided by Edusat to enhance the quality of education, training and related services provided under different sectors. All training, education and empowerment services provided by organizations under the purview of different government departments are to benefit from the unified approach to Edusat services. The departments include, (i) School Education; (ii) Higher Education; (iii) Agriculture and related areas; (iv) Health; (v) Home and Modernization of Government Programmes; (vi) Science, Technology and R&D organizations; (vii) Information Technology; (viii) Industries, including small and medium industries; and (ix) specialized need based or demand driven just-in-time training needs of key organizations under other departments. Click here for the paper.

12. Localised agrisnet facilitated services with integrated mass media and education support for knowledge driven extension services --- by Prof. K.R. Srivathsan, Director IIITM-K

Abstract: The improvement of services to the farming community through the use of ICT, and not the services per se, are to be considered for funding under AGRISNET. Such services are to be facilitated by the integrated information exchanges along the lines of G2G, G2B and G2C across all the relevant stakeholders in the agriculture and allied activities. The objective of the AGRISNET is to act as the information, collaboration and educational base for enhancing the livelihood security, trade security and rural prosperity in general. Click here for the paper

13. Five laws of information science as basis for architecting knowledge infrastructure in education and enterprise - by Prof. K.R. Srivathsan,Director IIITM-K

Abstract: Information Systems of tomorrow need to integrate seamlessly the organization of different kinds of information for the users. One part of it will be the Digital Library that organizes the classification, acquisition, management and archival of generic library objects for the users. On the other part, institutions and organizations are increasingly deploying Enterprise Integration Portals accessible over the Web. Such portals provide for opportunities where we may present the Digital Library with component systems that manage the dynamic and strategic information to provide knowledge services of value to the customers of the enterprise. Thirdly, we also need to facilitate knowledge capture of internal processes of the enterprise through which decisions are facilitated. In this paper the case is made that the three together are best integrated into one comprehensive Enterprise Applications Integration service for any knowledge-driven organization. This framework is also shown to be in conformity with the five laws of information science that were enunciated by S.R. Ranganthan. Click here for the paper

14. Concurrent instructional services over nptel content for quality education in the colleges --- by Prof. K.R. Srivathsan, Director IIITM-K & Coordinator, Kerala Education Grid

Abstract: The National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL) is a major initiative of the seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) to develop content in more than 200 courses for the undergraduate studies in the engineering colleges. In this paper we look at several issues and approaches related to deploying and using such content in the colleges so that the intended objective of enhancing the quality of instruction in the engineering colleges is realized. In parallel with the NPTEL initiative, the Kerala Government, through its Higher Education Department has undertaken the initiative of the Kerala Education Grid (KEG) project. We review the approach and methodologies adopted in the KEG for content management and instructional services supported over the Internet and Web. Based on these two developments, we propose the launch of NPTEL Phase–II where we establish subject specific portals and manage Concurrent Instructional Services[CIS] for the colleges that wish to benefit from the NPTEL content. Click here for the paper

15. A Consortium Approach To Establish Concurrent Instructional Services With NPTEL Content Over Kerala Education Grid For Quality Education In The Engineering Colleges A Proposal Under The Kerala Education Grid --- by Prof. K.R. Srivathsan, Director IIITM-K & Coordinator, Kerala Education Grid

Abstract: This proposal presents a public-private partnership to deploy Kerala Education Grid services for supporting what we call as Concurrent Instructional Services (CIS) using NPTEL content for providing high quality of instruction in the different courses that are offered in the Engineering Colleges. There is a tremendous opportunity to provide quality education in the Engineering Colleges provided we implement and manage the technology assisted learning services as outlined in this CIS proposal. This needs some straightforward Government policy initiatives to finance and facilitate the CIS. We provide in the next section the different components and processes that have to go in establishing the CIS. Click here for the paper

16. Proposal to Launch KERALA MISSION FOR QUALITY HIGHER EDUCATION
Note submitted to the Government of Kerala and the Board of Directors, IIITM-K. Click here for the paper.

Abstract: The Education Grid Consortium is hereby formed by the coming together of the colleges who are signatory to its Open Quality Education Objectives as given in Section 1 of this document. The Consortium Proposal indicates the functional methodology of how this consortium will be financed, regulated and managed to achieve its avowed objectives. The consortium is being proposed for all the colleges (and their respective affiliating universities) with the realization that quality education in these colleges is essential to serve the country's needs for quality manpower at all levels of industry, government, R&D and educational institutions. The Consortium will promote the capacity and competencies to build and access the vast range of learning resources and support for quality education processes that are best mobilized over the Internet and Web. It is also based on the realization that capacity to develop and maintain such advanced IT facilitated learning resources and associated competencies are achievable by the coming together of colleges sharing the same concerns. The consortium approach reduces the cost of providing such resources considerably and makes the services more efficient. Click here for paper

18.END OF TOUR REPORT--Government of India Sponsored Delegation to select Universities in Canada and USA

Abstract: The Department of Electronics (DOE), Government of India has undertaken a major initiative to train a large number of personnel in the area of Information Technology. As per GOI estimates, if the current software exports of the order of US$ 3 bn. is to be increased to about US$ 50 bn. per year over the next decade, the number of skilled persons in software needs to be pushed to about one million in the next several years. All the available means of education – universities, IITs/IISc, RECs, engineering colleges, private institutions, etc. do not produce more than a few 10s of thousands in software, IT or computer science. The country too needs to induct a large number of IT literate workers and professionals in various sectors of the economy. A massive effort is needed to train existing manpower in industry, business and government to conduct their work using IT as the means. Click here for paper

Abstract: Besides taking steps to double their students’ intake, IITs are studying alternate ways of further increasing the total students’ intake. Considering the revolutionary progress in telecom, networking and computers, this paper study outlines the possibility of adopting unconventional methods based on the setting-up of virtual institutions. The Department of Electronics has approached the Directors of the IITs with a request to come up with a plan of action for setting up a countrywide virtual institution for the generation of large number of software and IT professionals at graduate level. In this paper the need, a methodology, capacity and cost estimates of establishing a viable countrywide virtual institution that can be run under the joint governance of all the IITs are presented. Considering the commitment of the IITs’ to pedagogical standards and excellence in technology education, and the relevance of the virtual institution as a pioneering effort for similar ventures in other areas, the assumptions, premises, guidelines and architecture of the proposed virtual institution are stated. Click here for paper

20. NATIONAL OPEN KNOWLEDGE GRID AND TECHNOLOGY ENHANCED LEARNING
FOR QUALITY HIGHER EDUCATION, POSTGRADUATE EDUCATION AND R&D
– PROPOSED AS A MISSION MODE PROGRAM UNDER THE 11th PLAN- Version 1.0

Submitted as draft Mission Mode National Program to the National Knowledge Commission, MHRD and Department of Information Technology as working paper for the 11th Plan.
K.R. Srivathsan
Indian Institute of Information Technology and Managemnt - Kerala
Email: director@iiitmk.ac.in

Digital Infrastructure for learning and teaching

On what Technology Enhanced Learning & Teaching (TELT) Environment is about.

How TELT will support quality and effective learning, teaching and instructional management processes in the colleges?

How to make>effective use of NPTEL content for quality education inthe engineering colleges.

What Education Grid is all about?

Forming an Technical Education Grid Consortium to achieve “Quality education to all independent of Geography”

22. PROPOSAL FOR TUTORED VIDEO INSTRUCTION BASED OPEN CERTIFICATION AND ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY APPRECIATION COURSES FOR TEACHERS IN ENGINEERING COLLEGES USING NPTEL AND OTHER CONTENT - by by Prof. K.R. Srivathsan, Director IIITM-K & Coordinator, Kerala Education Grid

Here we propose a two-phase approach to make effective use of the NPTEL initiative. In the first phase, we propose extensive teachers training and appreciation programs using the NPTEL content and offer the young inexperienced teachers in the engineering colleges proficiency certification through a program approved by the Distance Education Council using the Education Grid systems, NPTEL (and other relevant) content and IGNOU's infrastructure.

IIITM-K is now in an advanced state of readiness to launch web-assisted open courses for a variety of target learner-groups. Unlike classroom teaching that has rich informal processes, the open supported, web-assisted pedagogy is supported, delivered and managed by collaborative teams. Hence, a clear understanding of the
roles and responsibilities of the different teams are essential. This document is proposed to all IIITM-K faculty members, staff and external members associated with different courses as a reference. It defines the roles of the different teams and provides the guidelines for the different teams involved in the systems and processes for launching open web-assisted courses. The target learner-groups include those studying in the institute, those employed in industry, teachers in the colleges and open supported learners.

24. PROJECT PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH AICTE-NPTEL EDUCATION GRID PORTAL FOR DEPLOYMENT OF NPTEL CONTENT AND SUPPORT SERVICES FOR ENHANCING QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN ENGINEERING COLLEGES - by by Prof. K.R. Srivathsan, Director IIITM-K & Coordinator, Kerala Education Grid

Abstract: To facilitate content deployment, open supplementary content generation and capacity building of teachers and colleges for effective practice of Technology Enhanced Learning. Project to be executed by the Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management in association with NPTEL and ERNET India.The long-term approach is to build and offer the relevant services through a Course Interaction Portal imbedded in the master Education Grid Portal (www.edugird.in) for each formally released NPTEL course.

25. CERTIFICATE OF PROFICIENCY, CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR AND POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN TECHNOLOGY ENHANCED LEARNING- by by Prof. K.R. Srivathsan, Director IIITM-K & Coordinator, Education Grid

Abstract: Under the Education Grid, IIITM-K has developed several systems and processes relating to Technology Enhanced Learning and Teaching (TELT). Some of these are accessible through the Education Grid Portal (www.iiitmk.ac.in). The institute has also been a close partner in the MHRD funded National Program on Technology Enhnaced Learning (NPTEL) project under which more than 300 Professors from the IITs and IISc have developed e-Content in the form of systematically Recorded Video Lectures (RVL) and/or web-content in over 200 courses broadly conforming to the AICTE syllabi and for use in the engineering colleges. Further, the institute has set up a number of facilities for effective e-content development, management, distribution and establishing TELT in desiring colleges.