Navam - Agastya International Foundation and SCERT Uttarakhand will Collaborate to Introduce Design Thinking Program

 Venue: SCERT Conference Hall

In a landmark meeting held today at the conference hall of SCERT Uttarakhand, education leaders converged to discuss the implementation of a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering innovation and creativity among students. The meeting, chaired by Director Academic Research and Training, Bandna Garbyal, witnessed the collaboration between Navam Foundation and SCERT Uttarakhand to introduce the Design Thinking course in schools across the state.

The Design Thinking course, spearheaded by Navam Foundation, offers a transformative opportunity for teachers and students to develop essential 21st-century skills in a dynamic and supportive learning environment. By embracing the principles of Design Thinking, participants are empowered to unleash their creative potential and drive positive change in their communities and beyond.

CEO Nitin Desai and his team from Navam Foundation led the meeting with an insightful presentation, showcasing videos and digital resources tailored for an online audience. The collaborative efforts between Navam Foundation and SCERT Uttarakhand were evident as Director Bandna Garbyal, along with Joint Director Kanchan Devradi and Assistant Director Dr. K. N. Bijalwan, actively participated in the discussion.

As a reviewer, Joint Director, Kanchan Devradi demonstrates a strong understanding of the importance of the collaboration between Navam Foundation and SCERT Uttarakhand in introducing the Design Thinking course. She remarked, "The collaboration between Navam Foundation and SCERT Uttarakhand in introducing the Design Thinking course is a significant step towards fostering creativity and innovation among students. I am excited to see how this initiative will empower our educators and learners to tackle real-world challenges with ingenuity and resilience”

During the meeting, SCERT faculties and officers engaged in fruitful interactions with CEO Nitin Desai, discussing the potential collaboration with Navam Agastay International Foundation to implement the Design Thinking program in Uttarakhand's schools. The importance of innovation and training, particularly in the context of science exhibitions and educational curriculum, was emphasized by various stakeholders.

Assistant Director Dr. K. N. Bijalwan, taking the initiative, expressed optimism about integrating emerging courses and technologies into the state's educational programs. He underscored the significance of training teachers and students to adopt innovative approaches in problem-solving, aligning with upcoming events like Techno Mela, Inspire Awards, Hackathons, and science exhibitions.

The coordinator Dr Avnish Uniyal of the Inspire Manak award expressed the need for innovation training, including the application of Design Thinking to enrich ideas and prepare prototype artifacts, thereby encouraging active participation among children. Similarly, the science coordinator Dev Raj Singh Rana inquired about the benefits of the course for state science exhibitions. Sudhir Nautiyal from the PMeVidya Channel program sought information about broadcasting the video series in schools alongside the curriculum. Pradeep Bahuguna, a physics faculty member, advocated for integrating such innovative programs for middle and senior school students in the state. Furthermore, R. P. Badoni, the program coordinator and representative from SCERT IT Faculty, elaborated on the concept of Design Thinking and its launch, highlighting its benefits for children in becoming entrepreneurs and developing problem-solving skills.

The wrap-up session, facilitated by CEO Nitin Desai, addressed common queries and concerns, providing clarity on the program's launch in the state. Feedback forms were distributed, encouraging participants to share their thoughts on the course content and its utility for the state's school children at Badoni end.

The collaboration between Navam Foundation and SCERT Uttarakhand marks a significant milestone in the realm of education, promising to equip students with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving landscape of the 21st century. 

Raising Awareness on World Autism Day: SCERT's Initiative

Date: 02-04-2024

On World Autism Day, the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) took action to raise awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). They organized an awareness program to help people understand and support individuals with autism. During the program, SCERT faculty explained what ASD is and why early detection and intervention are important. They also discussed the challenges faced by people with autism.
Bandana Garbyal, the Director of Academic Research and Training, led the initiative with a focus on promoting inclusive education. She encouraged participants to think about how they can create inclusive environments for people with autism. Asha Painuli, the Joint Director, shared stories of organizations and individuals making a difference in the lives of autistic people, aiming to dispel myths and promote empathy.

The program, led by SCERT faculty members Priya Gusain and Anugya Painuli, explained the different parts of autism and why it's important to find it early and help. People in the program learned about the challenges that people with autism face. Gusain and Painuli highlighted the diverse forms of autism, helping participants understand that it manifests differently in each individual. Through their presentations, participants gained valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by people with autism, including difficulties with communication, social interaction, and sensory processing.

Bandana Garbyal, who is Head of Academic Research and Training, started the program and talked about how everyone should include and understand autistic children. Asha Painuli, who helps lead SCERT, talked about how we should understand and accept people with autism and gave examples of ways people are helping them. SCERT wants to keep helping and making society better for people with autism.

In conclusion, SCERT's initiative on World Autism Day shows their commitment to raising awareness and fostering acceptance of autism. By promoting understanding, empathy, and collaboration, SCERT aims to create a world where individuals with autism are embraced for their unique abilities and contributions.

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Future planning for academia in schools, focusing on curriculum development, monitoring, and teacher training.

Academic Year Inauguration Meet Summary

SCERT Uttarakhand Conference Hall

Chairperson: Bandana Garbyal, Director Academic Research and Training

Attendees:

• Asha Rani Painuily, Joint Director
• Kanchan Devradi, Joint Director
• Vikram Singh Negi, Deputy Director
• K N Bijalwan, Assistant Director
• Mukesh Semwal, Assistant Director
• All faculties, Administrators, officials and support staff

Agenda: Future planning for academia in schools, focusing on curriculum development, monitoring, and teacher training.

1. Sharing responsibilities and ensuring quality in development work as outlined in the Annual Work Plan (AWP) 2024-25 sanctioned by the Government of India and the state.
2. Emphasizing technology integration to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
3. Development of courses for platforms like DIKSHA Portal, PMeVidya, MOOCs, and training modules for inclusive education with an interdisciplinary approach.

Key Points Discussed:

• Individual coordinators and co-coordinators should collaborate to ensure effective and quality planning.
• Challenges in future technology interventions, particularly in online training and content dissemination, were highlighted.
• All stakeholders must play a key role in training development and delivery to teachers.
• Recognition of performance through rewards and incentives was emphasized.
• SCERT website development and content upload were discussed, with emphasis on validation and quality control.
• Faculty raised concerns regarding course work, policy matters, and SCERT's upgradation.

Meeting highlights: The meeting concluded with a commitment to not compromise on quality and dedication in the future of education in the state.

During the meeting held at SCERT Uttarakhand Conference Hall, chaired by Director Academic Research and Training, Bandana Garbyal, several key points were discussed regarding the future planning of academia in schools. The agenda included curriculum development, monitoring strategies, and teacher training initiatives aligned with the Annual Work Plan (AWP) 2024-25 sanctioned by the Government of India and the state. A significant focus was placed on integrating technology to streamline processes and enhance efficiency, with specific emphasis on developing courses for platforms like DIKSHA Portal, PMeVidya, and MOOCs. 

Inclusive education with an interdisciplinary approach was also highlighted as a priority. It was emphasized that individual coordinators and co-coordinators must collaborate effectively to ensure high-quality planning and execution. Challenges related to future technology interventions, particularly in online training and content dissemination, were discussed, underscoring the importance of active participation from all stakeholders. Faculty members raised concerns regarding course work, policy matters, and the upgradation of SCERT. Recognition of performance through rewards and incentives, as well as the importance of maintaining quality standards in content development and delivery, were also emphasized throughout the meeting. Overall, there was a consensus to prioritize quality and dedication in shaping the future of education in the state.

During the meeting at SCERT Uttarakhand, various members actively participated, contributing their insights and concerns to the discussions. Director Bandana Garbyal led the proceedings, encouraging collaborative planning among individual coordinators and co-coordinators to ensure effective implementation of future plans. Joint Directors Asha Rani Painuily and Kanchan Devradi highlighted the challenges anticipated in integrating technology into education, particularly in terms of online training and content dissemination, stressing the need for vigilant monitoring to avoid ineffective outcomes. Deputy Director Vikram Singh Negi emphasized the importance of recognizing and rewarding performance to motivate stakeholders in the education sector. Assistant Director K N Bijalwan echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the pivotal role of all stakeholders in delivering high-quality training to teachers. Mukesh Semwal, representing a specific position or designation, likely contributed to the discussions surrounding curriculum development and teacher training initiatives. Additionally, faculty members engaged in robust discussions, expressing concerns regarding course work, policy matters, and the overall upgradation of SCERT. Their active participation underscored the importance of addressing these issues to ensure the successful implementation of future plans. Overall, the interaction among members was dynamic and fruitful, fostering a collaborative atmosphere aimed at advancing the quality and effectiveness of education in Uttarakhand.