5 Days FDP on Empowering Modern Educators with Tech

The School of Business and Management at CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus, organized a comprehensive 5-day Faculty Development Program (FDP) from 3rd June to 7th June 2024. Themed "Empowering Modern Educators with Tech," the FDP was aimed at equipping faculty members with the necessary technological skills and pedagogical approaches to enhance their teaching effectiveness in the digital age. As education continues to evolve with the rapid integration of technology, this program was designed to bridge the gap between traditional teaching methods and modern educational technologies, ensuring that faculty members are well-prepared to meet the demands of contemporary learners.

The FDP brought together a diverse group of faculty members across various disciplines, all with the common goal of enhancing their digital literacy and integrating technology into their teaching practices. The program featured a series of interactive sessions, hands-on workshops, and expert-led discussions that provided participants with valuable insights into the latest trends and best practices in education technology.

Objectives of the FDP

The primary objectives of the Faculty Development Program were as follows:

Enhancing Digital Literacy among Faculty: To improve the digital literacy of faculty members, enabling them to effectively use various digital tools and platforms in their teaching practices.

Integrating Technology in Teaching: To explore and implement innovative teaching methodologies that incorporate technology, thereby enhancing the learning experience for students.

Understanding Stakeholder Needs: To gain a deeper understanding of the needs and expectations of various stakeholders, including students, in the context of digital education.

Case-Based Teaching and Learning: To introduce faculty members to the fundamentals of case research and case writing, with a focus on generating interdisciplinary case ideas and constructing effective teaching cases.

Simulation-Based Learning and Mentorship: To familiarize faculty with simulation-based learning tools and techniques, as well as the nuances of coaching and mentoring in a digital environment.

Social Media Integration and Professional Development: To explore the role of social media in teaching and continuous professional development, emphasizing the importance of Personal Learning Networks (PLNs) for educators.

Session Details:

The FDP was structured over five days, with each day focusing on specific themes related to technology integration in education. Below is a detailed overview of the sessions conducted during the program:

Day One - 3rd June 2024:

The program began with an Inauguration Ceremony that set the stage for the week's activities. This was followed by a session on Understanding the Needs of Stakeholders, led by Ms. Gita Sethi, which provided insights into the expectations and requirements of students and other stakeholders in the digital age.

The second session, conducted by Dr. Vinay M., focused on Students' Perception on Digital Literacy, exploring how students perceive and interact with digital tools in their learning process.

Day Two - 4th June 2024:

The second day focused on practical aspects of digital education, beginning with a session on Virtual Classroom Management by CU - TLEC, which covered strategies for managing and engaging students in a virtual learning environment.

In the afternoon, Dr. Anshul Saxena led a session on Integrating Tech in Teaching, where participants were introduced to various technological tools and platforms that can be integrated into their teaching practices to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.

Day Three - 5th June 2024:

The third day was dedicated to Case-Based Teaching and Learning, with a series of sessions led by Prof. Simon George and Ms. Arpita Ghosh. The day began with the Inauguration of the CHRIST Case Centre, followed by sessions on Foundations to Case Research and Generating Interdisciplinary Case Ideas.

Subsequent sessions focused on Interdisciplinary Case Construction Opportunities and Case Writing Discussion and Collaboration, providing participants with practical guidance on developing and writing effective teaching cases.

The day concluded with a session on Creating Case Repositories and a Closing Note & Vote of Thanks by Dr. Premlatha, highlighting the importance of building a comprehensive collection of teaching cases for future use.

Day Four - 6th June 2024:

The fourth day centered on experiential learning and mentorship, beginning with a session on Simulation-Based Learning by Dr. Resham Lohani. Participants were introduced to various simulation tools and techniques that can be used to create immersive learning experiences for students.

In the afternoon, Dr. Anil D’Souza conducted a session on the Nuances of Coaching & Mentoring, discussing best practices for mentoring students in a digital environment and the role of technology in supporting effective mentorship.

Day Five - 7th June 2024:

The final day of the FDP focused on the integration of social media and continuous professional development. Prof. Tanya Sharma led a session on Integrating Social Media in Teaching, exploring how social media platforms can be used as powerful tools for enhancing student engagement and learning.

The program concluded with a session on Continuous Professional Development & the Role of Personal Learning Networks (PLNs) by Fr. Dr. Lijo Thomas, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and the use of PLNs for professional growth.

The 5-day Faculty Development Program on "Empowering Modern Educators with Tech" was a resounding success, achieving its objectives of enhancing digital literacy, integrating technology into teaching practices, and fostering a culture of continuous professional development among faculty members. The program provided participants with a wealth of knowledge and practical skills that will enable them to effectively navigate the challenges of modern education and deliver high-quality, tech-enabled learning experiences to their students.

 

The interactive sessions and workshops allowed faculty members to explore new ideas, collaborate with colleagues, and develop strategies for incorporating technology into their teaching practices. The program also highlighted the importance of understanding stakeholder needs, using case-based teaching methods, and leveraging social media and PLNs for professional development.

As the School of Business and Management at CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus, continues to advance in the digital age, the insights and skills gained from this FDP will play a crucial role in shaping the future of education within the department. The success of this program reflects the institution's commitment to empowering educators with the tools and knowledge they need to excel in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.