AICTE to set up training centre for Idea Lab in Haryana

Pune: All India Council for TechnicalEducation (AICTE) will be setting up a training centre for Idea (Idea, Development, Evaluation and Application) Lab at AICTE approved institutions in Haryana shortly.

The training centres aim to encourage students in application of science, technology, engineering and mathematics(STEM) fundamentals towards enhanced hands-on experience, learning bydoing and even product visualisation.

"We will be establishing a training centre for Idea Lab in Haryanashortly," said Dr Rajive Kumar, member-secretary, AICTE, whileunveiling a week-long Faculty Development Program (FDP) at thepremises of DY Patil International University (DYPIU) in Pune thismorning.

The programme, which is sponsored by AICTE is being held by AICTE Training and Learning(ATAL) Academy. Faculties, hailing from across the country areparticipating in the event, which will be concluded on September 28.

Dr Neeraj Saxena, advisor, IDC, AICTE saidthat Idea Lab is all about experimental learning and future ofeducation lies in online platform. AICTE is preparing faculties toprepare questions based on Idea Lab as it was going to be a gamechanger, he said, adding, "Rather than being any scheme, the concept of Idea Lab has taken the shape of a movement."

As a common facility embedded in the institution, the IDEA Lab willmake engineering graduates more imaginative and creative, besidesgetting basic training in the 21st century skills like-criticalthinking, problem solving, design thinking, collaboration, canfacilitate the students and faculty to engage, explore, experience,express and excel as desired by Prime Minister in the wake of releaseof National Educational Policy 2020.

As the Idea Lab is going to be a long-term intervention aiming totransform education imparted in the institution, the proposal mustspell out a clear vision for the Lab, plan of implementation,mobilization of resources, strength and enthusiasm of faculty,utilization and expansion of facilities etc. The alignment ofactivities with larger national goals, missions, initiatives orindustrial requirements or serving disadvantaged.

Prof Prabhat Ranjan (Vice Chancellor, DYPIU) who is also the chairmanof AICTE Idea Lab National Committee said, "There is a need to have achange in the education system as we have moved away from theexperience of learning."

The purpose of Idea Lab is to provide all facilities under one roof,for conversion of an idea into a prototype. With these facilities inthe campus, more students and faculty will be encouraged to take upcreative work and, in the process, get training on creative thinking,problem solving, collaboration etc. which conventional labs are notable to. The focus will be on training students so that they becomeimaginative and creative and stay so at the workplaces they join. Theprogram is specifically designed for faculty members, researchscholars, engineers and professionals.