Uma Kanjilal appointed first woman Vice Chancellor of IGNOU
"With over 36 years of distinguished service in the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) system, Kanjilal brings a wealth of academic leadership, digital innovation, and institutional knowledge to the helm of one of the world's largest open universities," an official said.
"She was currently serving as active Vice Chancellor of the university and has previously served as Pro Vice Chancellor of the university (March 2021-July 2024)," the official said.
A professor of Library and Information Science since 2003, Ms. Kanjilal is nationally recognised for her expertise in e-learning, ICT in libraries, digital libraries, and multimedia courseware development. She is currently the National Coordinator for SWAYAM and SWAYAM PRABHA, the flagship digital education initiatives of the Ministry of Education.
Ms. Kanjilal has held various leadership roles at the university including Director, Centre for Online Education (2019–2021); Director, Inter-University Consortium for Technology Enabled Flexible Education (2016–2019); Director, Advanced Centre for Informatics and Innovative Learning (2012–2013); Director, School of Social Sciences (2007–2010); and University Librarian (2004–2006).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
3 hours ago
- Business Standard
NEP making contribution to holistic development of students: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that there have been many positive changes in the field of education during the last five years and the new National Education Policy (NEP) is making a significant contribution to the holistic and multidimensional development of students by encouraging research and innovation. In a message on the completion of five years of NEP, Modi noted that the Ministry of Education is organising Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Samagam (ABSS) on Tuesday and new initiatives will be launched in the field of education during the programme. "Education is the medium that makes a person self-reliant and a nation strong. Our aim is to ensure such an education system in which students can move forward according to their interest, ability and dreams. Today, the country is moving on the path of progress by equipping the education related to the glorious Indian culture with technology and global standards. "There have been many positive changes in the field of education during the last five years. Whether it is education in mother tongue, strengthening school education or giving special emphasis on skill-based education, the National Education Policy is making a significant contribution to the holistic and multidimensional development of students by encouraging research and innovation," Modi said. The prime minister noted that in Amrit Kaal, India is rapidly moving towards the creation of a grand and developed country. "During this period, the role of National Education Policy-2020 will be important in promoting the confidence, curiosity and creativity of our youth. The shiksha samagam is a symbol of our shared resolve and spirit of cooperation. "I am confident that this event will not only give educational institutions an opportunity to share their best practices, strategies and achievements, but will also further strengthen the continuous efforts for the successful implementation of the National Education Policy," he said. The Ministry of Education is organising the ABSS on Tuesday to coincide with the fifth anniversary of NEP, when academicians, policymakers, educators, industry leaders and government will review the progress made so far in implementing the ambitious policy. The deliberations during ABSS 2025 will focus on making education more accessible, practical, skill-oriented and seamlessly integrated with employment opportunities, ensuring students are equipped for a dynamic global economy, they said. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is scheduled to inaugurate the conference that is scheduled to be held at Bharat Mandapam. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Saudi Arabia to teach AI in schools from 2025, aiming for a future-ready workforce
Saudi Arabia to introduce AI curriculum in schools from 2025 onwards/Representative Image TL;DR: Saudi Arabia will introduce a comprehensive AI curriculum across all public schools starting in the 2025–2026 academic year. Earlier pilot 'Introduction to Artificial Intelligence' elective targeted over 50,000 grade‑12 students this year. Designed by NCCD, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Communications & IT, and SDAIA, blending age‑appropriate modules with practical, ethical learning. Part of Vision 2030's Human Capability Development Program, driving digital literacy, innovation, and education reform. In a landmark educational reform aligned with its Vision 2030 goals, Saudi Arabia has announced the integration of artificial intelligence education across all public school levels, beginning with the 2025–2026 academic year. The curriculum, created jointly by the National Curriculum Center, Ministry of Education, Communications & IT Ministry, and the Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) is designed to build progressive AI literacy from early primary stages to secondary education, equipping youth with foundational digital skills, ethical awareness, and innovation capacity for the future workforce and digital economy. Official Framework & Strategic Partners Saudi Arabia's Human Capability Development Program, a core pillar of Vision 2030, frames this initiative as part of a broader agenda to modernize education and prepare the next generation for global competitiveness. The curriculum was developed through a collaborative effort involving: National Curriculum Centre Ministry of Education Ministry of Communications & IT SDAIA These institutions contributed to curriculum design, platform infrastructure, and national deployment strategy. Pilot Phase: Testing the Waters Earlier in 2025, Saudi Arabia piloted an 'Introduction to Artificial Intelligence' elective for third-year high school students, engaging over 50,000 students across the Kingdom. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Live Comfortably: 60m2 prefabricated bungalow for the elderly in Kapuk Pre Fabricated Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo The elective features a digital learning platform with interactive multimedia modules, teacher-supervised projects, and real-world applications in sectors such as healthcare, transportation, and cybersecurity. Curriculum Design & Learning Pathway The AI curriculum spans all school cycles with age-appropriate progression: Primary (Grades 1–3): Interactive stories and games to introduce basic technology and AI ideas. Middle School (Cycle 1–2): Digital thinking, algorithm awareness, comparison of human vs machine decision-making. High School (Cycle 3): Command engineering, ethical AI design, bias evaluation, problem-solving simulations. Curriculum integrates AI ethics, policy, innovation, and community impact, alongside key technical concepts like data analysis and algorithms. It ensures continuity through the national student performance evaluation framework without adding teaching hours. Why It Matters Empowering Future Generations: By embedding AI literacy into school education, the Kingdom is future‑proofing its youth for high-growth digital sectors. Closing Skills Gaps: The move directly addresses workforce needs around AI, data science, and innovation. Vision 2030 Alignment: Supports Saudi Arabia's strategic shift toward a knowledge-based economy with a technologically savvy citizenry. Inclusive Innovation: Interactive and ethical modules plus teacher training and national assessment frameworks ensure equitable access and consistent delivery. This educational overhaul is part of a strategic pivot under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030, which prioritizes AI as a central pillar of the digital economy. Saudi Arabia has already launched the National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence (NSDAI), with aims to become a global AI leader by 2030. By embedding AI awareness from an early age, the government hopes to create a pipeline of local talent capable of contributing to sectors like healthcare, finance, logistics, and energy using home-grown innovation. Saudi Arabia's decision to launch a full-scale AI curriculum in public schools marks a transformational shift in national education. By progressively layering AI education from grade one through secondary levels, and institutionalizing AI-based competencies in assessment systems, the Kingdom is redefining how young citizens learn, think, and innovate. Anchored by Vision 2030's strategic goals, this initiative is positioning Saudi Arabia at the forefront of global education reform, cultivating digital fluency, critical thinking, and future-ready leadership from an early age.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Uma Kanjilal appointed first woman VC of IGNOU, 4 decades after university was set up
New Delhi: Uma Kanjilal has been appointed the first woman Vice Chancellor of the Indira Gandhi National Open University ( IGNOU ), four decades after the university was established, according to education ministry officials. "With over 36 years of distinguished service in the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) system, Kanjilal brings a wealth of academic leadership, digital innovation, and institutional knowledge to the helm of one of the world's largest open universities," an official said. "She was currently serving as active Vice Chancellor of the university and has previously served as Pro Vice Chancellor of the university (March 2021-July 2024)," the official said. A professor of Library and Information Science since 2003, Kanjilal is nationally recognised for her expertise in e-learning, ICT in libraries, digital libraries, and multimedia courseware development. She is currently the National Coordinator for SWAYAM and SWAYAM PRABHA, the flagship digital education initiatives of the Ministry of Education. Kanjilal has held various leadership roles at the university including Director, Centre for Online Education (2019-2021); Director, Inter-University Consortium for Technology Enabled Flexible Education (2016-2019); Director, Advanced Centre for Informatics and Innovative Learning (2012-2013); Director, School of Social Sciences (2007-2010); and University Librarian (2004-2006). PTI Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
