Ms.Sapna Singh is an Assistant Professor at Shri Shankaracharya Institute of Professional Management and Technology. She did Ph.D. in Computer Science and Application from MATS University, Jaipur. She has published four SCI-indexed papers, two Scopus-indexed papers, three conference papers, and three UGC-listed papers, in addition to numerous chapters. two books published by IGI Global and two books forthcoming from Bentham and Wiley. She has also designed various learning frameworks for many biomedical or biological data in predicting diseases. She has 6-year teaching experience in engineering and science colleges.

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Shri Shankaracharya Institute of Professional Management and Technology

You have held key positions at education institutes throughout your professional career. What keeps you connected with the education sector and how has your experience been so far with the institute?

As an Assistant Professor or an Educator in the education sector, maintaining a connection to the field can indeed be driven by a deep enthusiasm for education and a genuine desire to contribute to the growth and development of students and the field as a whole. The various aspects that keep educators engaged and connected to their profession include Teaching and Mentoring, Research, Scholarship, Collaboration, Networking, and Professional Development. The passion and dedication that educators bring to these areas can have a significant impact on the lives of students and contribute to the overall growth and improvement of the education sector. It is this enthusiasm and commitment that often drive educators to continue making a difference in the lives of their students and the field of education as a whole.

Being the Assistant Professor of Shri Shankaracharya Institute Of Professional Management & Technology, what are your roles and responsibilities towards the students?

As an Assistant Professor in the Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) department, specifically in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) at SSIPMT, Raipur, roles and responsibilities towards the students would typically include Teaching, Mentoring and Advising, Research and Scholarship, Curriculum Development, Committee Participation, Professional Development and Community Engagement. 

Do you have any extracurricular activities/ programs to enhance the skills of the students or expose them to real-world challenges?

Our curriculum is designed to include courses that cover the latest trends and technologies relevant to the field of study. This ensures that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills that are in demand in the job market. Hands-on learning, practical assignments, and projects are integrated into the curriculum to give students real-world experience. This helps them apply theoretical knowledge to solve practical problems they might face in their future careers. Collaborations with industries and organizations enable students to participate in internships and gain exposure to real work environments. This allows them to understand industry practices and expectations. Institutions often encourage research and innovation among students. Engaging in research projects or participating in innovation competitions helps students develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity. Apart from technical knowledge, the curriculum may also include modules or activities to enhance students' soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability, making them well-rounded professionals. Some institutions foster an entrepreneurial spirit by providing resources and support for students interested in starting their own ventures. This promotes innovation and job creation. It's important that the effectiveness of any curriculum depends not only on its design but also on how it is delivered, the quality of faculty, and the support services available to students. A student's overall experience and preparedness for the future are influenced by a combination of factors within the institution.

How does the curriculum of your institute ensure that the students are being prepared for the future?

The curriculum is designed to include courses and subjects that align with the latest industry trends and requirements. This ensures that students acquire knowledge and skills that are relevant and in demand in the job market. The curriculum emphasizes the practical application of concepts through projects, case studies, and real-world simulations. This hands-on experience helps students develop problem-solving skills and understand how theoretical knowledge can be applied in practical scenarios. Collaboration with industry partners and offering internship opportunities help students gain exposure to real work environments. This allows them to apply their skills, learn industry practices, and build professional networks. In addition to academic knowledge, the curriculum may focus on developing essential professional skills such as communication, teamwork, critical thinking, leadership, and adaptability. These skills are vital for success in the future workplace. Encouraging research and innovation through projects, research papers, or participation in innovation competitions fosters a spirit of inquiry, critical analysis, and creativity among students. It prepares them for future challenges and equips them to contribute to the advancement of their respective fields. Regular assessment and feedback mechanisms, such as assignments, exams, and student feedback surveys, allow the institution to gauge the effectiveness of the curriculum and make necessary improvements. This helps ensure that the curriculum remains up-to-date and responsive to the evolving needs of the industry.

How do you try to bring in a practical approach towards subjects and make it industry oriented?

The curriculum may include assignments, projects, and case studies that simulate real-world scenarios. By working on these practical tasks, students can develop problem-solving skills and gain insights into applying theoretical knowledge to real-life situations. Inviting industry experts as guest speakers or organizing workshops allows students to directly interact with professionals from the industry. These interactions provide valuable insights into industry practices, emerging trends, and the skills required for a successful career. Collaborations with industries and organizations can offer students opportunities for internships and industrial training. This hands-on experience helps bridge the gap between academic learning and industry requirements, giving students a taste of the professional work environment. Organizing visits to industries, factories, or relevant workplaces enables students to observe operations firsthand and understand how theoretical concepts are applied in real-world settings. Such visits can enhance their understanding of industry processes and foster industry-relevant thinking. Encouraging students to undertake research projects in collaboration with industry partners allows them to address the real world and contribute to industry knowledge. This aligns their academic pursuits with practical needs and enhances their research skills. Regularly seeking feedback from professionals in the industry regarding the curriculum and course content can help identify areas for improvement and align the curriculum with industry expectations. This feedback loop ensures that the curriculum remains relevant and responsive to industry requirements.

What are the interventions and approaches you bring in apart from the curriculum to train/teach the students?

Experiential Learning, Collaborative Learning, Technology Integration, Individualized Instruction (recognizing that students have diverse learning needs and styles, incorporating individualized instruction can be beneficial. This approach involves personalized attention, differentiated assignments, and tailored support to address students' specific strengths, weaknesses, and learning preferences.), Formative Assessment (integrating formative assessment practices, such as quizzes, class discussions, feedback sessions, and self-assessment exercises, help monitor student progress and understanding throughout the learning process. This enables timely intervention, identifies areas for improvement, and promotes a growth mindset.), Career Guidance and Counseling, Community Engagement. These interventions and approaches aim to create an enriched and holistic learning environment, where students can develop not only academic knowledge but also critical thinking, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. Institutions may adopt a combination of these strategies based on their specific objectives, resources, and the needs of their students.

What would you like people to know about your institute they may not know?

SSIPMT offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fields such as engineering, management, computer applications, and pharmacy. These programs are designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills to excel in their chosen careers. The institute boasts a team of dedicated and experienced faculty members who are experts in their respective fields. They contribute not only to academic excellence but also to research and industry collaborations, ensuring students receive a well-rounded education. SSIPMT fosters strong connections with industries and organizations, facilitating internships, placements, and industrial training opportunities for students. These partnerships enhance students' exposure to real-world challenges and help bridge the gap between academia and the industry. The institute is equipped with modern infrastructure and state-of-the-art facilities to support a conducive learning environment. This includes well-equipped laboratories, libraries, computer centers, and sports facilities to cater to student's diverse needs. SSIPMT encourages a culture of research and innovation among students and faculty. Research projects, publications, and participation in national and international conferences are actively promoted to contribute to advancements in various fields. Beyond academics, SSIPMT engages in social initiatives and community development programs. Students often participate in community service activities, awareness campaigns, and environmental conservation efforts, contributing to the betterment of society. The institute provides numerous opportunities for students to explore their interests and passions through various clubs and extracurricular activities. These clubs offer platforms for students to showcase their talents, develop leadership skills, and engage in collaborative projects.

What do you see as the greatest strengths of your institute?

A good institute typically possesses several key strengths that contribute to its overall effectiveness and success. A strong institute excels in its area of specialization, having a wealth of knowledge and expertise in a particular field or discipline. It is often staffed with experienced professionals, researchers, and educators who are highly skilled and have a deep understanding of their subject matter. A great institute is adaptable and responsive to changing needs and trends in its field. It embraces innovation, adapts its curriculum, and revises its programs to incorporate emerging knowledge and technological advancements. It also keeps abreast of societal changes and economic demands to ensure its graduates are well-prepared for the evolving job market. These strengths collectively contribute to an institute's reputation, attract talented individuals, and facilitate its mission to advance knowledge, educate students, and make a positive impact on society.

What are some of the biggest challenges you see, both for higher education in general and for your institute?

Higher education institutions often struggle with financial sustainability due to rising costs, reduced government funding, and fluctuating enrollment numbers. Balancing budgets, securing adequate funding for research and infrastructure, and optimizing revenue streams while ensuring affordability for students are ongoing challenges. Ensuring access to higher education for a diverse range of students, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, remains a challenge. The rising costs of tuition, fees, and textbooks, coupled with limited financial aid, can hinder access and contribute to student debt burdens. Institutes need to explore strategies to enhance affordability, such as scholarships, grants, and flexible payment options. The rapid advancement of technology presents both opportunities and challenges for higher education. Institutes need to keep pace with technological developments, integrate them effectively into teaching and learning practices, and provide appropriate support and training to faculty and students. Balancing online and in-person learning modalities, ensuring digital equity, and safeguarding data and privacy are important considerations. Higher education institutions are increasingly operating in a global context. Institutes need to develop international partnerships, facilitate student and faculty exchanges, and offer globally relevant programs to prepare students for a globally interconnected world. Navigating cultural differences, ensuring academic integrity, and addressing visa and immigration regulations are some of the challenges in this area. Higher education institutions are serving a diverse student body with varying expectations and needs. Institutes need to support students from diverse backgrounds, accommodate different learning styles, and provide comprehensive support services, including mental health resources, career counseling, and academic advising. Institutes face the challenge of ensuring their research and educational initiatives align with societal needs and contribute to the betterment of communities. Institutes need to foster engagement with industry, government, and community partners, encourage entrepreneurship and innovation, and address social and environmental challenges through research and community outreach programs.

Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth and the aspiring students?

I would like to suggest students take time to explore different subjects, activities, and interests to discover their passions. Engage in a variety of experiences, such as internships, volunteering, or joining clubs and organizations, to gain exposure to different fields and broaden your horizons. This exploration will help you make informed decisions about their educational and career paths. Define short-term and long-term goals and create a roadmap to achieve them. Having clear goals provides focus and motivation. Break goals down into smaller, actionable steps, and track your progress along the way. Regularly reassess and refine your goals as you gain new insights and experiences. Students must recognize that learning extends beyond the classroom. Cultivate a mindset of lifelong learning by seeking knowledge and skills outside of formal education. Read widely, attend workshops, participate in online courses, and engage in continuous self-improvement. Develop a thirst for knowledge and embrace opportunities to grow intellectually and personally. In a rapidly changing world, the ability to think critically and solve complex problems is highly valuable. Hone your critical thinking skills by questioning assumptions, analyzing information from multiple perspectives, and evaluating evidence. Practice problem-solving by approaching challenges creatively, considering alternative solutions, and learning from setbacks. Students must appreciate and respect the diversity of individuals around them. Engage with people from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Embrace inclusivity by fostering an environment that celebrates diversity, promotes equality, and values empathy and understanding. Remember that success is subjective, and each person's journey is unique. Avoid comparing yourself to others and define success on your own terms. Follow your passions, values, and interests rather than societal expectations. Trust your instincts, make choices aligned with yourself, and have confidence in your abilities.