Dr. Ritu Aggarwal has a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University, UP; an M.Phil. in Computer Science from Vinayaka Mission University, Salem; an MCA from Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra; an M.Sc. in Computer Science from Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan; and a B.Sc. in Computer Science from Rajdhani College, Delhi University. She has over 21 years of teaching experience and currently works as a Professor and HOD-IIT at MERI College, affiliated to Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi, approved by the AICTE Ministry of HRD, Govt. of India.

Management Education

What inspired you and drew you to your current role as a HOD of computer science? 

Well, I started studying computer science in my 11th-grade class, and it was fascinating for me because I didn't have to cram anything in that. It was logical. So I could correlate, build the logic, and then it can be developed. I'm not good at cramming, so I'm more inclined toward computerised logic. Then I pursued a BSc and MSc in computer science, followed by an MPhil and a Ph.D. It is interesting because the students can think, innovate, innovate and develop, and deliver it to others.

What is the latest program that MERI is offering in the Computer science Dept., which will help the students to outperform and stand apart from the crowd?

It has been 24 years since computer science has grown in our college. Now we start with the basics, like the C language, which we teach the student because it is the fundamental language, then we move to C++, Java, Python, AI, ML, IoT—all these things are covered in MERI—so that the student can learn the basics so that in the future if something new comes, they will be able to adapt to that thing, and whatever trend is going on in the market, they are aware of that. So we have the basics, and we go for the latest trend and teach all these things that are in the market.

As an HOD how do you train the faculties to deliver the program in this institute?

We have a faculty development program that is held twice a year, along with several workshops that our faculty attends, both in-house and at other institutes. We prioritize project-based learning, which allows faculty members to develop projects alongside our students, resulting in a better understanding of concepts and more effective delivery to students. This approach reflects our commitment to excellence in education.

What are the challenges that you faced while inculcating this program in this institute? 

The latest challenge that we faced was COVID-19. Students were not prepared to study and lacked the habit of studying. They relied on Google for everything, without discernment. The current challenge is AI, such as chat GPT and various AI software, which allows students to rely on computers to think and do the work for them, rather than thinking for themselves. Therefore, we need to be more relevant and efficient in our teaching methods. We have changed the set of questions, practicals, and projects, and we have implemented various kinds of vivas and mentoring. We check whether students have completed the work themselves or copied it from somewhere else. We are not against taking something already available, but we encourage students to modify existing modules with their features to gain a better understanding.

What are the major types of projects that the students are working through this program?

The students are delivering their projects in IoT, AI, and ML; they are going for website building. They are also going for cybersecurity projects. We are going for database management, system administration, database profiles, and networking; all these fields are open to the students.

What do you think are the benefits and career options after pursuing this course from MERI?

After BCA, if the students want to go for higher education, they can also go for higher education, and if they want to go for freelancing, they can go for freelancing, developing websites, and other things, or they can go for a job that suits them.

What do you think are the greatest strengths of your esteemed Institute as per you?

After BCA, if the students want to go for higher education, they can also go for higher education, and if they want to go for freelancing, they can go for freelancing, developing websites, and other things, or they can go for a job that suits them.

Lastly, any suggestions you would like to a student who wants to pursue a career in computer science? 

They should follow their passion. If they have the passion. They can develop the knowledge, they can learn the skills, and they can do it, but they should be keen to do that. They should always trust themselves, and they should always work hard to achieve their goals. Hard work pays off. Thank you.