‘Our education system lacks practical approach’

‘Our education system lacks practical approach’

The British Council, United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, recently announced the second edition of its 70th Anniversary Scholarship Programme for Indian Women pursuing a Master’s in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) in the country. Two Pune girls, Sayali Chavan and Areeba Patel, are among the 104 Indian women STEM scholars, who were felicitated by UK Prime Minister, Theresa May. 

Chavan, who is studying MS in Advanced Computer Science in  Loughborough University, shares details about the course... 

Where did you study?
- I have completed SSC from PES Modern Girls High School. I always aspired to become an engineer or scientist to invent new gadgets, so I chose to do the Electronics and Telecommunication Diploma from Cusrow Wadia Institute of Technology. To pursue Bachelor of Engineering, I took direct second year admission in Smt Kashibai Navale College of Engineering Pune for Electronics and Telecom Engineering. (Sinhgad Institute, Wadgaon BK) and completed my engineering. 

Tell us about your interest in computers. Did you learn any software programmes when you were studying in Pune?
- I feel a sense of exhilaration when I see my code run successfully. It is this feeling that drives me to not give up on even the toughest of problems. And it is this love for programming, combined with my desire to dig deeper into the working of various applications and technologies that propelled me to apply for an MS in Advanced Computer Science.

I chose Electronics and Telecommunication because it included both hardware and software and I studied lot of programming subjects in the academic years. Also, in my diploma course, I worked on more software-based projects to learn programming in depth. I learnt to solve Industry based Programming, Software, real time problems while working in Accenture by doing various trainings and certifications provided by the company for two years. 

How would this Master’s course help you professionally and personally?
- Matching pace with a rapidly progressing world is a challenge. So, I have selected the advanced computer science course in which I will learn advanced programming, robotics and intelligent systems, computer visions, deep learning, cryptography, wireless networks etc. which will give me an insight into most of the fields in industry. These are the exact skills I was looking for to boost up my career and enhance my knowledge. Pursuing my strong interest in computer studies has over the years enabled me to develop keen analytical and reasoning skills. This Master’s course will undoubtedly provide me with the knowledge and skills needed to become an effective specialist professional within the programming industries. 

Can you comment on computer education in India and abroad?
- I would say Indian education system is very good at teaching and the basic knowledge creates strong study foundation, but what it lacks is practical approach. 

The UK system is based on practical implementation of study with in-depth coursework, advanced technology, data-driven knowledge discovery, advanced computing and availability of expertise in practical aspects of the subject.
 
Have you made any friends there?
- Yes. I am currently living on the campus, hence I get to interact with people from all over the world. Loughborough University is truly diverse and I am learning about new cultures, food and languages too. I have joined various societies and volunteering activities arranged by university which gives me a chance to grow my network. 

My coursework involves groupwork which helps me to interact with my classmates. Also due to the function arranged by British Council, I made friends from various UK universities. 

ABOUT STEM SCHOLARSHIP
The scholars are currently completing their Master’s in STEM education in 43 British Universities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. More than 50 per cent of the 104 scholars are from Tier 2 and 3 Indian cities, underlining the British Council’s commitment towards improving access to quality education, skills and qualifications across the country and creating opportunities for Indian women to succeed in India and globally.

In the second year, the British Council and some of the world’s best universities located in UK will fund full tuition scholarships worth GBP 1 million, for 70 Indian women to study a Master’s programme in STEM in the United Kingdom for the academic year 2019-20. British Council’s investment in women scholars supports our Prime Minister’s shift to women-led development and the British Council’s own focus on women and girls and UN Sustainable Development Goal 5.

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