Media Release
Mangaluru, Dec 28: The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has given special emphasis on vocational education through integration and mainstreaming of vocational education with general education which will help students in acquiring various skills to meet the needs of the industries and to improve the quality of education.
Manipal School took an initiative by conducting a skill education programme for the academic year 2022-23 in four modules from December 19 to 22. The classes were held in four vocational subjects - artificial intelligence, financial literacy, travel & tourism and handicrafts in the school campus for grades 6 to 8. The 12-hour programme was spread over four days where students chose the skill subject of their choice through Google form.
Artificial intelligence: This module helped learners to understand the world of Artificial Intelligence and its applications through games, activities, and multi-sensorial learning to become AI-Ready. It allowed the learners to construct the meaning of AI through interactive participation and engaging hands-on activities. The sessions were conducted by Tr Bhavya Naveen, Tr Aruna CV and Tr Ramya Bekal.
On day 1, students designed the floor plan of their dream smart home to improve the quality of life and convenience, hence helping them appreciate the applications of AI in daily lives. Resource person Sharath Chandra, assistant professor, AI ML dept. Sahyadri College of Engineering & Management also acquainted the students with basics of AI and its applications. \
Students learnt the three domains of AI on Day 2 and designed a poster for a future job advertisement. On Day 3, students developed an awareness about the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and engaged themselves in a debate regarding ethical concerns of AI. The module concluded on Day 4 by enabling students to solve specific innovation challenges by writing a letter to their future selves.
Financial Literacy
This skill module was aimed at enabling students to understand basic financial concepts and Banking. The classes were conducted by Tr Reshna Sudeep, Tr Jayasree A and Tr Shibani Trikkannad.
The first session of Financial Literacy was conducted by resource person Sudha Chandrahas, who is a retired banker from Indian Overseas Bank. Students enjoyed the session as they got a deep insight into many banking terms and practices. They were also given a detailed explanation of how savings can be done in an easy manner by students as young as them.
On Day 2 students were taken through the process of creating a budget for themselves as well as their family. They were then grouped to work for the end of course project. In the final two sessions students presented in groups the various processes involved in banking like opening a savings account, applying for a loan, withdrawal and deposits, various government financial schemes etc.
Travel and Tourism
Through this module student discovered the arena of Travel, Tourism and Hospitality and looked at various opportunities and exciting careers available under the guidance of Tr Jayashree K, Tr Manju TS and Tr Supreetha Shetty.
In the first session, students explored some of India's key tourist destinations, what makes them so unique and some of their cultural differences. The second session was delivered by resource person Vathika Pai, proprietor, Nirmala Travels, who briefed about the steps to plan a trip, types of tourism, changing trends in tourism, factors to be considered while starting tourism related business.
Third day of the module was conducted by Jayaprakasha K. He gave insights on career opportunities, courses to be taken, colleges offering such travel and tourism courses, skills required for this field, future opportunities in this field. The module concluded on Day 4 with an assessment where students enacted the role of travel agency, tourist guide and tour operator. Students also wrote a written assessment.
Handicrafts
In this skill module, resource person Roopa K and Tr Usha Pai trained the students in the art of designing and decorating various jewelry components.
On Day 1, students learnt to make beautiful and elegant silk thread bangles with kundan and stone chains. The second day witnessed creation of some traditional earrings using silk thread and decorative stones. Day 3 was set aside for anklet and bracelet making. Students were assessed on the fourth day where they designed their own jewelry sets which were later displayed in the school lobby.
This initiative by Manipal School was a grand success and received a lot of positive feedback from students and parents. Teachers were truly amazed by the interest and performance showcased by the students who were excited to learn various vocational skills that can help them in their future endeavors.