All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has partnered with Jio Institute for a faculty development programme on artificial intelligence (AI) and data science. This collaborative endeavour is being initiated under the ambit of AICTE’s  AICTE Training and Learning (ATAL) programme, which is designed to upskill and reskill faculty members from AICTE-approved institutions.

Jio Institute will serve as the host institution for this five-day residential faculty development programme. Professor T. G. Sitharam, chairman, AICTE, will in-person inaugurate the programme on August 21, 2023.

The collaborative initiative aims to empower academic leaders and senior faculty members with a deep understanding of AI and data science while also emphasising on the ethical considerations of utilizing AI tools for immersive learning. The programme will provide intensive training to 40 selected AICTE members, including faculty.

Commenting on the partnership, Sitharam said, “This partnership with Jio Institute exemplifies our commitment to nurturing cutting-edge education that equips our faculty members for future challenges. It enables us to provide educators with the necessary skills to navigate intricate educational landscapes, thereby emphasising our resolve towards academic excellence.”

The core objective of the programme is to equip participants with insights into establishing effective teaching and learning environments, which is especially pertinent given the growing prevalence of AI-driven information and research. Encompassing a diverse range of topics, including data visualisation, natural language processing, time series and optimisation, applications, generative AI, and large language models, the curriculum will delve into the far-reaching impacts of AI and data sciences across sectors such as science, engineering, healthcare, and liberal arts. Additionally, the programme will explore emerging opportunities within the technological landscape.

The programme will be delivered by a distinguished line-up of global experts and educators. Eminent names include Dr. G. Ravichandran, Dr. Ravee Chittoor, and Dr. Nilay Yajnik from Jio Institute, as well as Dr. Shailesh Kumar (AI centre of excellence (COE), Jio), Professor Vishnuprasad Nagadevara (former dean, IIM Bangalore), Dr. Larry Birnbaum (north-western university USA), Jayen Thakker (ex-tableau and IBM), and Prasad Joshi (AI COE, Jio) will lead various sessions.

Meanwhile, Dr. Palak Sheth, director, Jio Institute, said, “At Jio Institute, we are committed to propelling academic excellence by consistently pushing the boundaries of education. This programme extends beyond imparting knowledge of AI and data science, it empowers educators to cultivate a profound sense of ethical responsibility in their students. We are immensely excited to contribute to advancing the educational standards in India.”

The programme will culminate on August 25, 2023 with an enlightening discussion on the application of AI in arts and heritage, followed by a visit to the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre and other significant heritage sites in South Mumbai.