We Follow Outcome-Based Education with Industry Relevance, says Dr Nihar Ranjan Roy

In a conversation with Shiksha.com, Dr Nihar Ranjan Roy, Associate Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology at Sharda University talks about Outcome-Based Education (OBE) as the foundation of Sharda University's teaching methodology. This means that, right from the outset, the university defines clear and specific outcomes for each of our courses. These outcomes serve as our guiding principles throughout the entire educational journey.

Dr Nihar Ranjan Roy is working as an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, School of Engineering and Technology at Sharda University, Greater Noida. He has over 20+ years of teaching experience in reputed colleges and universities of Delhi-NCR. Dr Roy is an active member of the Center of Cyber Security and Cryptography at Sharda University. 

Q1. What is the difference between the teaching methodology in your institute and others?

In the modern time, a lot of emphasis is being given to the improvement of teaching methodology so that predefined outcomes can be achieved and impact analysis can be done. Especially with technical education, the emphasis is give on inculcating desired skills to the students which makes them industry ready. Our institute too understands this and has taken several steps to ensure that these are achieved. We offer project-based learning, through this student learn, implement and re-learn. In order to harness the innovation among students, we have included Design and Creativity Lab as early as in the 2^nd semester through which students search for a problem which impacts society and if solved then it will make life easy for others. Students start working on it and depending on the problem they can extend it to other higher semesters too. Our methodology focuses on the application of the knowledge gained and solve problems.

Q2. How are you preparing your students to be Industry ready?

We follow outcome-based education and ensure that the outcome of the courses we offer are defined in the beginning, measured regularly and these outcomes are achieved. We have large number of courses which are skill oriented and valued added. Further to re-brush the technical skills and help them get interview ready, we train our students under the “Technical Skill Enhancement Program” and “Boot Camp”. Apart from these tested methodologies, we introduce the latest courses in our curriculum keeping in view the current and future requirements of the industry.

Q3. What quality do your students have that other college students lack?

Our students are trained on latest courses which are in demand in the industry, such as Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Internet of Things, and Blockchain to name a few. Further our students have sound foundation, as they have to implement the knowledge and skills gained from theory classes in projects which they do during the course and for participation in hackathons. Our technical student clubs are very active, they work on a model called “peer to peer tutor” where students teach students on latest technologies. This approach of ours changes the overall ambience of the system where creativity and implementation is the prime essence.

Q4. Do you think the curriculum of the courses taught in your institute fits in the requirement of the industry?

Yes, this is  the USP  of our curriculum, we search for the latest technologies and we try to bring it in our teaching  as early as possible. We frequently update our courses especially Computer Science related courses. We have a well tested method of taking the feedback for the existing courses and incorporation of new courses ,from different stake holders like: students, teachers, industry experts and renowned academicians from other institutions of repute.  After compiling the response, these are analyzed and presented in different level of academic boards.

Q5. Is your college receptive to the innovation, technology, science & entrepreneurship?

Yes, we hunt for such talent at an early stage (semester) and try to nurture them by providing the information and guidance required for the same. Our institute has dedicated cell for this purpose called Sharda Launch Pad, which has highly skilled and experienced team members who act as mentor to these students. We have successfully incubated many student projects. We also focus on IPR, patents and commercialization of granted patents both for students and teachers and these expenses are taken care by our university.