IIT Madras Launches Online Courses for School Students in Data Science & AI and Electronic Systems

Under the IITM School Connect initiative, two certificate programs are now available for school students: one in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence and another in Electronic Systems.

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has introduced the IITM School Connect program to guide school students in making informed decisions about their higher education and career paths. As part of this initiative, two certificate course programs are available: Data Science and Artificial Intelligence and Electronic Systems. The next batch will start on October 21, 2024, with registrations ongoing. Schools interested in partnering with IIT Madras can register at the IITM School Connect: school-connect.study.iitm.ac.in/.

IIT Madras Online Courses for School Students

The courses will span eight weeks. This initiative has garnered significant interest, with over 500 schools across India partnering with IIT Madras. In the first batch alone, approximately 11,000 students have already enrolled. These certification programs are available to all class XI and XII students from the partnered schools.

Highlights of Certificate Courses:

• Recorded lecture videos
• Live Interactions
• Hands-on training
• Assignments
• Computer-based assessment for certification

The courses, prepared by IIT Madras professors, feature content specifically tailored for school students. Delivered online, these programs aim to provide hands-on career experience for students in class XI and XII. Designed as introductory courses, they offer valuable insights into the fields of study, helping students make informed decisions about their higher education and career paths.

Highlighting the importance of this program to the development of students, Prof. Andrew Thangaraj, Chair, Centre for Outreach and Digital Education (CODE), IIT Madras, said, “As India’s top institute, IIT Madras sees it as our social responsibility to help school students explore various career options at an early stage while they are still in school. Currently, we are offering two key courses - Data Science and AI and Electronic Systems; we are planning to introduce more such hands-on programs in the coming months, catering to a wider range of interests.”

Speaking about this program, Prof. Prathap Haridoss, Dean (Academic Courses), IIT Madras, said, “It is heartening to see school students independently building remotely-controlled robots. Students pursuing the Data Science course have engaged in hands-on projects, using datasets to extract meaningful insights. Courses such as these, expose the students to the various disciplines and help children identify their interests and strengths."

Highlighting the benefit for school students, Prof. Vignesh Muthuvijayan, Faculty Coordinator, BS Degree, IIT Madras, said, “The response from schools and students has been overwhelmingly positive. We are thrilled to collaborate with schools nationwide to offer these short programs for school children. Children are naturally inquisitive, and it's always a pleasure to interact with them as they come with a multitude of questions. Nurturing their curiosity is both fulfilling and essential for shaping their future.”

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