Microsoft Saksham (Faculty Development Programme) was organized by the Computer Centre, PEC University of Technology, Chandigarh. Saksham is a Microsoft initiative to give impetus to the National Mission of Education through ICT (NMEICT) of MHRD with the common objective of building connectivity and knowledge network among and within institutions of higher learning in the country.
The Programme commenced with a Welcome Speech by the Principal Coordinator of the programme, Sh. Sanjay Batish, Head, Computer Centre, PEC University of Technology who explained how ICT has become an integral and accepted part of academics and how ICT is increasing in importance day by day. He then invited Dr. Sanjeev Sofat, Deputy Director, PEC University of Technology to deliver the Inaugural Speech. Dr. Sanjeev Sofat, during his speech elaborated to the faculty, the importance of the programme and how the use of ICT in appropriate contexts in education can add value in teaching and learning, by enhancing the effectiveness of learning, or by adding an innovative dimension to learning that was not previously available.
The 5 day programme from 25th to 29th July, 2015 presented by Sh. Sandeep Tomar from Microsoft comprised IT and Soft Skills training sessions which had been designed to be riveting and invigorating - the right blend of certain amount of theory, hands-on and experiential learning, group discussions, motivational team-building and leadership enhancing activities that enthused and kept the teachers engaged as they learnt how to integrate technology with education and how to be effective mentors, who will create and maintain the momentum of change in teaching-learning in higher education.
The programme concluded with a Valedictory Session where Prof. Manoj Arora, Director, PEC University of Technology interacted with all the participating members of the Faculty and urged them to use ICT tools to support and transform the teaching and learning process in many subject areas. He continued to explain how ICT can also be a significant motivational factor in students' learning, and how it can encourage students' engagement with collaborative learning. All the participating Faculty members were awarded with certificates for attending the program at the end of the session.