EDUCATIONAL NEWS

An IMA study has revealed that one-third of its respondent doctors, majority of them being women, felt “unsafe” or “very unsafe” during their night shifts, so much so that some even felt the need to start carrying weapons for self-defence.

A duty room was not available to 45 per cent of respondents during night shifts, found the online survey undertaken by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) to evaluate safety concerns during night shifts among doctors in the backdrop of recent alleged rape and murder of a trainee woman doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.

With 3,885 individual responses, it is the largest study from India on this topic, the IMA claimed.

The survey findings, compiled by Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, Chairman, Research Cell, Kerala State IMA, and his team, have been accepted for publication in IMA’s Kerala Medical Journal October 2024 issue.

The respondents were from over 22 states with 85 per cent of them being under 35 years while 61 per cent were interns or postgraduate trainees.

Women constituted 63 per cent, aligning with the gender ratio in some MBBS courses.

“Several doctors reported feeling unsafe (24.1 per cent) or very unsafe (11.4 per cent), totalling one-third of the respondents. The proportion of those feeling unsafe was higher among women,” the survey findings showed.

Doctors of age 20-30 years had the lowest sense of safety and this group largely consists of interns and postgraduates.

A duty room was not available to 45 per cent of respondents during night shifts. Those with access to a duty room had a greater sense of safety.

The survey found that duty rooms were often inadequate due to overcrowding, lack of privacy and missing locks, forcing doctors to find alternative rest areas and one-third of available duty rooms did not have an attached bathroom.

“In more than half the instances (53 per cent), duty room was located far from the ward/casualty area,” the findings stated.

“Nearly one-thirds of the available duty rooms did not have an attached bathroom, which means that the doctors needed to step outside during late hours to access these facilities,” it said.

Suggestions to enhance safety included increasing the number of trained security personnel, installing CCTV cameras, ensuring proper lighting, implementing the Central Protection Act (CPA), restricting bystander numbers, installing alarm systems and providing basic amenities such as secure duty rooms with locks were given by the doctors.

“The online survey was sent to doctors, both government and private, across India through a Google form. There were 3,885 responses within 24 hours,” said Dr Jayadevan.

Doctors across the country, particularly women, report feeling unsafe during night shifts, the study said, highlighting there is substantial scope for improving security personnel and equipment in healthcare settings.

Modifications to infrastructure are essential to ensure safe, clean and accessible duty rooms, bathrooms, food and drinking water.

Adequate staffing, effective triaging and crowd control in patient care areas are also necessary to ensure that doctors can provide the required attention to each patient without feeling threatened by their work environment, it stated.

Several additional factors were highlighted by doctors who participated in the survey.

The lack of sufficient numbers of trained security personnel, inadequate lighting of the corridors, absence of CCTV cameras and unrestricted entry of unauthorised individuals into the patient care areas were among the most frequent remarks, the study said.

Some doctors indicated the need to start carrying weapons for self-defence.

One doctor admitted that she always carried a foldable knife and pepper spray in her handbag because the duty room was located at the far end of a dark and deserted corridor.

Doctors who worked in casualty reported verbal and physical threats from people who were drunk or under the influence of drugs. Another doctor reported that she repeatedly experienced bad touch or inappropriate contact in a crowded emergency room.

The situation is worse in some smaller hospitals where there is limited staff and no security.

Several doctors reported apathy from the administrators when security concerns were raised, a common excuse being that the seniors also had endured similar working conditions.

Violence is predominantly experienced by junior doctors, who, being on the frontline, are particularly vulnerable but have limited involvement in administration or policy-making.

Senior faculty members bear the responsibility of implementing policies to improve patient care delivery as well as enhancing security measures, thereby creating a safer work environment for the junior doctors.

Doctors across the country have called for a Central Protection Law to prohibit violence in all healthcare settings and enforce airport-like security measures, ensuring a safer working environment and better patient care.

Such a law would standardise security arrangements across the sector, ultimately benefiting patients as well as doctors, the study stated.

“The survey findings have significant implications for broad policy changes, some of which have already been addressed by the Government of India in response to the Kolkata incident,” the IMA said.

The Supreme Court of India took suo motu cognisance, assuring that “doctors and medical professionals shall stand assured that their concerns are receiving the highest attention from the highest court, with input from a diverse range of experts”.

The strategy will result in more study exchange programmes, encouraging “more African young people come to study in Denmark for shorter or longer durations”, according to the strategy document, published on August 26.

The document does not specify how many more students from Africa it expects to come to Denmark, and does not set out a timeframe in which the study programmes will be established.

It said: “Denmark and the EU must give higher priority to exchange programmes, so that more African students can study in Denmark and Europe. This can have a great impact on strengthening ties between the countries.

“Exchange and education programmes create mutual understanding and strengthen human relations. We must build on the special tradition Denmark has for a strong and vibrant youth culture, with young people as the driving force.”

The Danish government hopes that strengthening ties with countries in Africa will “contribute to making the EU a stronger and more effective actor in Africa and invest in concrete EU Global Gateway initiatives in a number of countries,” it said in the strategy document.

It explained that it hopes showing renewed interest in the region will help to curb the growing influence of Russia and China on some African nations.

“Should African countries move more in a Western-oriented direction? We believe that they should, but none of us can control the future engagement of China, Russia, or other countries on the African continent. Nor can we expect African countries to choose sides. But we can control how we position ourselves,” the strategy document said.

Denmark and the EU must give higher priority to exchange programmes, so that more African students can study in Denmark and Europe

Danish government

The announcement represents a continued openness to international students in Denmark, after the country called for universities to make more international places available in December.

It marked a stark policy u-turn given that the Scandinavian country had moved to cap student numbers on English-taught programs just two years previously.

The latest statistics show that there were 25,366 international student enrolments in Denmark in 2023/23, with Germany the most prolific sending country. This is a dramatic 14.6% decrease on the previous year.

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Dive Brief:

• Knoxville College has submitted an application to the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, or TRACS, to become accredited for the first time in nearly 30 years, according to an update from the Tennessee institution.
• The historically Black college lost accreditation in 1997 over financial problems and management of student aid after an appeal and has not been eligible for federal financial aid since. It also temporarily lost its state authorization in 2015 over enrollment and financial issues, forcing it to close at the time.
• TRACS will review the application for compliance with the body’s eligibility requirements. If approved, Knoxville College will then need to complete a self-study and TRACS officials will visit its campus. The college said the process “can take some time” but did not provide further details.

Dive Insight:

Knoxville College’s history extends back to 1875, when it was founded by Presbyterian missionaries to promote moral and educational leadership among freed slaves. It was designated as a college two years later, in 1877, with a former Civil War chaplain serving as its first president.

Today the liberal arts institution serves as the only HBCU in eastern Tennessee.

Local media documents decades of struggles with enrollment and finances at Knoxville College, starting in the 1970s. In 2015, the college closed its doors when it lost state authorization. At the time, it had just 11 students, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel. It didn’t start enrolling students again until 2018 after fundraising and revitalization efforts at the college.

Among other issues was its deteriorating campus infrastructure — an ongoing problem for many years prior.

“When I came there, residential facilities were unkempt, leaking, leaky roofs, buildings that needed to be renovated,” Lois Williams, Knoxville College’s president in the mid-1990s, told Higher Ed Dive in 2018.

The college has been working to get its finances under control and accreditation back. But as of its fiscal year ending June 2023, its liabilities still outpaced its assets by about $1.9 million. In fall 2023, the institution had about 1,000 students, down 20.4% from 2019, according to self-reported data.

In June, Knoxville College President Leonard Adams announced he would step down from his post at the end of September, shortly after his term was up.

The college is currently searching for a new leader, saying that it is looking for a top executive who “will guide the institution through this critical period, ensuring its sustainability and success.”

Board Chair Michael Bowie credited Adams with “significant strides towards fully reopening and achieving our long- term goals including Board approval of the TRACS accreditation package.”

Key points:

Two remarkable high school teachers changed the course of my life at a time when academics were the least of my concerns. Their belief in my potential and guidance helped me establish a solid foundation for my future and changed my life. This experience led me from a career in investment management to one in education, driven by a desire to make an impact and improve access to a quality education for all. My role in launching specialized schools in Louisiana for students with low-incidence disabilities reinforced the importance of educational options, a need that is universal regardless of a student’s abilities, grade level, learning style, preferences, social class, and geographic location.

I am committed to empowering students to receive a personalized and rigorous education that unlocks the unique potential–the genius–within each of them. I believe this can be accomplished through the introduction of virtual academy options within public school districts, giving families and students an option that may better serve their needs.

The K-12 education landscape is changing rapidly. For many, it’s changing for the better with the increased availability of options that enable students to learn in environments that are optimized to their needs.

As district and educational leaders know, nationwide, many children lack reasonable geographic access to in-person schools or are enrolled in schools that don’t meet their educational or lifestyle needs. Often, the only option available is a traditional public school, which typically operates on a one-size-fits-all model and schedule. While traditional public schools are effective for many students, they simply can no longer adequately serve the needs of everyone. Much of the recent change in education has been guided by an increase in families’ desire for choice. As a result, educational leaders are facing drops in funding due to a decrease in enrollment numbers, and they are responding by building robust and comprehensive alternatives to the traditional, in-person educational experience, the most significant being virtual learning.

The desire for more choices has been made clear in recent research, and there is a growing shift in parental preferences when it comes to education. In a2023 poll conducted by National School Choice Week, nearly half of all parents surveyed across the United States shared they were actively seeking a new school for the 2023-24 school year. Since the pandemic, it has become clear to many parents that online learning is a better fit for their children, prompting them to seek alternative school options for the best educational outcomes, like virtual academies.

Technology has the power to make high-quality education more equitable, and virtual academies are designed with accessibility at their core. Students who live in remote or rural settings, who require a different environment due to social-emotional or special needs, or who engage in extracurricular activities with a rigorous training schedule can now access the same curriculum, learning environment, career preparation programs, and enrichment programs as their peers who attend traditional, in-person schools.

Personalized learning is another foundational component of virtual academies that can remove barriers by catering to the diverse needs and abilities of students. Aristotle, often considered the pioneer of individualized instruction, emphasized tailoring education to harness each student’s curiosity and talents–a method that has endured over centuries.

Today, virtual academies continue to use personalized learning strategies, which may involve adjusting the pace, providing supplemental resources, and incorporating enrichment activities, such as participation in a gifted or talented program. Additionally, many virtual academies offer programs like dual enrollment and career and technical education (CTE) pathways, allowing students to earn certifications and college credit while still in high school, thus extending Aristotle’s educational philosophy into the modern era of learning.

There are countless compelling stories of students who benefitted from a virtual learning option. One student, living in a remote area, was travelling by ferry to school each day, leaving at 6 am and returning by 8 pm. Virtual learning eliminated the need for this lengthy commute to her local public school–a challenge many students face across the nation due to school closures, consolidations, and remote locations. Another student, who felt unchallenged in his previous school, thrived at a virtual academy that allowed him to accelerate his learning while earning college credits. Another student simply preferred the online learning environment following the pandemic and chose to continue their education in a virtual academy, finding it better suited their learning style. There are also stories of students who chose a virtual academy due to socioeconomic challenges, health issues, learning disabilities, or the demands of being part of a military family.

For many families, having choices means having a voice in how their child is educated. Virtual academies emphasize the parental involvement families want, encouraging a collaborative partnership between families and schools, where an open line of communication means families are well-informed of their child’s progress through detailed feedback.

With the right partner, districts can enhance their appeal and strength within their communities by offering a virtual academy as part of a portfolio of educational programs. This strategy can make the district a more appealing choice for local families, potentially helping to maintain or even increase enrollment. Families would be able to choose the educational environment that best suits their children, whether that is a traditional public school or virtual academy, ensuring an optimal learning experience for each student.

As educators, we are partners in preparing students for a successful and fulfilling life beyond high school. Introducing a virtual academy option allows districts to meet a broader range of student needs, providing each learner with the opportunity to learn in an environment that best suits them. Together, we can empower students and have a profound impact on the next generation of leaders and innovators by offering them a choice—one that will help them reach their fullest potential.

Why is Kerala one of the best locations for management courses?

This year, four institutes from Kerala made it to the NIRF Management category 2024, with the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode securing the third rank. The presence of these top institutes across the list provides students with various options based on their preferences. Let’s examine the placement records of IIM Kozhikode and the National Institute of Technology Calicut, according to the NIRF Ranking 2024 data:
Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode: In the academic year 2022-23, 559 students graduated from the PG (2 Years Program) within the minimum stipulated time, with a median salary of Rs. 27 lakh.
National Institute of Technology Calicut: In the academic year 2022-23, 41 students graduated from the PG (2 Years Program) within the minimum stipulated time. Of these, 39 students were placed with a median salary of Rs. 8.03 lakh, and 1 student pursued higher studies.

Why do students opt for management courses?

There are several reasons why students go for management courses, some of them are mentioned below:
Lucrative career opportunities: Management degrees, especially MBA programmes are seen as gateways to high-paying jobs in different sectors like finance, consulting, marketing, etc.
Entrepreneurial goals: Several students opt for management courses to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to start and run their own businesses. Management programmes provide insights into business strategy, leadership, and innovations that are necessary for entrepreneurial success.
Career growth: Management courses provide students with a broad skill set that includes leadership, strategic thinking, problem solving, etc. For those who are already working, pursuing a management degree leads to career advancement, promotions, etc.
*Please note that the fees mentioned above are approximate ranges, and the actual fees of these colleges may vary. Students are therefore advised to visit the official websites of the respective colleges for more detailed and accurate information.

In collaboration with Jaro Education, a pioneering institution in upskilling and a leader in the online higher education space, IIT Roorkee is delighted to announce the launch of the Post Graduate Certificate Programme in Applied Data Science & AI. This executive programme, offered by the Continuing Education Centre at IIT Roorkee, aims to equip professionals with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in data science and artificial intelligence.

The Post Graduate Certificate Programme in Applied Data Science & AI at IIT Roorkee is meticulously designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience, encompassing both theoretical foundations and practical applications in these two programmes. The curriculum is continuously updated to include recent industry developments, such as Generative AI, ensuring participants are well-versed with the latest advancements. It covers fundamental concepts, techniques, and real-world data science and AI applications. Participants will gain hands-on experience with essential software tools and technologies, including Python, R, SQL, NoSQL, and cloud analytics.

Through this comprehensive programme, esteemed IIT Roorkee faculty conduct live interactive sessions online. The curriculum also includes two optional campus immersions, providing participants with an engaging and immersive learning experience. It addresses the needs of various industries, including technology, healthcare, finance, retail, manufacturing, and telecommunications. Participants will learn to apply data science and AI in real-world business contexts, enhancing their ability to make data-driven decisions.

The integration of data science and AI has opened up a plethora of career opportunities across various industries. Professionals can pursue roles such as Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, AI Specialist, Data Engineer, Business Intelligence Analyst, and AI Research Scientist. The programme prepares participants to excel in these roles and contribute to the technological advancements in their respective fields.

The course is divided into several modules, each focusing on different aspects of data science and AI, including Conceptual and Technical Foundations, Data Mining and Machine Learning, Analytics using NLP, Time Series, and Networks, Data-Driven Web Products, and Data-Driven Business Decisions. It focuses on hands-on learning, with participants engaging in real-world applications using datasets, software tools, and case studies.

Participants have the opportunity to attend two optional campus immersions at IIT Roorkee. These immersions provide in-depth learning experiences, including interactive sessions, case studies, hackathons, and networking opportunities with faculty and peers. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks and preferably have one year of work experience. The selection process involves submitting personal details, educational qualifications, a resume, and a statement of purpose. The programme duration is 6-8 months.

Jaro Education delivers positive change and empowers learners across India and beyond. The company is now a trustworthy and reliable partner to 32 universities in India and worldwide, including 7 IIMs and 6 IITs. The platform offers 250+ programmes. It has transformed the careers of over 3,50,000 professionals at all levels, from entry-level to C-Suite, across various sectors.

Recently, BNB broke out of the consolidation area, indicating a potential significant upward trend. The fact that the token has risen beyond the $700 mark suggests that the market is strongly recovering and all eyes are set on US Fed Chair Powell for the most anticipated rate cuts as the ECB (European Central Bank) has started rate cuts with a 25 bps, following their expected decision from last month.

BNB has increased noticeably by more than 20% in the past week, carrying on its strong trend from the previous month. This breakout has drawn notice, and some analysts anticipate substantial gains if the bullish trend continues.

As of right now, BNB is trading above the 100-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) with good rising momentum in the 4-hours chart. This implies that the price is still positive and there is still a possibility for price growth. Also,The 4-hour Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) also signals that BNB might continue to move bullishly as the MACD histograms are trending above the MACD zero line.

As of now, at the time of writing this article, BNB is trading around $715 and has hit a new ATH market capitalization of $105.6 Billion.