Best Practices adopted in the State of Goa

Implementing Body
Directorate of Higher Education, Govt. of Goa
Brief intro/ Programme Description
Digital Integrated System for Holistic Teaching and Virtual Orientations (DISHTAVO) is an online learning initiative by Directorate of Higher Education, Government of Goa in association with Goa University and Government and Aided Colleges of Goa where quality e-content is developed as per the syllabus of Goa University for the Undergraduate Programmes. This content is available in in the form of video lectures in 8 disciplines: Arts, Science, Commerce, Music, Home Science, Education, Law, and Agriculture.
Scale
State Level
Timeline
Digital Integrated System for Holistic Teaching and Virtual Orientations (DISHTAVO) was launched in October 2020
Programme Status
Ongoing (recording in English and regional language Konkani)
Need for Initiative/Objective
To develop a repository of e-content in the form of video lectures for UG students
To provide academic content in both online and offline mode
To Provide the e-content free of cost, and independent of geographical location
Components of the Scheme
The Swayam prescribed four-quadrant format for MOOCs was adopted in developing the e-content to expand the student learning experience
Video lectures can be accessed both online on DISHTAVO portal and YouTube through organized playlists
The lecture videos are also made available in offline mode for students to access and copy for offline access
Reference books, study materials, transcripts, glossary, and links are also provided as the additional quadrant data
The duration of individual module is kept short, between 10 to 12 minutes keeping in mind the shorter attention span of students
Target Segment
UG students in various programs in Goa University and affiliated colleges
How it was achieved
It was achieved in a phased manner by developing videos for Units of papers of odd semester followed by units of papers of even semester
Seven temporary video-recording studios were setup for this purpose, in addition to the existing recording studio at Goa University.
This project is entirely developed in-house where a technical team consisting of 55 faculty from various colleges in Goa were deputed. In addition, non-teaching staff and sports Directors were trained for video recording and editing of the lectures.
1200 faculty from all disciplines from different colleges in Goa engaged in developing and recording video lectures with rigorous process of editing, vetting, and re-creating for different disciplines and degree programs.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Monitored by Directorate of Higher Education, Govt. of Goa
Impact and Outcome
The Complete UG syllabus is made available online
The e-content is available in 8 disciplines: Arts, Science, Commerce, Music, Home Science, Education, Law, and Agriculture programs
A total of 25000 videos are available
30000 students have access to academic content
The complete videos have crossed 8 lakhs views
Faculty are using the DISHTAVO content for blended teaching-learning
Bridged the gap between urban and rural areas in Goa in terms of access to education
Key takeaways
Providing complete syllabus of UG in the form of video lectures for UG has helped in improving the access to education, even in rural areas, in line with the objective of NEP giving access to quality education.
For any initiative to become successful requires a strong team with a collaborative approach. A technical team of 55 along with 1200 faculties from all disciplines across the State of Goa, has contributed to the DISHTAVO project.
Challenges & Obstacles
There are still areas in the State of Goa where the internet connectivity is poor.

Implementing Body
Directorate of Higher Education, Govt. of Goa
Brief Introduction
With the primary objective of developing human-resource capable of performing world-class research that will lead to develop the State to a Knowledge-based society, Govt. of Goa, through Goa State Research Foundation Act 2022, established the Goa State Research Foundation (GSRF). GSRF was established on the lines of proposed National Research Foundation at the national level. Established by a Legislative Act of GSRF aims to promote research at all levels and across the disciplines, especially inter- and multidisciplinary research by providing training, funding and facilities. As per our knowledge, Goa is the first State to establish such a body to promote research in all fields and act as a liaison among academics, industry, Government and society.
Scale
State Level
Timeline
The Goa State Research Foundation was established on 17th October 2022
Status
While establishing GSRF fully is in progress, several initiatives are already in progress.
Objectives
With the broader aim of developing Goa as a Knowledge Hub, following The bros objectives are defined among the 23 objectives of GSRF
To develop critical thinking, provide training and opportunities to students and teachers at all levels and involve them in research.
To create facilities and provide funding for research.
To bring Academics, Industry, Government and Society together and act as a liaison to provide data to the Government to formulate policies.
Components
Various schemes will be promoted in a phase-wise manner. Right now, the following schemes are being formulated
  • Doctoral Fellowship Scheme
  • Post-Doctoral Fellowship Scheme
  • Start-up Research
  • Minor Research Project
  • Major Research project
  • Summer/Winter Schools for School/College Students
Hands-on training for the non-PhD faculty members of the HEIs
Research proposal writing workshops
Establishing Research Park
Target segment
From School to University students
School teachers to University faculty members
Government Departments and Industries in cooperative mode
Society as a partner in Research initiatives.
How it has been/will be achieved:
Meeting the stakeholders for suggestions and defining the priorities in establishing facilities and formulating schemes. Already 29 meetings with the faculty of HEIs (Goa University and its affiliated colleges) were held.
The process of identifying a suitable place for establishing a Research Park, including a Central Instrumentation Facility (CIF) and incubators, is on.
Draft schemes for funding are pending approval.
Impact and Outcome
Stakeholder suggestions through a series of meetings have been converted into draft schemes.
Hands-on training for non-PhD faculty members conducting research and guiding projects is scheduled for June 2023.
Key takeaways
Closely working with stakeholders through open discussions helped in
  • Formulating various schemes
  • Identifying areas wherein training is required.
Challenges/Obstacles
Non-availability of time at colleges to take field-oriented/community-oriented work.
Restricted access to Research literature.
Unreliable network

Implementing Body
Directorate of Higher Education, Govt. of Goa
Brief intro/ Programme Description
Goa State Higher Education Council in the Directorate of Higher Education conducted a comprehensive and statewide faculty orientation programme focused on outcome-based education. Outcome Based Education (OBE) is a flexible, empowerment-oriented approach to learning which aims to equip learners with the knowledge, competence, and orientation needed for success after graduating from the institutions. Hence, OBE is a powerful education strategy based on Bloom’s Taxonomy designed to achieve higher-order thinking. Approximately 1650 faculty from 33 colleges and Goa University were trained in OBE.
Scale
State Level
Timeline
Faculty orientation programme on outcome-based education at General colleges and Goa University was launched from February 2022 and completed the phase I training in December 2022
Programme Status
A total of 1650 faculty from 33 colleges in general education and Goa University were trained in OBE. In the phase II Faculty from institutions like Agriculture, Medicine and others colleges will be trained.
Need for Initiative/Objective
With the existing teaching & evaluation pattern, it is difficult to calculate student & programme attainment. Through this unique initiative we aim to achieve the following objectives:
Provide high quality education in line with the NEP 2020 recommendation.
Student Centric learning
Programme, Course and individual student course attainment.
Improvement in NAAC accreditation in Institutions.
Components of the Scheme
OBE is a powerful education strategy based on Bloom’s Taxonomy designed to achieve higher-order thinking. The following modules/concepts were covered during the faculty development programme:
Importance of Multiple Intelligence in classroom teaching.
Use of Bloom’s Taxonomy in classroom course sessions and formation of Program outcome (PO), Program Specific Outcome (PSO), Course Outcome (CO) and learning courses (LO).
Formatting of POs, PSOs, COs and assignment matrix
Generation of Rubrics for class & Lab assignments.
Methodology using Continuous Assessments using OBE processes.
Student, Course and Program Attainment.
Target Segment
UG and PG students in various programs in Goa University and all affiliated colleges
How it was achieved
It was achieved in a very systematic phased manner by first contacting all 33 colleges through their Teaching, learning and Educational Technology Cell coordinator and fixed a day for the faculty development workshop at their individual colleges.
The resource person visited each individual institution and delivered the six hour session to all the faculty of the institution covering all the modules.
The departments from each institution were given a months time to create and format their POs, PSOs and COs for planning their course sessions.
The resource person visited the college again for a follow up sessions.
Centralized software is underway to record and compute the measurable PO and CO attainment for each of the courses from all institutions.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Monitored by Goa State Higher Education Council and Directorate of Higher Education, Govt.of Goa
Impact and Outcome
The POs, PSOs and COs with their assignment matrix are completed from all
Use of Bloom’s Taxonomy in classroom course sessions for higher order thinking in line of NEP 2020.
Use of Rubrics for class & Lab assignments have been started.
Use of the OBE methodology for improvement in NAAC accreditation in Institutions.
Key takeaways:
Completing formation of POs, PSOs and COs with their assignment matrix, rubrics and assessment patterns for Internal sessional tests.
Within six months, 100% faculty from general education and Goa University are trained in OBE making it a very ssuccessful initiative in line with the objective of NEP 2020 giving access to quality education across the State of Goa.
Challenges & Obstacles
Monitoring the introduction of use of OBE methodology in the classroom.
Computing and comparing the student PO and CO assignment & attainment from all institutions across Goa for a period of 5 years.

Implementing Body
Directorate of Higher Education, Govt. of Goa
Brief intro/ Programme Description
The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) is an autonomous body established by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in 1994 to assess and accredit higher education institutions in India. The NAAC evaluates colleges and universities based on a set of predetermined criteria and assigns them a grade based on their performance. The accreditation process is aimed at promoting and maintaining high standards of quality in higher education institutions. The NAAC has also developed a set of best practices to be followed by institutions to improve their quality and standards. Various government bodies, funding agencies, and other organizations recognize the accreditation by NAAC.
Scale
State Level
Timeline
HEIs have been participating in the A & A Process of NAAC since its inception. Many of our Colleges have completed fourth cycle of assessment. The state of Goa strategies to achieve 100% A & A of HEIs of General Education, Technical Education and Medical Colleges by the academic year 2025-26
Programme Status
Ongoing
Need for Initiative/Objective
Quality assurance: NAAC helps to ensure the quality of education provided by higher education institutions in India. It evaluates the institutions based on a set of predetermined criteria and assigns them a grade based on their performance. This helps to promote and maintain high standards of quality in higher education.
Accountability: NAAC makes institutions accountable for their performance. The accreditation process provides an external validation of the institution's quality and helps to identify areas for improvement.
Funding: Accreditation by NAAC is recognized by various government bodies, funding agencies, and other organizations. Accredited institutions are more likely to receive funding for research, infrastructure development, and other activities.
Student benefits: Accreditation by NAAC helps students to make informed choices about the institutions they wish to attend. It provides them with information about the quality of education provided by an institution.
Global recognition: Accreditation by NAAC enhances the reputation of institutions and helps to attract international students and faculty. It also helps to build collaborations with international institutions.
Components of the Scheme
Pre-assessment: The institution submits Institutional Information for Quality Assessment (IIQA) to NAAC expressing its willingness to undergo accreditation. The pre-assessment process involves a preliminary evaluation of the institution's readiness for accreditation.
Self-study report: The institution prepares a Self-Study Report (SSR) based on a set of criteria provided by NAAC. The SSR provides a comprehensive account of the institution's performance and achievements.
Peer team visit: NAAC constitutes a Peer Team to visit the institution and assess its performance based on the SSR and other relevant documents. The Peer Team comprises experts from different fields and is responsible for providing an objective evaluation of the institution's performance.
Accreditation: Based on the assessment by the Peer Team, NAAC assigns a grade to the institution ranging from A++ to D. The accreditation is valid for a period of five years, after which the institution needs to undergo the accreditation process again.
Post-accreditation: NAAC provides the institution with a feedback report based on the assessment. The institution is expected to take necessary measures to address the feedback and improve its performance.
Target Segment
All affiliated Colleges to Goa University
How it was achieved
Handholding Programmes in association with NAAC, Bangalore
Conducting Workshops by in-house faculty for individual Colleges
Reimbursement of NAAC fees
Monitoring and Evaluation
Monitored by Directorate of Higher Education, Govt. of Goa
Impact and Outcome
62 Colleges are affiliated to Goa University
41 Colleges are under the Directorate of Higher Education
5 Colleges are under the Directorate of Technical Education
6 Colleges are under the Directorate of Health Services
28 Colleges are non-assessed by NAAC
4 Colleges are not eligible for NAAC Assessment
26 Colleges are Assessed by NAAC
Percentage of A+ Grade Colleges - 54%
Percentage of A Grade Colleges - 50%
Percentage of B++ Grade Colleges - 3.85%
Percentage of B+ Grade Colleges - 15.38%
Percentage of B Grade Colleges - 19.23%
Percentage of Colleges with grade C or less - NIL
Key takeaways
Quality improvement: NAAC accreditation helps colleges to identify their strengths and weaknesses and provides suggestions for improvement. This can lead to an improvement in the quality of education provided by the college.
Recognition: Accreditation by NAAC is recognized by various government bodies, funding agencies, and other organizations. Accredited colleges are more likely to receive funding for research, infrastructure development, and other activities.
Increased enrolment: Accreditation by NAAC enhances the reputation of colleges and helps to attract more students. Students and their parents are more likely to choose accredited colleges as they provide assurance of quality education.
Improved employability: Accreditation by NAAC helps to improve the employability of students. Employers are more likely to hire graduates from accredited colleges as they have received quality education.
Collaboration: Accreditation by NAAC helps to build collaborations with other institutions, both nationally and internationally. This can lead to exchange programs, joint research, and other collaborative activities.
Challenges & Obstacles
Resource requirements: The NAAC accreditation process requires significant resources such as time, personnel, and finances. Colleges may face challenges in meeting these requirements, especially smaller institutions with limited resources.
Lack of awareness: Some colleges may not be aware of the benefits of NAAC accreditation and may not have the necessary knowledge or expertise to undergo the accreditation process.
Resistance to change: The NAAC accreditation process may require colleges to make changes to their existing systems and practices. This can be challenging for some institutions that are resistant to change.
Subjectivity: The NAAC accreditation process involves a subjective assessment by the Peer Team. The assessment may not always be objective and may vary depending on the expertise and experience of the Peer Team members.
Demanding criteria: The NAAC accreditation criteria are comprehensive and demanding. Meeting all the criteria can be challenging for some colleges, especially those that are new or have limited resources.

Implementing Body
Directorate of Higher Education, Govt. of Goa
Brief intro/ Programme Description
Higher education, while it provides a lot of opportunities for social interaction and holistic development, students sometimes face challenges and issues in academic environment. Such issues, often go unnoticed in the absence of professional counsellors. Keeping this in mind, the Directorate of Higher Education has ensured that every higher education institution in Goa is provided with a qualified and skilled counsellor who can create awareness among both students and teachers for being mentally healthy and making it a priority. Regular trainings are also given to the counsellors to keep them up to date, and share their experiences with other Counsellors as well.
Scale
State
Timeline
2019
Programme Status
Ongoing
Need for Initiative/Objective
Adolescence is seen as a phase of transition and many individuals are in higher education system during this phase of life. College students may face multiple difficulties ranging from adjustment issues, harassment, academic related problem, addictions, relationship difficulties to name a few. To address these issues, Govt. of Goa has appointed Counsillors in HEIs with an aim to achieve the following objectives
To create an understanding and awareness about the need and urgency of counselling services among youth.
To allow adolescents to reach out to professionals such that they can be guided to reach a goal that is perceived the best for them.
To provide free counselling services to students and faculty in the system, such that there are no barriers and mental health thus becomes a priority.
To break stigmas related to mental health and counselling.
Components of the Scheme
The Directorate of Higher Education conducts interviews each academic year to hire counsellors in various colleges, depending upon the strength of students in the college.
Counsellors once appointed, are given a one-year contract and are placed in a particular college for the entire academic year.
Colleges having a higher number of students generally have 2 counsellors where preferably there is one male and another female counselor appointed.
Principals of the various colleges have to ensure that the college provides the counselor with a separate, designated room which is of convenience, such that students/teachers can reach out without the fear of being judged.
Counsellors may also give awareness sessions in classes such that stigmas relating to visiting a counselor may be broken.
Counsellors must provide a non-judgmental and bias free atmosphere for the students and keep matters highly confidential.
Target Segment
Students/teachers in various institutes running graduation/post-graduation degrees or cluster research centers.
How it was achieved
It was achieved in a phased manner where in the initial year’s counselors were put on rotation, such that there were specific days in a week when the counselor would visit a particular institution.
As the initiative gained momentum and it became obvious that having counsellors for youth is an essential, there were attempts made to have a specific counsellor/s at an institution for the entire academic year.
The benefit of this is that students warm up to the counsellor after a few initial meets and they rely on them in such a manner that they would like to visit them as and when they feel and not just on certain days appointed.
Counsellors too are benefitted as they can concentrate on one single institute and device measures that would be useful for students from that particular institute. Depending on where institutes are located (rural, urban, semi-rural) the needs of students differ, recognizing this becomes of utmost value.
Thus, interviews were conducted to appoint counsellors of contractual basis for the academic year, where experts made sure only the best were selected depending upon their qualification, prior experience and skills.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Monitored by the Head of the institution and if required the Directorate of Higher Education intervenes.
Impact and Outcome
The students are aware that they have professional help if needed on their campus, free of cost.
Students are better able to deal with challenges when they seek assistance from counselors
Teachers at times refer cases to counselors in case of severe problems, however the counselors cannot coerce students to visit them
Awareness sessions by the counsellors helps students understand that they are not alone and many others may face similar issues.
Career guidance provided by counsellors help students understand their true potential and thus they act appropriately.
Few teachers also seek support of counsellors as and when needed.
Parents of students visit counsellors if any problem behaviour arises.
Students lead holistic lives where there is social, spiritual, physical and psychological growth.
Key takeaways
In our every changing world, the difficulties faced by people are immense. The youth who are already at a phase of transformation may face challenges unique to their age. Generation gaps may prevent the youth to talk or reach out to parents or teachers.
Therefore, there arises a need for a third party who is non-judgmental, bias free and has unconditional positive regard, when then allows the youth to look at things from another perspective.
Counsellors provide such a space for the students where they feel safe and valued. They help them understand their goals and see different perspectives until they realise their own potential and aim for the maximum.
Hence, having counselors in higher education institutes has allowed youth to become more confident, reflective and will help mold individuals who will turn out to be responsible citizens of tomorrow.
Challenges & Obstacles
Counsellors in the higher education system need a supervisor whom they can reach out to in times where they feel cases are beyond their control.
Counsellors need tie ups with psychiatrists whom they can send students to as and when needed. In such cases, fee should be minimal.
Regular trainings are needed to equip counsellors further.
Teachers too need awareness on how counselling can be beneficial to lead a wholesome life.

    Implementing Body
    Directorate of Higher Education, Govt. of Goa

Brief intro/ Programme Description: Motivated, Energized and Capable Faculty” is one of the main pillars of NEP2020. Therefore, developing such faculty in all HEIs is paramount in improving the quality of higher education. Keeping this mind, Govt. of Goa, has initiated this "Faculty Enrichment Internship Program", where faculty from various HEIs do internships at different institutions of national eminence including Its, IIMs, etc. The overall objective of this initiative is to develop effective teaching pedagogies, enhance and build research collaborations, and replicate this culture of top institutes in the world in HEIs in Goa.

    Scale: State Level 
    Timeline
    The program has begun in August 2022. where faculty from various HEIs Interned at IIT Goa, for an entire semester.
    Programme Status
    Two batches of FEIP have completed their internships at IIT Goa. The next batch will resume in August 2023. After the success of the two batches, the MOU signing with IIT Goa is scheduled to be completed in shortly. Also, to expand the coverage, two steps have been taken
  1. In the pilot phase of this project, faculty from only computer science and mathematics disciplines were deputed for internship. From now onwards, faculty from other disciplines are also being sent.
  2. Similar Faculty Internships at other institutions and industries are being arranged. 
    Need for Initiative/Objective
    • To develop effective teaching pedagogies by practicing / observing the practices followed in the top institutions in India and abroad.
    •  To enhance and build research collaborations by being part of ongoing research projects in the host institute.
    • To replicate the teaching, learning, and research culture followed in these institutes of eminence in HEIs in Goa.
    • To build a strong, well informed and enthusiastic workforce that can provide the best learning environments for the students.
    Components of the Scheme
    • Selection of faculty with no or minimal research experience.
    • Faculty spend six months full time at the deputed institute.
    • Each faculty is allotted a mentor faculty from the host institute based on the discipline.
    • The intern faculty will carry out different tasks related to the discipline like helping the mentor faculty in delivering classroom content, assessment evaluations, and other aspects of teaching-learning. Intern faculty are also required to be part of all research related activities carried out by the mentor faculty.

 

    Target Segment
    Faculty in government and aided colleges across the State of Goa
    How it was achieved
    • In the first phase, Directorate of Higher Education approached IIT Goa as the host institute of eminence in Goa to start the program on pilot basis.
    • One faculty from the host institute is selected as the Coordinator for the said program.
    • In the first semester of academic year 2022-23, four faculty from computer science discipline of 4 Government and aided colleges were identified for the internship.
    • These faculty were placed at IIT Goa for a semester where they underwent FEIP internship.
    • These faculty were expected to perform the following task during this internship
  • Managing the tutorials, course related labs 
  • To conduct extra support to weak students 
  • To conduct extra classes on the topics where students are facing difficulties.
  • To assist the mentor faculty in making learning materials, assignments, answer keys and rubric for grading. 
  • To assist the mentor faculty in preparing exam question papers/ Lab exam practical questions and conducting Quizzes, Mid Sem Exam, Final Exams 
  • To assist the faculty in final semester grading, paper checking.
  • To mentor and guide students in class-course projects. 
  • During the internship period, the faculty intern should give a couple of seminars on a research topic assigned by the IIT Goa faculty mentor 
  • Reflect upon and document effective pedagogy for teaching the concepts in the classroom/lab.

o In the second phase, five more faculty from five different HEIs started internship at IIT Goa in the second semester of academic year 2022-23. 

    Monitoring and Evaluation
    • Monitored by the Directorate of Higher Education, Govt. of Goa with frequent meetings with the intern faculty and the coordinator 
    • Evaluated by Host Institute through a report submitted by mentor faculty.
    • The intern faculty are supposed to submit a report at the end of the internship once they join their college back.
    Impact and Outcome
  • Energized and motivated faculty 
  • Faculty are exposed to the latest research projects and ideas. which helps faculty to develop new research objectives and build collaborations
  • Faculty are exposed to new teaching pedagogies and work culture being implemented. 
  • Use of the techniques, methods and strategies learnt by the intern faculty in their colleges brings in positive changes the learning environments due to which the students are benefitted.
    Key takeaways

o Unique initiative to enhance the skill set of faculty in teaching and research

o Faculty can collaborate on on-going research projects of the host institute

    Challenges & Obstacles
    • Brining the institutes of eminence onboard as it needs a six month commitment from the mentors to host the intern faculty.

Identifying the faculty who will undergo the FEIP program.

Implementing Body
Directorate of Higher Education, Govt. of Goa
Brief intro/ Programme Description

Integrating technology and effective pedagogies into teaching-learning process, and introducing research & innovation in higher education are the key aspects of NEP 2020.

Keeping this in mind, the Directorate of Higher Education, Govt. of Goa, has established Teaching Learning & Education Technology cells and Research & Development Cells (RDC) in all HEIs (including general education, engineering, medical and other technical programmes) in the State of Goa. Educational technology and information communication technologies (ICTs) has the capability to reach out to every nook and corner of the country and bridge the digital divide by providing teaching, learning, and assessment at large scale and fastest speed. On the other hand, establishment of R&D Cells in all HEIs will enable to develop research culture in HEIs and is expected to play a fundamental role in catalyzing multidisciplinary/ transdisciplinary research for the benefit of society.

Scale
State level
Timeline:
Since 2020
Programme Status
Teaching, Learning & Education Technology (TLET) Cells and R&D Cell (RDC) are established in 100% HEIs affiliated to Goa University, the only affiliating university in the State.
Need for Initiative/Objective
Establishment of TLET:
  • To develop and enhance the capacities of teaching faculty of Higher Educational Institutes through effective use of educational technology.
  • To create frameworks for improving effectiveness of teaching and the digital competency
  • To promote use of ICT for effective teaching, improving teaching-learning and evaluation processes, supporting teacher preparation and professional development, enhancing educational access, and streamlining educational planning, management, and administration including processes related to admission, attendance, assessment, etc.
  • Support the faculty to review, approve, improve and update syllabi to making teaching and learning effective.
  • To identify the training needs of teachers in TLE and organize regular workshops/seminars to faculties of Higher Educational Institutes in Goa
Establishment of RDC
  • To create conducive environment in colleges & universities for knowledge generation through improved research facilities.
  • To nurture the culture of quality research by adhering to ethical practices at HEIs.
  • To develop a research ecosystem for reliable, impactful, and sustained research output for the stakeholders, industrial & societal benefits and the public at large.
  • To create an organizational structure with role-based functions of RDC, formulate research policy for the HEIs, identify thrust areas of research, and to form related cluster groups/frontline teams of researchers.
  • To promote collaborative activities in the field of learning and research and to identify potential collaborators from industry, research organizations, academic institutions.
  • To provide training to faculty and students to undertake research problems in line with the latest advances in all the disciplines at HEIs.
Components of the Cells
TLET
  • The Director of TLET and nominated members among the existing faculties ensure smooth conduct of the educational technology-based activities in HEIs.
  • Promoting appropriate online teaching-learning platforms.
  • Creating e-Contents, digital repositories and their reliable dissemination.
  • Extensive use of online exams and assessments including on 21st Century skills,
  • Emphasizing the importance of blended learning and training of teachers for their digital literacy
RDC
  • The Director of RDC and nominated members among the existing faculties with research credentials ensure smooth conduct of the research-based activities in HEI.
  • Promotion of research through proper guidance by organizing events like training on research methodology, research techniques, specific research theme-based workshops and research internships for students, scholars, and faculties to participate actively in the process of ideation and innovative research in emerging areas.
  • Creation of Research Information Management System (RIMS) for the benefit of faculty, students, industry and other stakeholders. The cell involved in collection and management of research-oriented information, databases, publications, research projects, fellowships, collaborations, patents, thrust areas, innovations etc. of their institution.
  • Training researchers to maintain research integrity and publication ethics such as standard plagiarism check, publication in quality journals etc.
Target Segment
College and University faculty; UG, PG and PhD students in various programs in Goa University and affiliated colleges
How it was achieved
  • It was achieved in a phase-wise manner by establishing RDC/TLET first at Six Government colleges of Goa in 2020.
  • In 2021, RDC/TLET were established at remaining 32 aided colleges under the purview of the Directorate of Higher Education.
  • In 2022, RDC/TLET were established at remaining all HEIs including medicine, technical and professional colleges affiliated to Goa University. Overall, all HEIs in Goa has established both the cell to develop research culture and use of technology at their institution.
  • Faculty Development Programme related to research training, grant writing, teaching pedagogy, ICT tools were conducted for faculty of all HEIs in Goa.
  • Hands-on training program cum workshops were conducted for Librarians on “Guide to identify Fake/Predatory/Cloned Journals in Academics”. In the follow-up activity, Librarians were asked to provide similar training to all faculty in their HEIs. These initiatives help to understand research integrity and publication ethics.
  • All Faculty of HEIs in Goa were asked to create their academic research profile and Researcher ID using Scopus, Web of Science, google scholar etc.
  • Provided intensive training on Out-come based education, academic management system and use of ICT in blended learning.
  • Conducted workshops on creating MOOC courses
Monitoring and Evaluation
All the activities of RDC and TLET are monitored by two centers of RDI and TLET of Goa State Higher Education Council, Directorate of Higher Education, Govt. of Goa. Annual progress reports are evaluated to guide both the cells of colleges. Moreover, RDC and TLET of HEIs monitor and oversee research progress, coordinate program, manage and facilitate optimizing resources, timely review of research activities for completion of the projects as per schedule.
Impact and Outcome
TLET
  • Total 61 RDC centers at HEIs in Goa
  • Establishment of Language laboratory and economics laboratories at few colleges in first phase.
  • Creation of Smart digital infrastructure and smart classrooms in colleges.
  • Construction of video recording facility for MOOC courses and 2 MOOC will be hosted by SWAYAM/NPTEL platform.
  • Facilitate the use of Integrated Academic Management Systems (IAMS) by all HEIs in Goa.
RDC
  • Research Profile ID of all faculty
  • Total 61 RDC centers at HEIs in Goa
  • Improvement in quality of research publications in quality journals.
  • Increase in number of grant application to centrally sponsored projects.
  • Improvement in quality of final year project of students at UG and PG level.
  • Use of research as teaching pedagogy.
  • Improvement in NAAC accreditation and ranking.
Key takeaways
  • Providing research training for UG faculty which helped in improving quality of research work and research publications.
Challenges & Obstacles
  • Providing centralized instrumentation facility for researchers and also research space for science discipline in particular in colleges.
  • Access to literature search engines, databases and journals etc.
  •  Trans-disciplinary research in particularly collaboration with Medicine, Pharmacy and engineering institutes.
  • To attract research funding from Industry oriented research projects.

Implementing Body
Directorate of Higher Education, Govt. of Goa
Brief intro/ Programme Description
The Directorate of Higher Education (DHE), Government of Goa, initiated the project to streamline academic activities of all HEIs in Goa by providing a centralized, electronic platform “Integrated Academic Information Management System (IAIMS)”, by integrating all activities and processes in one complete framework.
Scale
All Higher Education Institutes in Goa
Timeline
IAIMS was launched in July 2020.
Programme Status
Currently, 100% of HEIs under Directorate of Higher Education are onboard IAIMS. Remaining HEIs of technical/engineering disciplines, and Goa University will be brought on to this platform during 2023-24.
Need for Initiative/Objective
  • The IAIMS project automates all academic activities of colleges and provides the necessary information required to manage an institution effectively.
  • It provides provision for gathering, processing and analyzing information centrally and also manages the colleges strategic goals and direction.
Components of the Scheme
IAIMS currently has 35 modules from online admission to Library module.

  • Online Admission

    Online admission of 38 colleges, from submission of application, to selection, to the payment of fees. One of the greatest advantages of the online application system is that applicants can choose to submit their applications for multiple colleges or multiple courses free of cost.

  • Student Module

    It comprises of student’s Personal details, family (Guardian) details, contact details, Course Enrollment, Class attendance and scholarship.

  • Course Management

    Faculties keeps the digital records of daily lecture diary.

  • Cashless Campus

    Students/Parents can make your institute fees payment through Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, UPI etc. Track easily the fee collection, fee dues through dashboard.

  • Examination module

    This processes all the Semester End Assessment and Final grade sheet Generation.

  • Finance Module

    This menages a common book of accounts and pattern of assistance in a Common accounts software for all the colleges.

  • Library Module

    A centralized Koha Library Software is installed to maintain the library records of all colleges under one framework. It has common catalogue book records of all the colleges. Faculties and Students from any colleges can have access to any books available in any other college Library.
Target Segment
All Higher Education Institutes in Goa.
How it was achieved
  • The system was procured from M/s. Campus EAI India Pvt. Ltd., a company having its registered office in Delhi, vide Work Order No. ACAD-II/IAIMS/29/DHE/2019/1487 dated 30/06/2020. The DHE approved an initial three-year contract with the company, kicking off in the academic year 2020-2021.
  • The Officials from DHE in association with the M/s. Campus EAI India Pvt. Ltd conducted various meetings for data requirements and gathering of the academic processes from HEIs.
  • Several online and offline trainings were conducted to train the faculty and staff members of the colleges.
  • DHE has a dedicated team to monitor the implementation and execution of the IAIMS project across the HEIs in Goa.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Directorate of Higher Education, Govt. of Goa
Impact and Outcome
  • Online admissions were held in all HEIs under administrative purview of DHE Goa for the academic year 2020-21,2021-22,2022-23.
  • Every year more than 14 thousand applications are processed.
  • All students pay the fees in the digital mode through the payment gateway of IAIMS.
  • All e-prospectus of the HEIs and made freely available to the students on DHE’s portal.
  • Detailed research profiles of all faculty are available on the portal.
  • Students can monitor the class attendance on the portal in real time
  • Around 27000 students have access to academic course content made available through Moodle platform.
  • All colleges have processed their examination grade sheets as per the statute of Goa University for the academic year 2021-22, and 2022-23 and have also issued to the students.
  • This manages a common book of accounts and pattern of assistance in a Common account software for all the colleges. This helps the accounts department of DHE to monitor the accounting transactions on one dashboard.
  • The Library Management Koha software encapsulates all the library activities as required for a comprehensive library software.
Key takeaways
  • The IAIMS portal can store large amounts of data and information, making it easy for educators to access and analyze the data. This helps in keeping track of student performance, teacher performance, and overall educational performance. The data can be used to make informed decisions about the future of the institution, such as resource allocation and curriculum development.
  • The system is used to track student performance, store academic records, manage finances, and monitor teacher performance. This data can be used to hold educators and institutions accountable for their actions and to ensure that they are providing a quality education to their students.
  • The system is used to improve communication between educators, students, and parents. The system can be used to send out notifications, updates, and reminders, which can help to keep everyone informed and up-to-date.
Challenges & Obstacles
  • Need for a much larger technical team to create, maintain, and analyse the data for key policy decisions.

  • Implementing Body: Directorate of Higher Education (DHE), Govt. of Goa
  • Brief intro/ Programme Description: National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recommends increase in Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in higher education in India to 50% by 2035 and emphasizes on access to quality education for all. In view of the same, MANDAVI is an initiative of DHE for development of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC)s to provide high quality courses to thousands and millions of learners across the globe. MOOC is a mode of learning where students can virtually attend digital higher education courses, which are developed and taught by the eminent subject experts.

With an intent to facilitate seamless integration of MOOCs into the academic structure of higher education, DHE has launched MANDAVI program for mentoring, training and supporting faculty from higher education institutions of Goa towards design and development of the MOOC content. The unique characteristic of this model is to carry out the production-based training and recording of video content of the course with the creative directors and experts from the film industry to produce high-quality educational content. Eminent scientists and practitioners from research institutions and industries have been involved at various stages of the MOOC development process. 

The MOOC courses currently under development at DHE are based on University Grants Commission (UGC) curriculum and Choice based Credit System (CBCS) and is proposed to be offered in credit transfer mode on the Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds (SWAYAM) platform managed by Consortium for Educational Communication (CEC), the national coordinator designated by Ministry of Education (MoE).

  • Scale: State Level
  • Timeline: On September 2022, Directorate of Higher Education launched the “MANDAVI” (Mentoring and Nurturing Digital and Virtual Initiatives) flagship program. On this occasion, the DHE and Consortium for Educational Communication (CEC, New Delhi) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
  • Programme Status: Ongoing (Development of MOOC in Geology is in progress)

The development of following MOOCs is complete:

  1. Analytical Chemistry titled ‘Advances in Instrumentation and Chemical Data Analysis’
  2. Music titled ‘Enhancement of Vocal Skills’
  3. DHE handed over these two MOOCs to CEC, New Delhi. 
  • Need for Initiative/Objective:
  • University Grants Commission (UGC) regulation on 25th March 2021 stated that Universities/ Higher Education Institutions (HEI) are to allow 40% of the total courses in a particular degree programme in a semester, through online credit courses through MOOCs. A credit MOOC can be opted by a student who is enrolled in any educational institution across the globe.
  • In view of the above, DHE, Goa through MANDAVI program has modelled the process of constructing MOOCs in phased manner with each MOOC addressing all aspects pertaining to creation, development and delivery of complete MOOC course. The subsequent hosting of the MOOC courses will be done on SWAYAM. With the collaboration with the national coordinator CEC, India, the MOOCs developed at the DHE-Goa, will be scalable to cater credit courses to large number of learners at national/international level.
  • Components of the Scheme:
  • The MANDAVI program of DHE has established the framework and has created facility for MOOC design and development to built an ecosystem for 360 degree in- house design and development of MOOCs.
  • The MANDAVI program implementation is done by parallel development of multiple MOOCs from various disciplines in higher education.
  • MOOCs are developed in accordance with four quadrant SWAYAM model and CEC guidelines.
  • For the production of the video content, unlike the traditional MOOC recording, MANDAVI has established a unique workshop support system where academic experts, film directors, animators, editors and cameramen are brought onto a single platform and film style recording is done by writing audio visual scripts.
  • The Teaching Learning Strategy has been focussed on generating learner centric content by performing through need analysis and following outcome based education (OBE) model based on blooms taxonomy.
  • The MOOC courses developed are subsequently submitted to CEC for subsequent review and hosting on the SWAYAM platform.
  • Target Segment: UG and PG students from various higher education disciplines / learners from anywhere in India and across the globe can enroll in MOOCs on SWAYAM platform. As per the UGC guideline, the credits earned from such MOOCs may be transferred for fulfilling degree requirements of colleges and universities, anywhere in India.

 

  • How it was achieved:
  • It was achieved in a phased manner by developing multiple MOOCs in parallel fashion.
  • DHE invites proposals from HEI’s for creation of novel and high quality MOOC’s based on UGC curriculum and CBCS system. The Expression of Interest (EOI) is formulated based on CEC and SWAYAM guidelines and is floated to all HEI’s in Goa and Goa University functioning under the purview of DHE.
  • The response to the EOI is invited by submission of synopsis and based on the review from experts courses are selected for development.
  • Faculty is deputed full time at DHE for training and dedicated development of the MOOC course.
  • The SWAYAM prescribed four-quadrant format for MOOCs has been adopted in developing the MOOC.
  • The MOOC development goes through pre-production, production and post –production stages.
  • The MOOC development follows modular approach. The content modularization is done by distribution of modules per faculty based on their expertise & experience.
  • Currently, temporary video-recording studios have been setup for recording purpose.
  • The MOOCs are entirely developed in-house by the MOOC team at DHE. The production-based workshop is conducted in production stage of MOOC development by associating each MOOC course with creative director from the film industry. The creative directors are involved on remuneration basis.
  • As per the demand of the content, DHE facilitates interaction of MOOC team with industry.
  • Notes aligned to video content, glossary, transcript variety of practice questions and assignments, case studies with data from research articles is done.
  • At each stage of quadrant 2 to quadrant 4 data alignment of outcomes to objectives is done by Peer review of quadrant data, Systematic review of all four quadrants of MOOC with the help of reviewers and alignment templates ensures that the outcomes of the MOOC are aligned to the planned objectives.
  • The MOOCs thus getting generated from this life cycle get finally ready for onward submission to CEC for further review and subsequent hosting on SWAYAM platform.
  • MOOCs thus become globally available to the learners.
  • Monitoring and Evaluation: Directorate of Higher Education, Govt. of Goa
  • Impact and Outcome:
  • Currently phase-1 is in progress where DHE has shortlisted 5 courses for MOOC development which includes Music, Analytical Chemistry, Geology, Microbiology and Biochemistry. Course development for a UG course in Music and PG course in Analytical Chemistry is complete whereas Geology is in development. Course e-content writing based on SWAYAM 4-quadrant model is complete and recording has been scheduled from 10th May 2023.
  • With an objective of continuous development of MOOCs, MANDAVI is an initiative devised to decipher ways in which 360 degree MOOC development can be facilitated in-house in order to increase global access to quality education.
  • To provide MOOCs of professional production quality creative directors from film industry are necessarily involved in production of MOOC content of
  • Key takeaways:
  • In the view of NEP 2020, MANDAVI targets to provide high quality courses to thousands and millions of learners across the globe.
  • To establish a self -reliant ecosystem generating pipeline of MOOCs in phased manner with each phase having parallel development of multiple MOOCs from various disciplines in higher education in Goa.
  • Challenges & Obstacles:
    • Large amounts of similar courses for saturated areas may lead to a paradox of choice.

  • Implementing Body: Directorate of Higher Education (DHE), Govt. of Goa
  • Brief intro/ Programme Description: Skill development and providing employment opportunities is one of the objectives under new National Education Policy (NEP 2020). This requires strengthening of Industry – Institute Interactions. For continuing collaboration with the Industry to skill and train students from all Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) and to prepare students to be Industry ready, a central Training Internship and Placement (TIP) cell for all HEIs is installed by GSHEC. The TIP cell is focused on strengthening the industry - institute interactions. Besides providing students placements, the cell will offer students the required soft skills and skill enhancement training to help them become successful in the interviews. GSHEC signed MoUs with Skilling organizations including Newton School, Beunlu Pvt Ltd (Mugafi), Navgurukul Foundation for social welfare and ENTRI.
  • Scale:Level
  • Timeline: September 2022 (on Going)
  • Programme Status: Conducted launch events for ‘Creators Connect’ for Up skilling creative learning.
  • Need for Initiative/Objective:

The objective is to provide extensive training to students aspiring to become writers and musicians across the State of Goa by giving them the opportunity to learn from the best-in- industry mentors and teachers across the Media & Entertainment industry and eventually to create content Intellectual Property (IP) which can be further monetised across different mediums.

  • Components of the Scheme:

 The central Cell of TIP, GSHEC provides all requisite support and assistance to Unlu (MUGAFI). TIP will identify students for training from various Higher Education Institutions for training in acting, writing, music, and other mutually identified domains every year and share the details of such identified candidates with Unlu. The Unlu (Mugafi) team will execute the strategic 4-step execution plan consisting of Unlu-Sponsored Bootcamp, Unluclass, Unlu Creator Fellowship and finally withe Unlu Marketplace.

  • Target Segment: UG and PG students in various programs in Goa University and all HEIs in the State of Goa.
  • How it was achieved: 

Unlu provides unparallel learning and career development through a strategic 4- step execution plan to the selected students from various Higher Education institutions across Goa every year. The strategic 4-step execution plan shall be carried out in the following manner:

Step 1 - Unlu-Sponsored Bootcamp:

Unlu provides 4-weeks of learning access to world-class faculties across acting, writing, music, and other mutually identified domains for free for the students across the State of Goa.

Step 2 - Unluclass:

Students shall be given an opportunity to work on assignments as per their genre of choice across music, writing, and filmmaking. Based on the assignment submissions, Unlu shall extend the opportunity to 250 students every month to get access to live mentoring and creator community with constant feedback to create their IPs.

Step 3: Unlu Creator Fellowship:

Unlu Creator Fellowship shall enable students to be part of Creator’s network and monetize their songs and scripts. Unlu shall also provide opportunities for film creation to top student scriptwriters from Goa, where the filming process and distribution shall be done with the help of production houses like Excel Entertainment, BSL, Dharma, and so on.

Step 4: Unlu Marketplace:

Unlu shall facilitate work opportunities for the fellows completing the fellowship program by creating music, scripts, screenplays, audio stories, and ads from the film Industry and generate revenue per IP.

  • Monitoring and Evaluation: Monitored by Goa State Higher Education Council and Directorate of Higher Education, Govt. of Goa
  • Impact and Outcome:

A launch event was organized titled “Creators Connect” to mobilize students and prepare them for the creative connect boot camps. Renowned artists from the Indian film industry were eminent speakers at the event. A total of 350 students from 40 general & professional HEIs across the State of Goa participated the program.

  • Key takeaways:
  • First of its kind in India a Creative connect event & boot-camp was launched in Goa to cater to HEI learners in the creative field of creative writing, music, film making, etc
  • The boot-camp in creative courses will enable students from general education and professional courses to take up creative courses in their academic programmes
  • Challenges & Obstacles:
    • Introduction and monitoring the creative courses offered to all HEIs in Goa.
    • Infrastructure and other facilities required needed in HEIs for establishing creative centers for larger student community.