Telangana University and Harvard collaborate on ‘Reimagining Higher Education in India’
Hyderabad: Telangana University, in collaboration with Ed.M Fellows from Harvard University, inaugurated a four-day international webinar titled "Reimagining Higher Education in India" on March 21, 2025. The event, running until March 24, 2025, explores innovative pedagogical approaches, focusing on AI tools, student-centered learning, and evidence-based teaching methods.
In his inaugural address, Vice-Chancellor Professor Yadagiri Rao highlighted the transformative impact of AI on teaching. "AI tools are reshaping educational practices by enabling more evidence-based, student-focused approaches. Experimental learning models are essential for improving classroom experiences and student outcomes," he said. He also acknowledged Organizing Secretary Dr. Praveen Mamidala for facilitating the collaboration with Harvard scholars to strengthen teaching capacity in India.
Dr. Praveen Mamidala, in his remarks, explained the importance of andragogy in undergraduate and postgraduate education. He noted, "Many educators have yet to adopt essential practices like pre-reading, assignment culture, and flipped learning models. These strategies are key to fostering student transformation and effective learning."
The webinar featured presentations from international experts. Aleksander Lazovoski demonstrated the use of AI tools for lesson planning and teaching, stating, "AI can streamline the entire teaching process, from concept development to classroom delivery, helping educators create more structured and impactful lessons."
Blerim Jashari discussed the role of AI in both teaching and research, stating, "AI tools not only enhance classroom instruction but also improve research efficiency by automating data analysis and refining academic workflows."
The event, convened by Dr. Pavani, Fulbright Fellow, included notable speakers such as Aleksander Lazovoski, Blerim Jashari, Ben Esenstad, Candace Tenbrink, Shogik Mikalyelyan, and Doris Komla. Twenty faculty members from across Telangana participated in the professional development sessions.
Dr. Praveen Mamidala also expressed gratitude to United Way Hyderabad for supporting the webinar, saying, "We appreciate United Way Hyderabad's role in making this global exchange of knowledge possible, furthering the growth of higher education in India."
