AI's Transformative Role
The future of higher education is being reshaped by artificial intelligence, with institutions like VIT at the forefront of adopting AI-driven tools to create
more personalized and effective learning journeys for their students. This strategic integration aims to enhance the overall student experience significantly. As highlighted by Sekar Viswanathan, Vice-President of VIT, at The Hindu Tech Summit 2026, the institution is actively embedding AI across its academic framework. The focus is on leveraging AI not just for student benefit but also for empowering faculty. This ensures that educators are continuously updated with the latest technological advancements, enabling them to impart knowledge about emerging trends and developments to their students more effectively. By embracing AI, VIT is setting a new standard for academic innovation and student engagement, preparing them for an increasingly technology-centric world.
Empowering Educators
Crucial to VIT's vision for AI-enhanced education is the continuous development and training of its faculty. Through dedicated initiatives like the Teaching Learning Centre of Excellence and various faculty development programs, educators are encouraged to participate in knowledge-sharing sessions. These sessions delve into advanced topics such as agentic AI and the application of AI in renewable energy sources like solar power. Sekar Viswanathan emphasized that robust faculty training is not merely supplementary but is a cornerstone for delivering high-quality education. When faculty are well-versed in the latest technologies and pedagogical approaches, they are better equipped to guide students, foster critical thinking, and inspire innovation. This commitment to ongoing professional development ensures that the teaching staff remains at the cutting edge, capable of enriching the learning environment and preparing students for future challenges.
Tech Across Disciplines
The transformative power of AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) extends far beyond traditional engineering disciplines at VIT. Sekar Viswanathan pointed out that students in non-engineering schools are also reaping significant benefits from technological integration. For instance, law students gain insights into crucial areas like cyber security law and the ethical implications of AI in legal practice. Similarly, agriculture students are exposed to advanced technologies such as drone technology and remote sensing for applications in agriculture, leading to smarter farming techniques. VIT’s strategy is to make AI a universal element across all subjects, acting as a common thread that binds diverse fields of study. This approach ensures that students not only build strong domain expertise but also develop the essential skill of integrating technology seamlessly into their chosen professions, making them versatile and adaptable in the modern workforce.
Multidisciplinary Horizons
VIT actively promotes a multidisciplinary approach to education through programs designed for applied and adaptive learning. This philosophy allows students to broaden their academic horizons beyond their primary specialization. For example, a mechanical engineering student might have the opportunity to explore subjects in marketing or even specialize in IoT. The institution facilitates 'programme migration,' enabling students to switch disciplines if their interests evolve. This flexibility in curriculum design is instrumental in enhancing employability by equipping students with a diverse skill set and a wider perspective. By encouraging exploration across different fields, VIT aims to cultivate well-rounded individuals who are not only experts in their core areas but also possess the adaptability and interdisciplinary knowledge sought after in today's competitive job market.
Bridging the Digital Divide
Addressing the challenge of the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to technology for all students remains a key priority for VIT. To reach students in remote areas, the institution has launched online courses, expanding educational opportunities beyond geographical limitations. Significant strides have been made nationwide in improving technological access for students, bolstered by initiatives such as the State government's scheme providing free laptops and the Centre's efforts to reduce bandwidth costs. However, Sekar Viswanathan stressed the importance of continued government focus on ensuring robust network connectivity in remote and hilly regions. Facilitating affordable higher education is also paramount, requiring increased government funding to support scholarships, as private institutions have constraints. Programs like the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship should be extended to all institutions, and a more liberal approach from the government in allowing institutions to establish more campuses and increase student intake is necessary.
Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship
VIT actively nurtures a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among its students through platforms like hackathons and startup funding initiatives. Hackathons are utilized not just as competitions but as integral assessment tools, encouraging students to engage in problem-solving. The institution supports student ventures by providing funding for startups, transforming innovative ideas into tangible businesses. Students are frequently tasked with addressing real-world problems posed by industries as part of their coursework, which inherently cultivates an entrepreneurial mindset. This process, starting from classroom-based problem-solving, often leads to the formation of startups incubated at VIT's technology business incubator, ultimately contributing to societal advancement. This hands-on approach ensures that students develop practical skills and a proactive attitude towards innovation.
Industry Collaboration and Resilience
VIT places a strong emphasis on forging close collaborative ties with industry partners, which significantly enhances students' job prospects and prepares them for the practical realities of the professional world. These collaborations involve industry experts contributing to the curriculum through teaching modules and imparting essential soft skills crucial for employability. Furthermore, VIT offers specialized short programs tailored for industry professionals, demonstrating its commitment to lifelong learning and professional development. In response to unforeseen challenges, such as the pandemic, VIT showcased remarkable resilience by seamlessly transitioning to live online education. The institution also ensured students had access to necessary devices and network connectivity. For those on campus, strict isolation protocols were maintained while educational continuity was guaranteed, highlighting VIT's adaptability and commitment to student success under all circumstances.
