50 smart classrooms to be set up in govt polytechnic colleges: Ponmudy

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government will establish 50 smart classrooms in several State-owned polytechnic colleges to help incorporate the knowledge gained from the text and theoretical content into real-life applications and learning.

During his demand for grants, State Higher Education Minister K Ponmudy told the House that smart classrooms are being established at 50 government polytechnic colleges at Rs 10 crore.

"Software and simulation contents like cyber security training, gas cutting process training, forklift training, lean manufacturing, construction safety, gearbox and power generator will be provided through these smart classes," he added.

He said the Directorate of Technical Education (DOTE) has established Entrepreneurship Development hubs in five regions such as Chennai, Vellore, Tiruchirappalli, Coimbatore and Thoothukudi in association with Entrepreneurship Development and Innovation Institute (EDII) covering 457 Polytechnic Colleges.

"So far, Management Training for all the Principals, Faculty Development Training (FDP), three days E-Leader Workshop for students were given," he said adding that a total of 950 innovative ideas have been registered by the students for ideation process and the shortlisted students will be selected for ideation camp.

The minister said the main objective of the hub shall be to provide early exposure to entrepreneurship and start-up culture among the young students.

He also told the House to provide a forum for students and faculty members to apply personalised learning strategies and inherent skills and for promoting creative ideas with practical knowledge, Makers Space is being established with industry partners in four Government Engineering Colleges at Karaikudi, Tiruchirappalli, Tirunelveli, Salem and Tamil Nadu Polytechnic College at Madurai.