By Aparna Mudi, Department Lead, Fashion Communication

We live in an increasingly globalised and competitive higher education landscape. Driven by advancements in technology, changes in student demographics, and evolving educational theories and practices, institutions need to differentiate themselves from the conservative systems still in place. With continuous learning and innovation at the forefront, education providers must adapt to changing needs, and foster research and discovery. Additionally, they also need to address societal challenges, enhance teaching and learning, cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset, and of course offer a dynamic learning environment.

This is a mindset change that is impending upon the education sector, and it is only possible when universities and institutions support teachers and professors in upskilling themselves. This enables them to help them develop new pedagogical techniques, incorporate innovative teaching methods, and stay updated with the latest educational research.

We recognise that the quality of teaching is a critical factor in student success. We, at Pearl Academy, are committed to upskilling ourselves to provide student-centred, engaging, interactive, and personalised learning experiences for one and all.

Here are some of the initiatives taken up to upskill our teachers and education providers.

• Tech-Talks: At Pearl Academy, we prioritise the continuous development of our faculty members, transcending departmental boundaries. We organise tech-talks and workshops for our faculty members to provide them with a platform to share and learn about new technological innovations relevant to education. Our recent Tech-Talk featured the distinguished industry speaker, Raj Sarthak Nigam, Co-Founder and CSO of India Fashion Awards and Fashion Entrepreneur Fund. Mr. Nigam’s profound insights into the convergence of fashion, technology, and entrepreneurship have significantly enriched our discussion, contributing to the professional and personal growth of our faculty members. It also allowed faculty members to discuss and address challenges and concerns related to educational technology.
• AI Training: Pearl Academy is the first institute in India to have taken this initiative for its people. Today, all our faculty members are AI-trained. This training equips them with knowledge and skills related to AI concepts, technologies, applications, and their implications in various fields. Being AI-trained enables our team to bring AI-related knowledge and expertise into their teaching, research, and industry collaborations. They are equipped to incorporate AI concepts and applications into their courses, mentor students interested in AI careers, and contribute to AI-driven research and innovation in their fields.
• PGCAP – Faculty Excellence in Academic Practices: Our passion for excellence is reflected in our academic procedures, best demonstrated by the PGCAP (PG Certificate in Academic Practice) training. With their expertise in the finest academic procedures, faculty members guarantee a high calibre of instruction in all subject areas. To stay up to speed with the most recent developments in their domains, faculty members are urged to participate in academic conferences, research, and scholarship. Faculty members in turn expand the learning experience for students in the classroom by bringing current information and expertise from their research, papers, and conferences.
• Industry based Software Upskilling: Industry-Based Software Upskilling: Faculty members are actively engaged in upskilling themselves with training sessions on various cutting-edge design software tools to ensure our students receive the best education possible. Among these, Unreal Engine stands out as a powerful platform for creating immersive experiences and interactive simulations, preparing students for careers in gaming, virtual reality, and architectural visualisation. Additionally, Trezi offers a revolutionary approach to architectural design with its virtual reality integration, allowing students to visualise and explore their designs in a realistic environment. Clo 3D, on the other hand, empowers students to create lifelike 3D garment simulations, equipping them with essential skills for the fashion industry. These initiatives are part of our commitment to fostering industry-ready students who are adept at using the latest technologies in their respective fields.

  Furthermore, for filmmaking students, faculty members are incorporating DaVinci Resolve 18 into their training sessions, renowned for its robust colour tools and advanced features, making it an essential tool for students interested in cinematography, film editing, and post-production. Faculty members are also exploring other innovative platforms to further enhance the learning experience. By incorporating these diverse software options into our curriculum, we aim to provide students with a comprehensive skill set that aligns with industry standards and prepares them for success in today’s competitive job market.

• Focus on Collaboration and Networking: At Pearl Academy, we are always looking for different ways to provide a platform for collaboration and networking among faculty, staff, and students. We organise conferences, seminars, and workshops where individuals are motivated to come forward to share their research findings, exchange ideas, and collaborate on innovative projects. We also encourage collaboration with external partners and other academic institutions to foster knowledge transfer and promote innovation.

We truly believe in having a diverse and inclusive faculty, which is only possible when institutes invest in upskilling their teachers. At Pearl Academy, this is a continuous process, and we take pride in being able to foster an enriching learning environment, both for our students and our faculty members.