Advancing Technical Education through Open-Source and AI Tools
(Empowering Technical Educators with Open-Source and AI Tools: FDP at GPW Rehan)
The integration of open-source technologies and AI-driven tools has become indispensable in modern technical education. To equip educators with cutting-edge tools, the National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research (NITTTR), Chandigarh, organized a Faculty Development Program (FDP) at Government Polytechnic for Women (GPW), Rehan(HP) from February 24 to 28, 2025.
As an Industry Resource Person for NITTTR Chandigarh, I had the privilege of conducting multiple sessions, sharing insights on open-source tools, data science, AI applications, and digital learning technologies.
About GPW Rehan
Government Polytechnic for Women (GPW), Rehan, located in District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, plays a pivotal role in providing technical education to women, particularly from rural and economically weaker backgrounds. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Kangra is known for its scenic beauty and strong academic culture. GPW Rehan is committed to bridging the digital divide by fostering industry-relevant skills, digital literacy, and technical expertise among its students.
Engaging and Interactive Sessions
During the FDP, I conducted eight highly interactive sessions, each focusing on different facets of open-source tools, AI, and data science. The key highlights of my sessions included:
Open-Source Digital Tools for Online Learning – Enhancing digital pedagogy through open platforms.
Applications of AI Tools in Technical Education – Exploring how AI can transform teaching and learning.
Open-Source Libraries for Statistics and Data Analytics – Understanding open-source libraries for statistics and data analytics
Data Science: Exploratory Data Analysis and Pre-Processing – Understanding data insights through structured workflows.
Data Science Applications – Real-world implementations of data-driven decision-making.
Unsupervised Learning for AI & Machine Learning – Delving into clustering, dimensionality reduction, and pattern recognition.
AI: Demystifying TensorFlow – Simplifying TensorFlow, a powerful deep learning framework.
Open-Source Graphics and Design Tools – Leveraging creative digital tools for technical education.
These sessions were highly engaging, interactive, and well-received by the participants. Faculty members actively participated in discussions, hands-on demonstrations, and case studies, making the learning process practical and immersive.
Impact and Takeaways
The enthusiasm and curiosity of the faculty members made each session highly interactive. Many educators shared their challenges in digital adoption, leading to insightful discussions on how open-source and AI tools can bridge the gap between traditional and modern teaching methodologies.
A key takeaway from the FDP was the realization that open-source technologies empower educators—eliminating cost barriers while enhancing accessibility and innovation in learning.
Acknowledgments
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Bhola Ram Gurjar, Director, NITTTR Chandigarh, for fostering initiatives that drive technological advancements in education. Special thanks to Dr. Amit Doeger, NITTTR Chandigarh, for his leadership in organizing this impactful FDP. I also express my appreciation to Dr. Satish Kumar Katwal, Principal, GPW Rehan,for facilitating the program at the institute, and Dr. Kulwardhan Singh, HOD-CSE and Course Coordinator, for his valuable contributions to the smooth execution of the FDP. A very special thanks to Er. Vivek Sharma, Lecturer, ME, for his unwavering support in ensuring our daily commute from the hotel to the institute and back. 🙏
Additionally, I extend my sincere thanks to the entire faculty of GPW Rehan and the participants from other polytechnics for their active participation, enthusiasm, and commitment to embracing new learning methodologies.
Their dedication to up-skill and integrating emerging technologies will undoubtedly play a crucial role in transforming technical education.
The FDP at GPW Rehan was a transformative learning experience, reinforcing the importance of open-source tools and AI in technical education. It was an honor to contribute as an Industry Resource Person for NITTTR Chandigarh and be part of this initiative that empowers educators with knowledge and practical skills.
Let’s continue working towards a future-ready education system and a Cyber-Secure Bharat! 🚀🔒
Author : Gagan Deep