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Spotlight
BITS India campuses connected through MPLS for HD audio-video streaming Called BITSConnect 2.0, the initiative to share remote teaching, meetings, research conferencing, industry relations and placements, the project has been funded, executed and implemented by BITSAA International, the alumni association of BITS at an estimated cost of $ 6 million Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani, India's premier private and independent University, along with BITSAA, its global alumni association, on January 9, 2013 launched a first of its kind multi-million dollar cross-campus technology initiative named BITSConnect 2.0. Pioneering a unique model of multi-campus education in India, the initiative comprises Immersive Telepresence, High-definition Video Conferencing and Live Streaming technologies, that are set to transform the learning experience by connecting all campuses at an unprecedented scale. This UniversityAlumni initiative was launched simultaneously at Pilani, Goa and Hyderabad campuses, while being connected to Cisco's offices in San Jose and Boston, jointly by Prof. Bijendra Nath Jain, Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani and Raju Reddy, Chairman, BITSAA, in the presence of the Governor of Goa, B h a r a t Vi r Wa n c h o o a n d J Satyanarayana, Secretary, Department of IT, Government of India. BITS Pilani aspires to be among the
top research-driven institutions in Asia by 2020. On course to realize its vision, BITS Pilani became one of the first Indian universities to set up IP Telephony, Gigabit Ethernet and Wireless accessibility on campus with BITSConnect 1.0 in 2003. With this latest initiative, the University takes a giant leap forward in using technology for education. By bridging the geographical distance across campuses and global knowledge centers, this platform will facilitate collaboration among its faculty, students, industry partners and alumni, for education, r e s e a r c h a n d mentorship. This semester, BITS Pilani will offer more than 14 specialized electives to 1000s of students across its campuses by professors working from any of its campuses. To collaborate, Faculty and B N Jain (Vice-Chancellor) an BITSAA’s Prem Jain Staff no longer need to
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travel. Academicians from across the world will be able to collaborate with and mentor research projects in BITS via Immersive Telepresence. Elaborating on the benefits on campus, Prof. Bijendra Nath Jain, ViceC h a n c e l l o r, B I T S P i l a n i s a i d , “BITSConnect 2.0 comes at a time when the Institute is on its way to become a top research-led University in Asia. This joint University-Alumni initiative will provide seamless integration of all campuses, create new avenues of research collaboration and knowledge sharing among faculty, students and researchers worldwide. BITSConnect 2.0 will further strengthen industry linkage and enable remote placements with minimal travel costs to prospective employers.” Speaking at the occasion, Prem Jain, Chief Mentor, BITSConnect 2.0 and Alumni Advisory Council Member said, “BITSConnect 2.0 is a part of the continuing Bridges to the Future campaign of BITSAA International. The
Spotlight
BITS India campuses connected best technical and business minds from the global alumni community have come together to architect this project with BITS Pilani. It continues the tradition of projects like BITSConnect 1.0 and Embryo, where alumni contribute not just by donating funds but significantly with their time and expertise”. In 2002, BITS Pilani was one of the first Indian universities to set up IP telephony, gigabit Ethernet and wireless access on campus. Projects like Embryo leveraged that infrastructure to virtually connect 100s of alumni, experts with the students and faculty. The decision of BITSConnect 2.0 was taken in mid 2010 and work started on it in January 201. Using webex technologies, virtual private network from Telestra optic fiber and high definition audio-video equipments, specially designed telepresence rooms have been made available on each of the three campuses. According to Prof. Rahul Banerjee, Cross-campus Project Lead, and Coordinator Architecture, Implementation Strategy, the seating in telepresence rooms (for 18 people) is laid in a manner that people in all the three places will feel together in a session. The streaming is aimed at 180 mbps for high performance in real time. “One can clearly see emotions, have eye contact and hear high quality sound,” adds Prem Jain.
In addition to these studio-like rooms, one classroom of 180-200 capacity at each location has been fitted with hi-tech HD cameras, projects and screens. The distinctive feature of these sophisticated ICT classrooms is the interactivity between speaker (professor or expert speaker) and the students in the class in real time with audio-video clarity. Instead of raising the hand, all the student has to do is to push a button on his desk, the camera will automatically zoom on him and he can ask or discuss with the speaker. The lectures can be stored and retrieved once these are put on Internet etc. Outsiders can also use the gateway for connected with BITS campus with permission. The project was implemented by a team of about 50 volunteers from BITSAA and BITS staff. These included Prem Jain Global Chair and Member, Alumni Advisory Council; Shashikant Khandelwal BITSConnect 2.0 Project Chair, Co Founder at BITS Embryo; Sarath Kolla BITSConnect 2.0 CoChair, Trustee and CTO Emeritus at BITSAA; Prof. Rahul Banerjee: Crosscampus Project Lead, Coordinator and Architecture, Implementation Strategy; H. Krishnan, CIO & Coordinator: Data Centre, Bandwidth matters among others. It may be mentioned that BITSAA represents 50,000+ alumni in 90 countries.
Ace Manager online game contest For the fifth year running, BNP Paribas is inviting entries for the Ace Manager online business game. Designed to enhance the Group's brand awareness in universities and colleges worldwide, the 2013 round of this international contest is open to teams of students in higher education under 26 years of age. The Ace Manager game will provide the students with a valuable experience in their academic as well as professional lives. Through the game, the students will practice problem-solving, teamwork and time-management; they will learn about banking and business, improve their business English and increase their international networks.
At the end of the competition, each player will receive an official certificate of participation and they can add an outstanding entry to their Cvs. THE GAME, THE MISSION The game takes place in a fictitious town called Universe-City, where an extraordinary discovery is about to unleash a series of unprecedented events. During the online phase of the contest, participating teams, each composed of three students, will test their ability to carry out various banking tasks involving Marketing, Management and Business Development embedded in a number of case studies. Their goal is to come up with the best solution to help clients develop their business. To fulfill their objectives, the contestants will have to meet numerous challenges linked to the BNP Paribas Group's three core business areas Retail Banking, Investment Solution, and Corporate and Investment Banking. CONTEST SCHEDULE This international competition will be run in English, beginning with an initial online phase from 2 23 April 2013 on acemanager.bnpparibas.com. Ace Manager The Fifth Set will then conclude with a grand final between the five best performing teams in mid-May 2013. Teams will have to meet the final challenge in front of an expert jury composed of former teachers from participating universities and members of BNP Paribas top management. The contest is open for entries till the 26 March 2013. on the dedicated website.acemanager.bnpparibas.com. PRIZES All finalists will receive cash prizes as follows: Winning team: €6,000 plus a trip to Paris Runner-up team: €3,000 Third-placed team: €1,500 All finalists will also receive tickets to a tennis event. Curriculum January 16, 2013
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