Dr.Thamba Meshach W: An expert of affective computing influencing critical thinking in students

 

Dr.Thamba Meshach W: Head of the Department, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Prathyusha Engineering College, Thiruvallur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Hi everyone!

I am Dr. ThambaMeshach W., an enthusiastic and dedicated professor with a passion for inspiring minds and fostering a love for learning. And living in a peaceful and highly cultured state—Tamil Nadu (Chennai), the southern part of India. With a diverse academic background and extensive teaching experience, I am thrilled to embark on a journey of intellectual exploration alongside my students.

My educational journey began with a Bachelor's degree - B.Tech. in Information technology. This foundation sparked my curiosity, leading me to pursue a Master's degree—M.Tech. in Information Technology. My thirst for knowledge and desire to contribute to the field led me to obtain a Ph.D. in Information and Communication Engineering, specialising in Affective Computing with Machine Learning, from a prestigious institution, Anna University, Chennai.

 

This educational journey, specifically my research work in affective (Emotions) computing, has shaped my teaching philosophy, which revolves around creating engaging, interactive, and student-centred learning experiences.

 

Beyond academia, I am an advocate for community engagement and lifelong learning. I believe in nurturing a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every voice is heard and respected. As a mentor, I take great pride in guiding my students' academic and personal growth and helping them navigate their unique paths towards success.

 

In my spare time, I enjoy exploring the outdoors, indulging in social service, creative writing, and engaging in thought-provoking discussions with colleagues and friends. I am excited to embark on this academic journey together as we explore the boundless horizons of knowledge and embark on a transformative learning experience.

Empowering my students through critical thinking

I have 21 years of teaching experience at Engineering institutions. I have had the privilege of teaching a wide range of courses, from introductions to computer technology and computer programming to advanced Computer Science Engineering courses. I am a firm believer in fostering critical thinking, promoting active class participation, and tailoring my teaching methods to accommodate various learning styles. Whether it's through thought-provoking discussions, hands-on experiments, or collaborative projects, I am committed to empowering my students to think beyond the confines of textbooks and develop a holistic understanding of the subject matter.

Job duties and responsibilities as an HOD of the Computer Science Engineering department

As a Head of the Department (HoD) of the Computer Science Engineering department and also as a faculty member – Associate Professor; my role encompasses a diverse range of duties and responsibilities aimed at imparting knowledge, fostering critical thinking, and contributing to the advancement and administration of the department.

 

Here are some key job duties and responsibilities:

Teaching :

• Prepare and deliver lectures, labs, and workshops on engineering topics.
• Design and update course syllabi, lesson plans, and instructional materials.
• Develop innovative teaching methods and materials to enhance student engagement and understanding.
• Assess student performance through assignments, exams, projects, and presentations.
• Provide timely feedback and guidance to students to support their academic progress.

 

Mentoring :

• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students in their academic and career pursuits.
• Provide guidance on research projects, thesis or dissertation work, and career paths.
• Assist students in selecting appropriate courses, internships, and extracurricular activities.
• Offer advice on post-graduation options and facilitate networking opportunities.

 

Industry Collaboration:

• Foster connections with industry professionals and organisations.
• Collaborate on research projects, internships, Consultancy work, industry-oriented trainings, Faculty development programmes, workshops, and establishing COEs.
• Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and real-world applications.

 

Committee Participation:

• Serve on academic committees, such as curriculum committees, accreditation bodies, and research committees, the Industry Institute partnership cell, and student chapters.
• Contribute to departmental and institutional initiatives, such as programme development, placement, admission, and strategic planning.
• Participate in faculty meetings, workshops, and professional development activities.

 

Research and Scholarship:

• Conduct cutting-edge research in my specialisations: – Affective Computing, Computer Vision, NLP, and ML/DL.
• Publish research findings in reputable journals, conference proceedings, and other scholarly outlets.
• Secure research funding through grants, collaborations, and partnerships.
• Present research at conferences, seminars, and workshops to contribute to the academic community.

 

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Complete administrative tasks related to the department, such as course scheduling, grading, record-keeping, and day-to-day activities.
• Participate in the development of departmental policies, goals, and strategic plans.
• Collaborate with colleagues on programme assessment, accreditation, and quality improvement.

Affective Computing – a bridge between humans and machines

 

My area of expertise is Affective Computing, a captivating and multidisciplinary field that merges computer vision and machine learning to unravel the complexities of human emotions. It delves into the realm of deciphering emotional states, expressions, and responses, fostering a bridge between technology and human interaction. This dynamic domain holds profound implications for diverse sectors, from healthcare and entertainment to marketing and human-computer interaction.

 

Affective computing revolutionises the way humans interact with machines. Emotion-sensitive interfaces enable devices to perceive and respond to users' emotions, resulting in more intuitive and empathetic interactions. It contributes to personalised education by adapting instructional content to students' emotional states. It offers real-time feedback on engagement and frustration levels, optimising the learning process. I have published a good number of articles in reputable journals and have had the honour of presenting my work at international conferences, where I engage with fellow academics and exchange insights that enrich the educational landscape.

Could you please share about the current generation of students learning process?

 

The learning process of the current generation of students is characterised by a unique blend of traditional educational approaches and modern technological influences. Born and raised in the digital age, today's students navigate a rapidly evolving landscape that offers both opportunities and challenges.

 

Technology plays a central role in the learning process for today's students. They have grown up in a digital environment, and their learning experiences often involve digital devices, online resources, and interactive platforms. From virtual classrooms to educational apps, technology provides students with access to vast amounts of information and enables them to engage with learning materials in dynamic and multimodal content like text, images, videos, audio, and interactive simulations, which cater to different learning preferences and styles. This diverse range of resources enhances understanding and retention.

 

And today’s students actively participate in their learning process through discussions, group projects, contests, and hands-on activities. These strategies encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter, which leads to exploring topics beyond the classroom curriculum, conducting independent research, and engaging in self-directed learning projects. This autonomy nurtures curiosity and a lifelong love of learning. Moreover, social media and online collaboration tools enable students to connect with peers and experts globally.

 

Collaborative learning platforms facilitate discussions, knowledge sharing, and joint projects, creating a sense of community and expanding perspectives. The interconnectedness of the world is readily apparent to today's students, who engage in cross-cultural interactions and explore global issues. This exposure contributes to a broader perspective and fosters a sense of empathy and understanding.

 

Alongside the benefits of technology and innovative learning approaches, students face challenges such as information overload, digital distractions, and concerns about privacy and online safety. Developing digital well-being and time management skills is crucial.

 

The learning process for the current generation of students is marked by adaptability, tech-savvyness, and a proactive approach to knowledge acquisition. As educators and institutions continue to evolve their teaching methods, it's essential to harness the strengths of this generation while addressing the unique challenges they encounter in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

AI in classroom learning

AI tools like ChatGPT, Fetchy, Cognii, etc. have enormous potential to drastically improve our education system. After the availability of AI tools, there has been a debate on their benefits and limitations for different people in different dimensions of space. These technologies will not replace teachers but rather enable them to spend more time on students’ education. Faculty adaptability to AI in the classroom is a crucial aspect of successfully integrating AI tools into education. It needs comprehensive training and professional development opportunities for educators to learn about AI technology, its benefits, and how to effectively incorporate AI tools into their teaching methods. Above all, there are huge benefits to technological advancements, but let us not allow technology to overpower or reduce the students ability to think and explore creativity.