Prof. (Dr.) Santosh Jha, Director, Centre
for Distance and Online Education, Galgotias University, Greater Noida
Prof. (Dr.) Santosh Jha is an experienced and
dedicated educator passionate about online teaching. He derives fulfilment from
empowering learners through effective program delivery techniques and
technology awareness. He excels in designing and implementing comprehensive
curricula that meet specific educational goals and regulatory requirements. He
is adept at assessing the unique needs of diverse learners, providing
life-changing support and suggestions, and continuously implementing innovative
teaching techniques. His pragmatic and result-oriented approach drives him to
establish a strong market presence for the institutions he serves. Dr. Santosh
Jha brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to advancing online education,
ensuring regulatory compliance, and enhancing learner experiences. His
leadership and innovative approach have significantly contributed to the
institutions he has served.
Educational Background
Dr. Santosh Jha, a renowned academic, completed his
early education at DAV Public School, Bokaro Steel City, from CBSE Board and Graduation
from Bhawanipur Education Society under Calcutta University. He then pursued an
MBA from The Global Open University, focusing on business administration. His
doctoral studies at Kalinga University, where he specialized in Management,
further solidified his knowledge and research capabilities in various aspects
of Management, preparing him for leadership roles in multiple sectors.
Professional Journey and Achievements
Among Dr.Santosh Jha's many roles in academia are
those of Director of the Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE) at
Galgotias University, GLA University, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical
Sciences, and head of academics at Green Pearl Education Management Corporation
(SRM Group), where he oversaw the establishment of online Education following
UGC-DEB regulations. He also served as vice president of Experion Developers Pvt.
Ltd, and Deputy Director at Jagan Institute of Management Studies. He has overseen
the administration of multiple educational institutions and developed the model
for learner housing located within and outside the campuses of Indian Institutions.
He handled national commercial activities as Associate Vice President and Head
of Institutional Sales at Times Centre for Learning Limited (Times of India
Group). As a Regional Sales Manager at Harvard Business School Publishing (100%
subsidiary of Harvard Business School), he expanded markets and enhanced
earnings. He worked for many successful companies, including Cengage Learning India
Private Ltd, Elsevier India, Edutech India, Informatics India Limited, and NIHT
Computers Limited. Dr. Santosh Jha's extensive professional journey reflects
his expertise in online and distance education, regulatory compliance, program
development, and strategic Management. His leadership roles across various
institutions highlight his commitment to advancing education through innovative
solutions and strategic partnerships.
Roles and Responsibilities
In his current role, Dr. Santosh Jha manages the Centre
for Distance and Online Education (CDOE) as Director at Galgotias University.
He leads academic activities such as program delivery, content development, LMS
& Examination system development, implementation, and stakeholder
management, including regulatory documentation and ensuring compliance with
UGC-DEB, AICTE, and related guidelines. Additionally, he engages with sales and
marketing initiatives, including inside sales, corporate sales, channel partner
sales, government sales, and international sales. He also handles activities
related to CIQA and is involved in establishing the School of Vocational
Education.
Inspiration for choosing a career
in education
Dr. Santosh Jha chose a career in education because he
strongly believes in the significant impact that knowledge and learning can
have on individuals. Education has consistently been a fundamental aspect of
his life, and he has witnessed how it can unlock opportunities, nurture
development, and generate prospects. He embarked on his path fuelled by an
ardent need for knowledge and a genuine aspiration to impart that zeal to
others.
As an educator, he derives great satisfaction from
enabling learners through creative instructional approaches and technology. He
enjoys seeing learners achieve their goals and change their lives via education.
He is motivated by the chance to significantly influence individuals and
society by improving the quality and availability of education.
Throughout his professional journey, he has found
motivation in the complexities and possibilities of online and distance
education. He is driven to constantly enhance and innovate to effectively
engage and meet the distinct requirements of a wide range of learners. Dr. Santosh
Jha is devoted to developing educational experiences that are captivating,
efficient, and available to everyone, and he is determined to cultivate a
culture of ongoing learning and advancement.
Innovative Teaching Methods in
Online Learning
As an educator, Dr. Santosh Jha has successfully
incorporated cutting-edge teaching-learning methods into his online learning to
optimize learners' engagement and improve learning outcomes. Below are several
essential techniques and their effects:
- Used multimedia content forms, such as videos, animations, and interactive simulations, to effectively explain complex concepts.
Effect: Improved comprehension and recall of information, resulting in a more captivating and pleasant learning experience for learners.
- Gamification
Implemented game-based learning elements, including
quizzes, leaderboards, and badges.
Effect: The motivation and participation levels of learners have been raised, resulting in a learning environment that is both competitive and collaborative.
- Flipped Classroom Model Implementation: Pre-recorded lectures and reading materials are made available before the cohort, allowing time to be dedicated to discussions and problem-solving activities.
Effect: Facilitated the development of active learning and critical thinking skills, enabling learners to practically apply concepts under the instructor's guidance.
- Customized Learning Routes
Implementation: Utilized adaptive learning
technologies to develop personalized learning experiences tailored to each learner's
performance and preferences.
Impact: Considered the varying learning needs of the learners, allowing for individualized progress and targeted improvement in specific areas.
- Utilizing Virtual Labs and Simulations
Implemented virtual labs and simulations to enhance
practical applications in programs like BAC, MCA, etc.
Effect: Offered practical learning opportunities in a virtual setting, connecting theoretical knowledge with hands-on skills.
- Tools for Collaboration
Utilized online collaboration platforms to facilitate
group projects, discussions, and peer reviews.
Effect: Facilitated collaboration and effective communication, allowing learners to gain insights from one another and cultivate a strong sense of peer group learning.
- Practical Application of Knowledge incorporates real-world case studies and problem-solving exercises into the curriculum to enhance practical skills.
Effect: Assisted learners in applying theoretical knowledge, addressing real-life circumstances, and improving critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Ongoing Feedback and Evaluation
Execution: Executed regular formative assessments and
offered prompt, constructive feedback.
Effect: Empower learners to monitor their progress and gain insights into their areas of strength and areas for improvement, fostering a culture of ongoing growth.
- Utilizing live polling and Q&A sessions
I utilized live polling tools during lectures to
assess learner comprehension and foster active engagement.
Effect: Enhanced the interactivity of online lectures and facilitated prompt resolution of uncertainties, ensuring active participation from learners.
- Hybrid Learning Models
Utilized synchronous (live) and asynchronous
(pre-recorded) learning methods to provide learners with a flexible learning
experience.
Effect: Catered to various learning preferences and
time constraints, enhancing accessibility and convenience for learners.
Implementing these cutting-edge teaching methods has dramatically
enhanced learners' involvement by fostering a more interactive, individualized,
and practical approach to learning. Learners have demonstrated increased
engagement, drive, and contentment with their educational encounters. In
addition, these techniques have played a role in improving academic performance
and fostering a more comprehensive grasp of course material. Incorporating
technology and active learning strategies has revolutionized the online
learning environment, making it a vibrant and efficient platform for education.
Staying Current in Online
Education: Dr. Santosh Jha's Approach
Online educators must keep up with technology and
program delivery to keep their methods effective and current. He updates himself
using these methods:
1. Professional
workshops and training - Online education trends and innovation professional
development sessions are frequent for me. New tools and strategies are
practised in sessions.
2. Industry Webinars - Industry seminars and
webinars teach new technologies and best practices.
3. Academic Publishing - The International Review
of Research in Open and Distributed Learning and JOLT are leading educational
technology and online learning journals. Research and case studies on online
teaching are here.
4. Professional Groups - Sharing ideas and
experiences with peers is possible through LinkedIn and other educational
networks. Collaboration creates new tools and methods.
5. Tech
Blogs/Websites - Education technology blogs like EdTech Magazine, eLearning
Industry, etc., inform me about market trends and tools.
6. Tech
firms work together - Collaboration with educational technology companies gives
me new tools and platforms. Pilot initiatives and beta testing allow early
collaboration access to new technology.
7. Credentials and CE - Coursera, edX, and
Udacity certifications help learn new technologies and pedagogy.
8. Learner/colleague
feedback - Regularly questioning learners and colleagues about teaching tools
and methods reveals areas for improvement and new technology to explore.
9. Institutional Support and Training - Employer's institutional support and training help keep current on technology and teaching methods.
10. Experiment and Innovate - New teaching strategies are regularly tested to evaluate how they improve learners' engagement and learning. Best practices are improved and adopted by this hands-on approach.
He stays ahead of online education technology and
program delivery by combining these strategies, enabling him to provide his learners
with a cutting-edge learning experience that enhances their educational
journey. By being proactive, he ensures his learners enjoy the latest online
education tools and best practices.
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