Conference Report

CVM’s H. M. Patel Institute of English Training & Research, in association with ELT@I, has organized 1ST International Conference on Interactive Media in Pedagogy: Learning English In and Beyond Classrooms from 08-10 January, 2010. The inaugural function was held at BVM auditorium on 08th Jan. 2010. The function started with a prayer by Nishant Joshi & group. Dr. R. P. Jadeja, Director of the Institute extended a warm welcome to the intellectual gathering, followed by a floral welcome to the dignitaries on the dais. On this occasion a book on Business Communication written by Dr. O. P. Juneja and co-authored by Dr. Aarti Majumdar, was released by the esteemed guests on the dais.
Dr. Maya Pandit, Pro- Vice Chancellor, English & Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad delivered a Key-Note address on ‘Why Technology?’ She focused on the collaboration among society, education and technology. She also highlighted that education must provide entertainment with reference to media and other easily available resources for which she used the term ‘Edu-entertainment’. She was of the opinion that now the thirst for knowledge has shifted from passing competitive exams to know the self, the world and to help the globe. She expressed technology as an essential tool for teaching and learning English which enhances teacher and learner’s ability to learn for various purposes. Mrs. Jayanti Ravi Menon, Commissioner Higher Education, Gujarat shared her noteworthy experiences in the field of education. She focused on paradigm shift from ‘passive teaching’ to ‘active learning’. She also explored the key role of ICTE and English Language Skills with reference to the reduction of unemployment and Knowledge Management. She emphasized on ‘Choice or freedom based education system’ to be developed in 21st century in India where a learner can get his/her graduation in Physics and Economics together which is not available at present. Charutar Ratna Dr. C. L. Patel, Chairman CVM and President of the function shared his valuable presidential remarks on the theme of the conference and showed his happiness referring the academic growth of Gujarat in the field of teaching English. He showered his wondrous blessings upon all and congratulated the host team. Finally, Dr. K. M. Prabhu, Vice-President, English Language Teachers’ Association of India, proposed a vote of thanks on behalf of both H. M. Patel Institute and ELT@I. Dr. Praphu opined that the Institute with the support of Government of Gujarat has made the state a unique state in the area of English Language Teaching-learning in India. Within a few years it will overtake even Tamilnadu and Andhra which are the leading states in this area today.
The function ended with the National Anthem. There are 300 participants from the various states of India and abroad in the conference in which more than 120 participants will present their paper, out of which 10-12 participants have come from the countries like UK, Iran, Iraq, Ukraine, Singapore etc. The conference will surely lead towards knowledge exchanging and so towards fruitful learning.

Stay at the Conference

Dear Friends!

Your accommodation is finalized at the following venues:

• Vadtal ( nine kilometers away from the Institute)
• NDDB Campus

In both the cases, you are advised to come to the Institute first and then the volunteers from the Institute will guide you for the respective places.

The list of your accommodation details will be uploaded very soon.