Industry and Academia Rendezvous

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Venue: MAJU, Karachi

Date:June 2024

Discussion Points

  1. Align curricula with industry needs.
  2. Use active learning and project-based tasks.
  3. Prioritize algorithmic thinking with coding challenges.
  4. Start with beginner-friendly languages like Java scripting, Python.
  5. Integrate AI tools like GitHub Copilot.
  6. Teach essential tools like GitHub, Jira, and Docker.
  7. Foster collaboration through pair programming and group projects
  8. Encourage continuous learning through coding competitions and hackathons.
  9. Offer mentorship programs to bridge the gap between students and industry professionals.

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Venue: Qarshi University, Lahore

Date: July 2024

Discussion Points

  1. Introduce Python or JavaScript as the first programming language to emphasize problem-solving over syntax.
  2. Encourage the use of generative AI tools like ChatGPT for code generation and debugging, with human oversight for refinement.
  3. Integrate GitHub, Slack, and Scrum into classroom projects to expose students to industry tools and collaboration practices.
  4. Align curriculum with real-world applications, including case studies and industry-relevant frameworks.
  5. Incorporate coding challenges from HackerRank, CodeChef, LeetCode, and CodeForces into the curriculum to focus on problem-solving skills.
  6. Utilize platforms like Moss for plagiarism checking to ensure originality and maintain academic integrity.
  7. Use Raptor or similar tools to help students visualize and understand code logic early in the course.
  8. Introduce debuggers as early as possible in the curriculum to teach students effective troubleshooting techniques.
  9. Pair inexperienced teachers with industry professionals for mentorship and curriculum design support.
  10. Organize coding competitions and workshops to reinforce the focus on problem-solving as emphasized by Dr. Aksam.
  11. Ensure teachers are actively involved in lab work to improve practical teaching quality.

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Venue: HEC, LI Hall, Islamabad

Date: Jan 2024

Discussion Points

  1. Best pedagogical approaches for teaching programming should be adopted in Institutions
  2. Developed algorithmic thinking to students
  3. Role of AI in programming education is important
  4. Labs should be upgraded for students for effective learning
  5. Effective use of programming environments in Universities
  6. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) should establish a policy regarding salary packages for industry professionals who teach at universities.
  7. Training programs should be developed for faculty members to equip them with the skills to train teachers in programming and AI.
  8. Provide real-world problem-solving experiences through internships and industry partnerships.

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Venue: HEC regional center, Peshawar

Date: April 2025

Discussion Points

    Curriculum Framework and Reform
  1. Align curriculum with industrial demands and international standards.
  2. Engage institutions (FAST, ITU, GIK, etc.) to review core/elective content.
  3. Industry input to guide curriculum updates (e.g., Quantum Computing).
  4. Consider integration of certifications (e.g., Coursera) into electives.
    Technology & Infrastructure Gaps
  1. Address digital divide and poor Internet/connectivity in remote areas.
  2. Propose at least one high-tech computing lab per university by 2025.
  3. Use government-backed projects (e.g., HEDP) for lab setup.
  4. Free or subsidized access to essential software (MATLAB, ERP, etc.).
  5. Promote shared access models and cloud-based resources.
    Innovation and Product-Oriented Research
  1. Push for incubator culture in computing institutions.
  2. At least one incubator per institution within 2–3 years.
  3. Encourage universities to develop local IT products to reduce dependency on expensive foreign subscriptions (e.g., ICI example).
    Quality & Accreditation Standards
  1. Strengthen accreditation through self-assessment, cluster models, and simplified processes.
  2. Promote OBE (Outcome-Based Education) and autonomous accreditation bodies like INSEC.
  3. Address challenges with unqualified colleges offering CS programs—emphasize faculty qualifications (e.g., PhD requirement).
    Industry-Academia Linkages
  1. Emphasize local industry collaboration for real-world relevance.
  2. Establish a local HR database and involve 2 visiting industry teachers per program.
  3. Encourage mentorship and curriculum alignment with industry demands.
    Policy & Implementation Challenges
  1. Funding remains a core issue; PC-1 process is slow.
  2. Policy gaps: No current support for local product preference in public sector.
  3. Centralized semester-end assessments: Need clarity on structure and relevance.
    Tax Rebate Concern
  1. Urgent matter: Federal government may be ending the 25% tax rebate for university professors and researchers.
  2. Recommendation: Immediate engagement with relevant authorities to preserve this incentive.