The Department of Computer Science & Engineering and Computer Applications of Amal Jyothi College of Engineering, in technical partnership with the ISTE Kerala section and the CSI Cochin Chapter, conducted a Two day National level E-Seminar on Steps 2 Research from 19th to 20th September 2014, which focused on understanding research in multiple perspectives and helped researchers to acquaint themselves with recent developments. Prof. Vishal Bharti, HOD Computer Science & Engineering, being the Remote Centre Coordinator (RC 143) coordinated the seminar at Dronacharya College of Engineering, Gurgaon and total 131 faculty members attended the e- seminar.

The inaugural address was delivered by Prof. Dr. D. B. Phatak, Department of Computer Science, IIT Bombay and the welcome note was given by Dr. James Jacob, Dean Research, Amal Jyothi College of Engineering. Dr. Pathak discussed on the role of research in national development. He welcomed the opportunity to speak about the role of education, universities in particular, and the importance of research that has immense contribution in the continued growth and development of India.

Dr. Mukta Atrey, Senior Project Manager took a technical session on innovation and discussed the T10KT Project of IIT Bombay. She highlighted on the importance and significance of research. She then explained the concept of T10KT Project, an initiative by IIT Bombay under National Mission on Education through Information and Communication Technology (NMEICT). The basic concept of this project is to combine online platforms and face to face interaction that makes teacher training possible over a large scale.

Rev. Dr. Jose Kannampuzha, Principal, Amal Jyothi College of Engineering then started with the session on Introduction to Research. According to him the basic requirements of a good research project, are 'quality consciousness' and ‘absolute honesty’. He highlighted the importance of research and discussed on various types of research activities, the know-hows of choosing the best suitable research advisor and points to make a successful research.

Prof. Dr. Kannan M. Moudgalya, Dept. of Chemical Engineering, IIT Bombay discussed research issues in massive IT literacy drive in INDIA. He said that Spoken Tutorial, an initiative by NMEICT and launched by the Ministry of Human Resources and Development (MHRD), Government of India and developed by IIT Bombay will improve employment and to help bridge the digital divide and through this many students across many schools and colleges came to know of FOSS technologies. It is an audio-video tutorial tool that helps you learn and use Open Source Software.

Mr. G. Vijayaraghavan, Former CEO Techno Park, Member – State Planning Board Kerala discussed about Engineering Research, Incubation and Technology Transfer. He motivated to innovate new technologies and patenting of the projects. He highlighted the roles played by Ministry of Science and Technology in promoting research and development of small entrepreneurial firms.

Dr. K Alexander, Principal – S D College, MG University in the last session of the day, shared his views on Obstacles of Research. He said India faces enormous social challenges as well as opportunities for rapid development in the new millennium. The unprecedented recent economic growth, the values of knowledge and education shared by a billion diverse people, and the investments made over the last half century, all point to India’s potential future as a knowledge economy. The present juncture is critical for Indian science. As a major positive step would play a key role in taking India to a leading position in the future, but inaction or suboptimal action would accelerate the national decline.

On 20th September 2014 the seminar started with discussion on Management of Research Process – Philosophy and Practical Tips by Dr. Achuthsankar Nair, Centre of Bio Informatics, Trivandrum. He focused his discussion on the differences between local and global types of research. He explained that a journal article is usually examined more stringently than a conference article.

The session was followed by discussion on the process of Education Research by Dr. Sahana Murthy, CDEEP IIT Bombay. He said Education research is the scientific field of study that examines education and learning processes and the human attributes, interactions, organizations and institutions that shape educational outcomes. Scholarship in the field seeks to describe, understand and explain how learning takes place throughout a person’s life and how formal and informal contexts of education affect all forms of learning. Education research embraces the full spectrum of rigorous methods appropriate the question being asked and also drives the development of new tools and methods.

Dr. Soney C. George, Centre of Nano Technology, AJCE and Dr. Jacob Philips, Director STIC, CUSAT discussed the correct method to write Research Proposals and Filling Patents. Dr. George said that all researchers need to plan in advance of an investigation. He said the process starts when a research problem is selected. As one makes decision there shall be planning guide to complete assistance in scaffolding the research project design. One may also use the earlier material about research methodology that helps to make decisions.

According to Dr. Philips thesis goes in the introductory paragraph. So it must be clearly asserted at the beginning of the paper. The thesis must make an argument. It is the road map to the argument that will subsequently develop in the thesis paper. The key difference between an opinion statement and thesis statement is that a thesis conveys to the reader that the claim being offered has been thoroughly explored and is defendable by evidence.

Mr. Joe A Skaria, Director, Management Development Centre, Amal Jyothi College ended the seminar with a vote of thanks.

Some Glimpses: