Sengunthar Engineering College, HOD- Computer Science and Engineering: Dr.M Sakthivel Interview

Dr. M. Sakthivel is HOD and Assistant professor of the CSE Department at Sengunthar Engineering College. He obtained his B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering, M.E in Computer Science and Engineering, and his Ph.D. degree in the area of Computer Science and Engineering. He has 15 years of teaching experience. His area of Specializations includes Mobile Computing, Ad Hoc, and Sensor Networks, and Artificial intelligence. He has been awarded the Best teacher award in the year 2016.

What are your roles and responsibilities towards the students?

“To ensure the quality education, placements and best facilities for students”

My roles include planning, scheduling, organizing, coordinating, and monitoring Lectures and Practicals for the students assigned to me. To efficiently deliver both the theory and practical classes with a full-fledged manner to understanding by the students. I also monitor the academic progress of the Department regularly. From time to time, I encourage students to participate in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. My role also includes forming collaborations with leading industries to enhance overall placements for students.

How do you ensure healthy relations with the students and fellow faculty?

“To promote the values of respect and discipline in College”

I ensure that all faculty in this department treat the students with respect and humility. We try to incorporate areas of students’ interests to make the lectures interesting for them and show an actual interest in their lives outside of College. This helps us to better connect with the students. I always try to incorporate some humorous bits so that students don’t get tuned out in the virtual classroom.

How do you make the subjects industry-oriented?

“Providing students with industrial visits to gain practical experience”

We strive to make the course more industry-oriented each term. We aim to give hands-on sessions and allow room for practical implementation. We encourage them to learn through ICT and NPTEL and arrange frequent alumni talks and orientation sessions by industry experts. Such sessions help students understand what to expect and what skills are necessary for the industry. We also introduce value-added courses from time to time based on industry trends.

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How do you help students to gain necessary subject-related skills?

“Providing Students with the demanding skills of Programming Languages”

We encouraged students to pursue internships/in-plant training during the vacations and acquire necessary problem-solving skills. We also maintain strong alumni support and utilize their services, like Guest Lectures, Internship opportunities, placements, etc. A FOSS club may be formed to get exposure to free open source software and its features/ applications. Faculty members encourage the students to compete in external competitions (tech fests, paper presentations, and idea and innovation contests) and enable them to do mini-projects. Idea contests are held every month, to allow students to exhibit their ideas and talents. A strong feedback mechanism involving parents and alumni is also adopted.

How do you strategize the curriculum and update it regularly?

“Assist students in updated curriculum syllabus regularly”

The curriculum is frame-based on society and industry requirements. We analyze the current teaching practices and learning outcomes, re-examine the links between goals and course design, map the industry requirement and curriculum design. If there is a gap then make changes based on the need. Once in four years curriculum and syllabus may be changed.

What do you think about the placement in your department?

“Our College provides 100% Placement Assistance to the Students”

Our department maintains strong industry tie-ups with top-level industries. We ensure regular all inclusive-placement training is conducted, mock interviews are conducted as well. To give exposure to experiential learning and problem-solving skills, internships and industrial visits are to be arranged. We have a strong relationship with other institutions and go for off-campus placement. We make a strategic alliance with a gamut of companies and plan for on-campus. Sometimes, inexperienced candidates may face troubles in befitting a job, we help them to bypass the trouble and become confident and prepared.

What are the challenges faced by you in uplifting the quality of education of your department?

“To maintain the attendance and discipline in the College”

One of the main challenges is to maintain students’ attendance and discipline. As any of them have a rural background, a lack of communication skills is prevalent. Overcoming this and making them industry-ready is a challenge. Balancing the learning needs of a diverse group of students, especially in a virtual model has become a new challenge for the faculty members. Parents not being able to give enough support also is a challenge for the students.

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What advice would you give to the upcoming aspiring students?

“Students should focus on enhancing their skills and knowledge to the maximum potential”

To the aspiring students, I would say grow your skills and knowledge. Find out what your passion is and follow it. Use this pandemic to reflect and get an early start at things. Most importantly remember to balance your study, work with your personal life goals. These goals could be having a good network, learning things, etc. Be informed of what would be required in your respective fields. Search for companies on social media, and always strive for excellence.