IEEE announces blended learning program

BANGALORE, INDIA: IEEE announced the launch of the Blended Learning Program at the VLSI and Embedded Systems Conference, 2014. The IEEE and RV-VLSI Blended Learning program in Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) is a unique program that aims to increase the availability of skilled engineers in the rapidly growing Electronic Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) sector in India.

The two key goals of the program are to provide undergraduate students the conceptual understanding of semiconductor design with extensive hands-on training on application of theory to practice so that they will consider electronic design or embedded systems as an attractive career option and have enhanced job prospects, and to help address the growing need for effective corporate on-board training to make new employees productive faster.

David Goldstein, director, New Product Development, IEEE, said: "India already has a very large talent pool with almost a million engineers graduating (as per AICTE data) from various engineering colleges every year. We hope that this program will complement and add to the various initiatives including those from the union and state governments, National Skills Development Corporation (NSDC), and other private sector initiatives to help reduce the skills shortage in semiconductor design industry. The aim is to help ensure that there is sufficient supply of skilled manpower to effectively meet on-going demand from the industry."

Venkatesh Prasad, CEO, RV-VLSI, added: "The program uses a unique padagogical approach that takes the learner through various levels of learning in an industry-like environment. The courses have been designed to include stages of self-driven learning, practice, extensive hands-on project work in instructor-led labs, and assessment. The program is designed to reinforce concepts at each stage to enhance retention, ability to apply concepts and hence skills."