Jaaga Study to be launched in Jan 2014, aiming to train industry ready computer programmers
A change is coming to the higher educational landscape. It must be. With the amazing new accessibility to the world’s top educational institutions through online classes, the winds of change are stirring. Increasing access and connectivity brings enormous potential to spread knowledge like never before.
But equal access alone does not ensure equal success. Without the support and community of a traditional university, it’s easy to fall behind in courses.
So how can increased access be leveraged successfully? Jaaga Study thinks they have found an answer. Jaaga, a collaborative community space in Bangalore, seeks to pair customized online curricula with the on the ground support that a traditional university student would get in an intensive one year course. The new program, to be launched this January, will specifically seek to train industry ready computer programmers. With personalized course selection based on the student’s skill level and career aspirations, also comes a vibrant co-working space and a support framework that includes course selection guidance, interaction with technical experts, and active peer learning groups.
The program was officially recognized this past week by the ‘Reclaim Open Learning Innovation’ Challenge, which sought to identify platforms that increase access to higher education using technology. The Challenge, run by the Dignital Media and Learning Research Hub at UC Irvine, the MIT Media lab, and the MacArthur Foundation selected only five winners from around the world. Jaaga Study is the only program representing India. Freeman Murray, one of the founders of Jaaga, spoke on behalf of Jaaga at UC Irvine in California on Friday and Saturday. He spoke specifically about the “warm body effect” and the importance of community in learning. You can watch his full presentation here.
With a booming tech scene here in Bangalore, it makes sense that every motivated student should be able to gain the skills necessary to be a part of it. Jaaga Study provides that direct access, along with the community support and infrastructure to launch a successful career.
Applications for the classes starting in January 2014 are open now.
If you are interested in applying, please check this out for more information. If you have more questions about the program, you can contact Akshay Kanthi on +919019759255 or [email protected]
Written by – Zoe Hamilton