The Indian Society for Technical Education (ISTE) Odisha Section, in association with Silicon University organized the 27th Annual Faculty Convention on 11 and 12 September 2026 on the theme ‘Enhancing Faculty Development in the Digital Age’.
The primary objective of the convention was to provide a platform for academic professionals to explore emerging digital technologies, innovative pedagogical practices, and evolving approaches to higher education. The program focused particularly on the role of Artificial Intelligence and Generative AI in teaching, learning, and research, along with Outcome-Based Education and the effective implementation of NEP 2020. It also aimed to facilitate meaningful interaction among academia, technology, and industry and promote the sharing of innovative teaching and learning practices to develop future-ready competencies among faculty members.
The inaugural ceremony was held on 11 September 2026. Prof. Damodar Acharya, Former Chairman, AICTE & Former Vice-Chancellor, BPUT, and Former Director, IIT Kharagpur, delivered the keynote address as Chief Guest. The convention subsequently featured a panel discussion on ‘Reimagining Teaching and Learning in Professional Education: Bridging Academia, Technology and Industry’, followed by sessions on future-ready faculty competencies, digital pedagogy, AI and digital technologies for engineering solutions, Outcome-Based Education, and NEP 2020. The second day included an expert session on ‘Generative AI and Large Language Models in Teaching, Learning and Research’ by Prof. Manas Ranjan Kabat, Principal, Institute of Management and Information Technology (IMIT), Kataka, along with a session on best practices in teaching and learning across institutions.
The two-day convention brought together faculty members, academic leaders, educationists, and professionals to deliberate on emerging trends in professional education and faculty development in the digital era. The event was attended by 51 participants, including 36 external faculty members and 15 internal faculty members.
The convention concluded with the valedictory ceremony and a formal vote of thanks expressing gratitude to the distinguished guests, resource persons, organizing team, participating faculty members, and other stakeholders. Overall, the convention provided a meaningful platform for faculty members to exchange experiences, examine emerging educational technologies, and discuss innovative approaches to strengthening professional education. The deliberations also encouraged greater collaboration among academia, technology, and industry and highlighted the importance of continuous faculty development in the digital age.
