Mangaluru: St Joseph Engineering College (SJEC), Mangaluru, in association with the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) and Pilikula Regional Science Centre (PRSC), inaugurated a five-day workshop on “AI for Teachers” for Government Primary and High School Head Masters of Dakshina Kannada at Prerana Hall, Academic Block III, SJEC.
Inaugural ceremony highlights AI-driven educational transformation
The programme began with an invocation, followed by a welcome address from Dr Hareesh B, Head of the Department of MCA, who outlined the vision and objectives of the workshop. A traditional lighting of the lamp marked the symbolic opening of the event.
Dr Arun Kumar Shetty, Commissioner (In-charge), Pilikula Developmental Authority, delivered the Chief Guest Address, emphasising the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in strengthening teaching–learning systems and preparing schools for the future.
The event was graced by Dr K. V. Rao, Director, PRSC; Sri Sadananda Poonja A. V., Principal & DDPI, DIET Mangaluru; and Dr Rio D’Souza, Principal, SJEC, who served as Guests of Honour.
Presidential address calls for AI-enabled classrooms
In the absence of Rev. Fr Wilfred P. D’Souza, Director, SJEC, the programme was presided over by Rev. Fr Kenneth R. Crasta, Assistant Director, SJEC. In his address, he underlined the importance of empowering educators with emerging technologies to lead AI-driven transformation in schools.
Dr Purushothama Chipper, Vice Principal, SJEC, also participated, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to teacher development and digital literacy.
Workshop structure, coordination, and participation
The workshop is scheduled from 8 to 12 December, with 130 teachers attending each day, amounting to around 650 participants from Mangaluru, Puttur, Bantwal, Belthangady, Moodbidri and Sullia.
The inaugural event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms Jayashree M, who, along with Mr Sunith Kumar T, coordinated the workshop. Teachers were provided hands-on access to AI tools in well-equipped computing facilities supported by in-house expertise.
Resource persons for the workshop include:
- Dr Hareesh B, Head, Department of MCA
- Mr Sunith Kumar T, Assistant Professor, MCA
- Mr Murari BK, Assistant Professor, MCA
SJEC’s continued commitment to teacher empowerment
Through the SJEC–AICTE IDEA Lab, the institution has previously trained teachers and students of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts in advanced manufacturing, IoT and emerging technologies.
This new initiative further strengthens SJEC’s efforts to enhance digital competency and foster innovation across school education.
By equipping Head Masters with practical AI tools, the programme aims to inspire AI-enabled classrooms and improved learning outcomes across Dakshina Kannada.