Northeast Economy, Security & Technology (NEST) Foundation

Northeast Economy, Security & Technology (NEST) Foundation aims to bring about transformational betterment of communities through economic empowerment, food security, and technology use.

In the aforementioned aims, our objectives are embedded in education in the following areas:

1. Increasing awareness about environmental issues

2. Getting local governments to be more accountable

3. Improving access to formal education 

Each of the aforementioned objectives is achieved through the following:

1. Providing financial aid to poor students

2. Engaging with political parties (local and national) to implement educational policies (implementation of the Right to Education Act)

3. Using technology to provide free access to formal educational material (NEST is developing e-learning material for free use by students of the Meghalaya School Board of Education. NEST Foundation is headquartered in Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya).

NEST Foundation is registered as a Section 8 Company: a non-profit company that is audited more stringently than other entities that are registered as non-profit organizations (NGOs, Charitable Trusts, Societies, etc.)

Chaitanya envisions every program of the NEST Foundation, from conceptualization to funding to evaluation of the program. Chaitanya's experience in creating learning solutions while in Tata Interactive Systems and managing a multi-million dollar e-learning business (while in Cognizant) gives him the ability to formulate programs from an educational perspective and a funding/implementing perspective.

The following are some indicative examples:

1. NEST Foundation collaborated with a local political organization to identify children in most need of help and paid for their school fees. Twenty-five children have been helped financially.

2. Conceptualized free e-learning and Zoom-based tutoring during the Covid lockdown. Ten students were tutored over 6 months.

3. Conceptualized a learning solution and lobbied the central government of India to fund a state-level initiative (Meghalaya state) to provide free e-learning material. At least 40,000 students of Class 10 Meghalaya State Board of School Education will benefit from this.

Our Team Lead (Chaitanya) and Project Manager (Vivek) are well-positioned to effectively manage this program. Chaitanya and Vivek have a wealth of knowledge and expertise in managing educational programs. They have successfully developed and implemented similar educational programs in the past, for multi-billion-dollar MNCs and have managed projects for clients all over the world.

They have vast expertise in terms of project planning, allocating time/resources, time management, deliverables tracking, quality assurance, and handling projects across different time zones.

To effectively support the LEAP program, Vivek and Chaitanya will utilize a project management approach that involves planning, execution, monitoring, and control. This approach will ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. Our team will work closely with the program stakeholders to ensure that their requirements are met.

Fundamental to this project management approach is the creation of a communication hierarchy and a communication protocol. This communication protocol will include escalation (friendly reminders of deadlines approaching, incorporation of stakeholder feedback, etc.).

Another important aspect of the project management approach is the project plan which will help allocate time and track deliverables. To enable the project plan, Chaitanya will also create a RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed) Matrix to track all identified deliverables.

In terms of managing other priorities within the organization, Chaitanya will prioritize the LEAP Project and allocate the necessary resources to ensure its success. Our team will also communicate with members/volunteers of other NEST projects to promptly identify and resolve potential conflicts. We will use tools like Gantt charts and project management software to track progress and ensure that all tasks are completed on time.

While Chaitanya will serve as the Team Lead and will be the single point of contact for LEAP, Vivek will be entrusted with the following task of internal management:

Project Manager (Vivek): Vivek will be responsible for overseeing the entire project internally. To manage time effectively, he will create a detailed project plan that outlines all the tasks and deadlines of NEST’s other projects alongside the LEAP Project. He will delegate tasks to the supporting team members.

The Team Lead holds regular status meetings to monitor progress and identify any potential issues.

A multi-dimensional learning model that combines the 36 Tattvas System of human experience with Multiple Intelligences Theory.

The current educational system faces several problems and deficiencies that hinder its ability to provide effective learning experiences for all students. Some of the problems faced by the current educational system include:

Standardized Curriculum: The current educational system follows a standardized curriculum that does not take into account the individual learning needs of students. This one-size-fits-all approach to education can result in students who are not challenged enough or students who struggle to keep up.

Lack of Personalization: The current educational system does not provide personalized learning experiences for students. Teachers are often unable to provide individualized attention to each student, which can lead to students falling behind or losing interest in learning. In India, most classrooms have a student population of over 50 students. It is therefore excessive to expect one teacher to be attentive to over 50 students.

Rote Learning: The current educational system often relies on rote learning and memorization rather than critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This approach can result in students who are unable to apply their knowledge in real-world situations.

Limited Access to Technology: Many schools lack the resources to provide students with access to the latest technology, which can hinder their ability to learn and keep up with technological advancements.

One major deficiency of the current educational system is that it does not address learning variability. Every student learns differently, and the current system does not take into account these differences. The standardized curriculum and lack of personalization mean that students who learn differently are often left behind. For example, students with learning disabilities may require additional support and accommodations to learn effectively, but the current system does not always provide these resources. Additionally, students who are gifted and talented may not be challenged enough by the current curriculum, which can result in boredom and disengagement from learning. Overall, the current educational system needs to address learning variability by providing personalized learning experiences and accommodations for students with different learning needs.

NEST Solution is based on the following:

A. Multiple Intelligences Theory (Howard Gardner)

B. Tattva System (Reference: Christopher Wallis)

C. AI-based Multi-dimensional Mapping System

A. The 8 Intelligences proposed by Howard Gardner are as follows:

1. Musical-Rhythmic

2. Visual-Spatial

3. Verbal-Linguistic

4. Logical-Mathematical

5. Bodily-Kinesthetic

6. Interpersonal

7. Intrapersonal

8. Naturalistic

B. The 36 tattvas are as follows:

1. Shiva: The supreme consciousness and pure awareness.
2. Shakti: The dynamic and creative energy.
3. Sadasiva: The unmanifest aspect of Shiva.
4. Ishvara: The personal aspect of Shiva.
5. Sadvidya: The knowledge of the six Shiva Tattvas.
6. Maya: The power of illusion and the veiling of truth.
7. Kala: Time, the principle of limitation.
8. Vidya: The knowledge of the Shakti Tattvas.
9. Raaga: Attachment and desire.
10. Purusha: The individual soul.
11. Buddhi: Intellect and discernment.
12. Ahamkara: The ego-sense or "I"-maker.
13. Manas: The mind and its functions.
14. Pancha Tanmatras: The subtle elements of sound, touch, sight, taste, and smell.
15. Pancha Mahabhutas: The gross elements of earth, water, fire, air, and ether.
16. Tanmatra Bhutaadi: The principle of the five subtle elements and their transformation.
17. Annamaya Kosha: The physical body and its nourishment.
18. Pranamaya Kosha: The energy body and the vital breath.
19. Manomaya Kosha: The mental body and its functions.
20. Vijnanamaya Kosha: The intellectual body and discerning knowledge.
21. Anandamaya Kosha: The blissful body and the experience of profound joy.
22. Pancha Karmendriya: The five organs of action.
23. Pancha Jnanendriya: The five organs of perception.
24. Antahkarana: The inner instrument of the mind, ego, intellect, and memory.
25. Avidya: Ignorance or lack of spiritual knowledge.
26. Kalaa: The power of action and expression.
27. Raagas: The passions and emotional attachments.
28. Karmendriya: The individual organs of action.
29. Jnanendriya: The individual organs of perception.
30. Tanmatras: The subtle essences of the elements.
31. Mahabhutas: The gross elements of nature.
32. Dik: The directions or cardinal points.
33. Sparsha: The sense of touch.
34. Rasa: The sense of taste.
35. Gandha: The sense of smell.
36. Shabda: The sense of sound.

C: The AI-based mapping system the 8 Intelligences and 26 Tattvas. The first 10 Taattvas will not be considered. This mapping will be a multi-dimensional complex using several axes to "plot" the mental map of a system.

We will use observation-based methodologies, questionnaires, and conventional assessment strategies to create such a mental map and thereby pinpoint the variability of a student's learning potential.

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Foundational Research

Chaitanya and Ajita have conducted wide research within the available literature over 10 years. 

This research was necessitated because they homeschooled their two daughters over that period. 

Chaitanya was also involved in conducting extensive research in this domain as part of his work creating innovative educational and instructional design solutions for schools, colleges, and corporate universities all over the world.

Our research in educational methodologies, especially homeschooling, unschooling, and free-range learning, has revealed the need for innovative learning solutions that cater to the diverse needs of children. These alternative forms of education have gained popularity in recent years, as they offer a more personalized and flexible approach to learning. 

Here are some ways in which our research has provided a future path for us:

Increased Demand for Personalized Learning: Homeschooling, unschooling, and free-range learning all prioritize personalized learning experiences. This research has shown that learners thrive when they have more control over their learning and can pursue their interests in a self-directed manner. As a result, we hope to see an increased demand for personalized learning solutions in traditional educational settings, such as schools and universities.

Shift towards Online and Hybrid Learning: Online and hybrid learning models can be effective and flexible, allowing learners to access education from anywhere, at any time. As a result, we can expect to see a shift towards online and hybrid learning models in traditional educational settings. However, Instructional Designers are needed to identify what type of knowledge object should be taught online and what should be taught in a classroom.

Emphasis on Project-Based Learning: One important technique of assessing learning is to observe and evaluate how a child has taken the information and interpreted it differently. Working on a real-world project -- at a community level -- make education relevant to the child's interests and goals. This research has shown that project-based learning can be more engaging and effective than traditional classroom-based learning. 

Incorporation of Technology: Technology has always been a powerful tool for learning, allowing learners to access a wealth of information and connect with experts and peers from around the world. 

Educational organizations that embrace these trends and develop innovative learning solutions will be better positioned to meet the evolving needs of learners and stay competitive in a rapidly changing educational landscape.

Why now is the right time to engage in a LEAP Project

With general elections in 2024, all State Governments are involved in announcing grants and funds for all sorts of projects. Education is a state subject, and NEST Foundation has already been lobbying the Central Government (Government of India) for Funds for Meghalaya.

Being chosen for the LEAP Project, by a prestigious institution like MIT, enhances our credibility and helps us attract more funds.

Meghalaya is a tribal state and is dependent on the Central Government (Government of India) to fund its educational ventures. In this, NEST Foundation is uniquely placed and we wish to leverage the LEAP Project for additional government funds.

Need to Strength Our Evidence Base

In today's fast-paced and highly competitive world, educational organizations need to constantly improve and innovate their learning solutions to stay relevant and meet the evolving needs of learners. Strengthening the evidence base of learning solutions is one way to achieve this goal. Here are some reasons why educational organizations need to prioritize this pursuit:

Improving Learning Outcomes: Strengthening the evidence base of learning solutions can help educational organizations improve learning outcomes for their students. By using evidence-based practices, organizations can ensure that their learning solutions are effective and impactful. This can lead to better student performance, higher retention rates, and increased student satisfaction.

Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learners: Educational organizations serve diverse populations of learners with different learning needs and preferences. Strengthening the evidence base of learning solutions can help organizations develop solutions that are tailored to the needs of different learners. Evidence-based practices can be used to identify effective teaching methods, instructional strategies, and learning technologies that work best for different types of learners.

Staying Competitive: Educational organizations operate in a highly competitive environment where they need to constantly innovate and improve their learning solutions to stay relevant. Strengthening the evidence base of learning solutions can help organizations stay ahead of the curve by developing solutions that are backed by research and proven to be effective.

Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic has forced educational organizations to rapidly transition to online and hybrid learning models. Strengthening the evidence base of learning solutions can help organizations develop effective online and hybrid learning solutions that meet the needs of learners in this new environment.

In summary, educational organizations need to prioritize strengthening the evidence base of their learning solutions to improve learning outcomes, meet the needs of diverse learners, stay competitive, and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The current time is especially important to participate in this pursuit because the pandemic has accelerated the shift to online and hybrid learning models, making it even more critical for organizations to develop effective and evidence-based learning solutions.

1. What weightage should we provide to each parameter on the assessment axes? (Example: Should Linguistic Intelligence be given more weightage than say Intrapersonal Intelligence?)

2. How can we ensure that there isn't too much bias in observation-based assessments?

Formative research plays a crucial role in the early stages of a project or study, providing valuable insights and informing decision-making processes. Chaitanya and Vivek have extensive experience in conducting Training Needs Analysis and in designing solutions based on such analyses.

Usability studies are vital to our proposed solution since this will be the first time that children will be observed on so many different parameters.

A feasibility study will be required to comprehend the scope of work to ensure a statistically significant outcome. This will help Vivek identify resource requirements and risks. One risk could be financial, in which case Chaitanya would be tasked with providing additional quantum funds.

Two or three case studies will provide an in-depth examination of our proposed solution. By investigating real-life situations, we will be able to state that at least in 2 or 3 cases our proposed solution provided evidence of a positive impact. 

User interviews will involve engaging with teachers, students, and parents to understand their perspectives, needs, and preferences. Researchers use structured or semi-structured interviews to collect qualitative data. These interviews can help to refine our multi-dimensional model.

Correlational studies investigate relationships between variables without manipulating them. Researchers collect data and analyze statistical associations to determine if variables are related. For instance, a correlational study may examine the relationship between physical activity and mental health by measuring participants' exercise habits and mental well-being.

In conclusion, NEST Foundation's desired outputs will be the creation of instructional assessments and developmental templates.

Here is how NEST Foundation wishes to put the outputs into action:

1. Two schools have been identified to conduct the first phase of the implementation. One school is in Shillong city and the other is in a rural area on the outskirts of Shillong city. All factors being equal, the only difference between the students is their place of dwelling (urban or rural).

Culturally, most students belong to the Khasi tribe (in Shillong City and adjoining areas) and speak the same language.

2. Students from these schools will act as test subjects to help us achieve our goals. Based on the results obtained from these two schools, we will approach the Education Ministry to roll it out to the entire state.

3. The results obtained from these two schools will also enable us to create training programs for teachers.Short t

Short term Goals

1. Gain experience with MIT experts in designing a learning solution that addresses learning variability.

2. Brainstorm (within NEST Foundation) how this 12-week LEAP project can be metamorphosed into a bigger and grander solution utilizing AI tools to minimize human error.

Long term Goals

1. Leverage this collaboration to lobby the Government of India and corporate educational companies for additional funding.

2. Identify the parameters to take this solution into community development and associated community-level activism.