P.K. Samal, a seasoned professional in techno-management, boasts decades of extensive experience spanning strategy planning, liaison, and international and national tie-ups across various domains. Presently, he holds the esteemed positions of Founder and Managing Director in multiple organizations, including Edovu Ventures, K12 Schools, American EduGlobal School, and EduXLL. Notably, he spearheaded the establishment of Lancaster University, UK in India and serves as the Director of Strategic Planning, leading collaborations with Politecnico Di Milano University, Italy.
Additionally, he played a pivotal role in founding G.D. Goenka University and forging ties with Lee Curdun Blue, France. His contributions extend to the establishment of G.D. Goenka World School as Director of Strategic Planning. With diverse experience spanning industries like construction, hospitality, and manufacturing, P.K. Samal brings a wealth of expertise to the table.
During an exclusive interview with The Interview World, P.K. Samal provides insights into the distinctive aspects of his educational ventures, elucidating on the educational approach adopted by his organizations and their utilization of emerging technologies to deliver high-quality education seamlessly worldwide. Here are the key highlights from his interview.
Q: What strategies and initiatives is your organization implementing to achieve distinctive differentiation within the education sector?
A: We dedicatedly eliminate barriers that obstruct access to high-quality learning opportunities. Through the utilization of technology, our goal is to craft a revolutionary educational experience accessible to students worldwide.
At Edovu Ventures, we shape the future through innovative education solutions on a global scale. Serving as the parent company for K12 Schools and American EduGlobal Schools, we are trailblazers in reshaping the educational realm, offering top-tier learning experiences spanning from kindergarten to grade 12.
With 25 years of experience in the education sector across various roles and organizations, I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey in 2018. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted our progress. We recommenced our efforts in 2021, seizing the opportunity presented by technology as a crucial tool for education post-COVID.
Our online school, K12 Schools, now hosts students from approximately 40 countries worldwide. Today, we are excited to launch it in the USA, Australia, and New Zealand, marking a significant milestone in our journey. As a Cambridge-affiliated institution, we provide education spanning across 40 countries.
Our other venture, American EduGlobal School, stands as the first American school in India. Leveraging the esteemed reputation of Saddle River Day School, New Jersey, we aim to create a global environment for our students. Recognizing India’s substantial population of over 50 crore individuals below the age of 25, we believe in fostering greater globalization to enable students to thrive beyond national borders.
In our endeavors, we facilitate student transfers, collaborative projects, study tours, and forge partnerships with foreign universities. In our inaugural year, we’ve welcomed approximately 900 students, with 60% hailing from foreign countries, marking a promising start to our journey.
Q: What type of educational curriculum or learning approach are you providing to your students?
A: We’re currently navigating the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) program, developed by the University of Cambridge International Examinations. Employing cutting-edge technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), we’re delivering education to our students worldwide. These innovative tools are increasingly woven into online learning platforms, fostering immersive educational experiences through interactive simulations, virtual field trips, and hands-on activities.
The accessibility of online learning has surged globally, transcending geographical constraints. This surge is fueled by widespread internet access and the ubiquity of mobile devices.
Within our robust Learning Management System (LMS), all sessions are meticulously documented, enabling students to revisit classes at their convenience. Furthermore, we empower our students to harness AI-driven learning. AI is revolutionizing various facets of online education, from personalized content recommendations to grading and student support. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants are becoming staples in online learning environments, offering real-time assistance to students.
Q: What technological strategies and tools are being utilized to ensure students are equipped with the necessary skills and competencies to enter the job market successfully?
A: Beginning with my son, who excelled as a top student in a traditional school setting but yearned for online education to pursue his passion for acting, I recognized the need to rethink conventional education. It dawned on me that many diligent students residing in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, along with those in remote geographical areas, lack access to quality education. Hence, there’s a pressing demand to ensure that these students receive the educational resources they deserve.
Motivated by the success of K12 Schools, we embarked on a new initiative called EduXLL, aimed at revolutionizing higher education. EduXLL empowers professionals to advance their careers by offering cutting-edge courses in technology and management domains, providing them with practical knowledge and skills relevant to today’s job market.
Our curriculum at EduXLL is continuously updated to incorporate the latest advancements in technology and learning methodologies. Students have the opportunity to master in-demand skills through hands-on experience gained from real-world projects, giving them a competitive advantage upon entering the workforce.
In collaboration with prestigious institutions such as IIT Mumbai, IIT Chennai, IIM Rohtak, JNU, UPES, ITAE, and international partners like the Danish Consortium for Academic and Craftsmanship, we deliver quality education through our online platform, ensuring accessibility and excellence for all learners.
Q: What types of responses are you receiving?
A: Regarding our K12 school, we’ve seen a significant uptick in interest. Initially, we started with 900 students in the first year, and now, we’re commencing with approximately 2200 students. Additionally, we’ve established partnerships with NGOs. However, it’s notable that NGOs primarily focus on literacy initiatives rather than delivering quality education. Hence, we’re in discussions with corporations to encourage NGOs to collaborate with us for enhanced educational standards. Through our online education platform, we aim to showcase the development of students, providing transparency to both corporations and NGOs. This serves as a mechanism for ensuring accountability and fostering mutual benefit between corporations and educational agencies.
