1. To provide a platform for the students to share views and project their aspirations for creating a stimulating environment for higher education
2. To foster interaction between students and experts in the field of education and ICT
3. To develop leadership qualities and organizational and planning skills amongst students

The Institution
SNDT women’s University is the first women’s university in India as well as in South-East Asia. It was founded by Bharat Ratna Maharshi Dr.Dhondo Keshav Karve in 1916, in Pune, to support the cause of women’s empowerment through higher education. The university operates from 3 campuses; Churchgate (headquarters), Juhu and Pune. The university offers 250 programmes ranging from Undergraduate to Ph.D. as well as Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma programmes through 15 Faculties. The University has been accredited by NAAC with ‘A’ grade in January 2016.

Today, we proudly celebrate a glorious 100 years of the university, which boasts of 39 departments, 13 institutions including conducted, and autonomous, and a model college at Srivardhan. SNDT also has 174 affiliated colleges spread across seven states of India. This student led conference is one of the many events planned to commemorate the centennial year.

Rationale
This conference will lay emphasis on the rapid advances in technology and the changing pedagogical landscape. With the huge array of new age technologies available to the current generation, the rise of ICT in classrooms, MOOCs and online learning, the old familiar models of education are no longer relevant. These opportunities were never dreamed of in the yesteryears, and students with easy access to the internet today, should take full advantage of such opportunities. However, the use of ICT for education needs to be intensified within the Indian education system.

Students’ horizons will be widened as they use different modes and methods of learning. They can analyse the various learning options available to them online as well in multiple areas of their choice, without necessarily making a commitment to a narrow “stream” or “subject”. While considering the major development of technology, teaching and learning practices, as well as assessment and evaluation practices will need to undergo radical shifts. Education systems will need to provide active learning environments that provide realistic conditions, which is essential for innovation to take place. Online learning gives students the opportunity to learn on demand, at their own pace, and this further provides for equal access to all.

In addition to professional skills and competency, students also need to develop soft skills to fit into the changing job demands. The education system needs to ensure that students develop relevant skills, and equip students to meet their own aspirations as well as their employers’ expectations. In keeping with the trends of educational reforms the world over, Indian education systems have the challenge of meeting the escalating demand for the use of ICT in education and enhancing the overall quality of education. The changes to be made to the education system involve upgrading our systems from book knowledge to experiential learning and applications. The Indian education system must find ways to keep in line with current educational trends that makes quality education accessible and available to large number, at a price that is affordable for all.

This conference provides a forum to students to discuss the use of ICT and online learning; how social networking and discussion forums can alter the current educational system radically. Students want to participate in the process of bringing about this change in the education system, not only for enhancement of their own knowledge and skills but also for the future generations of students.