Know Your Faculty: ‘I was always passionate to pick teaching as my career’

Daljeet Singh Matharu, an Assistant Professor at Apeejay Institute of Management & Engineering Technical Campus (AIMETC) in Jalandhar, has always excelled academically. After earning a Gold Medal during his MA in Economics from Punjabi University, Patiala, he developed a keen interest in the world of computers, leading him to pursue a Master of Computer Applications at Punjabi University Campus, Patiala. 

Subsequently, he successfully cleared the UGC-NET examination and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. from Punjab Technical University. Prof. Prof Matharu aims to become a proficient researcher and has already published 10 National and International papers in prestigious journals. He’s also obtained eight certifications from NPTEL in Data Science, Machine Learning, and Mobile App Development. Recognizing his dedication, NPTEL awarded him a Discipline Award. His list of achievements continued as he was bestowed with the ‘Nation Builder Award’ in 2022 on Teacher’s Day from Rotary Club, Jalandhar.

Read edited excerpts of his interview to know more about his inspiring experience as a professor as well as explains how incorporating AI in the teaching-learning process will prepare the students for the 21st century.

What ignited your passion for academia and particularly in mobile app development, python?

I was always passionate to pick teaching as my career. So, I always try to give my best to my students, which compels me for the in-depth analysis to make learning easy and effective for them. AIMETC opened new doors for me. Besides teaching, I got a great opportunity to explore my research aspect. Now, I got into Mobile App Development by diving deep into the inner functionalities of Java and Kotlin along with it, and I must mention here that, my mathematics and statistics background helped me a lot to learn these technologies.

What are some of the key goals you wish to fulfil at Apeejay?

There are three goals:

a)  Help the students in generating Abstraction for Real world problems to develop software solutions and filling the gaps.

b)  As a Cultural Coordinator, to continuously bring out the potential and the talent among the students.

c)  Complete my research work in Data Science and Machine Learning

Any memorable or inspiring experience you’ve had as a professor? As a professor, how do you feel about the success of your students?

My experience over these 19 years of professional teaching is, just getting top-notch marks does not guarantee you a career as a software professional. However, timely enhancements of technical skills, techniques and technologies can surely land you a handsome corporate job. That’s exactly what I keep telling my students.

What innovative practices do you leverage to engage your students in learning the course while making the process enjoyable?

I am teaching subjects that require a deep understanding of the concepts of programming which might get boring sometimes. Hence, to keep it more enjoyable, a blended learning environment is created wherein open-ended questions can be asked by the students. Learning Management System (MOODLE) and ERP software is utilised to the maximum extent possible to encourage and enhance student’s creativity. Students can post their diverse opinions and perspectives at the MOODLE forum. Value added courses, MCQ’s, Live projects in labs, Assignments and seminars are also incorporated.

How do you think integrating AI in education will boost the teaching-learning process?

Integrating AI in education will revolutionise the way teachers teach and students learn. AI has the potential to provide students with more personalised and engaging learning experience which can help the teacher to accomplish his goals.  Incorporating AI in the teaching-learning process will prepare the students for the 21st century. Skills such as Critical thinking, Problem solving and Integration/Collaboration. These skills are important to be successful in this digital age. Right partners, starting from a small scale and fostering ethical and critical thinking are the best practices to consider.