IIT Madras Pravartak and BodhBridge Introduce Free Online Training for Students and Teachers

School education is gradually moving beyond traditional classroom instruction, with greater attention being given to emerging technologies, practical skills and professional development. In a new initiative aimed at supporting this transition, IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation has partnered with BodhBridge Education to introduce free online training programmes for school students, teachers and educators. The initiative will offer live online learning opportunities covering technology, entrepreneurship, leadership, career counselling and classroom management. Registrations have opened for interested participants through the programme's official registration platform. The training is designed to help learners connect academic knowledge with practical applications while giving educators opportunities to strengthen their professional capabilities.

Training Opportunities for School Students

Students studying in Classes 7 to 12 will have access to programmes introducing them to emerging technologies and areas of innovation. The courses aim to familiarise young learners with developments increasingly influencing education, employment, and future career opportunities.

The student-focused programmes will cover four major areas:

• Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals: Introducing students to the basic concepts of artificial intelligence and its growing applications across different sectors

• Electric Vehicles and Future Mobility: Exploring developments in electric transportation and the technologies shaping the future of mobility

• Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship: Helping students understand business concepts, entrepreneurial thinking and the process of developing ideas

• Design Thinking and Innovation: Encouraging creativity, structured problem-solving and the ability to approach challenges through innovative solutions

The programmes will combine live teaching sessions, case studies and practical activities. Through these learning methods, students will have opportunities to develop problem-solving abilities, communication, creativity and innovation skills.

The initiative is intended to provide learners with exposure to subjects that may not always receive extensive attention within conventional school curricula. It also aims to introduce students to practical applications of technology and encourage them to explore different academic and career interests at an early stage.

Professional Development Programmes for Teachers and Educators

Alongside student training, the collaboration places considerable emphasis on improving teaching practices and strengthening educators' professional skills.

Teachers and educational institutions can participate in programmes designed around three important areas:

• Career Counselling Certification Training: Supporting teachers and educators in guiding students through academic choices, career exploration, and future opportunities

• Leadership Development Programme for Educators: Focusing on leadership capabilities and the skills required to take on greater responsibilities within educational institutions

• Classroom Management and Student Engagement: Addressing teaching practices that can improve classroom interaction, student participation and the overall learning environment

These programmes aim to help educators respond to changing student expectations and the growing range of career opportunities available to young people. Career counselling, in particular, has become an important responsibility for schools as students increasingly encounter diverse academic pathways and emerging professional fields.

The leadership and classroom management components are also intended to support teachers in creating more engaging and effective learning environments.

Training by Experts and Certification Opportunities

The training sessions will be delivered by experts drawn from the IIT Madras alumni network, the start-up ecosystem, and industry. Their involvement is expected to bring practical perspectives into the learning experience, allowing participants to understand how different concepts are applied beyond academic settings.

The programmes will be conducted through free live online sessions, making them accessible to participants without requiring physical attendance. The training will be organised through monthly cohorts from November to January.

Participants will also have the option of obtaining certification from IIT Madras Pravartak. This provides an additional opportunity for learners and educators who wish to formally demonstrate their participation and learning.

According to the information shared by the foundation, more than 45,000 teachers have already benefited from its free training programmes.

Speaking about the initiative, Dhanalakshmi Sampath, Manager, Digital Skills Academy, IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation, highlighted the importance of connecting classroom education with industry requirements. She noted that the programmes would help develop essential capabilities in artificial intelligence, financial literacy and entrepreneurship while providing practical tools to students, teachers and institutions.

Registration Opens for Interested Participants

The collaboration between IIT Madras Pravartak and BodhBridge offers students and educators an opportunity to explore additional learning areas without paying for the online training. Interested school students, teachers and educators can register through the programme's designated online platform.

The initiative adds to the growing range of opportunities available beyond regular academic instruction. By bringing together technology education, entrepreneurship, career guidance and teacher development, the programmes aim to make learning more practical and relevant to changing requirements.

For readers following developments in education and skill development, EducationNewsNetwork highlights how such initiatives are expanding learning opportunities for different sections of the education community. TopEducationNews also brings attention to programmes that provide students and teachers with access to additional training and professional learning opportunities.