Introduction
IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation is inviting applications for the ‘Out of the Box Thinking’ (OOBT) through Mathematics Course.
The course is aimed at nurturing creative thinking and problem-solving skills through mathematics. It is being offered in four levels, each lasting 10 weeks. The course is free of cost and is available online to everyone in India and abroad.
By leveraging the power of Mathematics, the course seeks to inspire innovation and encourage participants to approach challenges with fresh perspectives.
With its easily accessible online format, the course caters to a diverse audience, including students, professionals, and researchers.
What is Creative Thinking
Creative thinking is the ability to come up with new and original ideas. It is a skill that can be used in many different areas of life, such as problem-solving, innovation, and art.
Here are some examples of creative thinking in real life:
- A scientist comes up with a new way to generate renewable energy.
- A writer creates a new character or plot for a story.
- A businessperson develops a new marketing strategy.
- A teacher finds a new way to engage students in learning.
- A child comes up with a new way to play with a toy.
Creative thinking is often seen as a gift, but it is actually a skill that can be learned and developed. There are many different techniques that can help people become more creative thinkers, such as brainstorming, mind mapping, and lateral thinking.
Course Structure
The OOBT course is divided into four levels, each spanning 10 weeks. Participants will engage in periodic assessments and will work on solving problems that encourage innovative thinking. The course leverages Mathematics as a tool to stimulate creativity.
Read more: IISc INUP: A Two-Week Crash Course in Nanofabrication
Access and Participation
The online format of the course ensures that it is easily accessible to a wide range of individuals, including students, professionals, and researchers. The flexibility of the online platform allows participants to engage with the course material at their own pace, making it suitable for various schedules.
The OOBT course will cover a wide range of topics, including:
- Logical reasoning
- Problem-solving
- Mathematical modeling
- Creativity and innovation
- Out-of-the-box thinking
The course will be taught by experienced faculty from IIT Madras. There will be periodic assessments and solutions, as well as a proctored final examination.
Examinations and Certification
Upon completing the course, participants will undergo a final examination, which will be proctored and conducted in select cities across India.
Successful candidates will receive a grade certificate issued by IITM Pravartak, based on their performance in the exam. This certification holds value as it is endorsed by a prestigious institution like IIT Madras.
Registration Details
If you are interested in applying for the OOBT course, you can do so on the IITM Pravartak website. The application deadline is September 16, 2023.
Here are some of the benefits of taking the OOBT course:
- Develop your creative thinking and problem-solving skills
- Learn to apply mathematics to real-world problems
- Gain a deeper understanding of mathematics
- Improve your analytical and reasoning skills
- Prepare for a career in STEM
If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding course that will help you develop your thinking skills, then the OOBT course is a great option for you.
IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation
The course is organized by IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation, a Section 8 Company supported by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. It operates the Technology Innovation Hub on Sensors, Networking, Actuators, and Control Systems. This initiative aligns with the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems and is hosted by IIT Madras.
Director’s Perspective
Prof V Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, emphasizes the significance of the OOBT course. He believes that this unique initiative will yield positive outcomes in the near future. The Director underscores the importance of thinking differently to drive innovation and entrepreneurship. He envisions that nurturing creative thinking in the young minds will contribute to the development of a creative and innovative youth population.
Conclusion
IIT Madras’s ‘Out of the Box Thinking’ through Mathematics course is a pioneering effort to foster creative thinking among participants. By offering this course free of cost and in an accessible online format, IIT Madras aims to reach students and professionals across the country, including those in rural areas. The course’s structure, assessments, and final certification add value to participants’ learning experiences. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of promoting innovation and creativity in India, ultimately contributing to the nation’s progress
