AI Generated Podcast on NAAC

Experimenting with AI Tools for Academic Communication: 

Podcast on NAAC’s New Accreditation System

As part of my ongoing engagement with AI tools for educational innovation, I recently explored a new workflow to create and publish a podcast-based explainer on the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC)’s proposed new accreditation system. This initiative aligns with the growing need to simplify complex policy documents and reforms for a wider academic audience.

To create the content, I used Google NotebookLM — a powerful AI-powered note-taking and summarization tool. By uploading relevant documents and reports about the proposed changes in NAAC's accreditation framework, I was able to prompt NotebookLM to generate a clear, structured podcast script. The tool’s capacity to synthesize technical information into coherent narrative form made it especially effective for this task.

Once the podcast script was finalized and recorded, I turned to Audiogram — an AI platform that converts audio content into engaging, captioned videos optimized for social media and video-sharing platforms. This step allowed me to create a visually enriched, accessible version of the podcast suitable for YouTube publication, complete with on-screen captions for better comprehension and outreach.

In this blog post, I am pleased to share the captioned video podcast, which provides an overview of NAAC’s proposed changes, potential implications for higher education institutions, and the broader context of accreditation reform in India.

🎥 Watch the Video Podcast Here:

 [Link of YouTube video]

This experiment highlights how AI tools can significantly streamline the process of content creation, curation, and dissemination — especially for educators and administrators navigating evolving academic landscapes.

I invite you to watch the video, share your feedback, and reflect on how such tools might be integrated into your own teaching, training, or institutional development efforts.

AI Generated Video on Mastering Hybrid Classrooms

Exploring AI-Generated Content: A Video on "Mastering the Hybrid Class"

In my recent exploration of AI tools for educational content creation, I experimented with INVIDEO AI to see how a single prompt could be transformed into a meaningful teaching resource. I provided a simple prompt focusing on a teacher in a hybrid class, and within an hour, the platform generated a complete short video — including a transcript, visuals, and voiceover.

In this blog post, I’m sharing the AI-generated video titled “Mastering the Hybrid Class” along with the accompanying transcript. This experiment illustrates how generative AI can assist educators in designing quick, engaging, and visually rich learning materials with minimal input. Whether you're teaching online, offline, or in a hybrid mode, tools like this can offer exciting new ways to communicate ideas effectively.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=balCdFMCrBw

Transcript:

(00:00) Hey everyone. Are you a professor navigating the hybrid teaching landscape? Well, I've got some tips to help you ace it. First things first, let's talk about engagement. Whether your students are in the classroom or tuning in from home, they all deserve your attention. Start by addressing everyone.

(00:18) Good morning, everyone, both in class and online. This instantly bridges the gap. Next, leverage technology. Use tools like Zoom or Microsoft Teams for seamless interaction. Make sure you can see your online students just as clearly as those in the classroom. This makes it easier to pick up on cues and ensure everyone's following along.

(00:38) Now, when it comes to questions, encourage both sets of students to participate. You can say something like, "Feel free to raise your hand or type your question in the chat." This way, everyone feels equally involved. Don't forget to repeat questions from the classroom for your online audience. It's a simple gesture that keeps everyone on the same page.

(00:58) And of course, give credit where it's due. Great question from Sarah in the chat. Visual aids are your best friend. Use slides, whiteboards, or even share your screen. This keeps your content engaging and accessible. And remember, pace yourself. Take regular pauses to ensure everyone's keeping up.

(01:16) Lastly, be flexible and patient. Technology can be tricky, so have a backup plan. And always, always stay positive. Your enthusiasm is contagious and it goes a long way in keeping your students motivated. There you have it. With these tips, you're well on your way to mastering hybrid teaching. Got any tips of your own? Share them in the comments below.

(01:37) Thanks for watching and happy teaching.

AI Tools for Research

 

21st Century Literature Review: Tools Every Researcher Should Know

In an age where research output is growing exponentially, the traditional methods of doing a literature review—manual searches on Google Scholar or trawling through PDFs—are no longer sufficient. Fortunately, a new wave of AI-powered and open-access tools has made it easier than ever to trace citations, discover influential works, and even visualize the scholarly landscape around your topic. If you’ve used tools like Citation Gecko or OpenAlex, you’ve already tasted the power of citation intelligence. But there’s more—much more.

This blog introduces several powerful alternatives and complementary tools for citation tracking, research mapping, and literature discovery.

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🔍 Citation Mapping and Visualization Tools

1. Connected Papers – connectedpapers.com

If you know one good paper in your area, Connected Papers can show you a network of related works. It generates a visual graph based on citations, helping you explore prior and derivative research. You can use a title or DOI to get started.

2. Research Rabbit – researchrabbit.ai

Think of this as the Spotify of academic research. It not only maps connections between papers and authors but also lets you track updates in research areas. You can follow citation trails, author networks, and even institution-wise output.

3. Litmaps – litmaps.com

Litmaps lets you visually organize and track your literature review process. It automatically updates you with new papers relevant to your field. Great for keeping a dynamic bibliography while writing a thesis or article.

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📚 Academic Search Engines with Smart Citation Features

4. Semantic Scholar – semanticscholar.org

An AI-driven alternative to Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar highlights citation influence, shows citation context, and identifies key papers. It’s particularly useful for understanding how a paper is being used in the field—whether as foundational, supporting, or marginal.

5. Scite.ai – scite.ai

Not all citations are created equal. Scite goes further by showing whether a citation supports, disputes, or merely mentions the source. It’s a valuable tool for critically assessing the influence and reception of a research paper.

6. Dimensions.ai – dimensions.ai

Offers a broader view, combining citations with grants, datasets, patents, and policy documents. Dimensions is excellent for interdisciplinary researchers looking to trace the real-world impact of academic output.

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🧠 Academic Social Networks & Community Tools

7. Academia.edu & ResearchGate

These platforms are more than just CV warehouses. Researchers often upload preprints and engage with their peers here. While not formal citation indexes, these platforms help you access grey literature, unpublished drafts, and connect with authors.

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🔓 Open Data Platforms for Developers and Analysts

8. OpenCitations – opencitations.net

An open-source initiative providing free bibliographic and citation data, ideal for those who want to build citation graphs, conduct bibliometric analysis, or integrate citation data into custom applications.

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🧰 Bonus: Reference Management Tools with Discovery Features

• Zotero – zotero.org

• Mendeley – mendeley.com

• Paperpile – paperpile.com

While mainly reference managers, these tools also help with discovery by integrating with Google Scholar or CrossRef and recommending related literature.

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🧭 Summary Table: Tool Features at a Glance

Tool	Citation Map	Citation Context	Free Access	Update Alerts
Citation Gecko	✅	❌	✅	❌
Connected Papers	✅	❌	✅	❌
Research Rabbit	✅	❌	✅	✅
Litmaps	✅	❌	✅ (basic)	✅
Semantic Scholar	❌	✅	✅	❌
Scite.ai	❌	✅	✅ (limited)	✅ (premium)
Dimensions.ai	❌	❌	✅ (basic)	✅
OpenCitations	❌	❌	✅	❌

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🎓 Final Thoughts

The future of research is not just about reading—it’s about strategically navigating a sea of information. These tools empower researchers to go beyond keyword searches and instead follow intellectual threads, identify emerging trends, and visualize scholarship as a living, growing network.

Whether you are a postgraduate student, doctoral researcher, or a faculty member supervising research, incorporating these tools into your workflow will streamline your literature review and enhance the quality of your academic output.

SCHOPENHAUER on National Pride

Arthur SCHOPENHAUER on National Pride 

National pride, often mistaken for patriotism, is a sentiment that many cling to as a source of identity and validation. Yet, as German Philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer astutely observes, such pride can sometimes be the refuge of those who lack individual achievements or qualities of their own. In his essay The Wisdom of Life, he argues that true self-worth comes from personal accomplishments rather than an inherited affiliation with a nation. Those with keen intellect and character are often the first to recognize their homeland’s flaws, whereas those with little to distinguish themselves vehemently defend it, ignoring its shortcomings. This thought-provoking perspective challenges us to reevaluate the roots of our pride and consider whether it stems from genuine merit or mere collective association.

This essay is divided into these parts:

INTRODUCTION.

THE WISDOM OF LIFE.

CHAPTER I. — DIVISION OF THE SUBJECT.

CHAPTER II. — PERSONALITY, OR WHAT A MAN IS.

CHAPTER III. — PROPERTY, OR WHAT A MAN HAS.

CHAPTER IV. — POSITION, OR A MAN'S PLACE IN THE ESTIMATION OF OTHERS.

Section 1.—Reputation.

Section 2.—Pride.

Section 3.—Rank.

Section 4.—Honor.

Section 5.—Fame.

Here is the quote from Chapter IV, Section 2. - Pride, translated By T. Bailey Saunders:

"The cheapest sort of pride is national pride; for if a man is proud of his own nation, it argues that he has no qualities of his own of which he can be proud; otherwise he would not have recourse to those which he shares with so many millions of his fellowmen. The man who is endowed with important personal qualities will be only too ready to see clearly in what respects his own nation falls short, since their failings will be constantly before his eyes. But every miserable fool who has nothing at all of which he can be proud adopts, as a last resource, pride in the nation to which he belongs; he is ready and glad to defend all its faults and follies tooth and nail, thus reimbursing himself for his own inferiority. For example, if you speak of the stupid and degrading bigotry of the English nation with the contempt it deserves, you will hardly find one Englishman in fifty to agree with you; but if there should be one, he will generally happen to be an intelligent man." (Ch.IV. Sec.2 - Pride).

Here is the Hindi translation of this quote by DeepSeek AI tool:

सबसे सस्ता प्रकार का गर्व राष्ट्रीय गर्व है; क्योंकि यदि कोई व्यक्ति अपने राष्ट्र पर गर्व करता है, तो यह साबित करता है कि उसमें स्वयं के कोई ऐसे गुण नहीं हैं जिन पर वह गर्व कर सके; अन्यथा वह उन चीज़ों का सहारा नहीं लेता जो वह अपने करोड़ों साथी देशवासियों के साथ बाँटता है। जिस व्यक्ति में महत्वपूर्ण व्यक्तिगत गुण होते हैं, वह आसानी से देख पाएगा कि उसका अपना राष्ट्र किन मामलों में कमज़ोर है, क्योंकि उसकी कमियाँ उसकी आँखों के सामने लगातार रहेंगी। लेकिन हर दयनीय मूर्ख, जिसमें गर्व करने लायक कुछ भी नहीं होता, आखिरी उपाय के तौर पर अपने राष्ट्र पर गर्व करने लगता है; वह उसकी हर गलती और मूर्खता की पूरी तरह से रक्षा करने को तैयार रहता है, और इस तरह अपनी हीनता की भरपाई करता है। उदाहरण के लिए, यदि आप अंग्रेज़ों की मूर्खतापूर्ण और अपमानजनक कट्टरता के बारे में वही तिरस्कारपूर्ण भाषा इस्तेमाल करें जिसके वे हक़दार हैं, तो शायद ही पचास में से एक अंग्रेज़ आपसे सहमत होगा; लेकिन अगर कोई एक सहमत होता भी है, तो वह आमतौर पर एक बुद्धिमान व्यक्ति ही होगा। (अध्याय IV, खंड 2 - गर्व) 

whataboutism

From Debate to Deflection: Understanding Whataboutism

Whataboutism: The Art of Dodging Accountability

“What about them?” — a phrase we hear all too often in debates, newsrooms, and political discourse. Known as Whataboutism (or whataboutery), it’s a rhetorical tactic where instead of responding to criticism, one deflects attention to a different wrongdoing — usually by pointing fingers elsewhere.

What Is Whataboutism?

At its core, Whataboutism is a logical fallacy, a type of tu quoque ("you too") argument. Instead of addressing an issue directly, it sidesteps the criticism by accusing the other party of similar or worse behavior. This often leads to false equivalence and avoids accountability.

Classic Example:

A: “Your government censors dissenting voices.”

B: “What about your country? Doesn’t it spy on journalists?”

It’s not a defense — it’s a diversion.

A Cold War Legacy

The term gained popularity during the Cold War, when Soviet officials would respond to Western critiques (like lack of free speech) by saying, “What about racism in America?” The aim was not to address the critique, but to discredit the critic.

Modern-Day Whataboutism: Global Examples

Russia: When criticized for jailing political opponents, the Kremlin often retorts, “What about Guantanamo Bay?”

China: In response to international concerns over human rights abuses in Xinjiang, Chinese officials counter with, “What about the treatment of Indigenous people in Canada and Australia?”

India: When faced with questions over rising intolerance or censorship, defenders often reply, “What about Emergency-era censorship under Congress rule?” or “What about violence in other states ruled by opposition parties?”

United States: During debates on police brutality, some deflect by saying, “What about crime in Black communities?” — shifting blame rather than engaging with systemic issues.

Israel-Palestine discourse: Accusations of civilian casualties are frequently countered with, “What about Hamas firing rockets?”, deflecting attention from international humanitarian concerns.

These are not comparisons seeking mutual reform. They are distractions to avoid present accountability.

Why It’s Harmful

It derails dialogue: Shifting focus stops meaningful discussion.

It creates false equivalency: Not all wrongs are equal.

It impedes progress: Blame games replace solutions.

Where You’ll See It

Politics: Politicians use it to deflect corruption or policy failures.

Media: News debates often spiral into “what about them?” loops.

Social media: A hotbed for digital whataboutism, where reason often gives way to reflexive retorts.

Why Recognizing It Matters

Whataboutism might feel satisfying in the moment — it flips the script and spares one from answering tough questions. But in the long run, it weakens public discourse, silences reform, and reinforces division.

Final Thought

Critique is not invalidated by hypocrisy. Two wrongs don’t make a right. The presence of other injustices does not cancel out the one at hand. Recognizing Whataboutism is the first step toward more honest conversations — and more responsible citizenship.

Smart Learning Spaces: The Role of SACs in Technology Integration

 

Introduction

In an era where technology is reshaping education, Smart Learning Spaces (SLS) have emerged as a transformative approach to fostering 21st-century skills. At the heart of this evolution are Self-Access Centres (SACs)—dynamic, student-driven environments that go beyond traditional computer labs to integrate AI, blended learning, and digital portfolios.

This presentation, delivered during a training session for Principals of Sainik Schools, explores how SACs can revolutionize education by aligning with NEP 2020’s vision of digital pedagogy. From teacher training initiatives like Gurudiksha to the shift from output-based to outcome-based learning, the slides provide actionable insights for educational leaders.

📌 Why read this PPT?
✔ Understand the role of SACs in modern education
✔ Discover practical tools for blended & hybrid learning
✔ Learn how digital portfolios enhance authentic assessment
✔ Explore leadership strategies for tech-integrated classrooms

🔗 Access the full presentation here:  Smart Learning Spaces: The Role of SACs in Technology Integration

Keywords

• Smart Learning Spaces (SLS)

• Self Access Centres (SACs)

• NEP 2020 & Digital Education

• Blended & Hybrid Learning

• AI in Education (GenAI)

• Digital Portfolios

• Teacher Training (Gurudiksha, Pratibaddhata)

• Constructive Alignment (Biggs)

• Authentic Assessment

Highlights from the Presentation

🎯 From SAC to SLS: How self-access centers evolve into collaborative, tech-enabled learning ecosystems.
📊 Survey Insights: Are teachers ready for 21st-century digital pedagogy? Key findings from Sainik School educators.
🛠️ Leadership Action Points: How principals can enable, encourage, and institutionalize tech-based learning.
🧠 Pedagogical Shift: Moving from rote assessments to digital portfolios & reflective learning.
🔗 Real-World Examples: Tools like Google Sites, YouTube, and Ed.TED in action at MKBU.

"An SAC is not just a computer lab—it’s a learning ecosystem that nurtures autonomy, adaptability, and a tech-savvy mindset."

👉 Dive deeper into the future of education—explore the full presentation now!

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Author: Dilip Barad | Dept. of English, Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University
Date: 25 April 2025 | Website: www.dilipbarad.com

Reimagining Narratives with AI

Reimagining Narratives with AI: Exploring Digital Storytelling through Electronic Literature

The Task: A Creative Call to Reimagine AI Narratives

In a thought-provoking initiative designed to blend creative writing with digital literacy, postgraduate students of English Literature were invited to participate in an Activity Task: Reimagining Narratives with AI in Digital Humanities, curated by Prof. (Dr.) Dilip Barad.

The objective of this activity was to encourage students to challenge conventional dystopian depictions of Artificial Intelligence and instead, reimagine narratives where AI becomes a constructive, empathetic, and creative ally in human life.

Exploring the Task in Detail

The activity asked students to:

• View short films like Ghost Machine, The iMom, and Anukul that portrayed AI in cautionary tones.

• Reflect on traditional narrative arcs that often show AI as antagonistic or dangerous.

• Create an original narrative that envisions AI contributing positively to society—by handling routine tasks, thereby enabling humans to pursue creativity, fitness, and emotional wellness.

The detailed task brief can be accessed here:
👉 Reimagining Narratives with AI in Digital Humanities – Activity Brief (PDF)

Students had the liberty to choose from a variety of creative formats:

• Hypertext / Electronic Literature

• Blog-based Stories

• Film Scripts

• Reflective Essays

They were also encouraged to experiment with generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, ClaudeAI, and Copilot to brainstorm and refine their ideas.

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Creative Submissions by Students

A. Hypertext / Electronic Literature Submissions

These narratives, created using interactive platforms such as Borogove and Google Sites, mark a leap into electronic literature, a genre where storytelling meets technology.

1. 🦾 Aakash Chavda – Cyborg's Tale
   Read here

2. 🛕 Dhatri Parmar – Dholavira: Untouched Mysteries
   Read here

3. 🧠 Hardi Vhora – Raavan's Abduction and the Robotic Guardian
   Read here

4. 🔱 Jatin Varu – The Robot Sage: Aakriti and the New Era
   Read here

5. ⚔️ Khushi Rathod – Ravana Vadh: A Futuristic Battle between Algorithms and Dharma
   Read here

6. 🤖 Pallavi Parmar – Heart Meets Machine: A Modern Family’s Story
   Read here

7. 🛡️ Riya Bhatt – The Silent Guardian: Prior's Redemption
   Read here

8. 🕰️ Yashraj Sodha – The Memory Keeper: A Glimpse into 2065
   Read here

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B. Blog Submissions

These narrative blog posts imagined AI as a beacon of hope and assistance.

1. 💡 Akshay Nimbark – The Beacon of Hope: Jyoti’s Story
   Read here

2. 🧸 Jayshree Khachar – Red and the AI Guardian
   Read here

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C. Script Writing Submissions

These submissions envisioned futuristic scenarios in the form of screenplay narratives.

1. 🌅 Bhumi Gohil – AI and The New Dawn
   Read here

2. 🌿 Hiral Vaitha – Harmony
   Read here

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D. Reflective Essays

These critical essays assessed the contrast between traditional AI depictions and the reimagined positive ones.

1. 🎶 Rahul Desai – Symphony of Souls: A New Narrative in AI and Human Coexistence
   Read here

2. 🧭 Trupti Nayak – Reflective Essay: Reimagining AI Narratives
   Read here

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Conclusion: A Successful Exploration of Electronic Literature

The successful completion of this task not only showcased students’ storytelling talent but also marked a significant pedagogical shift—from conventional literary analysis to digital and interactive narrative creation. Through hypertexts, blogs, scripts, and essays, students didn’t just tell stories—they built new worlds where AI and humans coexist harmoniously.

This activity also exposed students to electronic literature—a genre that merges literary creativity with digital interactivity—laying the foundation for future explorations in Digital Humanities.

Such creative engagements reaffirm the role of literature in shaping future narratives, one where human imagination, aided by AI, crafts stories of hope, empathy, and evolution.

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