Faculty Development Program

The Faculty Development Program (FDP) on the Role of Technology in Law and Research was conducted from 01-July-2024 to 06-July-2024 enhance the understanding and integration of technological advancements in the field of law and research. The program aimed to equip faculty members with the necessary skills and knowledge to leverage technology in their academic and professional pursuits.   

The FDP actively attended by faculty members of law and other school.  

DAY-1  

Session-1  

One- Week FDP on "Role of Technology in Law Teaching and Research" started on 1st July 2024. Mr. Anurag Sharma, Astt. Professor, School of Law welcomed the chief guest and the dais. The chief guest Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Sinha, Vice-Chancellor, Dharma Shastra National Law University was extended a warm welcome by Prof. (Dr.) Ashish Verma, Dean & FDP Chair, School of Law, and subsequently by the Honble Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Anil Subba Rao Paila, IMS Unison University. 

Prof. (Dr.) Ashish Verma highlighted the technological intervention in the Law and how it could augment the teaching and research planning. Prof. Verma also underlined that how the timely utilization of the technology could facilitate the access to the legal education and justice in the country. The emphasis was also put on the exploration of the jurisprudential aspect of the usage of technology in the law domain. These brisk remarks set the tone for the FDP.  

While extending the warm welcome to the guest (Prof. Sinha), Hon'ble Vice-chancellor, Dr. Paila highlighted the new avatar of technology in the form of 'AI'. Hon'ble Vice-chancellor emphasized on the change, which is required to cater to the needs of changing times, and that the 'change is the only constant'. He appreciated the inclusion of the topic 'how to get research funding?', and thereby gave his best wishes to the school for a successful FDP.  

Mr. Anurag Sharma, Astt. Professor, School of Law invited the hon'ble dais for the lamp lighting, and afterwards the chief guest was given a floral welcome by the honble VC Dr. Rao and then was felicitated with the shawl by Prof. Verma. Mr. Anurag Sharma invited the guest, hon'ble Prof. Sinha on the podium to deliver the lecture 

The concluding lecture by Mr. Dhammy threw light on the significance of identifying depression, anxiety, and distress to remain productive amidst the most difficult challenges of life. With a note of mindfulness, the honourable VC felicitated Mr. Dhammy while the respected Deans had also contributed to the positive impact such exercise have on us. 

Prof. Sinha while delivering his lecture on "Academic Planning and Role of Technology" highlighted the restricted use of the 'AI' only as an assistive tool, and that the ideas should be generated by the academicians. Prof. Sinha observed that the NEP 2020 remained bereft of the technological intervention, however, it was made clear that the COVID underlined the importance of technology and proved that technology has come a long way in the process of learning. It was also discussed that digital divide remains an obstacle and therefore this gap should be bridged. Prof. Sinha also made a critical point that the role of teachers has transformed from information provider to a facilitator. It was aptly remarked that the use of technology in research and teaching have made learning student centric, inclusive and even has helped in enhancing the institutional standing. Prof. Sinha concluded his lecture by highlighting that the use of technology helps in augmenting the research. It provides access to the primary resources in a timely manner, however, added the caution that the technology like 'AI' should only be used as an assistive tool and not as an alternative.  

The session came to an end with the vote of thanks extended to the hon'ble guest and the dais by the convenor of the FDP, Dr Shalini Saxena followed by the national anthem.  

Session-2  

The second session of the Day-1 was started at 2.30 pm in the online mode on the topic "Hands-on Session on Using Legal Databases Effectively" by Rajesh Raina, Manager - Learning Centre SCC. The guest was introduced and welcomed by Mr. Anurag Sharma, Astt. Professor, School of Law. Mr. Rajesh Raina extensively demonstrated hands on usage of the legal databases and provided the training extensively on the SCC Online wherein the researchers could efficiently and effectively make the usage of such databases. The session came to an end with the vote of thanks extended to the resource person of the 2nd session- Rajesh Raina, Manager - Learning Centre SCC by Mr. Anurag Sharma, Astt. Professor, School of Law.  

DAY-2 (02-07-2024) Session-1  

Resource Person- Aman Rab Moderator- Kshitij Rai  

Title- AI for Legal Educators: An Indian Perspective.  

Report Summary: Th session embarked on an exploration of the profound impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on contemporary legal paradigms. Participants were immersed in a nuanced discourse on AI's disruptive influence, particularly its transformation of erstwhile human-dependent data analytics into a cost-efficient, productivity-enhancing mechanism. The session elucidated cutting-edge AI tools such as SUPACE, SUVAS, FASTER, and prominent online dispute resolution (ODR) platforms like AGAMI and SAMA. Additionally, participants were introduced to advanced AI entities such as Lex Machina, Gideon, ROSS AI, Lexis, Knewton, Tableau, and Lexis Nexis, illuminating their pivotal roles in reshaping global legal frameworks. Addressing the multifaceted challenges inherent in AI adoption, the session underscored critical concerns regarding reliability and accountability.  

DAY-2 (02-07-2024) Session-2  

Resource Person- Dr. Abhishek Sinha Moderator- Kshitij Rai  

Title- Addressing the needs of the legal profession in law education.  

The session commenced with a compelling discussion on the necessity for legal educators to adapt or risk becoming obsolete in the face of AI's disruptive potential. Participants, including faculty members and legal professionals, engaged in introspective deliberations on how AI is reshaping traditional legal processes. Emphasis was placed on AI's  

ability to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and unlock new avenues for legal practice that were previously unimaginable. A core theme throughout the program was the effective use of AI tools in legal education. Speakers elucidated on the intricacies involved in leveraging AI technologies, noting that the diversity of platforms necessitates tailored approaches to maximize their utility. Discussions delved into specific AI applications such as legal research platforms, predictive analytics tools, and AI-driven contract review systems, illustrating their transformative impact on legal research methodologies and client interactions. Central to the discourse was the concept of collaborative AI, where participants explored how these technologies can synergize with human expertise to augment decision-making processes and amplify legal outcomes.  

DAY-2 (02-07-2024) Session-3  

Resource Person- Dr. Ashish Verma Moderator- Kshitij Rai  

Title- Role of technology in meeting Industry Demands in Legal Education. Session commenced with an engaging ice breaker session, challenging participants to ponder the essence of the legal industry from a practitioner's perspective. Thought-provoking discussions ensued, unraveling the multifaceted nature of the legal profession and its evolving role in society. Central to the discourse was the exploration of what defines a proficient legal consultant. Participants collectively articulated that beyond legal acumen, a good consultant embodies qualities such as integrity, empathy, and a deep-rooted commitment to justice. The consensus underscored the importance of honesty as a cornerstone trait, indispensable for fostering trust and credibility in client relationships. A recurring theme throughout the session was the dual role of legal education in shaping advocates and scholars. Deliberations delved into the balance between cultivating advocacy skills and nurturing a scholarly approach to law. The program encouraged participants to reflect on how legal education can synergistically develop critical thinking, research aptitude, and a profound understanding of legal principles, equipping students to navigate complexities with competence and conviction. The session transitioned into an exploration of essential learning attitudes and attributes crucial for success in the legal profession.. 

FDP Report (Day-3)  

Day-3, session-1 of the FDP was started with the welcoming note extended by Mr. Anupam Upreti, Assistant Professor, School of Law to the resource person, Prof. K Srinivas, Head ICT & Project Management Unit Department of Education, NIEPA, Ministry of Education, Government of India. The guest was felicitated by Prof. Ashish Verma, Dean, School of Law.  

Session-1  

Prof. K Srinivas delivered a lecture on "NEP 2020: Understanding the Pedagogical Design towards Learner-Centric Approach" wherein he highlighted that the process of teaching should be 1) Impactful 2) Engaging 3) Interesting, and 4) Challenging. Further, he also outlined the learners' expectations from the teaching- learning process as to be 1) flexible 2) adaptable 3) personalized 4) 

engaging 5) interesting. Prof. Srinivas further highlighted the several modes of teaching-learning process as synchronous mode, asynchronous mode, blended mode and the open distance learning (ODL). Notably, while preparing the MOOC, Prof. Srinivas emphasized upon the four quadrants as e-tutorials, e-content, discussion forums, and assessment. 

Session-2  

In the session-II, Prof. Srinivas emphasized on the Open Educational Resources (OER), digital infrastructure, online and blended learning, technological integration into the teaching and research, pedagogical competencies, and the several e-learning platforms such as  

1)Gnomio.com  

2)Infrastructure.com  

3)Swayamprabha  

4)UGC e-resources  

5)Anuvadni.aicte.org  

6)Bhasini  

7)Edpuzzle  

8)Lumi  

Session-3  

In his last session of the day, Prof. Srinivas, gave a hands-on experience on several online teaching-learning platforms such as Anuvadini, Swayam Prabha, UGC e-resources, Edpuzzle, Gamma, and Lumi. Importantly, Prof. Srinivas emphasized the importance of pedagogy, which is a learner-centric pedagogical approach. Each of the sessions was quite interactive. Prof. Srinivas also briefed all the participants about several AI-Formatting, presentation tools and alike.  

FDP Report (Day-4)  

Day- 4 (04-07-2024) Session-I & III  

Resource Person- Dr. Gaurav Chopra Moderator- Dr. Satish Mishra  

Title- Practical Sessions on Using SPSS for Legal Data Analysis  

Summary: The practical sessions conducted by Dr. Gaurav Chopra on utilizing SPSS for legal data analysis were structured to provide a deep and immersive exploration of the intricate dynamics within the Indian legal landscape. These sessions were meticulously designed to not only impart theoretical knowledge but also to equip participants with practical skills essential for conducting robust data analysis in legal contexts. Throughout the sessions, Dr. Chopra emphasized the practical application of SPSS tools in the realm of Indian law. Participants were guided through step-by-step demonstrations on how to import, clean, analyze, and visualize legal datasets using SPSS software. This hands-on approach allowed attendees to gain proficiency in manipulating data and applying statistical techniques to extract meaningful insights. An integral aspect of the sessions was their interactive nature, which fostered engaging discussions among participants. Dr. Chopra encouraged dialogue on real-world challenges encountered in legal research and practice, such as analyzing case outcomes, trends in litigation, and the impact of regulatory changes. By addressing these challenges within the context of SPSS capabilities, participants were able to explore innovative solutions and refine their analytical methodologies. Moreover, the sessions underscored the importance of empirical evidence in enhancing the rigor and credibility of legal research. Participants learned how statistical analysis can contribute to evidence-based decision-making, policy formulation, and strategic planning within the Indian legal framework. data analysis. 

Day- 4 (04-07-2024) Session-II 

Resource Person- Jitendra Kumar Pandey Moderator- Dr. Arti Sharma 

Title- Exploring Avenues of Funded Research and How to Draft a Research Proposal. 

Summary- The session underscored several critical points essential for successfully justifying and acquiring funding for research. A central theme of the discussion was the imperative of aligning research objectives closely with the priorities and interests of funding institutions. By strategically aligning research initiatives with current funding trends and institutional goals, researchers can effectively demonstrate the relevance and potential impact of their work. The session also emphasized the importance of articulating a clear and compelling vision for research projects. This involves outlining specific goals, anticipated contributions to knowledge, and the broader significance of the proposed research. Furthermore, participants were encouraged to cultivate strategic partnerships with key research funding entities. These partnerships not only enhance the credibility and visibility of research proposals but also broaden access to diverse funding opportunities and resources. In conclusion, the session provided valuable insights and practical strategies for navigating the competitive landscape of research funding. By integrating methodological rigor, strategic alignment with funding priorities, clear vision articulation, and collaborative. The session concluded with a formal ceremony to honor the Resource Person.  

FDP Report (Day-5) 

On the fifth day of FDP, Prof. Rajeev Srivastva, Dean, School of Management, IMS Unison University delivered a lecture on the usage of R-Studio software in carrying out bibliometric analysis. Prof. Srivastva gave a hands-on experience to the participants and took two elaborative sessions on the same. In depth analysis about searching the relevant research material with the help of nuanced keywords was also dwelt upon. The session was technical and thereby would help in augmenting the research skills of the participants.  

FDP (DAY-6) 

On the Sixth day of FDP, Prof. (Dr.) Amar Pal Singh Vice Chancellor, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow deliver a lecture on Role of Technology in Law Teaching and Research. Sir elaborative in his session of rules and tools of inquiry. Sir expressed the need tool box and not tool of teaching. He also differentiates between Shiksha, Acharya and Guru-Guru is the ultimate leader, followed by the students. He is Vishnu & Brahma the creator of nurture. After that Valedictory session started followed the sessions . The Co-Convener, Mr. Anurag Sharma extended vote of thanks to all the persons involved in making the event successful and fruitfuls.