What do you think is more valuable in the long run: teaching students to program their creations efficiently or teaching them to understand the societal impact of the software they create?

While programming efficiency is a crucial skill, understanding the societal impact of the software they create is far more valuable for students in the long run. Efficiency can be improved over time and several resources online can help them achieve better efficiency, but the ability to foresee how technology affects people, communities, and the world requires a deeper level of awareness that can be instilled in them only by a teacher in their early stages of education. By teaching students to consider the broader implications of their work, we prepare them to build technology that not only functions well but also serves society responsibly and ethically.

Software doesn’t exist in a vacuum—it touches nearly every aspect of our lives, from healthcare and education to communication and privacy.  When they understand the potential positive and negative consequences of their work, they are more likely to understand the power they hold which equips them with a sense of responsibility for the world they are building. 

Today’s technology is often intertwined with complex ethical challenges—think about data privacy, AI bias, or the environmental footprint of massive data centers. Students who are trained to think critically about these issues will be better equipped to navigate and solve these problems in the future. Programming efficiency is a technical skill, but ethical decision-making is a life skill and one that’s increasingly vital in our interconnected world.

When students are taught to understand the broader consequences of their work, they become more than just coders—they become thoughtful innovators. In today’s day and age, there are many transformer-based large language models, ready to efficiently program and solve problems. What separates our students from them is this sense of empathy and ethical reasoning which ensures that they prioritize solutions that are sustainable and ethically sound.  

That said, programming efficiently is certainly a valuable skill—it leads to better performance, scalability, and reduced resource consumption. However, efficiency can always be improved with experience, new tools, or better algorithms. It’s a technical mastery that evolves and develops over time. The ability to write efficient code will always be part of a strong foundation in computer science, but it’s the mindset of considering the societal impact that will drive lasting, meaningful innovation.

 Do you think encouraging girls to join the tech field has come a long way, and what struggles have you faced on this journey?

Significant progress has been made in encouraging girls to enter the tech field, but challenges remain. Initiatives like tech events and workshops have helped increase female participation by offering hands-on experience, and we’ve seen a steady rise in the number of girls pursuing computer science. However, some social barriers persist, such as the misconception that women in tech are mostly suited for design roles. Additionally, opportunities are often limited to select representatives at competitions, which doesn’t allow for widespread skill development. Expanding access and portraying computer science as a vital life skill, rather than just a subject, will inspire more girls to explore this field.

As a teacher, do you think AI can play a role in education? If yes, how?

Absolutely, AI has immense potential to enhance education. It can automate administrative tasks, offer personalized learning experiences, and even provide career guidance based on students’ interests, helping them avoid expensive counseling services. AI can assist teachers in developing lesson plans and other instructional materials. However, it’s important to use AI wisely. Over-reliance can stifle creativity and critical thinking, and not all students have access to the necessary technology. Ethical issues, like data privacy and biased algorithms, also need to be addressed. Balancing the use of AI with independent thinking is essential for ensuring that technology supports, rather than replaces, human ingenuity.

There is a large amount of competition and demand when it comes to the world of robotics. What advice would you give to students aspiring to get into this field?

When faced with numerous competitions, a student must carefully select the most beneficial one to participate in, in order to advance in quality. Otherwise, despite winning numerous similar competitions, the student’s progress may remain stagnant. It is essential for seniors to provide opportunities for their juniors to participate in some of these competitions. The key is to maintain a sense of curiosity and consistency. Focus on real-world problems and explore how robotics can offer solutions. Taking risks and experimenting is key—the most successful individuals are those who push boundaries and seek out new ideas. Competitions are valuable as they give you insight into where you stand in this competitive field and help prepare you for the future. Moreover, with the rapid growth of fields like AI and robotics, it’s essential to consider the ethical implications of your innovations. By embracing curiosity, creativity, and responsibility, you can definitely achieve whatever you set your mind to. 

If you could design a programming language from scratch that reflects your teaching style, what unique features or philosophies would it include?

The tenets of my programming language would be simplicity, creativity, and problem-solving. The programming language would not merely focus on writing algorithms but would encourage students to think critically and systematically about problems.

The language would have playful elements starting out as a form of visual block coding-much like Scratch but with a smooth transition to text-based coding as students advance. This would help bridge the gap between understanding logic and writing code. As students grow more confident, the syntax progressively evolves, introducing more complex constructs gradually, without overwhelming them and reducing the intimidation students feel when starting with a new programming language. 

The language would encourage experimentation. I believe students learn best when they are given the freedom to explore, make mistakes, and learn from them. Hence, the language would allow for multiple ways to solve a problem, emphasizing that programming is a creative endeavor. Students could choose to write concise functional-style code or opt for a more verbose, step-by-step approach. This flexibility helps accommodate different learning styles and coding preferences, reinforcing the idea that there isn’t always one ‘right’ way to code. 

Overall, this programming language would strive to create a balance between technical mastery and creative exploration. The ultimate goal would be to help students think like problem-solvers, see programming as a form of expression, and develop the resilience to tackle complex challenges with an open and flexible mindset. Through this, the language would empower learners to evolve from passive coders into active innovators.

What essential elements have contributed to creating such a lively and dynamic atmosphere within Exun? Which significant moments have shaped the club’s journey and influenced the culture of innovation within the club?

The vibrant atmosphere in Exun comes from several key factors, starting with the fact that it’s a student-led club, fostering a sense of responsibility, creativity, and initiative. The diversity within the club, with students passionate about various fields such as coding, AI, robotics, and design, allows for cross-disciplinary learning and growth. The competitive spirit, showcased in high-level competitions and symposiums, drives innovation, while alumni support adds mentorship and guidance. Milestones such as the club’s founding in 1992 and the 28th Exun IT Symposium have cemented its legacy. Exun’s ability to adapt during the pandemic with virtual hackathons and alumni webinars has opened new doors for creativity and collaboration.

 There has been a lot of talk about the massive amount of E-Waste generated. How can this be controlled?

Yes, with electronics in high demand, managing E-Waste responsibly is crucial. Proper disposal and recycling are essential once devices can no longer be used. Unfortunately, I’ve seen students disposing of batteries and LEDs in regular bins, which is dangerous due to the harmful chemicals they contain. In India, general waste management awareness is still lacking, but we have several recycling and refurbishment centers that can make better use of E-Waste. Following local laws and regulations for E-Waste disposal is important. If your devices are still functional, consider donating them to schools or nonprofits to extend their life.

How has technology enhanced equal access to digital learning, and why is this increased accessibility crucial for real-world opportunities and success?

Technology has greatly enhanced equal access to digital learning by providing students, regardless of their geographical or socio-economic background, with opportunities to engage with high-quality resources and courses online. In computer science, this means that even students in remote areas can learn essential skills through coding boot camps and collaborative projects, which fosters a diverse range of voices in the tech field.

This accessibility is crucial because it prepares students for the digital economy, where adaptability and continuous learning are key. By ensuring that all students can participate in the tech landscape, we not only enrich their learning experiences but also equip them to seize real-world opportunities and succeed in their future careers.

Have you ever pondered why are you so propelled to all the Colorful apps on your
phone? Why every time you open your device your hands reach out for the Instagram or
YouTube Icon? or Why when you start watching reels or playing a game you just can’t
stop?All of this is because of the UI/ UX of these apps.

 Where do forgotten passwords flee?

Do they reach the clouds, once caged now free,

“I am password1 think about me?”

Do they rest in a collection of lost keys?

Once they unlocked all we sought,

Now forgotten slipping from thought,

I think about the hackers they fought,

Importance of strong passwords they taught.

Do they gather in cyberspace,

A quiet, never remembered place?

Do they lie in a case,

Waiting for us to find them, without any trace?

Do they sigh as we move on,

With new password drawn?

They thought “she’ll come back next dawn”

While with a new password, with no worries, she yawns.

-Yadavi Mehrotra