R. Siva’s research while affiliated with Anna University of Technology, Chennai and other places

A case study of designing an effective e-learning framework is presented here which demonstrates how conventional learning methods can be supplemented with e-learning methods, to enhance the efficiency of teaching and learning process. Evolutions are happening in teaching and learning process with introduction of Web based learning methods. Some of the problems and limitations reported on e-learning can be overcome by evolving a feedback system and implementing corrective actions. The effectiveness of e-learning systems can be enhanced by collecting and analyzing Web usage data by the course administrators which is called Web-log mining. The periodic statistics generated by Web-log mining show patterns of Web site usage. The patterns show the user behavior and needs. In order to get favorable outcome, the Web content and layout can be changed which may ultimately lead to fulfilling the learning objectives. By making the Web site interactive, the faculty student communication can be made more effective which may promote Active learning. The tools used in this case study for building an e-learning frame work are Google Sites, Google Docs, and Google analytics which are available free.

Conventional wastewater treatment techniques are inefficient to manage large quantities of refractory organics discharged by specialty chemical industries. It is aimed in the present investigation to compare overall performance of the basic electrochemical reactor configurations such as batch, batch recirculation and continuous recycle reactors, in removing the organic part of wastewater from a medium-scale, specialty chemical industry. The effects of current density, supporting electrolyte concentration, electrolysis duration and fluid flow rate on the pollutant removal and energy consumption performances were critically evaluated. Continuous recycle reactor is found to be the better configuration, because of its flexibility of operation. Circulation flow rate and withdrawal flow rate enable control on transfer coefficients and treatment duration respectively. The ability of artificial neural network (ANN) in predicting the performance of the batch electrochemical treatment has also been demonstrated.

Innovation is the key to success in every sphere of Life. Changes are happening in everyday life and one has to adapt to new situations and face challenges. Technical education is no exception to this phenomenon. There is need to change curriculum and traditional teaching methods. This paper focuses on `change management' and re-engineering of educational processes. IT has enormous potential and we can improve learning processes dramatically with IT as change enabler and innovation happens as a side product. Some of the paradigms discussed are business process re-engineering, Kaizen, and Six Sigma, e-learning etc. In spite of its complexity and long time taken for its implementation, reengineering the educational processes is the only solution to bring forth drastic changes and improvement in current educational systems. some of the problems in implementing BPR are resistance to change and lack of management support etc, resulting in failures. These problems can be circumvented by addressing critical success factors of Re-engineering. E-learning can be used successfully by harnessing the innovations happening in Internet and World Wide Web. In recent times emphasis is shifting from instruction paradigm to learning paradigm and a learner centric approach will promote active learning. A case study was presented which introduces a new paradigm for students, an E-learning system which offers opportunities for alternative form of learning using powerful Internet Web site content creation, maintenance and Web analytic tools.