KOLHAPUR, JANUARY 15, 2026 — The Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE) at Shivaji University, Kolhapur, successfully concluded a high-impact Two-Day Faculty Training Workshop on "e-Content Development and Online Pedagogy" held on January 12th and 13th, 2026. Conducted under the prestigious PM-USHA Scheme, the program served as a pivotal capacity-building initiative aimed at modernizing the digital higher education ecosystem. Led by digital expert Satish Shende and co-resource person Dr. Dipak Tatpuje, the workshop equipped educators with cutting-edge Google AI Tools in Education to foster a future-ready academic environment.
The workshop was strategically aligned with the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA), a central scheme designed to enhance the quality of state higher education institutions through technological integration. By focusing on Online Pedagogy and digital infrastructure, the CDOE provided a platform for faculty members from various Universities, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), and secondary schools to transition from traditional teaching methods to AI-enabled instructional design.
On the second day of the workshop, Satish Shende spearheaded a series of intensive, hands-on technical sessions. His expertise in Satish Shende Digital Training was evident as he guided participants through the practical application of industry-standard tools for e-Content Development. The training modules included:
Google Sites: Developing professional academic websites for resource sharing and portfolio management.
Google AI Studio: Utilizing advanced generative AI for personalized teaching and content automation.
Adobe Express & Canva: Mastering graphic design and multimedia tools for effective digital pedagogy.
Gemini Certified Faculty: A step-by-step roadmap for achieving official Google AI certification.
A significant highlight of the program was the measurable success of the participants. Through rigorous practical sessions, 11 faculty members successfully cleared the assessment to become Gemini Certified Faculty. This certification marks a milestone in institutional excellence, validating the participants' proficiency in using Google's Gemini AI to streamline administrative tasks and enhance student engagement.
The two-day event resulted in several key deliverables for the participating educators:
AI Integration: Mastery over Google AI Tools in Education to create interactive lesson plans.
Content Creation: Development of high-quality digital assets using Adobe and Canva.
Institutional Digitalization: Skills to build and maintain HEI-specific web portals via Google Sites.
Professional Certification: Global recognition through the Gemini certification framework.
As the lead trainer, Satish Shende brought deep industry experience to the academic forum. His role extended beyond technical instruction, focusing on the pedagogical shift required for the 21st-century classroom. Alongside Dr. Dipak Tatpuje, the resource team provided individualized mentorship, ensuring that even those new to digital tools could achieve the proficiency required for certification.
The successful execution of this Faculty Training Program was made possible through the visionary leadership and administrative support of Shivaji University's key officials. The organizing team expresses profound gratitude to: Dr. Krishna Patil, Director, for strategic guidance. Dr. Varsha Mendargi, Dean, for academic oversight. Dr. Nitin Randive, Dr. Bandgar, Dr. Ms. Mali, and Prof. Shinde for their tireless coordination. The entire organizing committee and the administrative staff of Shivaji University, Kolhapur.
The workshop at Shivaji University, Kolhapur, stands as a testament to the transformative power of the PM-USHA Scheme when paired with expert-led digital training. By empowering faculty with Online Pedagogy skills and AI literacy, the institution is not merely adopting new tools but is fundamentally redefining the quality of Digital Learning in Higher Education.