Manipal, March 2, 2021.

Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration (WGSHA) organised a unique one day National online faculty development program today.  Keeping the future dynamics in mind the theme for this workshop was quite relevant to the current scenario. The theme chosen quite fututistic “ Will blended learning become the future of Hospitality Education” which was unveiled by  Professor Arend Hardorff. The opening line by the professor  was ‘Will blended learning become the future of Hospitality Education !! which was further enhanced when Professor showed a  beautiful 1929 picture of Hotelschool The Hague and reflected upon its legacy.

The workshop was quite engaging as Professor showcased the presentation on the institute wherein he mentioned the, mission, vision, promise of the institute as well as the courses offered at the institute presently. He shared the success model of the institute which is Play-Personal-Real. Through the presentation it was observed that Hotelschool The Hague and WGSHA have immense similarities in our history, principles, culture and academic excellence and it was well justified that both came on one  platform to discuss and share the changes in Hospitality Education post the pandemic era.

Sharing his thoughts, “Chef K. Thirugnanasambantham, Principal, Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration, “ The faculty development programme 5. Shared interesting insights and changing trends of the hospitality industry. It was a very engaging and fruitful session and the message by Prof Arend Hardorff resonated with values of WGHSA to build innovative, creative an strong professional who will succeed in all forms of life and careers at global level.  “

Through the seminar Professor Hardorff highlighted how the shift towards blended learning has become imperative for the success of  all professional education institute. He strongly feels blended learning is here to stay and we should embrace it as it will only add more flexibility in our ability to deal with any future crisis. He emphasised on the importance of “Socialisation and Subjectification” to be relevant educators of the era post pandemic.

Professor Arend Hardorff mentioned the importance of “Sticky Campus”  and how campus can be a motivator for the students to pursue their education even in difficult times. Professor said to enhance our engagement with the students, we should be prepared to modify our classrooms to adapt to the changing requirements of blended learning and social distancing.He reiterated that with the changing times now the “educators have to become curators” and it has become utmost important for “faculty to learn the students” and engage with them to enhance their overall creativity and personality for the professional success ahead.