Integration and Use of technology for improving access, equity and quality higher
education and to achieve global standards is one of the key recommendations of the
New Education Policy of 2020. The NAAC guidelines developed for Open Distance Learning
also has stressed the importance of IT infrastructure for Open Universities since
Open Universities follow Multi Media approach to Teaching – Learning.
With the rapid developments in Internet technologies online education has become
the order of the day. The Pandemic situation created by COVID 19 also necessitated
the wide spread attention to e-learning, MOOCs and online learning technologies.
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Open University a pioneer in Distance Education has initiated
steps in the direction of introducing e-learning programmes in the University. University
has initiated steps to identify the relevant programs offered through Swayam and
also to offer courses through the Swayam platform. Apart from this, the University
has taken up a Project in collaboration with Commonwealth of Learning to offer two
Massive Online Open Courses on – Gender Sensitization and Stress Management. Many
More courses in different subjects are being planned to be introduced through the
University Learning Management System.
Dr.B.R.Ambedkar Open University, with its rich experience of over 35 years
in multi media approach to teaching-learning, is now poised to venture into online
learning. Development of MOOCs is a creative activity that involves preparation
of E-Content; E-Tutorials; Providing Forum for Synchronous and Asynchronous Discussion
and Quiz and activities to facilitate student engagement and active participation.
MOOCs also facilitate inclusive education and as it is also possible offer bi-lingual
or multi-lingual programs in order to reduce the disparities which is one of the
important recommendations of Sustainable Development Goals for Education.
In order to facilitate the launching of MOOCs and to support digital initiatives
of the University, it is proposed to set up a Centre for Online Learning for
Dr.B.R.Ambedkar
Open University. The centre will be equipped with state of the art technologies
to support e-learning activities of the university. Centre for Online Learning will
endeavor to make make Dr.BRAOU a leader in online learning with world class technology
to enhance and enrich learning experience of the students. The setting up of this
Centre also aligns with the national digital initiatives to provide affordable and
quality education for anyone anywhere and anytime access.
OBJECTIVES
The Centre for Online Learning, BRAOU will function with the following objectives
–
The University has assigned the following objectives to the CSTD.
- To provide technology support to the digital initiatives of the university in the design and development of various
online courses including credit and non credit courses
- To ensure standards in offering
online courses by following the national and international guidelines issued from
time to time.
- To ensure enhanced quality
of the courses and personalized experience of diverse learners using latest online
technologies and pedagogies.
- To provide need-based online learning opportunities for continuous professional development
and skill upgradation to in-service professionals.
- Strive towards continuous updation of learning technologies through research in and networking with other institutions
working in the area of online/ virtual learning.
- To provide capacity building
opportunities to all online education providers in the country.