Panjab University to Launch Online Courses, Forms Panel

The administration of Panjab University has decided to launch online courses and a panel has been formed for this purpose. The committee is headed by Prof. A.K. Bhandari, Chairperson, University School of Open Learning. The committee also includes members from various faculties. A meeting was held on April 3, 2017, and Prof. A. K. Grover, Vice-Chancellor of Panjab University presided over the meeting.

Earlier, Panjab University had indicated that they would accelerate their participation in Massive Online Open Courses or MOOCs, an initiative of UGC and HRD Ministry. However, the varsity is not able to perform well through open learning platform and distance education due to the segregation of University School of Open Learning. On the other hand, the USOL has limited resources and personnel who cannot cater to the innovative and diversified courses.

Also read: - Punjab: Check the List of Top Performing Institutes in NIRF Ranking 2017

Therefore, to facilitate online courses, the distance education department should not be segregated, is what the authorities believe in. Permanent teachers must be appointed for the department who can play a significant role in contributing to open learning and distance education programmes. The faculty members of the varsity can work on a rotational basis.

Also read: - Panjab University Hikes Fee for Different Courses, Check Here

Through this initiative, teachers are required to work and generate resource material for open learning and distance education programmes for one or two semesters. Faculty of University School of Open Learning will also contribute in preparing resource material. In simple terms, both university faculty and USOL faculty will be compartmentalized.

The varsity has also decided to provide reservation in Ph.D. courses for SC/ ST/ PH and other backward classes. Earlier, there was no reservation for these categories in the Ph.D. programme.