Need to examine challenges before distance education: Prof Punjabi

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3-DAY IDEA CONFERENCE CONCLUDES

The Kashmir University vice-chancellor, Prof Riyaz Punjabi on Saturday called for constituting a “Task Force” to examine the challenges confronting the Distance mode of education.

Speaking at the valedictory function of the 15th Indian Distance Education Association Annual Conference, he said, “I think it is essential to have a task force will help us improve upon the quality of education being imparted through distance mode of education.”

Prof Punjabi said the “Task Force” should meet periodically to frame guidelines and recommendations regarding the Distance mode of teaching and learning. “Our basic challenge is to maintain quality of distance education so that it doesn’t seem to be mere awarding of degrees, but a vibrant and viable alternative mode of education,” he said in his presidential address.

Prof Punjabi said he would take up the matter of having a “Regulatory Body” for Distance education learners with the Minster for Human Resource Development, Kapil Sibal. “We also need to impress upon the civil society about the importance of distance education,” he said.

The Conference titled “Quality Assurance in Open and Distance Education: Issues, Concerns, Challenges and Developments” was hosted by the varsity’s Directorate of Distance Education (DDE).

The IDEA president, Prof Murli Manohar, expressed satisfaction over the varsity’s arrangements and hospitality. “We have made a resolution to request the Distance Education Council to file a review petition regarding a recent Supreme Court judgment on the Open and Distance Learning. Also we resolve to request the Vice-Chancellors of all the Open Universities and Directorates of Distance Education in conventional universities to go for accreditation of the courses offered through distance mode,” he said.

Several delegates spoke on the occasion, expressing satisfaction over the deliberations of the Conference. “It is important to introduce ICT in distance education,” said Prof Muneera Hassan from Bangladesh.

Prof Rao, who spoke on the occasion, said that ODL has to become more professional, credible. “We have to maintain quality at any cost,” he said, asserting that the KU Conference discussed several critical issues pertaining to distance education.

Prof Ila Subramanian from Behrain said such conferences should be held in future too.

The KU registrar, Prof S Fayyaz Ahmad, presented mementos to the participants. “Our university is committed to make this society a knowledge society. Such conferences are a step in that direction,” he asserted.

The Director, DDE, Prof Shafiqa Parveen, gave a brief overview of the discussion that took place in three days of the Conference.

Dr Zutshi, consultant KU, presented the vote of thanks while Dr Nahid Ruhie, senior faculty at DDE, conducted the proceedings of the function. The participants included senior KU officials and academics besides members of the IDEA, including its secretary.