The Hindu : IT orientation to open learning system urged

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Nov 30, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Andhra Pradesh-Hyderabad

IT orientation to open learning system urged

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD Nov.29. The goal of the Open Learning System (OLS) should be development of new models like electronic education and appropriate infrastructure suitable for the knowledge-based society, Ram Takwale, Emeritus Professor, University of Pune, emphasised here on Saturday.

Delivering the 12th Convocation Address of the Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU), Prof. Takwale said the appropriate OLS for all would be the one that includes disadvantaged sections, bridges digital and other divides, enhances access and links education with employment and development. The application of information, communication and technology to the basic educational processes and evolving e-Education should be the objective of the OLS.

Earlier, the Governor, S. S. Barnala, conferred the degree of D.Litt (honoris causa) of the University on Prof. Takwale and awarded Ph.D, M. Phil, Post graduation and graduation degrees and diplomas to the candidates. He presented 13 gold medals and two book prizes.

Prof. Takwale said OLS had the challenge of evolving new paradigms of education for all by using "mass personalisation", by expanding coverage of learners, networking all institutions, promoting life-long learning and empowering groups and communities economically, socially, culturally and politically.

Teachers and educational managers have to play different roles in knowledge-based society, he said. They would have the opportunity of developing new systems, which should be accountable and transparent, allow democratic participation and empower people through decentralisation and participatory decision-making.

G. V. Subramanyam, Vice-Chancellor of BRAOU, in his report, said there had been a paradigm shift from broad-based general liberal arts and humanities based education to courses that address special needs of professional groups. The university had realised the need to prepare learners to face the challenges of the changing social and professional environment by supplementing and complementing the liberal and basic education courses with skill-oriented, capacity building, technical and employment-generation courses.

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