Centre for Online Education & Learning(COEL)
ABOUT THE CENTRE FOR ONLINE EDUCATION & LEARNING (COEL):
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.
Dr.B.R.Ambedkar Open University, with its rich experience of over 40 years in multimedia 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.
Dr.B.R.Ambedkar Open University, with its rich experience of over 40 years in multimedia 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. The Centre for Online Learning has been established in 2021 and it has been renamed as Center for Online Education and Learning (COEL) in 2022. The center was inaugurated on 5th August 2022 by Prof. Asha Kanwar, President, Commonwealth of Learning(COL) Vancouver,Canada.Prof. Asha Kanwar stated that COL has been supporting international organizations for implementing short duration courses with one-to-one tutoring, which have had a high rate of completion. She also suggested Dr. BRAOU to offer very short duration courses, that would lead from literacy to fluency of the learners. She further reiterated that ultimately capacity-building of in-house academic staff is important.
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.