Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is trying to step up the professional development of educators in the country through its Institute of Professional Competency Advancement of Teachers (IIPCAT).
Established in November 2009 with the objective of providing training through ODL (open and distance learning) mode and by using the multi-media technology, the institute aims at addressing issues related to the professional development of educators like developing ICT capabilities in teachers for utilising emerging technologies, inclusive education and imparting the vision and strategies for skill upgrading of teachers in the region.
V. N. Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice-Chancellor of IGNOU, said that the vision of IIPCAT encompasses improvement in the quality of education by continuously striving for competency advancement of teachers of different disciplines at all stages of education.
Prof. Pillai said that the mission of IIPCAT includes competency advancement of teachers at all levels and in all aspects of a teacher's functions and responsibilities.
The institute has been employing multiple strategies like in-service education, preparation of quality reference material and organisation of practical training in ICT and other relevant areas to achieve its aim.
According to the draft report, the institute will try to develop itself as an effective vehicle to transform the role of teachers in educational institutions from being mere transmitters of information to facilitators of learning and construction of knowledge by students.
Quality improvement
This shall certainly bring about qualitative improvement in education and thereby transform human life for the better, it said.
Prof. Pillai said that it is hoped that as a result of the interventions of the IIPCAT, the teachers responsible for running the education system in the country shall be relatively more enlightened, professionally competent and socially responsive.
The methodology of delivery would be an integration of ODL with formal institution based training, flexi-mode of need-based short-term modular courses in tune with the specific preferences and requirements of specific target groups.
Southern centre
The IIPCAT centre covering southern States is functioning at IGNOU Regional Centre, Kochi with the objective of training teachers in ICT, emerging technologies and various other areas relevant for enhancing teacher competencies.
K.S. Divakaran Nair, Regional Director, said that the institute has come up with several innovative programmes.
Dr. Nair said that the IIPCAT Centre in Kochi will undertake several training programmes in 2010-11 including a session on environmental education and sustainable development, communication skills, and life skills education for the benefit of the teachers.
