Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) conducted a special training programme for its academic counsellors attached to its learner support centres across the country through teleconferencing from New Delhi on Saturday.
Around 400 academic counsellors from Madurai and neighbouring districts, including Dindigul and Theni, took part in the training session organised at the Madurai regional centre.
In his address, B.N. Koul, former Director of Distance Education Division of IGNOU, spoke in detail about the role of open and distance learning concept in the current scenario.
Discussing the aspects related to the structure of IGNOU’s self-learning material, Mr.Koul said, “Academic counsellors must make good use of the information and communication technology like VCD, teleconference and web conference to make the learning process effective among the distant learners and improve the quality of education.” He emphasised the role of academic counsellors in linking distance learners and the open and distance learning institution.
“Today, there is a communication gap between the students and the teachers. It is also one of the reasons for the brutal murder of a college principal in Tuticorin recently,” S. Mohanan, Regional Director, IGNOU, Madurai, said on the sidelines of the programme.
“The programme aims at bridging that gap and strengthening the student support service,” he added.
