Open distance learning (ODL) has to develop a mechanism to disseminate inclusive education by use of technology, said Nageshwar Rao, Vice-Chancellor of the Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi. He was speaking at the inauguration of Open Universities Vice-Chancellor’s Round Table Conference on “ODL for our times – Unleashing its infinite potential” at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University in the city.
Prof. Rao felt most of the teaching and administrative staff of ODL institutions have the background of conventional higher educational institutions and their mindset to connect with the learners will also be different. So, they should also be exposed regularly to technological aspects, delivery mechanism, experts and institutions of ODL learning.
Though the ODL system removes most of the geographical and age-related barriers to learning, Prof. Rao said open educational resources have to be created. Ajay Mishra, Special Chief Secretary, Telangana, advised universities teachers to focus on research that is qualitative, accountable and useful to the stakeholders concerned. T. Papi Reddy, TSCHE Chairman, focused on the ODL system, learner centric and skill-oriented programmes.
K. Seetharama Rao, Vice-Chancellor of Dr. BRAOU, raised the issues and problems related to the approvals from authorities and how it has become tougher to do so. Sandeep Sancheti, president of the AIU, New Delhi, A. Sudhakar, director (Academic) at Dr. BRAOU and C. Venkataiah, registrar, also spoke.
