MHRD’s National Conference at PDM University
A one – day National Conference on e-Learning, MOOCs and Quality in Higher Education was organized by PDM University in collaboration with Guru Angad Dev Teaching-Learning Centre of MHRD at SGTB Khalsa College, University of Delhi on 24th April 2018. Nearly 200 delegates attended the conference Prof. Ved Prakash, Former Chairman, University Grants Commission and an eminent educationist was the Chief Guest at the Inaugural function of the Conference. He delivered the keynote address on “Learning a Lifelong Endeavour through MOOCs”.
The inaugural function was presided over by Prof A K Bakhshi, Vice – Chancellor, PDM University. Others present on the occasion were Guest of Honour Dr. Vimal Rarh, Project Head and Joint Director, Guru Angad Dev Teaching Learning Centre at SGTB Khalsa College, University of Delhi, Prof V. R. Singh, Advisor, PDMU and Prof. R. C. Bhattacharjee, Pro Vice Chancellor, PDMU.
The conference had three Plenary Lectures and one Invited Talk:
Plenary Lecture- I by Prof. A K Bakhshi “ICT-enabled Higher Education: Challenges and Opportunities”
Plenary Lecture-II by Dr. Vimal Rarh “New Roles of Teachers in Technology-Driven Higher Education”
Plenary Lecture-III by Prof. Rajbir Singh, Vice-Chancellor, State University of Performing & Visual Arts, Rohtak “MOOCs and e-Learning: Scope, Paradigms and Relevance in the context of Indian Higher Education”
Invited Talk by Prof. Hema Chaudhary “MOOC Movement in World”
The conference also had a Panel discussion chaired by Prof. Rajbir Singh in which the queries of the delegates were answered. Prof. K. V Bhanumurthy of Delhi Technological University (DTU), Dr. Vimal Rarh and Prof. A. K. Bakhshi were the other panelists.
The various lectures delivered at the conference highlighted the importance of e-learning and MOOCs and how these as a part of the Digital India initiative of the Govt. of India are going
to change the face of higher education in the country. It was mentioned that ICT if used creatively can make a big difference in the way the teachers teach and the students learn and can
help them acquire 21st century skills such as digital literacy, innovative thinking and creativity.
It was also emphasized in the talks that introduction of ICT-enabled education will empower the teachers and not replace them as is the apprehension amongst some teachers. As a matter of fact in the 21st Century the role of the teachers will change and therefore country needs to prepare Modern Age Teachers to meet the challenges emanating from implementation of MOOCs. Integration of technology with education is also going to provide answers to various challenges facing higher education in India such as low GER, poor quality, affordability, equity and growth of knowledge in different disciplines etc.
All the guests were felicitated with floral bouquets and presented mementoes. The delegates were distributed the certificates of presentation at the valedictory function chaired by Prof. Rajbir Singh.
