‘Advanced technology crucial for distance learning’

NEW DELHI - Development of infrastructure and advanced technology are crucial for using information technology (IT) effectively in distance learning, experts said at a seminar in the capital Friday.

Organised by the information and technology ministry and the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), among others, the seminar on the use of IT in distance learning saw the participation of experts from various varsities and the software industry.

A.K. Bakshi of Delhi University said: “There is not much progress in the field of distance learning because high-quality content is missing.”

He suggested: “We need to come up with high quality multimedia content to make students move from rote learning to out-of-the box thinking.”

Z.H. Khan of the Centre for Information Technology, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) university, said: “The most important thing is the development of infrastructure. Regular capacity-building programmes for teachers in order to keep them informed about the latest developments in the field of information and communication technology are important.”

Stating that information technology can help in bringing about a qualitative change in the mode of teaching, S.N. Nandi of the Quality Council of India said: “Questions are not raised in the minds of the students. We have to subject the students to internal drilling and multimedia technology can help in doing that.”