College studies to go hi-tech in Chandigarh

Chandigarh, March 15: Digital libraries, audio-visual presentations and films could soon be the new educational tools for students in 14 government and private colleges here as the authorities hope to take learning beyond the conventional textbook experience.

Apart from introduction of latest technology, the `Vision 2010 document' of the higher education department, circulated among colleges, focuses on promoting learning through exposure to real-life situations.

"Our aim is to widen the awareness canvas and expose students to real-life situations. Vision 2010 document rolls out a road map for bringing various reforms in the college education," Ajoy Sharma, Chandigarh's director of higher education, said Monday.

"Our focus is on overall development of students. Student societies will be formed for promotion of environment awareness, preservation of heritage, community hygiene and sanitation, drug de-addiction, AIDS awareness, public health and gender equality in college campuses," he said.

The document talks about improving infrastructure, proposes industry-community-based interaction, skill development and use of audio-visual aids, movies and documentaries for teaching in smart classrooms equipped with master CDs of eminent scholars.

"We will procure master CDs of eminent scholars in various disciplines. A digital library will be created in each department of the college. Besides, an effective feedback mechanism will be developed," Sharma said.