Need to examine challenges before distance education: Kashmir University VC

Srinagar, Nov 7 : Calling for constituting a ''Task Force (TF)'' to examine the challenges confronting the distance mode of education, Kashmir University (KU) vice-chancellor Prof Riyaz Punjabi said this will help to improve the quality of education.

Prof Punjabi, speaking at a valedictory function of the 15th Indian Distance Education Association (IDEA) annual conference here today, called for constituting a TF to examine the challenges confronting the Distance mode of education.

''I think it is essential to have a TF which will help us improve upon the quality of education being imparted through this mode of education.'' Prof Punjabi said the TF should meet periodically to frame guidelines and recommendations regarding the Distance mode of teaching and learning.

''Our basic challenge is to maintain quality of distance education so that it does not seem to be mere awarding of degrees, but a vibrant and viable alternative mode of education,'' he said.

Prof Punjabi said he would take up the matter of having a Regulatory Body for Distance education learners with the Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal.

''We also need to impress upon the civil society about the importance of distance education,'' he said.

The Conference titled Quality Assurance in Open and Distance Education: Issues, Concerns, Challenges and Developments was hosted by the varsity’s Directorate of Distance Education (DDE).

The IDEA president, Prof Murli Manohar, expressed satisfaction over the varsity’s arrangements.

We have made a resolution to request the Distance Education Council to file a review petition regarding a recent Supreme Court judegment on the Open and Distance Learning.

We resolve to request the Vice-Chancellors of all the Open Universities and DDE in conventional universities to go for accreditation of the courses offered through distance mode, he said.

--UNI