A two-day Online International Conference on ‘Distance Education and Educational Technology’ organised by Centre for Distance and Open Education (CDOE), Jamia Millia Islamia(JMI) began today. More than 68 participants from various universities including IGNOU, JMI, JNU, AMU, GBU, SGT University and University of Delhi joined the conference. Prof. Najma Akhtar, Vice Chancellor,JMI was the Chief Guest of the inaugural event. Prof. Mohammad Miyan and Prof. Santosh Panda were Guests of Honor. Dr. Firdous Khanum, Assistant Professor at CDOE,JMI anchored the inaugural session.
Prof. Mohammad Miyan discussed the importance of online and distance education in the circumstances created by the Covid-19 pandemic. He also emphasised the need for interconnectivity among the new digital higher educational platforms. He also suggested that CDOE,JMI should open its door to foreign students. Prof. Santosh Panda spoke on an optimistic note stating that the current situation has compelled us to accept the importance of technology in imparting education.
While cautioning that, “pedagogy should lead technology and technology should not lead pedagogy”, he expressed his views on the role of technology in online and distance education. He promoted the idea of blended learning which, according to him, will play a significant role in future.Honorary Director(Academics) of CDOE, Prof. Ahrar Husain shared with the conference participants the new milestones achieved by the CDOE in making progress towards digitisation. The process of digitization at CDOE, has been set into motion during the current academic year by starting online admissions.
Chief Guest Prof. Najma Akhtar released the conference proceedings titled ‘Distance Education and Educational Technology’. The book is edited by Prof. Ahrar Husain, Hony. Director(Academics),CDOE,JMI and Prof. R.P. Bahuguna, Hony. Director (Administration), CDOE, JMI.The Vice- Chancellor spoke on the historic contribution of the JMI to nation building. She welcomed the suggestion of Prof. Mohd Miyan that foreign students should be admitted in large number at CDOE.
She concluded her valuable remarks by congratulating the organizing team headed by Prof. Ahrar Husain and Prof. R.P Bahuguna.The inaugural session came to an end with the presentation of vote of thanks by Prof. R.P Bahuguna. The inaugural programme was followed by technical sessions in which scholars presented their research papers.More than hundred research papers were received out of which only 47 papers were selected for presentation during the two-day conference. The technical sessions will be chaired by senior professors from various universities.
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