COL-CEMCA and AUH Promote TEL and Graduate Employability through FDP for HEI Educators

The Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (COL-CEMCA), in collaboration with Amity University Haryana (AUH) and the Association of Indian Universities (AIU)'s Academic and Administrative Development Centre (AADC), successfully conducted a five-day Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on technology-enabled and blended learning approaches. The FDP marked a significant step towards enhancing teaching practices and promoting graduate employability. It drew participation from more than 200 faculty members.

Professor P.B. Sharma, Vice Chancellor, AUH, inaugurated the programme with a compelling address, encouraging educators to embrace lifelong learning and integrate technology in teaching, research, and innovation. He underscored the responsibility of universities in nurturing a future-ready, ethical, and innovative workforce and in leveraging technology for societal advancement.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr B. Shadrach, Director, COL-CEMCA, highlighted the transformative potential of technology in education. He reiterated the importance of implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in higher education, focusing on learner-centred, multidisciplinary education, and the growing relevance of micro-credentials. He also stressed the urgency of equipping faculty with the necessary skills to adapt to evolving educational paradigms and employment landscapes.

Professor (Dr) Vikas Madhukar, Pro Vice-Chancellor, AUH, welcomed the participants and underlined the alignment of the FDP with NEP 2020 objectives. He discussed the benefits of online learning platforms such as SWAYAM and emphasised the importance of technological integration in achieving programme outcomes. He also pointed to tools like learning management systems, AI-based assessment tools, and video conferencing as pivotal in modern education delivery.

Dr Ranjana Parihar, Joint Secretary, AIU, provided insights into AIU’s AADC initiative, which supports capacity building among academic and administrative staff. The programme concluded with closing remarks by Prof (Dr) Sanjna Vij of AUH.

Facilitated by expert consultants from COL-CEMCA, the sessions included interactive group work and discussions on NEP 2020, institutional blended learning policy, the use of OERs, MOOCs, and LMS, and strategies to enhance graduate employability. The FDP marked a vital effort in advancing India’s higher education ecosystem through innovation and collaboration.