FDP on TEL and Blended Learning Prepares the Educators for Inclusive and Future-Ready Education

Commonwealth of Learning’s regional centre, the Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (COL-CEMCA), in partnership with the Biju Patnaik University of Technology (BPUT), Odisha, organised an online Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on Technology-Enabled Learning (TEL) and Blended Learning from 14-18 April 2025. The FDP, attended by more than 200 participants, emphasised the urgent transformation required in Indian higher education through digital innovation and inclusive pedagogies as enshrined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

At the inauguration of the FDP, the Honourable Vice Chancellor of BPUT, Professor Amiya Kumar Rath, underscored technology as a strategic enabler in education. He positioned blended learning not merely as a mix of online and offline methods, but as a learner-centric mind-set fostering flexibility, accessibility, and engagement. He stressed that faculty must go beyond “chalk and talk” to embrace digital tools like MOOCs, immersive technologies, and AI, ensuring no learner is left behind. The Vice Chancellor praised BPUT’s pioneering spirit, especially during the pandemic, and called on educators to drive—not just adapt to—change.

Dr B. Shadrach, Director, COL-CEMCA, emphasised lifelong learning in alignment with NEP 2020, driven by digitalisation, greening, and artificial intelligence. He stressed that faculty must evolve continuously, adopting blended learning to develop 21st-century skills such as collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking. He highlighted micro-credentials, open educational resources, and stackable learning as essential components of modern education, while advocating responsible use of technology and AI to ensure equity and ethical standards.

Dr D. Chandrasekhar Rao, Secretary, AIU-AADC, BPUT, presented TEL not just as an initiative but a movement to redefine education. He highlighted the need for educators to move beyond content delivery and become curators of learning experiences. While digital tools are important, he cautioned against relying on technology without purpose-driven pedagogy, urging educators to lead with intention and inclusivity.

Professor Sujit Kumar Khuntia, Director of Curriculum Development, BPUT, reinforced the importance of digital tools in creating personalised and flexible learning environments. He lauded the university’s commitment under its Vice Chancellor to upskill faculty and foster student engagement, retention, and accessibility through innovative teaching.

Over the course of five days, the COL-CEMCA consultants facilitated a comprehensive training programme for the participants. The sessions covered key aspects of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, presented by the COL-CEMCA team; the concept, scope, and significance of Technology-Enabled Learning (TEL) in blended learning approaches, led by Professor Manas Ranjan Panigrahi; the Institutional Blended Learning Policy (IBLP) template, introduced by Ms Sheriya Sareen; the integration of OERs, MOOCs, and LMS in teaching and learning, delivered by Ms Sushumna Rao Tadinada; and strategies for enhancing skilling and graduate employability, presented by Dr Ashish Awadhiya.

The FDP reiterated that the future of education in India lies in technology-empowered, inclusive, and flexible learning ecosystems. The faculty must lead this transformation, embracing lifelong learning, digital fluency, and innovative pedagogical practices to prepare students for a rapidly changing world.