Reimagining Teaching for the Digital Age: FDP on Blended and Technology-Enabled Learning at DEI, Agra, Uttar Pradesh

A transformative five-day Online Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on Technology-Enabled Learning (TEL) and Blended Learning was jointly organized by the Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA), the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), and Dayalbagh Educational Institute (DEI), Agra, from April 21 to 25, 2025. Hosted by AIU’s Academic and Administrative Development Centre (AADC) at DEI, the programme equipped more than 150 faculty members with critical skills in digital pedagogy, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

In his keynote address, Professor C. Patvardhan, Director of DEI, emphasised the urgency of adapting to rapid technological advancements, citing the recent unveiling of a 25-qubit quantum computer as a landmark in India's quantum mission. “We no longer plan for years—daily innovations demand continuous adaptation,” he noted, stressing the need for educators to reinvent themselves, embrace emerging technologies like quantum computing and AI, and remain indispensable through their uniquely human touch in teaching.

Dr B. Shadrach, Director of CEMCA, echoed these views, outlining the massive need for scalable skill development across India’s 600-million-strong workforce. He highlighted the FDP's role in promoting blended learning models, virtual labs, and MOOCs to enhance accessibility and employability. “Institutions like DEI must play a pivotal role in building a workforce that is adaptable, analytical, and ready to coexist with AI,” he asserted.

The five-day FDP featured a series of expertly curated sessions aimed at equipping educators with the competencies essential for 21st-century teaching. The programme began with an insightful overview of NEP 2020 by the COL-CEMCA team, setting the policy context for transformative education. Dr Rajesh P. Khambayat, Consultant at COL-CEMCA, delved into the concept and scope of Technology-Enabled Learning (TEL), and its pivotal role in advancing blended learning methodologies. Ms Sheriya Sareen led a focused session on developing Institutional Blended Learning Policies (IBLP), offering a strategic framework for academic institutions. Dr Papiya Upadhyay shared practical insights on the effective use of OERs, MOOCs, and LMS to enhance teaching and learning. Addressing the crucial link between education and the job market, Dr Ashish Awadhiya explored strategies for skilling and boosting graduate employability.

Seamlessly coordinated by Dr Sona Dixit and Dr Jyoti Gogia from DEI, Ms Ranjana Parihar from AIU, and Ms Monica Sharma and Mr Aflaq Ahmad Shah from COL-CEMCA, the programme successfully fostered a collaborative and forward-thinking learning environment. As Indian higher education rapidly transitions toward blended and technology-integrated models, initiatives like this FDP represent a vital step in reimagining educator readiness and curriculum innovation for a digitally empowered future.