Transforming Teaching: FDP Equips Faculty for Technology-Enabled and Blended Learning
In a significant stride towards reimagining higher education in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (COL-CEMCA), in collaboration with the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), Integral University, and Aryabhatta Knowledge University, conducted a Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on Empowering Higher Education Institutions in Technology-Enabled Learning (TEL) and Blended Learning from 7-12 April 2025.
The intensive programme aimed to equip more than 300 faculty members of participating universities with the pedagogical tools and digital capabilities essential for effectively integrating TEL and blended learning into their teaching practices. The FDP placed special emphasis on institutional policy development and creation of Open Educational Resources (OERs), making it a pivotal initiative for transforming teaching-learning processes across Indian higher education institutions.
On this occasion, Professor Javed Musarrat, Vice Chancellor of Integral University, acknowledged both the promise and challenges of adopting TEL and blended learning. “The COVID-19 pandemic and rapid technological advancement have made digital transformation a necessity in Indian education. However, infrastructural gaps, digital divides, and the need for pedagogical shifts remain key hurdles,” he noted. He called for public-private partnerships to expand digital infrastructure and emphasised the importance of contextualised and engaging content, possibly co-created with EdTech companies.
Professor (Dr) Sharad Kumar Yadav, Vice Chancellor of Aryabhatta Knowledge University, commended Integral University for its progressive initiatives and expressed a keen interest in deeper collaborations with them. He reiterated that “TEL and blended learning are now essential components of education, and educators must master innovative tools to prepare students for future job markets.”
Dr Pankaj Mittal, Secretary General of AIU, expressed her appreciation for the impressive turnout of participants and the high level of engagement. She underlined AIU’s efforts through initiatives like the Indian Network for Internationalisation of Higher Education (INIHE) for Tier 2 and 3 universities, and praised AADCs for empowering teachers with online teaching skills during the pandemic. She also referred to the collaborative work with CEMCA on a National Policy on Blended Learning. Regarding technology enabled learning, she mentioned that the integration of AI for personalised learning is vital for future-ready education.
Dr B. Shadrach, Director of COL-CEMCA, emphasised the urgent need for educators to embrace TEL and blended learning, especially in a country with such a large student population. He highlighted some of the ongoing, and upcoming efforts at COL-CEMCA, such as providing inputs to UGC guidelines on ODL and online learning, together with open universities, producing an audio-video course on NEP 2020 to enhance its understanding among stakeholders, and organising an AI orientation programmes for Vice Chancellors in the coming weeks. Encouraging collaboration between partner universities, he stressed the importance of sharing best practices to elevate the quality of education across institutions.
During the five-day FDP, expert consultants from COL-CEMCA delivered insightful sessions on key areas of contemporary education. Professor Vasudha Kamat provided a comprehensive overview of the salient features of NEP 2020, setting the context for educational transformation. Dr Ajith Kumar introduced the concept and scope of TEL, highlighting its pivotal role in blended learning approaches. Ms. Sheriya Sareen guided participants through the finer details of the institutional blended learning policy template, offering practical insights for implementation. Dr Barnali Roy Choudhury shared valuable perspectives on the effective use of OERs, MOOCs, and LMS in enhancing teaching and learning. Lastly, Professor Nilesh K. Modi briefed the participants on the COL-CEMCA Graduate Employability Project, emphasising its relevance in aligning education with industry needs.
This FDP was a landmark initiative in building capacity among educators to navigate the rapidly evolving educational landscape. By fostering innovation, and inclusivity, the programme served as a model for how academic institutions can come together to drive systemic changes in line with national priorities.
