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Panjab University Hosts FDP on Technology-Enabled and Blended Learning for Educators

Panjab University, in collaboration with the Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (COL-CEMCA) and the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), hosted a Faculty Development Programme (FDP) on "Empowering Higher Education Institutions in Technology-Enabled Learning (TEL) and Blended Learning" from 24 February to 1 March 2025. The programme equipped the educators with the skills and knowledge to integrate TEL and blended learning into their teaching practices, with a focus on institutional policy development and the creation of open educational resources (OERs). This initiative sought to harness technology for transformative educational experiences, aligning with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

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FDP on TEL and Blended Learning Equips Educators with Skills to Navigate Digital Education

The Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (COL-CEMCA), Commonwealth of Learning’s regional centre in Asia, collaborated with the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and Apeejay Stya University (ASU), Haryana, India, to organise an Online Faculty Development Programme (FDP) from 20 to 25 February 2025, focusing on empowering educators in Technology-Enabled Learning (TEL) and Blended Learning (BL). The event, hosted by AIU’s Academic and Administrative Development Centre (AADC) at ASU, aims to equip educators with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the evolving landscape of higher education in the digital age. 

On this occasion, Dr Vijay Vir Singh, Vice-Chancellor, ASU, emphasised the importance of such training in light of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. "NEP is a student-centred policy that offers flexibility to learners, and blended learning is key to achieving this," he stated. Dr Singh highlighted the significance of active learning and the role of teachers in designing engaging activities to maximise student outcomes. "In blended learning, the teacher is central. Hand-holding students is crucial to ensure effective learning," he added. 

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AI-powered adaptation of OER in Math Education
The Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA), COL’s regional centre in Asia, hosted a Bootcamp on Open Educational Resources (OER) in Mathematics Education in February 2025 at the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) campus in New Delhi, India. The bootcamp, organised in partnership with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and NCERT, brought together 80 Grade 9 mathematics teachers—50 in person and 30 online—from across the country.
 
As part of COL’s Teacher-in-the-Loop AI (TiL-AI) project, the event provided a platform for educators to explore AI-driven approaches to developing curriculum-aligned OER. Rather than an AI training session, the bootcamp focused on empowering teachers to collaboratively design engaging, high-quality educational resources using AI tools. Participants identified challenging concepts in the standard mathematics curriculum, explored effective pedagogical strategies, and examined how AI can support inclusive and adaptive learning materials. The initiative also aimed at strengthening a community of mathematics educators who can encourage student participation, particularly among girls, in STEM fields.
 
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Community Radio Awareness Workshop Aims to Strengthen Grassroots Communication

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), Government of India (GoI), in partnership with the Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (COL-CEMCA), organised the Community Radio (CR) Awareness Workshop in Ranchi, Jharkhand, on 11-12 February 2025. Supported by Ranchi University and Jharkhand State Open University (JSOU), the workshop attracted over 40 participants from various organisations and educational institutions across Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. It aimed to promote the establishment and sustainability of CR stations, which serve as vital grassroots communication tools. 

The workshop began with self-introduction by participants, fostering a collaborative environment. In his welcome address, Dr B. Shadrach, Director, COL-CEMCA, highlighted that CR stations are cost-effective, community-owned, and play a vital role in addressing local issues, promoting cultural heritage, supporting education, and fostering local partnerships. He also addressed the sustainability challenges faced by CR stations, emphasising the crucial role of community support in ensuring their long-term viability. He encouraged participants to take advantage of this opportunity to establish CR stations, calling it a unique and powerful tool for community engagement.

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JSOU Celebrates Second Foundation Day with Visionary Discussions

The Jharkhand State Open University (JSOU) marked its second Foundation Day with a grand event at Birsa Agriculture University, Ranchi on 24 January 2025. Dr B. Shadrach, Director, Commonwealth of Learning (COL)’s regional centre in Asia, the Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (COL-CEMCA), graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour, alongside other distinguished guests, who shared insights on the future of education and the role of open universities, especially JSOU, in taking education to the door-steps of the marginalised and unreached tribal population.

The event commenced with a welcome address and the presentation of the annual report by Professor (Dr) Triveni Nath Sahu, Vice Chancellor of JSOU. Reflecting on the university's journey, he acknowledged challenges in infrastructure and finances, but expressed optimism about overcoming them through collective efforts. He highlighted JSOU as Jharkhand’s sole open and distance learning institution and its inclusion in the University Grants Commission's list.

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