The University School of Open Learning (USOL) organised a two-day
ICSSR sponsored seminar on “Distance Education and National Mission of Education
through Information Communication Technology (ICT) for Sustainable Development”  to
mark the completion of 40 years of distance learning.

    The seminar was inaugurated by the Vice-Chancellor of Himachal Pradesh
University, Prof S.K. Gupta; who is the recipient of many distinguished awards. The
presidential address was delivered by Prof. R.C. Sobti, Vice-Chancellor, Panjab
University who in the true spirit of the era of ICT, released a CD of more than 60
abstracts received for the seminar.  Ever since its inception in 1971, this department
has grown by leaps and bounds and Prof R.C. Sobti paid homage to the memory of late
Prof. Jeewan Tewari, the founder Director of this institute.

    The chief guest stressed upon the need of every university to strive for e-
lessons and interactivity through video conferencing.  The growing benefits of
distance education had led to even science programmes being administered through the
distance mode.  Prof Sobti rightly affirmed the evolution of society from an
agricultural to a knowledge based society and the need for distance education
institutes to open up and evolve into ICT centres.  He underlined the need for
starting new courses as well as taking ICT tools to villages.

    In all, there were seven technical sessions on both the days.  The opening
technical lesson witnessed four presentations from the Corporate World which lay
emphasis upon how the ICT platform could be used to impart education effectively in
the distance mode.  The latest technologies like 3G, Broadband, Satellite
Communication and Video Conferencing would go a long way in spreading education
through the distance mode.

    A majority of the speakers gave a comprehensive overview of the role of ICT in
knowledge based societies which have a heightened awareness of global problems.  There
was consensus on the undeniable role of ICT in transmitting knowledge, of facilitating
learning in distance education institutes and also helping in life long learning.  
With the use of digital libraries, smart boards, virtual class-rooms and e-
conferences, information processing and reception has become much faster and so has
evaluation become much more rigorous.

    In one of the technical sessions, Professor Asha Sharma from the regional
centre of Indira Gandhi Open University (IGNOU) talked at length on E-Gyankosh as the
Digital Repository of study material.  An optimum use of virtual space could be made
through Gyan Darshan and Gyan Vani.  She reiterated that Wiki-Vedyadhara was the
latest ICT ‘tool’ developed by INGOU.  Some speakers expressed their views on the
concept of Blended Learning – a combination of conventional and virtual learning
systems.   It would not only make learning flexible but also reduce cost.   With
improved learning capacities, it could take place in both synchronous and asynchronous
situations. The use of ICT would also encourage feedback, both from the teachers and
the taught.

    In one of the technical sessions, some speakers emphasised upon the role of
ICT in creating awareness about the depletion and consequently the preservation of
resources for future generations.  Talking of the impact of ICT in rural development,
one of the speakers highlighted the role of Society for Ailing Mankind and Justice
(SAMAJ) in Assam.   Given the tools of ICT, remarkable achievements could be made in
rural areas.  

    The Dean of Social Sciences, Professor B.S. Ghuman in his concluding remarks
highlighted poverty and poor governance as obstacles to sustainable development and
emphasised that policy makers and economists of today are really deeply concerned
about definite policy initiatives.    

                                             Press Note
No.133