Updated on 12 May, 2016
Ongoing projects
1. Assessment and Accreditation of Open and Distance Learning Institutions in Higher Education
IUC is facilitating the development of Accreditation of Open and Distance Learning Institutions in Higher Education. The Institutional Accreditation will comprise of the criteria for the distance and online education offerings which were discussed in the 4th National Conference of Vice-Chancellor’s of Open Universities on 26th June, 2014. A Steering Committee was constituted to draft the assessment and accreditation framework for ODL institutions.
As a follow up to the 4thVC conference of Open Universities, IUC had reviewed the various accrediting agencies across the globe especially in the field of open and distance education. Review of the accreditation parameters of various countries was also done. Subsequently one-day meeting of the Steering Committee for the “Accreditation of Open and Distance Learning Institutions" was held on 18thJune 2015 at IGNOU, New Delhi to deliberate on the parameters for Accreditation of the ODL System. On the basis of recommendations during meeting of the Steering Committee for the “Accreditation of Open and Distance Learning Institutions", IUC developed draft framework for Accreditation System for ODL.
The 5th National Conference of Vice-Chancellor’s of Open Universities was held on 4th March 2016to discuss the draft framework.The members agreed and accepted in principle the draft framework of ‘Assessment and Accreditation of ODL institutions’ prepared by IUC in consultation with other Open Universities and DDEs with minor modifications. The final document will be prepared incorporating the suggestions given by the members during the Conference.
The revised document on Assessment and Accreditation of ODL institutions will be sent to all members for feedback. All the inputs will lead to a comprehensive Assessment and Accreditation document which will be sent to UGC/MHRD. Once finalized, this may be taken up by a separate governing body/mechanism for accreditation with representatives from OUs.
2. Survey of ICT Usage by IGNOU Learners: A NationwideStudy
IUC studied the ICT usage by IGNOU Learners of Delhi Regional Center in 2013 and has extended this survey in 2015 across all the Regional Centers in India to achieve the holistic picture of the ‘ICT Usage by IGNOU Learners’ and to arrive at generalized profile of IGNOU learners with respect to ICT usages and accessibility. The study was conducted in collaboration with Regional Services Division (RSD).
The study was undertaken to achieve following objectives:
· To identify demographic profile of the IGNOU learners;
· To assess ICT accessibility of learners;
· To identify ICT usage pattern of the IGNOU learners; and
· To assess usability of IGNOU website.
More than 2000 responses from IGNOU learners have been received in this study. The report writing of this survey is in progress. The report of this survey will help the University IGNOU in particular and Indian ODL system in general to not only identify the current ICT usage pattern of its learners but also enable us them to forecast future trends in learning behavior.
3. Database on the Best Practices in ODL
IUC has been entrusted with the activity of ‘Nodal Office’ for‘Sharing of Good Practices’ on the University of Hyderabad’s website as per 'Gist of observations made by Hon’ble President of India as Visitor of Central Universities and Hon’ble HRM during the Vice Chancellors’ Conference held in Rashtrapati Bhavan on 4-5thFebruary, 2015.
IUC has already developed a preliminary road map for the implementation of Development of ‘Database of Best Practices in ODL’ as per recommendations of meeting of Vice Chancellors of State Open Universities held on 9-10thSeptember, 2013.
As a Nodal Office, IUC developed a standardized template for sharing Best Practices, thus facilitating sharing and customization of bestpractices within and among ODL institutions. So far IUC has received several Best Practices pertaining to a range of domain in ODL like Curriculum Design and Development, Learner Support Services etc. A committee has been constituted by Hon’ble VC to identify and review these best practices. On the recommendation of the committee, IUC has posted four Best Practices on the website of University of Hyderabad. The report of this task was also reported to MHRD.
4. Development of E-Content (as part of TEEG)
IUC is developing e-content for Appreciation Programme on Sustainable Management in Biodiversity (APSMB)of School of Agriculture (SoA). The e-content is at development stage. The principles of e-content development like interactivity, adequate media are being followed while developing the e-content. It is being developed in collaboration with SoA and EMPC.
5. Manual on E-Learning Programmes: Design, Development & Implementation (as part of TEEG)
A manual on designing, developing and implementation of E-Learning Programmes is being developed as part of TEEG. The objectives of developing the manual are to:
· acquaint the stakeholders with e-learning characteristics, benefits, activities and resources needed to develop an e-learning programme.
· provide detailed guidelines on designing and developing an e-learning programme.
The manual is in development stage and once finalised all the faculty of IGNOU, SOUs and DDEs can refer to the manual developed to design, develop and offer e-learning programmes.
6. International Ranking of ODL Institutions
IUC has been entrusted as a Nodal office to develop International Ranking Systems in ODL with reference to ‘Gist of observations made by Hon’ble President of India as Visitor of Central Universities and Hon’ble HRM during the Vice Chancellors’ Conference. So far, IUC has developed broad parameters in this area. The report of this task was also reported to MHRD.
