Date:20/03/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/03/20/stories/2006032005830500.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Institutions told to make use of IT tools to offer Web-based courses

Staff reporter

Universities should "adopt a mixture of alternate delivery mechanisms" Varsities must "adopt mixture of alternative delivery mechanisms"

Yazhini, topper in Computer Science Engineering, receives an award from UGC Vice-Chairman V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai at the convocation at SMK Fomra Institute of Technology on Saturday. Anna University Vice-Chancellor D. Viswanathan (extreme right) loo ks on.

CHENNAI: Higher education institutions must make use of modern information technology tools to offer Web-based and distance learning courses, University Grants Commission Vice-Chairman V. N. Rajasekaran Pillai said on Saturday.

At the first convocation of SMK Fomra Institute of Technology here, Mr. Pillai urged universities and colleges to "adopt a mixture of alternative delivery mechanisms". Thanks to the rapid advances in electronic communications, access to education was no longer limited by requirements of a set time or place, he said.

With the needs of employers changing faster than training systems could respond, basic skills should go beyond reading, writing and numerical knowledge to include information and technological literacy and critical thinking, he said.

Stressing the need to be flexible and creative, Mr Pillai said: "There are no more jobs for life; all need to switch occupations and careers several times in working life." For this, graduates required teamwork skills, good communication and presentation ability, business ethics and a commitment to safety, quality and sustainability of projects in their fields.

He also urged them to develop an aptitude for life-long learning and self-learning. Colleges should continue mentoring their students and participate in continuing education programmes.

Anna University Vice-Chancellor D. Viswanathan, who presided, asked the students to work hard for the country's development. Students must be able to produce cutting-edge technology that would reduce dependence on other countries.