Date:23/10/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/10/23/stories/2006102300510500.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Language labs planned in 63 colleges

A. Saye Sekhar

Setting up of the language laboratories has become essential, for all universities are proposing to introduce online testing

The Directorate of Collegiate Education will embellish English teaching in Government Degree Colleges by setting up language laboratories in 63 colleges in three months. The Directorate proposes to extend the facility to all other colleges in a phased manner, says Director K. Lakshminarayana.

Colleges with accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council will get preference. Dr. Lakshminarayana says Andhra University and Acharya Nagarjuna University have created online testing system.

This has made the setting up of the language laboratories essential, for all other universities are also proposing to introduce online testing.

While Jawahar Knowledge Centres were set up in 11 Government degree colleges last year, 15 more colleges will have this facility in the current academic year.

Each JKC has 50 students. While emphasis will be laid on getting jobs for JKC students who pass out of the colleges, the Government is also contemplating exposing students outside the JKC scheme to the skills of English language and computers.

In fact, changes in English syllabus are being effected from last year. By the end of next year, the language syllabus in the three years of degree courses will be changed.