UGC chairman suggests AI integration in online learning, ODL to offer personalised learning paths

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) chairman Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar said online and distance learning (ODL) and online education increasingly contribute to achieving a Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of 50% by 2035. At present, a total of 83 central, private and deemed universities offer UGC-recognised ODL and online programmes.

“With clear eligibility criteria defined in UGC regulations and an efficient online application process, there is a surge of institutions willing to offer distance mode and online programmes. These institutions have also embraced dig-ital technology to make education more accessible and flexible,” the UGC chief said.

“As learner enrolments increase yearly, ODL and online education increasingly contribute to achieving a Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of 50% by 2035, as outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020,” Kumar said.

AI Integration

“With the integration of AI and ICT technologies, the ODL and online programs are likely to revolutionize and redefine the future of education, creating new avenues for personalized and engaging learning experiences,” he added.

Kumar also suggested universities to adapt AI algorithms to analyse learners’ progress to offer personalized learning paths. He also recommended using technologies to provide interactive learning experiences, including virtual simulations, AI-powered tutors, and collaborative online tools.

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Emergence of ODL, online courses

He further said online and ODL programmes are high-quality and low-cost higher education which is accessible to millions of students. Among the learners, many of them are from economically and socially disadvantaged backgrounds and from rural areas.

Explaining how online education gained popularity in rural areas, Jagadesh Kumar said students in rural areas face several challenges accessing physical education due to transportation, accommodation and financial impediments. However, the flexibility and adaptability in online programmes help such students to overcome the challenges.

Highlighting the increase in female enrolment, the UGC chairman said: “ODL provides accessible and affordable educational avenues to women, fostering gender equality and empowerment and creating more inclusive lifelong learning opportunities for career advancement.”