UGC invites comments on draft note on blended learning

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has invited suggestions for a draft note on the blended mode of education and examination in universities. Blended learning combines both online and offline modes of teaching and, often, evaluation.

Last year the UGC allowed institutions to teach 40 percent of the syllabus online, via the Study Webs of Active-Learning for Young Aspiring Minds, or SWAYAM portal. In the note issued on May 20, the UGC says that universities may be allowed to offer online courses “over and above up to 40% of online education permissible” via SWAYAM.

The UGC’s concept note was made public on May 20 after the meeting of the commission. Comments on it can be sent to the committee till June 6, 2021.

Blended learning mode: Exams

As per the notice issued by the UGC, examinations for both online and offline teaching will be conducted in offline mode.

UGC has prepared a draft note that will help universities in moving ahead with the blended mode of education in future. As per the UGC notice: “Provision may be created over and above up to 40% of online education permissible for SWAYAM courses. Examinations for SWAYAM Courses are essentially conducted in online mode.”

The UGC had constituted an expert committee to prepare a concept note on the blended mode of teaching. It has invited suggestions from stakeholders on the draft note till June 6, 2021.

Earlier, in March this year, the UGC notified a new regulation allowing an institution to offer 40% of the syllabus in online mode. The new regulations, ‘Credit Framework for Online Learning Courses through Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds Regulations, 2021’.

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