UGC to start blended learning after reopening of universities: Chairman D.P.Singh

NEW DELHI: University Grants Commission is all set to introduce blended learning – a mix of online and offline classes after the reopening of the universities. Speaking to Careers360 in a live interaction on June 10, D. P. Singh, Chairman, UGC mentioned that the guidelines for blended learning are being formulated and will be implemented once the universities reopen.

“Online Education/ E-learning/ Digital learning is the need of the hour now,” he said. Mentioning that while he was of the opinion that face to face teaching is the best way of teaching and that it has been the norm in India since ages, the COVID situation has mandated that online learning be used to connect with students and ensure their studies are not halted.

About online learning, Singh said that it was not a new idea. He cited Swayam Prabha and other digital means to showcase that online programmes were used earlier too, albeit in a small way. Considering COVID and the social distancing norms needed, online learning may increasingly become one of the means to education.

Speaking about the same, Singh said,” We have considered all the angles and looked at the regulatory framework. We have revisited the online and Swayam regulations that earlier had the choice of allowing 20% of the course online. So, with the online degrees, we are trying to bring in regulations that showcase blended mode education where students get the benefits of both online and offline teaching. In this, online content will now be raised to 40% and universities can adopt this to offer 40% of the course content online with proper credits. Students will have the choice to study a part of the course online and part offline under the blended mode of education. This will also facilitate social distancing that is a necessity for the days to come till the threat of COVID can be overcome.”

The chairman clarified that while this will initially be started with some institutions, it will later be open to all.

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