COL-CEMCA and BAOU Facilitate a Roundtable Meeting on ODL Regulations 2020
In a significant roundtable meeting convened by the Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (COL-CEMCA) in partnership with Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University (BAOU) in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, on 7 October 2024, Vice Chancellors from 12 state open universities (OUs) reviewed the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Online Programmes Regulation, 2020. The primary objective of the meeting was to share recommendations in this regard with the University Grants Commission of India to create a forward-looking ODL system in India.
During the opening remarks, Dr B. Shadrach, Director, COL-CEMCA emphasised COL-CEMCA's commitment to supporting the OUs in developing employment-oriented courses to enhance graduate employability. He announced a two-year project aimed at aligning open university programmes with labour market demands. Highlighting successful international models from the University of the Philippines Open University and Athabasca University, he stressed the importance of integrating skilling and flexible learning approaches, including micro-credentials and blended learning strategies.
The meeting underscored the essential role of OUs in delivering accessible, high-quality education, particularly for underserved populations. Led by Dr Nirmaljeet Singh Kalsi, Retd. IAS and former Chairperson, National Council for Vocational Education and Training, and Professor Ami Upadhyay, the Vice Chancellor of BAOU, the experts discussed the urgent need for innovative, employment-oriented curricula to address youth unemployment in India. They explored the challenges faced by OUs in maintaining quality while competing with traditional institutions and advocated for a supportive regulatory framework for ODL.
During the deliberations, quality assurance emerged as a critical theme, with participants emphasising the need for credibility and integrity in education. They agreed that quality standards are essential for maintaining the integrity of the educational system. The discussion also touched on financial sustainability, resource management, and the importance of technology and digital infrastructure in enhancing learning experiences. They expressed disappointment over the slow implementation of the National Curriculum Framework (NCRF) and called for collaboration among institutions to develop programmes that meet national needs. The meeting concluded with a commitment to adapt and innovate within the educational framework to effectively address industry demands and regulatory challenges.
