Hyderabad, 23 January 2026

The Commonwealth of Learning (COL) – Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA), in collaboration with Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU), Hyderabad, and its UGC–Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre (MMTTC), successfully conducted a five-day online Faculty Development Programme (FDP) from 19–23 January 2026. The programme, titled “Empowering Higher Education Institutions in Technology-enabled and Blended Learning,” witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 200 faculty members representing higher education institutions across India.

The FDP commenced with Opening Remarks by Prof. Saneem Fatima, Director, UGC-MMTTC, MANUU, followed by the Welcome Address delivered by Prof. M. Vanaja, Dean, School of Education & Training, MANUU.

Delivering the presidential address, Professor Syed Ainul Hasan, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, MANUU, emphasised the university’s commitment to implementing the National Education Policy 2020. He stressed the importance of this Faculty Development Program as a crucial step toward equipping educators with the necessary skills and competencies to deliver quality education in the 21st century. Professor Hassan highlighted that the collaboration with COL-CEMCA represents a significant milestone in MANUU’s journey toward educational excellence and innovation.

In his special address, Dr. B. Shadrach, Director, COL-CEMCA, stressed on equipping learners with 21st-century skills and competencies. He outlined how technology-enabled learning environments can foster critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity—the essential skills required for success in the modern workforce. He emphasised that education must transcend traditional knowledge transmission to prepare students for entrepreneurship and adaptability in rapidly changing professional landscapes.

Following the inaugural addresses, the technical sessions unfolded across the five days, beginning with an overview of the Salient Features of NEP 2020, supported by interactive group work and presentations, setting the context for educational transformation. Prof. Jeetendra Pande led a session on technology-enabled learning and its scope in blended learning, introducing participants to Game Based Learning. Dr. V. V. Subrahmanyam conducted an engaging, hands-on session on AI in teaching and learning, demonstrating tools such as ChatGPT, NotebookLM, Edcafe, and prompt-generation techniques. Ms Sushumna Rao focused on Open Educational Resources (OERs), MOOCs, and LMS features, including hands-on activities on OER discovery, licensing, and submissions. Dr. Ashish Awhadiya addressed employability skills, policy frameworks, and opportunities available through SWAYAM and SWAYAM Plus for industry-relevant and credit-based learning.

The week-long, 15-hour FDP reflected the shared vision of COL-CEMCA and Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU), Hyderabad in preparing future-ready teachers and classrooms by empowering faculty with digital tools and contemporary pedagogical strategies, the programme marked a significant shift from traditional teaching methods towards more interactive, student-centred learning environments.