KKHSOU Hosts Workshop on Blended Learning for Open University Educators

The Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (KKHSOU) collaborated with the Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (COL-CEMCA), the regional centre of Commonwealth of Learning (COL), to organise a three-day workshop on Blended Learning from 25-27 September 2024 for educators from 14 Open Universities, including KKHSOU, at its campus in Guwahati, Assam, India. The workshop aimed to enhance participants' understanding of the concept, need, and scope of blended learning in open and distance learning.

In a Distinguished Guest Address, Dr B. Shadrach, Director of COL-CEMCA, highlighted the strengthening of open learning practices in India through 17 State Open Universities and IGNOU, supported by COL-CEMCA. He provided an overview of the initiatives in this direction that followed the Ahmedabad Declaration, leading to the current workshop on blended learning. He lauded open universities as pioneers of this pedagogical approach, which is now being adopted by conventional universities. He articulated the three pillars of blended learning as quality curriculum design and delivery, student engagement, and accessible education for marginalised communities.

Professor Rajendra Prasad Das, Vice-Chancellor of KKHSOU, in his Welcome Address, emphasised the university's commitment to modern educational strategies. The Chief Guest Address was delivered by Professor Nageshwar Rao, Former Vice-Chancellor of IGNOU, who provided insights on the history of blended learning in Indian open universities.

Professor Pranab Saikia, Programme Director, gave an overview of the workshop, highlighting its role in enhancing personalised learning. Professor K. Srinivas, Head of ICT and Project Management at NIEPA, New Delhi, delivered a Special Address and emphasised the practical nature of the workshop, assuring continued online support through WhatsApp for participants. The inaugural session concluded with a Vote of Thanks from Professor Pranjit Bora, Registrar (i/c), KKHSOU, expressing gratitude to all attendees and resource persons for their contributions.

The workshop featured 12 technical sessions led by COL-CEMCA resource persons, focusing on skills such as conveying the benefits of blended learning, outlining different models, creating effective learning experiences, using tools and resources, and assessing students in a blended learning context.

The workshop successfully equipped educators with practical skills to implement blended learning in their institutions, fostering improved student engagement and learning outcomes. It demonstrated COL-CEMCA and KKHSOU's commitment to advancing modern educational practices in the open and distance learning landscape.