25% of Mumbai University syllabus may go online, colleges likely to run in two shifts in new academic year
Nearly 25% of the course content offered by Mumbai University and its affiliated colleges is likely to go online from the upcoming academic year.
Mumbai universityMUMBAI: Nearly 25% of the course content offered by Mumbai University and its affiliated colleges is likely to go online from the upcoming academic year. Most of the syllabus, however, will be taught in college classrooms in two shifts by following social distancing norms - whenever the Covid-19 situation normalises in the city. A proposal to this effect was presented before the university’s advisory council, chaired by industrialist Ratan Tata, at its first meeting held on Thursday.
The council discussed and recommended several ways in which the teaching-learning process should continue in the post-Covid world. The members, including Tata, nuclear scientist Anil Kakodkar, additional chief secretary Sujata Saunik, entrepreneur Lalit Kanodia, vice-chancellor Suhas Pednekar, suggested forming a group of experts to strengthen the e-learning system. “The council was of the opinion that online learning cannot replace the mentor-mentee relationship on campus. But a significant part of the curriculum can be taught online. Emphasis was placed on making study material available to students much in advance,” said pro-vice-chancellor Ravindra Kulkarni, also member secretary of the council.
Pednekar said, “In order to bring about a radical change in higher education in the aftermath of Covid-19, important issues were discussed to determine the short- and long-term goals of the university. He (Tata) provided guidance on launching new courses based on need.”
Online learning will be part of the curriculum, even after the Covid crisis, said officials.
The council suggested inviting retired professors from reputed educational institutions as adjunct faculty and giving more autonomy to colleges and departments. It also asked the university to involve its illustrious alumni in various university activities and to help budding entrepreneurs with mentors from the industries.
Among other things, the council asked the university to encourage group research among faculty members and also to include more cross disciplinary courses. Members also focussed on the need for engaging teachers in more consultancy projects from the industries to boost R&D funding. The council also said that they would request the government to fill the vacancies in teachers' position soon.
The council discussed and recommended several ways in which the teaching-learning process should continue in the post-Covid world. The members, including Tata, nuclear scientist Anil Kakodkar, additional chief secretary Sujata Saunik, entrepreneur Lalit Kanodia, vice-chancellor Suhas Pednekar, suggested forming a group of experts to strengthen the e-learning system. “The council was of the opinion that online learning cannot replace the mentor-mentee relationship on campus. But a significant part of the curriculum can be taught online. Emphasis was placed on making study material available to students much in advance,” said pro-vice-chancellor Ravindra Kulkarni, also member secretary of the council.
Pednekar said, “In order to bring about a radical change in higher education in the aftermath of Covid-19, important issues were discussed to determine the short- and long-term goals of the university. He (Tata) provided guidance on launching new courses based on need.”
Online learning will be part of the curriculum, even after the Covid crisis, said officials.
The council suggested inviting retired professors from reputed educational institutions as adjunct faculty and giving more autonomy to colleges and departments. It also asked the university to involve its illustrious alumni in various university activities and to help budding entrepreneurs with mentors from the industries.
Among other things, the council asked the university to encourage group research among faculty members and also to include more cross disciplinary courses. Members also focussed on the need for engaging teachers in more consultancy projects from the industries to boost R&D funding. The council also said that they would request the government to fill the vacancies in teachers' position soon.
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