Sources pointed out to DT Next that the varsity has already come out with plans to conduct final semester exams online. “The University Grants Commission (UGC) has made it clear that final semester exams for the existing students could not be cancelled for academic purposes and therefore, the university will be partnering with an IT company to conduct the exams,” a senior staff from the institution said.

 He said in line with the online exams, the university is also planning to launch proper online courses for the students in future for which the staff have to be trained properly.

 Stating that at present the Centre for Faculty Development, started by Anna University, conducts training programmes every year to plan and prepare the lessons, understand the subject contents and improve the teaching quality, he said: “Similarly, the new Moodle learning management system for the teaching staff will create and deliver courses online to the students.

 Pointing out that the Moodle management system is currently used by many small and large educational institutions, he said the course would impart the faculties to format course material, uploading and editing.

 “Also, the training programme will also include creating forums and assignment, preparing question bank, taking care of student’s enrollment, learning communication with students, preparing quiz, and getting knowledge of grading system,” he said.