Transformative Five-Day Faculty Development Program on Empowering Your Teaching with OER and Moodle

Gurugram, November 30, 2023, The Academic Staff College, Amity University Haryana (AUH) and The Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA) have successfully concluded an impactful Five-Day Faculty Development Program (FDP) from November 20th to 24th, 2023. Themed “Empowering Your Teaching with OER and Moodle,” this meticulously designed program aimed to align with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020. It centered on enhancing digital skills and empowering educators to proficiently create Open Educational Resources (OERs) and engage in Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs).

A distinctive feature of this FDP was its outcome-oriented training approach, where participants were equipped to become trainers for their respective institutions. Through hands-on training, educators were prepared to seamlessly integrate OER and Moodle into their teaching methodologies.

The inaugural session set a vibrant tone with the traditional lighting of the lamp ceremony, accompanied by the soulful Saraswati Vandana.

During inaugural address, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, AUH, Prof. P.B Sharma, served as a beacon of inspiration for participants, urging them to adopt a “lifelong learner” mindset. Prof. Sharma outlined three commandments for continuous growth: to never feel lazy in the pursuit of knowledge, to strive for excellence, and to practice “Atmasanyam” (self-control). Addressing the audience from a Vedantic perspective, Prof. Sharma emphasized the three essential skills of learning: Adhyan (gathering information), Manan (critical thinking), and Chintan (reflecting about the utility). Prof Sharma underscored the success of the MOOC-OER FDP, emphasizing participants’ transformation into lifelong learners equipped to tackle real-life challenges.

Guest of Honour, Dr. B Shadrach, Director of CEMCA, during his address, imparted valuable insights, stressing the creation of diverse and inclusive content. Dr. Shadrach shed light on the three aspects of the MOODLE platform: as a learning management platform, assessment forum, and a medium for generating and reviewing learner analytics. His emphasis on transitioning from “Learner to Yearner” and creating a “learner-centric and safe online learning space” provided a robust framework for participants.

Prof Uma Kanjilal, Pro-Vice Chancellor of IGNOU, renowned for her contributions to online distance education learning in India, during her address, urged participants to not just consume but also create valuable content. Her presentation on Trends in Virtual Learning explored innovations like Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) in education, along with emerging apps and features such as virtual labs and “intelligent tutors.”

Pro-Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Vikas Madhukar, AUH during his address highlighted the importance of recognizing the role of the online medium in accessing higher education, particularly in the context of Covid-19. He encouraged participants not only to acquire essential digital literacy skills but also to emerge as coaches and leaders in MOOC and OER pedagogy.

During her opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Sanjna Vij, Professor of Liberal Arts, Deputy Director of Academic Staff College, Deputy Dean of Students Welfare at AUH, and the event organizer, extended a warm welcome to all participants. In her address, she provided a succinct introduction to the capacity-building program. And highlighted that this Faculty Development Program not only addresses the immediate professional development needs of faculty members but also aligns with the broader goals and principles outlined in the NEP 2020, contributing to the advancement of the education landscape in India.

The Faculty Development Program (FDP) garnered exceptionally positive feedback, as twenty-eight participants from diverse universities and departments concluded the program enriched with valuable insights and enhanced skills. This triumph not only enhances the professional development of the participants but also resonates with broader objectives, cultivating a culture of perpetual learning and innovation in the field of education.