AIOU adopts online system to run MPhil and PhD programmes

ISLAMABAD, April 3: The Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has decided to gradually adopt online mode of education to run its PhD and MPhil programmes.
The students of higher classes will get their study material through electronic or digital devices (CDC) instead in books form. There are about 19 PhD programmes which might be shifted to online system by the end of this year, said AIOU Vice-Chancellor Prof Shahid Siddiqui while giving a briefing to a delegation from the United Kingdom on the University’s future development plan, said a press release issued here on Sunday.
Similarly, efforts were being made shift MPhil programmes to online system by the end of next year. In all there are thirty-two MPhil programmes in different disciplines. “We want to enhance our share of online academic programs taking advantage of the fast-growing technology,” he added.
The AIOU is in process of adopting new educational trends. The facility to be provided through web will have virtual classroom, besides availability of online interactive study material. Entire learners’ support system and continuous assessment will be web-based.
Under the new arrangements, the students will also be able to submit their assignments online. They will have regular interactive sessions with teachers by text chatting, video conferencing and desktop and white board sharing.
Dr Siddiqui further said that initially online educational contents delivery facility was being offered to students of five academic programs. The Vice-Chancellor said that a new overseas and e-learning website with its Urdu version was also being launched.-PR