Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and Uttar Pradesh Rajarshi Tandon Open University (UPRTOU), have signed a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) to promote institutional cooperation and strengthen academic and operational capacities in the field of Open and Distance Learning (ODL). The MoC aims to foster collaborative activities between the two universities. The key areas of cooperation include research and development in academic and ODL domains; joint organization and participation in national and international conferences, symposia and exhibitions; promotion of Open Educational Resources (OER) and MOOCs; and guidance on effective e-learning, m-learning and online student support services, including assessment and evaluation. The collaboration also envisages sharing of best practices in programme design, development and delivery; promotion of skill development programmes to enhance employability, particularly for under-privileged groups; and joint Faculty Development Programmes involving seminars, site visits to Learner Support Centres, Regional Centres and other institutions of educational and social relevance. Other activities of mutual academic interest may also be undertaken. The MoC provides a broad framework for cooperation. For each specific project or activity, the two institutions will enter into separate project-specific Memoranda of Collaboration detailing scope of work, roles and responsibilities, deliverables, financial arrangements and timelines. Under the collaboration, IGNOU will also train faculty members of UPRTOU in various academic affairs and extend support for the development of MOOCs and courses on SWAYAM and SWAYAM PRABHA platforms. The MoC was signed by Shri Jitendra Srivastava, Registrar, IGNOU and Col. Vijay Kumar, Registrar, UPRTOU, in the presence of Prof. Uma Kanjilal, Vice-Chancellor, IGNOU and Prof. Satyakam, Vice-Chancellor, UPRTOU. The leadership of both institutions expressed confidence that the collaboration would contribute significantly to enhancing the quality, reach and impact of open and distance education in the country.
IGNOU and UPRTOU Sign Memorandum of Collaboration to Strengthen Open and Distance Learning
