A five-day Capacity Building Training Workshop on Open and Distance Learning (ODL) successfully concluded at Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) on Friday. More than 25 faculty members, IT experts, and technical staff from leading universities including Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), Bahria University, COMSATS University, and NUML participated in the workshop.

The participants received hands-on training in the latest trends and technologies in ODL, e-Learning, and online education. Experts from AIOU, Virtual University (VU), NUST, and NUML conducted sessions on key topics such as Distance Learning Models, Blended/Hybrid Learning, HEC’s ODL Policy and Toolkit, e-Content Development, Learning and Course Management Systems (LMS/CMS), e-Assessment, OERs, Quality Assurance, and Ethical Practices in ODL.

Prof. Dr. Sher Muhammad, Dean, Faculty of Sciences, AIOU, graced the certificate distribution ceremony as the Chief Guest. In his remarks, he highlighted that the vision of Prof. Dr. Nasir Mahmood, Vice Chancellor, AIOU is to ensure “Quality Online Education for All.” He added that following the launch of the HEC ODL Policy 2024, AIOU, in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC), is fully committed to supporting public and private universities across Pakistan in implementing quality online education.

This joint initiative of AIOU and HEC marks the first training activity, with five more workshops planned soon in Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, Peshawar, and Gilgit.

Dr. Abaidullah Anwar, representing the HEC Quality Assurance Division, appreciated AIOU for the excellent organization of the workshop. He conveyed the message of Mr. Nasir Shah, Director General (QAD), HEC, affirming HEC’s continued commitment to supporting universities in capacity building for ODL and online education. He further shared that HEC plans to collaborate with more universities in the future for MOOCs development and faculty training.

During the opening ceremony, Ms. Ayesha Ikram, Director General, Global Engagement (HEC), assured full support from HEC to help universities design, develop, and deliver quality online programs.

Dr. Zahid Majeed, Director, International Collaboration & Exchange, AIOU, who also served as the focal person and resource person for the workshop, presented a summary of the workshop’s achievements and topics covered by various experts.

The event concluded with the distribution of certificates among participants, resource persons, and organizers by the Chief Guest.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)