As part of the partnership, Ericsson would help students to download course contents through a 3G system. The learners could also get SMS alerts on their mobiles.
“Our 2.5 million students will be supported with access to parts of the course web pages, and they can also download files like assignments and video clips,” V N Rajasekharan Pillai, IGNOU Vice-Chancellor, told reporters on Monday.
Moreover, students availing such a service would have to pay only about Rs 20-25 extra over their regular tuition fees and the rest would be managed either by the university or through Public-Private-Partnership. The project would be taken up on a pilot basis for six months for the 1,000-odd students pursuing certificate course in Information Technology at IGNOU.
The project costs as well as revenue models would be finalised after the implementation of the pilot project.
Merits
“This technology helps a learner stream through video, audio and selective internet browsing. Downloaded files may be played through laptop or PC. New notebooks with built-in 3G chip sets advance e-learning services as these would allow consulting with academic counselors, course coordinators and would also facilitate peer-to-peer discussions,” he said. The 3G technology with the facility for web-proctoring would ensure not only a two-way audio and video interaction, but also make possible delivery of classroom discussion or a seminar in a three-party module.
Helping hand
For example, a sign language student, who was hearing and speech impaired, could take his/her classes through the mobile screen of the 3G model of mobile telephony.
“In this case, a lecture is given at a place, the interpreter interpreting it through sign language is stationed at a different location and a speech and hearing impaired learner watching the signs of the interpreter from a different place. All activities at three points take place simultaneously and the 3G technology can make this possible,” Pillai said.