part- b - symbiosis centre for distance learning, distance ... scdl deb-part- b - detailed... ·...

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PART- B

Index

Sr. No Description of Annexure Page. No.

1. Academic Programs & Faculty Position 2-3

2. Staffing 4-5

3. Infrastructure At Headquaters 6

4. Evaluation System 7-8

5. Admission 9-12

6. Learner Support Service 13-17

7. Finance 18-19

8. Any Other Information 20-22

2

PART- B

I. ACADEMIC PROGRAMS & FACULTY POSITION

1. Explain the process of course Development at your institution/University by highlighting the

various steps involved:

SCDL introduces new and innovative programs empowering learners to meet the challenges of the

ever changing industry & society. SCDL regularly upgrades curriculum based on feedback from

students & industry so as to provide students with knowledge which is relevant and useful. A lot of

emphasis is given on activities related to new program launch and curricula design / updation.

SCDL ensures that a formal process and mechanism is followed in consultation with academic and

industry experts as well as the various statutory bodies of the institute namely Board of Studies and

Academic Council, for program & curricula design and restructuring. The BoS and Academic

Council also approve all academic policy matters related to various programs of SCDL.

In order to ensure quality, SCDL gets the best of academic resources for teaching, evaluation, e-

learning, self-learning material and content development from well-known academicians and

industry experts.

SCDL has well prepared Self Learning Material in ODL format in line with DEB norms, highly

interactive e-learning content, audio-video lectures from expert faculty on each component of the

curricula, contact classes in face-to-face mode as well as internet based online classes, interactive

online faculty sessions, academic counselling for students via email and face-to-face, archived

lectures through web portal, E-library (digital library EBSCO) etc. All these components of

education delivery ensure that SCDL students get an enriched, holistic learning experience.

All the academic programs, curricula and program structure including the evaluation methodology,

credit system, eligibility criteria, teaching learning methodology etc. are approved through the BOS

and Academic Council. SCDL has set up Board of Studies for various programs which comprise

subject matter experts, reputed academicians, Industry experts and other professionals. The

Academic Council also comprises of academic stalwarts and industry experts.

The content development, editing and publishing are well defined processes at SCDL. Content is

peer reviewed and checked for quality and plagerism.

For new program development a thorough process is followed right from need assessment to

courseware development. The program development process at SCDL goes through three stages

namely: program formulation, instructional design and development of courseware, which is as

follows:-

Program Formulation Instructional Design Courseware Development

Need assessment

Defining target groups

Course identification based

on level of the program to

provide desired knowledge,

competencies and skills

Adoption of a house style

Identification of suitable

LMS

Formulating structure

Decision on appropriate media

component: text, audio, video,

multimodal, etc

Finalising unit- wise course

outlines for all courses

Deciding strategies for course

delivery

Designing student assessment

for online and offline

Appropriate learning design to

utilise the facilities of LMS

Content development

Content editing

Format editing

Development of graphics,

illustrations, animations, etc.

Finalising the e-content &

Uploading courseware on the

website.

Testing of access

Periodic assessment thereby

revision and updating of

material

3

2. Specify whether the following activities are done in-house or are out sourced, tick correct

option.

TABLE 2.1

Activity In-house Out sourced

Development of course material In-house (full time) &

empanelled faculty

(subject experts)

--

Production of Print material Printing

Production of multi-media material Production

Interactive broadcasting/

teleconferencing,

--

Interactive Computer aided Learning --

Any other - Personal Contact

Programs, online faculty interactions

In-house (full time) &

empanelled faculty

(subject experts)

--

3. (a) Specify if program/courses are adopted/adapted/translated and mention the source:

Not Applicable

TABLE 2.2

Program Medium Adopted Adapted Translated Source

4

II. STAFFING

1. Information on Staff Strength

TABLE 2.3

Name of the Vice Chancellor/Head of the

Institution Dr. Swati Mujumdar

Director

Name of the Pro Vice Chancellor/Rector(if any) NA

Name of the Registrar (Administrative Head) Mr. Namdeo Kumbhar

In case of Distance Education

Institution (DEI) of a dual

mode university/institution

Name of the

Director NA

telephone/

mobile /Fax no. NA

2. Provide a flowchart of Organization Structure:

5

3. Norms of the university/institution for number of Administrative staff for ODL programs:

TABLE 2.4

Permanent Temporary Total

1 At Headquarters

a) Administrative

b) Technical

c) Other Support Staff

33

15

28

NA

NA

NA

33

15

28

2 At Regional Centres (if any) NA NA NA

3 At Study Centres (if any) NA NA NA

4. Whether orientation/training in the ODL system is given to the following

TABLE 2.5

Particulars Yes/No

Faculty members Yes

Course writers and editor Yes

Coordinators of Study Centres Not Applicable

Academic counsellor Yes

Administrative Staff Yes

Other staff, Specify – Technical Staff Yes

5. (a) Furnish details of faculty development (Distance Education) during the last 3 year:

TABLE 2.6

2013 2014 2015

(i) Additional qualification acquired

by faculty members

Refer Annexure- 10 a

(ii) Publications Refer Annexure- 10 b

(iii) Participation in

conferences/workshop/orientation

programs

Refer Annexure- 10 c

(iv) Research project(s) undertaken Refer Annexure- 10 d

(v) Conference/seminar(s)/

workshop(s) held at SCDL

Refer Annexure- 10 e

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III. INFRASTRUCTURE AT HEADQUATERS

1. Norms of the university/institution for infrastructure for ODL programs:

TABLE 2.7

Space in sq. ft. No. of Rooms

1 At Headquarters 50000 sq. ft.

35

2 At Regional Centres (if any) NA NA

3 At Study Centres (if any) NA NA

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IV. EVALUATION SYSTEM

1. Mode adopted for the following activities:

TABLE 2.9

Activity In-house/Outside

Agency/Both

(i) Paper setting Both In-house and Outside In-house & through

empanelled faculty

(ii) Conduct of examination Both In-house and Outside In-house

(iii) Declaration of results In-house In-house

(iv) Assessing the examination papers both In-house and

Outside

In-house & through

empaneled faculty

(v) Evaluators are same as those for Courses offered

through Conventional mode

NA

2. What is the policy with regard to:

I. Moderation

The Moderation System is applicable to all programs of SCDL. 100% moderation of the

answer books is carried out in the case of candidates failing by 10% of marks of the

aggregate marks of that paper. The moderation of answer books of at least 5% total

number of candidates obtaining marks between minimum passing marks and marks

required for first class / distinction is carried out on random sample basis. 100%

moderation is carried out in case of candidates obtaining 70% and above marks.

Where marks awarded by the moderation vary from those awarded by original examiner

the marks awarded by the moderation are taken as final.

II. Re-evaluation

The students can apply for re-evaluation of term end examination within 15 days from the

official declaration of exam result. After the request for re-evaluation is received from a

student, the Evaluation Department forwards the answer script to a Senior Examiner for

re-evaluation purpose.It is ensured that the examiner who has evaluated the answer script

is not sent the answer script for re-evaluation. The marks given by the examiner are

masked to ensure objectivity of the re-evaluator. Once the paper is re-evaluated, the higher

of the two marks, are communicated to the student within 10 working days from the date

of receipt of re-evlaution request. The re-evaluted result is made available in the

performance sheet of the student.

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III. Re-totalling

The students can apply for re-totalling of term end examination within 8 days from the

official declaration of exam result. Once the re-totaling is done, the marks are

communicated to the student, within 8 days of receipt of retotaling request. The result of

re-totalling is made available in the performance sheet.

3. What is the method adopted for evaluation of answer scripts, projects, assignments etc.?

Evaluation of subjective component of the answer papers, projects, assignments etc are

carried out by SCDL in house faculty and empanelled evaluators/subject matter experts.

For evaluation of subjective questions, model answers are provided by paper setters. For

evaluation of submissions and projects, standard evaluation guidelines have been framed

by the Institute.

Central assessment program (CAP) is conducted on a weekly basis.

Since SCDL offers on-demand examination, the evaluation load is distributed through-

out the year.

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V. ADMISSION

1. Student Admission is done by: (Put tick mark) Manual Online

Headquarters

Regional Centres (NA)

Study Centres(NA)

All the above

2. Specify criteria adopted for admission?

Sr.

No.

Program Eligibility Criteria

1 Post Graduate Diploma in

Business Administration

(PGDBA)

Graduate in any discipline, from a recognized University.

International / SAARC students who have graduated from

a recognized University / Institution

AND

Students who have a valid score in any of the State Level

MBA/ MMS-CET/ C-MAT/ G-MAT/ CAT/ MAT/ ATMA/

XAT or equivalent entrance test at State or National level,

valid for current Academic year.

OR

Students who have qualified in SCDL Entrance Test

conducted every year.


International Business

(PGDIB)



a recognized/ accredited University / Institution


Banking & Finance

(PGDBF)



a recognized /accredited University / Institution

4 Corporate Post Graduate

Diploma in Business

Administration (C-PGDBA)



Human Resource

Management (PGDHRM)





Insurance Management

(PGDIM)





Retail Management

(PGDRM)




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Customer Relationship

Management (PGDCRM)





Supply Chain Management

(PGDSCM)





Export & Import

Management (PGDEXIM)





Information Technology

Management (PGDITM)





Technical Writing

(PGDTW)





Educational Administration

(PGDEA)





Instructional Design

(PGDID)





Pre-primary Teachers

Training (PGDPTT)




16 Diploma in Creative

Writing in English (DCWE)

Standard 12th pass-out with minimum 50% in English, OR

Diploma Holder with Standard 12th Qualification with

Minimum 50% in English, OR

Graduate in any discipline from a recognized university OR

International / SAARC students who have graduated from a

recognized /accredited University / Institution

17 Diploma in English

Language Teaching (DELT)

Standard 12th pass-out with minimum 50% in English, OR

Graduate in any discipline from a recognized university , OR

International / SAARC students who have graduated from a

recognized /accredited University / Institution


Business and Corporate Law

(PGDBCL)




19 Certificate Program in

Entrepreneurship

Development (CPED)


Three Year Diploma Holders from a recognized

University/Institution, with a minimum of three years of

supervisory experience.



11

20 Certificate Program in Cyber

Laws (CPCL)







21 Certificate Program in

Management

Accounting(CPMA)







3. Specify the programs for which the intake is fixed. Give details: Not Applicable

Table 2.10

S.No Name of Program (s) No. of Intake

4. Do you allow flexibility of entry and exit in the following context:

Duration of Program

Horizontal Mobility

Choice of courses

Inter-disciplinary Approach

Modular curriculum allowing easy exit

CBCS introduced or not

5. If yes, Given details:

• Duration of Program:

a. The students registered for the 2 year programs, are allowed to extend the validity

upto 4 years.

b. The students registered for the 1 year program, are allowed to extend the validity

upto 2 years.

c. The students registered for the 6 month programs, are allowed to extend the validity

upto 1 year.

• Choice of Courses:

The PGDBA program structure is based on compulsory core courses and

specializations. The first two semesters focus on core courses. Students can then

choose two electives, from a long list of possible specializations. The program

includes six specializations including: Finance, Marketing, Operations, HR, Customer

Relationship Management and Management Accounting. Students have an option of

dual specialization for multidisciplinary approach.

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• Interdisciplinary Approach:

Students enrolled for a longer duration program such as PGDBA can enrol for a

maximum of four single courses from any other discipline while pursuing his/her

primary program. This feature provides students the ability to gain knowledge of a

varied types of subjects.

• Modular curriculum allowing easy exit:

Students admitted to PGDBA program, and who complete one full year of study (I &

II semester) and successfully pass the examination and assignments corresponding to

first two semesters, but who are unable to complete the III and IV semesters due to

unavoidable circumstances can exit out and are eligible for a Diploma in Management.

An eligible student has to make a specific application to SCDL to opt out of the

PGDBA program within the registration validity period.

Students can also take admission to single courses. Students can accumulate credits

for courses completed. Students are allowed to transfer a maximum of 4 courses to a

longer duration program, subject to the credit transfer policy.

CBCS:

All programs offered by SCDL are credit based. The credit system is as per DEB

guidelines (DEC Handbook-2009).

Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration program structure is based on

compulsory core courses and specializations. The first two semesters focus on core

courses. Students can then choose two electives, from a long list of possible subjects

across specilizations from 3rd semester onwards. The program includes six

specializations including: Finance, Marketing, Operations, HR, Customer Relationship

Management and Management Accounting. Students have an option of dual

specialization for multidisciplinary approach.

6. How do you promote your programs? (Specify the media):

The programs are advertised through Print, Television, Radio, Digital Media, Internet, SMS,

Events, Hoarding and other campaigns. The programs are promoted through existing students

and alumni also.

7. Is there any policy for overseas student?

Eligibility for International/SAARC students is graduation (minimum of 10+2+3 years) from a

recognized University/Institution. The pre qualification acquired by an international student is

verified on the basis of list of recognized universities published by Association of Indian

Universities(AIU).

8. In case you admit foreign students explain the modus operandi and the enrolment details

including the geographical spread:

The entire admissions are done centrally by Headquaters. All documents related to admissions

are received and scrutinized at the Headquaters. Similarly, the admission letters are issued by

the Headquaters. The SLMs are also sent to students by the Headquaters. For AY 2015-2016,

we have 102 students enrolled from countries like USA, U.A.E, UK, Singapore, Nepal etc.

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VI. LEARNER SUPPORT SERVICE

1. Give details of the services to distance learners at each of these. State Yes or No:

Table 2.11

Services Head Quarters Regional Centres Study Centres

Admission Yes NA NA

Counselling Yes NA NA

SLM distribution Yes NA NA

PCP Yes NA NA

Internal Assessment Yes NA NA

Term End

Examination

Yes NA NA

Evaluation of Term

End examination

Yes NA NA

Any Other (Specify) ---- ---- ----

2. State total number of Coordinators and Academic Counsellors working at Regional Centres in

the following format: (wherever applicable)- Not Applicable

TABLE 2.12

Location of

Regional

Centre

Address of

Study Centre

Name of

Coordinator if

any, on rolls of

the institution

No. of

programs

offered

Total No. of

Academic

Counsellors

---- ---- ---- ---- ----

---- ---- ---- ---- ----

---- ---- ---- ---- ----

---- ---- ---- ---- ----

---- ---- ---- ---- ----

---- ---- ---- ---- ----

---- ---- ---- ---- ----

3. Do you maintain databases? Explain the databases management system followed by your

institution. Give details of computerization of various activities.

Yes, SCDL maintains a database of all students who enroll at SCDL. This database stores

student’s demographic details, educational qualification, performance, fees paid, dispatches

done to the students. In case of returns if any, are also traced along with all the

communications between student & SCDL. All such data collection is done through an ERP

(Enterprise Resource Planning) system developed in-house at SCDL. This system known as

14

SIS (Student Information System) helps us to effectively, accurately and promptly handle

student queries. This is a very comprehensive system and has been appreciated by earlier

UGC-DEB inspection committees. A case study on this software system was published by

UNESCO, Bangkok.

In 2010, SCDL also introduced the facility of “Student Request Form-SRF” through the web

site. The Student Request Form (SRF) allows students to raise a formal application request for

certain issues, services or facilities including profile change, specialization change, attested

copies request, duplicate diploma requests etc. These Forms are then scrutinized by the Student

Care Department and forwarded to the appropriate department for further action. The status of

the student’s request is also posted on the web site for student tracking. These features have

helped improve student satisfaction by reducing the turn-around-time for resolving student

queries.

Many critical MIS reports are also generated out of SIS for the management review and

necessary action. These software systems have brought about complete transparency in

operations and administration leading to higher student satisfaction.

4. (a) Is your website interactive/static ?

SCDL has a dedicated interactive website www.scdl.net which is available to students

24 x 7. Each student is provided with unique login ID and password to access his /her

personalised student portal.

All academic resources such as e-learning content, access to online classes, interactive

faculty sessions, digital library, archived lectures etc are provided through this portal. The

website is hosted on US servers, which ensures that there is zero downtime for the students

and the students can access the website at all times.

(b) How does your website support distance learners?

The SCDL Website integrates latest technologies to create a unique learning experience for

distance learners.

'Symbiosis World Campus' - a powerful web portal, forms the centre of learning with

facilities such as Online Assignment Submission, Computer based Exam Scheduling, Online

Classes, and E-Mentoring.

The website provides complete information about the programs, duration, fee structure,

evaluation system etc. SCDL has developed a Pre-enrollment guidance system which

allows potential students to understand which programs/courses offered by the institute

would be suitable for them considering their previous academic background and interests.

The website also allows students who have not yet been admitted to the institute to track the

status of their admission/enrollment form. This system has helped reduce queries from

students who have sent their admission form to the institute.

Each enrolled student has a personalised log-in ID and password to access his/her

customised student portal. The student portal provides student access to all the academic

resources including e-learnings, online classes, e-library, online faculty interactions,

archived lectures etc. The students are also provided details of the dispatches of self learning

material, fees paid, demographic details, performace sheet including marks of assignments

and examinations and post my query option to send emails to the institute. The post my

query link provides an interface wherein the student can select from a list of common

queries (administrative queries), type his email address to which the reply is to be sent and

add additional text within the message. Once the student clicks submit, the link routes the

student’s query to the appropriate department/staff member who handles such types of

queries. This link has increased the efficiency of the staff members handling student queries.

http://www.scdl.net/

15

Following services are available to students via our website:-

• Counselling and Mentoring

• Message Board

• Online Assignment Submission

• On-Demand Exam Booking System

• Online Classes

• e-Learning

• Online Faculty Interaction sessions

• Academic performance tracking

• Exam Guidance

• Exam Handbook & Welcome Kit

• Dispatch Tracking

• ‘Post My Query’ Facility

• Personal E-mail ID

• E-Library

• Placement Assistance

5. How do you attend to student queries? Put tick mark.

Face to face

Telephone/Mobile

Radio/Television

Newsletter/bulletin

E-mail

Automatic interactive system

All the above

If any other, specify: SCDL arranges regular induction programs both face to face at HQs as

well as online. Coursewise online classes are conducted on a daily basis.Academic calender is

published on the SCDL website.The classes are also archived and made available in the student

login for future reference. These online classes provide students an opportunity to not only

interact with our faculty but also to interact with fellow students. At SCDL, we encourage

students to have active peer interactions. Online classes are also supplemented with online

faculty interactions. The students can address their academic queries to our faculty directly and

receive prompt answers. E-Mentoring facility is also available to all our students.

16

6. Give details of scholarships/financial assistance that are provide to distance learners.

Symbiosis firmly believes that it is the foremost responsibility of every educational institute to

contribute to some extent for the cause of upliftment of the weaker sections of the society.

Symbiosis is fully aware of its social obligations and to meet these social obligations,

Symbiosis Open Education Society makes provision of Rs.2.5 lakhs every year for granting fee

concessions to 100 deserving students of SCDL belonging to Economically Backward

Community (EBC) to share their financial burden to some extent and to motivate them to

continue to pursue higher education.

Under this scheme SCDL provides fee concession to the extent of 25% of the program fees to

those students whose annual family income from all sources does not exceed Rs.1.00 lakh per

annum. Wide publicity of this scheme is given on the SCDL website. In the Academic Year

2015-2016, 06 students have been awarded fee concession under this scheme.

SCDL also provides 10 % fee concession to students of defence and para military forces

category. In the Academic Year 2015-16, 157 students have been awarded fee concession

under this scheme.

7. Do you have placement cell? Give details.

SCDL has an active placement cell. Placement drives

are organised to give opportunity to our students to

attend interviews with leading companies. Top

companies from sectors of IT&ITES, e-Commerce,

Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Banking, Finance,

Insurance, Construction, Retail, Education etc. have

participated in various placement drives organised by

SCDL. Some of our recruiters include HDFC Bank,

Reliance Retail, TCS, Wipro, Capgemini, Bosch,

Symantec, Eurokids, Mercedes Benz, Rohan Builders, Nielsen, Wills Lifestyle, Impetus

etc.The last placement drive was organised at SCDL on 12 March 2016. A total of 15

Companies participated. Approx 80 students attended the interviews and 31 students were

shortlisted for final interviews.

SCDL has a large alumni base of students belonging to leading Corporates, Industry and

Government organisations. Through this alumni network, we facilitate placement of our

students. Last Alumini Meet was organised on 2nd

April 2016 at Pune, which provided an

opportunity to our students to connect with one another and explore career opportunities.

Around 75 students attended the said meet.

Placement Drive conducted on 12 Mar 16

17

8. How do you provide feedback to learners on their performance?

Table 2.13

Methods Medium of Communication

Continuous Evaluation Performance sheet in

student login, Online

Classes & Online Faculty

interaction.

Online and offline

Term-End Evaluation Performance sheet in

student login, Online

Classes & Online Faculty

interaction sessions.

Online and offline

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VII. FINANCE

1. Income and Expenditure relating to distance education during last three years

TABLE 2.14

Income Expenditure

incurred

Sources of income

2015-16 45,77,52,194 17,21,85,982 F Fees Fees from Students

2014-15 71,26,75,944 22,13,30,074 Fees from Students

2013-14 88,66,47,788 22,65,73,668 Fees from Students

2. Give details of the expenditure during the last financial year under various heads:

TABLE 2.15

S.No. Head of expenditure Budget

approval Amount spent

1 Assistance for Human Resource 10548374 8032607

2 Development of Course material and Quality

Assurance

Revenue Exps. 95351415 50464965

Capital Exps 2800000 732221

Sub-Total Devel.of Course material & QA 98151415 51197186

3 Students Support Service 118524342 88080269

4 Staff Training and Development 500000

3,71,865

5 Technology Support -

Revenue Exps. 28772731 19739343

Capital Exps 7800000

16,10,232

Sub-Total Technology Support 36572731 21349575

6 Vocational Education and Training 0 0

7 Library 2731826

16,01,125

8 Research and Development 600000

3,78,380

9 e-Content / e-Learning (Rev. exps.) 778738 694076

e-Content / e-Learning (captial exps.) 700000 480900

Sub-Total E-Learning content 1478738 1174976

19

3. Whether University maintains separate account for Distance Education? If Yes please give

details thereof:

Table 2.16

Name of the Bank AXIS BANK LTD.

Address KOTRHRUD PUNE

Bank A/C No 104010040158527

Name of the Account Holder SYMBIOSIS CENTRE FOR DIST LEARNING

LEARARNING

Designation of the Account Holder Director

IFSC code UTIB0000104

MICR code 411211004

20

VIII. ANY OTHER INFORMATION

Quality Initiatives:

SCDL is ISO 9001:2008 certified institute since 2012. Symbiosis Centre for Distance

Learning (SCDL) has documented a comprehensive QMS using quality management

principles. The system has established and is maintaining quality processes at all stages to

enhance the effectiveness and efficiency across all Departments of SCDL. Through periodic

internal audits conducted by trained and competent auditors, the system is helping SCDL to set

and achieve new benchmarks in quality. The continual improvement path being followed by

SCDL will go a long way in creating new world class standards in open & distance education.

SCDL has been accredited by the Commonwealth of Learning - Review & Implementation

Model for quality (COL – RIM). This is a self-review model developed by COL, Canada to

improve the quality and performance of the distance learning institutes in respect of

development of self-learning material, student support services and administrative aspects.

SCDL was the first distance learning institute to undergo the COL-RIM quality audit in India.

National Conference on ODL- Sept 2014:

A National Conference on Open and Distance Learning was organized by SCDL on 19th

September, 2014 with the primary objective of creating a platform for all stakeholders to

discuss challenges and opportunities in Open and Distance Learning, share best practices,

examine prevailing policy gaps and suggest policy recommendations for further consideration

of the Government. The speakers of the Conference included Padamshree Prof. Madhava

Menon , Chairman, Distance Education Reform Committee, MHRD, Founder Vice-Chancellor

NLIU, Bangalore and National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata, Dr. DN Reddy,

Member UGC, Chairman Recruitment & Assessment Centre DRDO, Prof. Dr. Arun

Nigavekar Former Chairman UGC, Founder Director NAAC, Mr. Pradeep Kaul, Senior

Consultant, NMEICT & Coordinator, DTH, MHRD, Dr. Binod Bhadri, DEA, MHRD, Prof.

K.B Powar, Chancellor, D.Y Patil Vidyapeeth, Prof. Dr. Uday Salunkhe, Group Director,

Welingkar Institute, Mumbai, Prof. Mariamma A. Varghese, Former Vice-Chancellor, SNDT

Women’s University, Mumbai , Mr. Vivek Sawant, Director, MKCL, Dr. Swati Mujumdar,

Director, SCDL, Pune, Mr. Kshitij Chopra, CEO, Pleo Labs, Dr. Prakash Deshpande, Formerly

Director, DEC, Director Education, British High Commission, Dr. Naji Almahdi, Director,

National Institute of Vocational Education, Govt. of UAE. The conference was attended by

around 100 distinguished delegates from across the country comprising policy makers

including registrars, directors of distance education institutes, senior professors etc.The policy

recommendations were submitted to the Govt. for further consideration.

ICDE International Conference- March 2017:

Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning has been selected by International Council for Open

and Distance Education (ICDE) to host the ICDE International Conference on 10th and 11

th

March, 2017. The theme of the conference is Unleashing the potential of ODL “Reaching the

unreached”.

The aim of the conference shall be to provide a platform for communication between

researchers, teachers and practitioners in Open and Distance Learning. The ultimate aim being

to provide impetus and provide a common basis for the future of research and action points for

enhancement of reach of Open and Distance Learning.

The Conference will be attended by the members of the ICDE Executive Committee, and other

eminent scholars and researchers in the ODL space, nationwide and from across the globe.

The conference proceedings will be brought out by SCDL and selected research papers will

also be published by Open Praxis.

21

Case Study by UNESCO

UNESCO has published a case study on Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL) in

their Asia Pacific Journal as an example of the innovative use of technology for improving

student support services and delivering quality education to the remotest corner.

The case study studies the cost effective ICT based practices employed by SCDL to address the

challenges of managing a huge student base without losing focus on quality and student

satisfaction.

The UNESCO Study outlines the simple yet innovative ICT practices employed by SCDL to

address student queries. SCDL has set up a Student Services Department, enabled with home-

grown ICT solutions. This department consists of two sections – a dedicated Student Call

Center and an E-Communication Center. Dedicated Call Center enables students to address

their queries to trained cousellors. The counsellors not only have complete know-how of

various academic and administrative policies but are also trained on handling students. In E-

Communication Center, the cousellors handle student queries received via email with a

guaranteed response time of one business day.

Research Activities:

International Peer Reviewed Research Journal on Open and Distance Learning

The Academics Department of Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning, is bringing out a

Research journal on ODL to provide a platform to researchers and academicians within the

institute and outside to write Research papers. Particularly since publications by Indian

researchers on online and distance learning are almost non-existent.

The central theme of the inaugural issue of the peer-reviewed, refereed, international,

interdisciplinary, bi-annual research journal of SCDL is ‘Sustaining and Enhancing the Quality

of ODL’.

The SCDL Research Team invited research papers from all over the world. In response to this

we have received 15 papers. The review committee of 4 members reviewed all papers and

finally selected 7 papers for our International peer review biannual research journal. We have

applied for ISSN number and are in process of getting the same.

Academic Research Forum:

The Academics Department of SCDL has created Academic Research Forum, a platform to

inculcate and promote research culture. The objectives of the Academic Research Forum are as

follows:

1. To create an environment of Academic vibrancy in SCDL.

2. To inculcate research culture among students and faculty by conducting Departmental

Research projects.

3. To create awareness among students about the latest trends and developments in the

various domains through webinars, talks by industry experts/students, panel

discussions, presentations etc.

4. To motivate students by grooming and enhancing their learning and practical skills.

5. To introduce a skilling component in various domains through lectures on Soft skills,

virtual tours etc.

6. To provide a platform for the lifelong learning to the alumni.

22

Activities of the Academic Research Forum will include:

1. Monthly Research Paper presentation by one Faculty

2. Webinars

3. Talks (By industry experts/students)

4. Presentations

5. Panel Discussions

6. Virtual Tours and Short Films (On Processes in the industries)

7. Workshops.

8. Departmental Research Projects by the Academics Department

(Refer to Annexure – 10 d)

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