OpenCourseware: Learning Beyond Classroom

Mahajan, Preeti and Vohra, Ranjana and Chakravarty, Rupak (2008) OpenCourseware: Learning Beyond Classroom . ICSSR Sponsored Seminar on “Trends and Strategic Issues for Libraries in Global Information Society” March 18-19, 2008, Organized by: Department of Library & Information Science, Panjab University, Chandigarh, Panjab University, Chandigarh.

Abstract

OpenCourseWare is an innovative and bold idea. It aims to support learning and teaching programme significantly. Learning material contained in an OCW provides learners an opportunity to gain knowledge beyond their routine classroom environments. These are in the digital form which can be accessed online, thus breaking the barriers of time and distance. Indian academics can play a significant role in creating OCW materials for the students to propagate the teaching and learning process diluting the limitations of traditional educational setup and begin a new culture of “Learning Beyond Classroom”. The present study aims to sensitize the teachers and learners about the potentials of the OCWs. It presents a proposal for creating an “Indian OCW Consortium” at different levels. Also discusses the challenges and issues in establishing such an OCW project.