JAMMU: The three days workshop on Design and Development of Self-learning materials for distance and online programmes, organised by the Directorate of Distance and Online Education (DDOE), University of Jammu, was inaugurated here this morning at the University of Jammu.

Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, delivered an insightful address as the Chief Guest at the event.

Prof Rai visualised that youth will represent approximately 50 percent of the population within the next two decades. Acknowledging the challenge of addressing the educational needs of this rapidly expanding youth population, he stressed the importance of institutions offering distance and online learning methods to effectively engage with the young people .

Prof. Rai underscored the imperative for university departments to offer distance courses, citing research indicating that traditional blackboard learning only accounts for 10 percent of effective learning, with the remainder attributed to self-learning.

He emphasized the significance of the workshops in providing participants with insight into self-learning methodologies and content creation, aligning with the evolving educational landscape.

Additionally, Prof. Rai encouraged participants to develop captivating and stimulating content that ignites students' enthusiasm, advocating for the integration of technology in content creation.

He also complimented the Director, Directorate of Distance and Online Education for organising the workshop, providing participants with a platform to exchange ideas and acquire valuable insights into content creation.

The keynote address was delivered by Prof. CRK Murthy, former director of the Staff Training and Research Institute of Distance Education (STRIDE) at IGNOU. Prof. Murthy provided valuable insights into the evolution of distance education courses, stressing their crucial role in democratizing education and expanding access to knowledge.

Prof. Pankaj Srivastav, Director DD&OE, underscored the importance of regular workshops like this one. He reiterated that online education is poised to become increasingly indispensable, aligning with governmental objectives to boost gross enrollment ratios in higher education institutions.

The event was graced by the presence of distinguished figures in academia and education.The workshop was coordinated by Dr. Jaspal Singh and Dr. Jasleen Kaur, who also served as the Co-coordinator.

Dr. Singh extended a formal vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of all participants, including senior faculty members like Prof. Anupama Vohra and Prof. Anju Thapa.

Other faculty members who attended the function included Dr. Nagendra Rao, Dr. Hina Abrol, Dr. Neelam Choudhary, Dr. Anuradha Goswami, Dr.Rajber Singh Sodhi, as well as officers and staff members of the university. About 50 participants from all over Jammu and Kashmir representing various colleges and universities of the region took part in the workshop.