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First virtual classroom of western Maharashtra inaugurated by CM Fadnavis
At the inauguration of the virtual classroom at the Shivaji University, Kolhapur CM Fadnavis said that such classrooms are the best examples of communication powered by technology.
On Sunday, while on an official visit to Kolhapur, Maharashtra Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said virtual classroom can be just the tool for imparting quality education across schools and colleges in the state.
Fadnavis was at the Shivaji University, Kolhapur (SUK) for the inauguration of virtual classroom and the ground breaking ceremony of the museum complex as well as the new building of department of journalism and mass communications.
"Knowledge should get international exposure to get the most out of it. We have so many colleges, but most of them are plagued with the lack of experienced teaching faculties. Virtual classrooms might be useful for us in this case," the CM said. He said such classrooms can be the best examples of communication powered by technology.
During his speech, the CM congratulated the SUK for bagging the first rank in the state and 28th across the country in the recently announced National Institution Ranking Framework (NIRF). Fadnavis goaded the university by saying that he will be happy to see the university get to the number one rank in future. He further said the state government will always extend all support and co-operation to the University for its academic and administrative needs.
Also present at the event was the State school and higher education minister Vinod Tawde, who in his speech said that the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) scheme has proved effective for many academic institutions across the state. "We have received Rs 550 crore grants under RUSA from the Centre, which has been used effectively to improve the academic standards of universities in the state," he said.
Shivaji University’s Barrister Balasaheb Khardekar Library has bagged the boasting rights to host the first virtual classroom in western Maharashtra, which is equipped with multimedia projector, visualizer, interactive board and a digital podium. According to officials, plans are afoot to connect the virtual classroom with the university’s other autonomous colleges and the ones which have scored A grade in the assessment of various agencies.
"In the long run, all the 279 colleges affiliated to the SUK will be connected with the virtual classroom via the National Knowledge Network. The students in these colleges can simultaneously witness lectures and events through internet connection. It will be helpful for conducting various workshops and interactions online," said D R More, the director of Board of College and University Development at SUK.