ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) will launch special issue of its “Journal of Education” based on the selected papers out of the total 170 papers.
These papers were presented by the academicians and researchers from home and abroad at an international conference on “Research and Practices in Education” that was organized by AIOU’s Faculty of Education in the support USAID and Higher Education Commission.
In this regard, a special committee will be set up soon which will contact all the scholars for editing and changes, this was announced by the Vice-Chancellor, AIOU Prof Dr Shahid Siddiqui while addressing the concluding session of the conference.
Special issue on selected papers aimed at motivating young researchers to do more in their respective fields, he added.
Talking about the Research Journal, he said that we have two Journals in education, one in education and the second is the new born “Pakistan Journal of Distance and Online learning”.
He said the University’s emphasis was on this new journal and “that is the future of the University.”
While talking about the new era, Dr Shahid Siddiqui said time is changing so fast, the amount of change which used to take place in years in the past, now the same amount of change is taking place in hours and there is direct implication for us.
“We are standing on the edge of another shift from conventional to digital education” he added.
“We have a vibrant Directorate of E-learning,” AIOU, he said while maintaining its original character will gradually emerge as Electronic Open University.
In the first instance, the University will online it’s all Ph.D programs by the end of this year, Study materials will be available to students online, they will be able to submit their assignments online as well.
They will have regular interactive sessions with the teachers by text chatting, video conferencing and desktop and white board sharing.
Academicians and researchers from home and abroad at a 2-day international conference pledged to accelerate work and find out ways and means for strengthening all modes of education.
Underlining the need for adopting new dimensions in improving the old and traditional system of education, they eulogized AIOU role in connecting educators and bring closer the wider community of practice for educators around the world to share latest research findings within various themes and levels of education.
There were special guests including; Dr. Lynn Fendler from Michigan State University US and Dr Jean B Hache, Honorary Professor, University De Montreal, Canada, Dr Zahid Majeed and the Conference Secretary, Dr Afshan Huma.
Around 700 academicians and researchers from home and abroad attended the conference.
Dr Shahid Siddiqui said it was an attempt on the part the AIOU to provide an opportunity to researchers and educationists to identify the ways of connecting the learners and instructors through internet and build a safer environment of ubiquitous education.
The Vice-Chancellor further said they are working hard to bring qualitative improvement in overall-working of the University.
The main focus is on research-based activities, revision of curriculum and text-books, professional development and students’ support system, he added.
Dr Shahid Siddiqui said since he took over the charge of Vice-Chancellor about a year ago, research remained his top priority.
He had focused on publication of research journals to disseminate research findings in different disciplines and to motivate young researchers to do more in their respective fields.
AIOU has achieved the distinction of publishing eight research journals.
Besides other initiatives, a special incentive package has been given for encouragement of their faculty members for doing maximum research work in their respective disciplines.
Cash awards will be given for writing worthwhile books and research articles. The University will also bear travelling and lodging expenses of its teaching staff for attending seminars and conference home and abroad.
The research-package is aimed at gearing up development at various levels through new inventions and to enhance academicians role in policy-making.
Source: APP
