Seven-Day workshop on SLM and E-Learning Resources concludes at University of Jammu

JAMMU: The Seven-Day Workshop on Design and Development of Self-Learning Material (SLM) and E-Learning Resources, organized by the Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE), University of Jammu under the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of CDOE, in collaboration with the Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre (MMTTC) and supported under RUSA–II Faculty Improvement Support concluded successfully with a valedictory session marked by reflection, appreciation, and academic enrichment. The workshop aimed to strengthen the pedagogical and technical competencies of faculty members in developing high-quality self-learning materials aligned with distance and online education standards.

 The valedictory session was graced by Dr. Sandeep Gupta, Director, Jammu Regional Centre, IGNOU, as the Chief Guest, and Prof. Satya Paul, Coordinator, RUSA, University of Jammu, as the Guest of Honour.

The Chief Guest, Dr. Sandeep Gupta lauded the organising team and participants for the successful conduct of the workshop. He stated that Self-Learning Materials (SLMs) form the foundation of the distance education system. He further emphasised the need for innovative pedagogical practices, robust digital content and learner-centric approaches to meet the evolving demands of higher education, adding that such workshops play a crucial role in bridging the gap between learners and faculty and serve as the backbone of an effective and inclusive distance education system.

In his address, the Guest of Honour, Prof. Satya Paul, congratulated the Convener and the organising team for selecting a relevant and timely theme for the workshop. He commended the Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE) for its proactive efforts in organising such academic initiatives and emphasised the importance of developing high-quality e-content as a vital component of capacity building in higher education. 

Earlier in his  welcome address  Prof. Pankaj K. Srivastava, Director, CDOE, University of Jammu,  articulated the objectives, expected deliverables and overall impact of the workshop. He highlighted the critical need for developing high-quality, learner-centric Self-Learning Materials and effective e-learning resources to strengthen the Open and Distance Learning ecosystem and expressed confidence that the insights and competencies gained during the programme would be clearly reflected in the development of upcoming SLMs. He also appreciated the active and committed participation of the participants throughout the workshop.

Dr. Neelam Choudhary, Convener of the workshop, presented a detailed report of the seven-day workshop, stated its objectives, structure, themes and academic deliberations. She highlighted that a total of 22 academic sessions were conducted during the programme, covering various aspects of the design and development of Self-Learning Materials (SLMs) and were delivered by distinguished academicians and experts from IGNOU, NITTR, Chandigarh the University of Jammu and other reputed institutions. The participants were provided hands-on exposure to instructional design, content organization, learner engagement strategies and the integration of digital tools for e-learning, while the resource persons deliberated on curriculum design, programme evaluation, development of self-assessment components and the use of multimedia and emerging technologies in SLMs. 

The workshop witnessed participation from faculty members across disciplines, who appreciated the academic depth and practical relevance of the sessions. The sessions were conducted by Prof. C. R. K. Murthy, Former Director, STRIDE, IGNOU; Prof. V. V. Subrahmanyam, Director, Planning and Development Division, IGNOU; Prof. Meenal Mishra, Professor of Geology, IGNOU; Prof. Sunil Dutt, Professor, Department of Education and Education Management, NITTR, Chandigarh, Prof. Sandeep K. Tandon, Professor of Commerce, CDOE, University of Jammu; Prof. Anupama Vohra, Professor of English, CDOE, University of Jammu and Dr. Ali Asgar, Associate Professor, STRIDE, IGNOU with sessions focused on instructional design, technology integration, quality assurance, assessment strategies and learner engagement, providing participants with both conceptual clarity and practical exposure in SLM preparation. 

The participants, while sharing their feedback, expressed a high level of satisfaction with the institution and academic quality of the workshop. They acknowledged that the deliberations and hands-on sessions significantly enhanced their understanding of instructional design, content development, learner engagement and the effective integration of digital tools in e-learning. The participants further observed that the workshop contributed meaningfully to strengthening their competencies in developing high-quality, learner-centric Self-Learning Materials in accordance with the standards of Open and Distance Learning.

The programme concluded with the distribution of certificates to the participants, followed by a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Hina Abrol, Associate Professor, CDOE, University of Jammu. She expressed sincere gratitude to the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, Director, resource persons, organising committee and participants for their valuable support and contributions in making the workshop a grand success.