In a first, IIT-K to start online courses
KANPUR: In a couple of months, students across the country would be able to benefit from the expertise of eminent academicians of the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IIT-K).
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the institute is planning to introduce online courses in different disciplines to assist engineering students across the country.
Dean of academics (DoA) at the IIT-K Dr Dheeraj Sanghi said, “In the first phase, an online course in computers would be
started on an experimental basis. In case the effort receives good response, lectures in other disciplines would also begin.”
Sanghi said modalities of the course and its syllabus were being developed. “The modalities are expected to be completed by August 1 and interested students would be able to take up the course from September,” he added.
According to Sanghi, senior professors at the department of computer science and engineering were engaged in preparing the course and expert lectures related to it.
It is not yet decided whether the course would be degree one or offer diplomas and certificates.
Sanghi said, “The IIT-K would take technical support of Google in putting the lectures online while Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) would be engaged for conducting online examinations. The students pursuing the course would have the facility to interact with senior teachers through e-mail.”
The fee structure is yet to be decided by the institute authorities. Senior professor at the computer science department, who did not wish to be named, said, “There has been a huge demand for online engineering courses. It would prove to be a boon for them.”