Hyderabad, Aug.28 (RAHNUMA): Artificial intelligence and digital technologies are transforming education by making learning more flexible, personalised and learner-friendly, said Dr. B. Shadrach, Director, Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA), New Delhi.
Addressing the 45th Foundation Day celebrations of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU) here on Friday, Dr. Shadrach said asynchronous digital learning was breaking traditional barriers of time, geography and access. Farmers, homemakers and working professionals could now pursue education at their own pace and convenience.
Delivering the keynote lecture on “BRAOU and the promise of democratised education”, he said AI-driven personalised learning was making education increasingly adaptive and learner-centric. Digital open and distance learning could also reduce costs, continuously update course content and expand access to quality higher education.
He highlighted BRAOU’s multi-channel initiatives, including BRAOU TV, Hi-BRAOU Digital Radio, iBooks and the integrated DigiLibrary, saying these platforms enabled students to access learning content online or offline and across different devices.
BRAOU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ghanta Chakrapani said the university was transitioning from a conventional distance-education institution into a digital and online university, embracing AI and modern technologies while retaining its focus on inclusiveness and quality.
He said the university had recently launched an “AI for Teachers” course to train government-school teachers. The University Grants Commission had permitted BRAOU to offer courses in digital and online modes, he added.
The 45th Foundation Day programme was presided over by Academic Director Prof. G. Pushpa Chakrapani. She said BRAOU remained committed to social justice and inclusive education while constantly updating its academic policies to meet changing learner needs.
Earlier, floral tributes were paid to Bharat Ratna Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Prof. G. Ram Reddy, regarded as a pioneer of distance education in India.
On this occasion, the University authorities announced that a Foreign Languages Centre would be opened shortly, adding another dimension to its expanding academic and digital-learning initiatives.
