University of Mysore to offer online courses from May

The University of Mysore (UoM) will offer online courses in different subjects from May 2014. The varsity, which was keen on starting distance education programmes, has decided to put the plan on hold and has opted for online courses. Vice-Chancellor K S Rangappa said that the varsity decided to start online courses as an 'unique programme’. "We do not wish to imitate distance education programmes, being offered by several other universities. Along with online courses, outreach programmes will be started from the next academic year,” he said. It may be recalled that the UoM’s proposal for distance education programmes was met with stiff opposition from the Teachers’ Association of Karnataka State Open University (KSOU). Writ petition The Board of Management of the KSOU had decided to file a writ petition in court against the UoM, questioning its plan to start distance education courses. "A fund of Rs 10 lakh has been allotted for initial infrastructure to launch online courses. Several freewares are available, which will be used to offer the courses. We have held talks with a Chinese company and local companies to put the system in place,” Rangappa said. Although the university is yet to finalise the number of online courses and the fee structure, Rangappa said, it will depend on the demand. "UoM is ready to offer any course required by a candidate. Usually, courses like MBA are in huge demand,” the vice chancellor said. The fees for online courses, however, are expected to be more than those for regular courses. The programmes will be on the lines of online courses offered by Harvard University and British Open University, but on a smaller scale initially, he said.   Deccan Herald