Department of Mass Communication Has Set in Motion the Process of Modernisation

Aligarh July 7: In line with the new vision of AMU Vice Chancellor, Prof.
P.K. Abdul Azis, the department of Mass Communication has set in motion the
process of modernisation of classroom teaching in the department by
organizing a two day practical workshop on the use of smart class room
technology.

Prof. N.A.K. Durrani, Chairman, Department of Mass Communication said that
the department is one of the first in the university which has not only
acquired smart board as part of wider smart class room technology but has
also taken a right step to teach the nitty-gritties of how to use the new
technology to its faculty members by organising a two day workshop which was
concluded yesterday.

“If everything goes well, at least in some way, the new instructional
technology will be in place in the current session,” Prof. Durrani observed.
While explaining the background, he said that an expert was invited from
Julong Educational Technologies, New Delhi to train the teachers here on how
to use the interactive whiteboards to enhance the comprehension level of the
pupils. “It is an important part of Smart Classroom accessories that bring
innovative technology in class room and make learning easy and friendly for
all”, he added.

The Interactive board installed in one of the class rooms actually functions
as a big computer screen where by using a ‘magic’ pen, the teacher can
format various colors, fonts width and zoom in and out the text. The files
can be saved, handwritings made legible; cameras can also be fitted. Video,
audio and power point presentations can be accessed by the smart board.
Pages are automatically saved, can be retrieved, printed and emailed and the
flip chart files can be updated or merged with other Window applications and
internet can also be accessed.

Not only this, the students can interact with interactive panel and special
pens by scribbling their queries directly on the board without raising hands
or voices, thus avoiding any disturbances in the way of teaching-learning
process. The panel can also be used by the teacher himself to write through
it on the board. All through, the white board makes the subject come alive,
captures the attention of learners and encourages involvement.

All the teachers of the department of Mass Communication, including Prof.
Shafey Kidwai, Dr. Afrina Rizvi, Dr. Gopal Krishna Sahu, Dr. Pitabas Pradhan
and the Chairman Prof. N.A.K. Durrani participated in the teaching exercise
on the computer driven board.