DESIGN AND DELIVERY OF ONLINE COURSES IN YCMOU

The School of Science and Technology of ‘Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMOU)’ has proposed to offer ‘Web Based Live Teaching Learning Support’ from 'real' teacher, with ‘Live Virtual Online Class (LVOC)’ integrated with ‘Learning Management System (LMS)’ for all courses of all programmes on offer. In the first phase, school has started LVOC for total ten courses in from Feb 2014. This web-based system is designed to provide an opportunity to: O maximize interaction, discussion and spontaneous exchanges with ‘real’ teacher during live virtual class O present quality learning material to individual to suit his/her learning styles, interests, needs, and at their own pace. Further, LVOC is integrated with LMSs to present a set of features designed to provide an effective continuous assessment. The strategies adopted to provide learning support with guidance at every step of the way is elaborated here. In the next phase, school is planning to launch ‘Online Certificate Course’ for which all planned LVOC are already developed. As Learning is a collaborative process, authors have suggested additional strategies to be incorporated by ‘real teacher’ to offer ‘Online Course’. This will help to ensure better quality and to develop confidence, comfort, and experience in online teaching.