The third academic conference of E-QUAL on Disciplinary Discourses on use of Technology was inaugurated on 17 March 2016 in the seminar hall of the School of Life Sciences at the University of Hyderabad (UoH). The inaugural session was chaired by Prof. Periasamy, vice-chancellor UoH. The dignitaries and the delegates were welcomed by Prof. J Prabhakara Rao faculty coordinator E-QUAL. The chief guest for the inaugural session, Mr. Andrew McAllister, Deputy High Commissioner, British High Commission, Hyderabad, delivered the inaugural speech. He highlighted the depth of academic cooperation between India and Britain. He stated that in the year of cooperation between India and Britain, the Prime Ministers of both the countries have signed treaties during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Britain last year.
The video message addressed by Prof. Asha Kanwar of Commonwealth Of Learning Canada highlighted on the significance of technology in furthering education, skilling learners and integrating cognitive and non cognitive skills leading to convergence of needs of work force and education. The opening remarks by Ms. Sarojini Koul, Project Manager, Cooperation, European Union and Manjula Rao, Assistant Director Internationalizing Higher Education, British Council, India highlighted on the role of European Union and British Council in networking and building the educational resources to spread education among vast sections of learners by making the process of learning inclusive and learner friendly. In this regard highlighted the initiatives undertaken by EU and British council. The VC reminded his association with the E-QUAL project of UoH right from the beginning and the efforts that he has been making to develop technology to make rural people to be part of the entire process of generation and sale of electricity by using materials available around the villages. The opening session ended with the vote of thanks by Prof. James Raju.
The key note addressed was delivered by Prof. PD Jose who is the chairman MOOCs initiative, IIM Bengaluru on Educations next frontier, challenges and opportunities. He emphasized on how education being imparted to the learners has been transforming at a very fast pace. In this regard, he brought in the advantages of use of technology which is making the entire process of learning not only democratic but also ensuring it is available to the learners according to what they wish to learn.