A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Virtual University of Pakistan (VU) and Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) for research, development, innovation developing joint academic programs and Blended Learning model.
Prof. Dr. Arshad Saleem Bhatti, Rector VU, and Prof. Dr. Bushra Mirza, Vice Chancellor LCWU signed the MoU in a ceremony held at Virtual University’s head office.
The MoU envisages collaboration between the two institutions in academic, research and infrastructural resources. In research projects, this linkage will provide collaboration in sharing of academic data, publication and join conferences.
Such courses could be taught with blended learning so that the teaching of classes, multimedia recordings, tutorials and attention through e-Learning platforms, and personnel would be shared by both universities.
Both institutions agreed on faculty exchange between VU and LCWU to give experience of both methodologies.
The production of “massive open on-line courses” (MOOCs) or other affordable mechanisms are also one of the salient feature of MoU.
Under the arrangement, both institutions shall endeavor to share teaching materials such as video recorded lectures, research reports, working papers, audio-visual materials, software among others, in a mutually beneficial manner.
On this occasion, Dr. Arshad Saleem Bhatti highlighted that Virtual University has always been working on judicious and economic use of resources in the greater national interest of the country through innovative use of technology. He said Learning Management System and open courseware of Virtual University will be installed in LCWU for the provision of VU’s educational content.
He said, Virtual University is always ready to help and develop online learning system for any University of Pakistan.
Prof. Dr. Bushra Mirza admired that Virtual University being leaders in disseminating education through information and communication technology and will be mutually beneficial in promoting higher education in the country.
She said, LCWU will coordinate in research, education, and development.
The joint degree program will be very helpful for the students of both the institutions. Students of Lahore College who have to leave LCWU for any reason will be able to continue their education from the platform of Virtual University.
The services of teachers of Virtual University would be sought to fill the shortage of teachers in Lahore College, she further added.
At the end of the ceremony, shields were presented to the guests.