2.3.6 Mechanism to provide academic counselling support at DDE SRM IST (500 words)

The success of distance learning mainly depends on the kind of academic counselling support provided as the learning through distance is not a full time activity of the learner and it is required to maintain continuous linkage with them. Considering this, SRMIST has devise the mechanism to provide academic counselling support in a holistic approach as given.

Program Induction :
During induction, the enrolled candidates are briefed about course completion requirements
such as

  • Regulations to be followed, contact classes, continuous improvement assessment submissions and exam pattern.
  • Learner identity card, official mail id, ERP & Course login to track their learning progress
  • Awareness on technology enabled learning and utilizing mode of digital communications for quick response
  • Introduction of Program coordinator, Faculty mentor and contact information of learning centre

Course Induction
In the beginning of each semester, the learners are detailed about the semester accomplishments

  • Familiarize type of courses / electives and its learning objectives offered in the semester
  • Introduction of faculty coordinators of the course and contact information
  • Access to Self-learning material and its modularization
  • Learning outcomes expected from the candidate
  • Semester schedule including personal contact classes, laboratory course delivery, assessment and examinations

During the course
The number of counselling sessions for each course is as per the UGC ODL Regulations (2020). In these sessions, the academic counsellors play a role of facilitator, provide constructive help on course lessons, conduct contact classes, offer additional tips on study materials, solving problems & case studies and clarifying the doubts. The extent of learning during the course is assessed with the help of assignments and the immediate feedback is provided to the learner to prompt their level of understanding and improvements needed. The discussion on question pattern and taxonomy levels of achievement expected further helps the learner to focus on subject modules. The academic difficulty of the learners is also identified and addressed. Sometimes, the learner may not attend contact classes due to their pre-occupied schedule / confidence on studying self. Few of them may not submit assignments and other required documents at right time. This necessitates academic counsellors to take continuous track of learner progress and mandatory submissions with permissible time extensions to support learners to continue their study and complete within the stipulated period. The innovations in teaching-learning process practiced by academic counsellors with the help of technology make learners to attend contact classes and improve their engagement. The advice on studying the course with structured approach and skill accomplishments enhance the learner experience. The distance learners are provided additional support to enhance their experience by conducting life skill yoga programmes, soft skill trainings; industry guest lectures and recommending them to share their work experience help them to get connected. Post-course The learners are supported by providing information on communication of final results/grades, convocation etc. The learners are also given advice regarding further higher studies and career opportunities. Some of the notable alumni are engaged to give assistance in the form of motivation and guest lectures. Thus, the learners are engaged, informed and continuously taken care at each and every stage through multi modes of medium with different counselling content to meet their needs and ease their learning.

Supporting documents
1. Schedule of   

   a. Pre-Admission stages 

   b. Induction Programme   

   c.Contact Classes       

   d.Continuous Internal Assessment 

   e. Exam Time table                             

   f.Life skill programs like yoga              

   g. Soft skill training programs           

   h. Industry connect lectures for career progress

2. Innovations in teaching learning progress

3. Additional support for slow / difficult learners

4. Addressing academic difficulty (extended timeline within permissible duration)

5. Engaging alumni for guest lectures, internship, motivation