The concept of a Digital University seems to be gaining traction in the recent past; however we have observed that it is being used in a very narrow context. We at USTM have approached in a more holistic manner by integrating digital technology and infrastructure e.g. repositories and creating Virtual Learning Environments (VLE).
A comprehensive and integrated approach, towards e-Governance of the University, offering a blend of various advance technologies designed and developed by USTM’s technology partner. With a objective of single entry, one-stop solution for current problems of managing ever increasing number of students using a configurable framework with existing limited resources. Instead of isolated systems, it emphasizes on enterprise level database which can be put to multiple uses.
The academic and administrative ERP of the universities has been developed for academic management from admissions and eligibility to examination, evaluation, result declaration and certification.
The main aim of this ERP is to give thousands of students an access to their University and career universe through single entry portal and offer direct facilitation to students, teachers and managers of the University by a click of the keys on his /her PC or Laptop.
The concept of Digital University will be definitely a boon for the students of USTM as it will give a greater flexibility in choosing their mode of engagement. The university is committed in the coming days to adopt mixing campus-based and distance learning on a module-by-module basis.
In-fact, it has become more relevant especially during this time of COVID-19 pandemic. As the COVID-19 has resulted in over 1.2 billion students globally out of the classrooms. As a result, education will change dramatically, with only solution in sight is through e-learning, whereby teaching will be undertaken remotely and on digital platforms. And USTM is very happy to successfully take the lead in this regard.
Online Classes: USTM e-Classroom is a guided online class, wherein teachers & students can log in from their homes or anywhere to do their classes. USTM e-Classroom has changed the way traditional classroom teaching is done. It enables us to reach out to our students more efficiently and effectively through chat groups, video meetings, and also document sharing. Through this medium students are greatly benefitted by various classes /webinar conducted by eminent Individuals and Faculties of various Institutions and universities from across the world on a real time basis.
The integration of information technology in education will be further accelerated and that online education will eventually become an integral component of higher education. And we strongly believe traditional offline learning and e-learning will go hand in hand. We at USTM has already adopted online classes & on-line tests and has permanently devised a plan where 50% students of a given classroom will be attending e-classroom sessions and the remaining 50% will be attending offline classes in the University campus on an alternative basis.
Automation in Examination Process: The whole examination process has been automated from registration to declaration of results. The automated Modules of examination ERP are:
Examination fees clearance process has also been automated for easy and fast clearance. In addition to the above, the University has been successfully adopted declaration of online semester results in the web site. The ERP has proved as an aid for the University to conduct flawless examinations with minimized efforts and speed up the results declaration process.
Automation in Library: The University library is fully automated where students can access the library from anywhere. In addition to the KOHA software, the University Library has adopted RFID based library automation management system for smooth operation of the same. Some of the facilities available for students round the clock are:
In addition to the library automation, we have also enriched our library e-resources by procuring resources for students and scholar’s like-
In the next phase, we are planning to introduce various new technologies in the library for seamless access of the library 24×7. Some of the features are:
To support the Digital University, a robust infrastructure is in place where all whole campus is Wi-Fi enabled including all the classroom and laboratories. 1 GBPS internet lease connection is in place for seamless operation of the Futuristic Digital University.