For the first time, Calicut EMMRC develops six open online courses in Malayalam – The Hindu

Report on EMMRC Calicut’s MOOC Initiative and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction: Advancing SDG 4 (Quality Education)

The Educational Multimedia Research Centre (EMMRC) at the University of Calicut has launched a pioneering initiative by developing six Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in the Malayalam language. This development is a significant step towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) by providing inclusive, equitable, and accessible higher education. By leveraging digital technology and local language instruction, the initiative promotes lifelong learning opportunities for a broader segment of the population, directly addressing SDG Target 4.3 on equal access to tertiary education.

Course Offerings and Direct Contribution to Specific SDGs

The courses cover advanced subjects where educational materials in Malayalam are scarce, directly contributing to knowledge acquisition for sustainable development as outlined in SDG Target 4.7. The specific courses and their alignment with the SDGs are as follows:

1. Sustainable Development and the Kerala Development Model: This course directly addresses the core principles of the SDGs, educating learners on sustainable practices and development models, fostering knowledge for a sustainable future (SDG 4.7).
2. Green Chemistry: Aligns with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by promoting environmentally sound chemical processes and sustainable industrial practices.
3. Geo-informatics: An Introduction: Supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by equipping learners with skills for spatial data analysis, crucial for urban planning and environmental monitoring.
4. Kerala Tourism: Heritage and Culture & Concepts of Tourism: These courses contribute to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 11.4 (Protect Cultural and Natural Heritage) by promoting sustainable tourism that respects local culture and creates economic opportunities.
5. Medieval Kerala: Up to 12th Century: Fosters an appreciation for local history and cultural identity, supporting efforts to safeguard cultural heritage as per SDG 11.4.

Implementation Framework and Support for SDG Targets

The operational structure of this initiative is designed to maximize inclusivity and quality, reinforcing several SDG targets.

• Accessibility and Inclusivity (SDG 4, SDG 10): The courses will be available for free on the national SWAYAM online platform. This model removes financial and linguistic barriers, reducing inequalities (SDG 10) and ensuring open access to quality education.
• Quality Assurance and Relevance (SDG 4): Content has been developed by subject matter experts and is aligned with the syllabus of the new Four-Year Undergraduate Programmes (FYUGP), ensuring the curriculum is relevant and of high quality, contributing to SDG Target 4.4 on relevant skills for employment.
• Accreditation and Lifelong Learning (SDG 4): Successful completion of the courses allows students to earn credit points that can be added to the Academic Bank of Credits, formally integrating this non-traditional learning pathway into the national higher education framework.

Institutional Commitment to Inclusive Education (SDG 10)

This initiative is consistent with EMMRC Calicut’s established commitment to reducing inequalities in education. The Centre has a history of pioneering inclusive projects, including the development of the first MOOC in sign language in the country and the first university-led mobile application for higher education, both of which expand access for diverse learner groups.

Enrolment and Availability

Enrolment for these courses is scheduled to commence in December, with study materials becoming accessible from January. Further information is available on the official EMMRC Calicut website.

Analysis of the Article in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article discusses the development of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in Malayalam by the Educational Multimedia Research Centre (EMMRC) at the University of Calicut. This initiative directly connects to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by focusing on accessible, inclusive, and modern education.

• SDG 4: Quality Education

  This is the most prominent SDG addressed. The article’s core subject is the creation of free, university-level online courses. By developing these courses in a regional language (Malayalam) and making them available on a national platform (SWAYAM), the initiative aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  The project leverages technology and innovation to build a resilient infrastructure for education. The use of the internet, the SWAYAM online platform, and the development of a mobile app for higher education are all examples of using information and communications technology (ICT) to increase access to information and knowledge, which is a key aspect of this goal.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  The initiative helps reduce inequalities within and among countries. By providing higher education content in Malayalam, it breaks down language barriers that can prevent students from accessing advanced knowledge. The article also mentions a past achievement of creating an MOOC in sign language, which directly addresses the inclusion of people with disabilities, a core principle of SDG 10.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the details provided, several specific SDG targets can be identified:

• SDG 4: Quality Education

  1. Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.
     • The article highlights that the MOOCs are free to enroll in and are developed for undergraduate programmes, directly supporting affordable and accessible tertiary education.
  2. Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship.
     • The courses cover advanced subjects like ‘Geo-informatics: An introduction’ and ‘Green Chemistry’, which provide students with modern, relevant technical skills.
  3. Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development…
     • The development of a specific course titled ‘Sustainable Development and the Kerala Development Model’ directly contributes to education for sustainable development.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  1. Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet…
     • The entire initiative is based on ICT, using the internet and the SWAYAM platform to disseminate educational content. The mention of a “mobile app for higher education” further supports this target by increasing access to information.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  1. Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of… disability… or other status.
     • The creation of courses in Malayalam addresses linguistic barriers. The specific mention that the “EMMRC was the first in the country to develop an MOOC in sign language” is a clear action towards the inclusion of people with disabilities in higher education.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions several direct and implied indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Indicators for SDG 4

  • Number of online courses developed in regional languages: The article states the development of “six massive open online courses (MOOCs) in various subjects in Malayalam.”
  • Availability of free tertiary education resources: The article mentions that “Students can enrol on the platform for free.”
  • Integration with formal education systems: The fact that “credit points obtained by writing exams can be added to the academic bank of credits” serves as an indicator of formal recognition.
  • Number of courses on sustainable development: The existence of the course ‘Sustainable Development and the Kerala Development Model’ is a direct indicator for Target 4.7.
  • Student enrollment numbers: The article states that “enrolment in these courses will begin in December,” implying that the number of enrolled students will be a key metric of success and reach.

• Indicators for SDG 9

  • Use of national online platforms for education: The courses will be available on the “SWAYAM online platform,” indicating the use of national digital infrastructure.
  • Development of mobile applications for education: The mention of being the “first university and EMMRC to develop a mobile app for higher education” is an indicator of leveraging mobile technology.

• Indicators for SDG 10

  • Educational materials available for persons with disabilities: The development of an “MOOC in sign language” is a specific indicator of progress in providing inclusive education.
  • Proportion of educational content available in local languages: The creation of six advanced courses in Malayalam, where “even textbooks in Malayalam are rare or none,” is a clear indicator of reducing linguistic inequality in education.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: thehindu.com