Aligarh: In line with the new vision of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Vice Chancellor P.K. Abdul Azis, the department of Mass Communication has set in motion the process of modernization of classroom teaching in the department by organizing a two day practical workshop on the use of smart class room technology.

Prof. N.A.K. Durrani, Chairman of the Department of Mass Communication said, "The department is one of the first in the university which has not only acquired smart board as part of wider smart class room technology but has also taken a right step to teach the nitty-gritties of how to use the new technology to its faculty members by organizing the workshop." The two-day workshop had concluded on Wednesday.

"If everything goes well, at least in some way, the new instructional technology will be in place in the current session," Prof. Durrani observed.

While explaining the background, he said that an expert was invited from Julong Educational Technologies, New Delhi to train the teachers here on how to use the interactive whiteboards to enhance the comprehension level of the pupils.

"It is an important part of Smart Classroom accessories that bring innovative technology in class room and make learning easy and friendly for all," he added.

The Interactive board installed in one of the class rooms actually functions as a big computer screen where by using a 'magic' pen, the teacher can format various colors, fonts width and zoom in and out the text. The files can be saved, handwritings made legible; cameras can also be fitted.

Video, audio and power point presentations can be accessed by the smart board. Pages are automatically saved, can be retrieved, printed and emailed and the flip chart files can be updated or merged with other Windows applications and internet can also be accessed.

Not only this, the students can interact with interactive panel and special pens by scribbling their queries directly on the board without raising hands or voices, thus avoiding any disturbances in the way of teaching-learning process.

The panel can also be used by the teacher himself to write through it on the board. All through, the white board makes the subject come alive, captures the attention of learners and encourages involvement.

All the teachers of the department of Mass Communication, including Shafey Kidwai, Afrina Rizvi, Gopal Krishna Sahu, Pitabas Pradhan and the Chairman N.A.K. Durrani participated in the teaching exercise on the computer driven board.