New Delhi: Experts from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and Deutsche Welle (DW) stated radio as an effective and low cost means of distance education. DW, Germany's International broadcaster visited the varsity's campus for expanding its existing collaboration in new areas.

DW's Director General had detailed discussion with Prof. M. Aslam, Vice-Chancellor of IGNOU about ongoing collaboration and the need to explore new areas of collaboration.

During discussion Prof. Aslam elaborated the role of IGNOU in higher as well as distance learning across the world. According to him IGNOU's mandate is to reach the unreached.

He also emphasized on the importance of radio broadcast as a means of learning. Experts from DW welcomed the suggestions and agreed to work together with IGNOU for exploring new possibilities.

German delegation communicated with students of electronic production, journalism and media management. Mr. Bettermann addressed the full time as well as open or distance mode students across the country via teleconferencing session which was telecasted live on Gyan Darshan. In his speech, he stressed upon the role of public service media and educational media.

IGNOU and DW have collaborated in conducting training programmes in the streams of training methodology, journalism and media management by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

DW- Akademie is a leading institution of media education and training in Europe, operational since 40 years. This institute also organizes classes for foreign language traineeship in Germany for young journalists every year.

DW's multimedia training program is in high demand by media professionals from developing and transition countries. It broadcasts radio, television and online content in 30 languages which reaches more than 86 million listeners worldwide.

This academy provides training to about 3,000 media professionals from all over the world. Courses are held in Germany as well as abroad.

IGNOU has entered into long term collaboration with DW Academy for conducting various training programmes. As the part of collaboration, this academy has conducted programmes in the areas of online journalism, media management and training of trainers at IGNOU campus.

Apart from this, DW is also providing audio and video educational programmes for Gyan Vani and Gyan Darshan - the educational radio and television channels of IGNOU.