Ilamabad - The first ever three-day art and photographic exhibition organised by Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) concluded here yesterday.
The university first time showcased the best creative work of the university’s artists. The three-day exhibition was visited by a large number of people, particularly students of the university, who appreciated the creative work of the artists. Over 80 pieces of paintings and photographs were put on display in the exhibition.
Principal National College of Arts Prof Dr Murtaza Jafari during his visit praised the role AIOU in cultural field and assured his support for launching Fine arts’ programmes.
Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Shahid Siddiqui said the exhibition was aimed at identifying, recognizing and celebrating the calibre and talents of the University’s artists. It was also an attempt to promote and encourage new trends and developments in the field of art and culture. Such an event will be a regular future and the University will hold a larger exhibition next year, he added.
He hoped this will also be a source of encouragement for the young artists. Besides the University’s staff, art-lovers and students of
Fine Art from various institutions witnessed the artistic work which also included calligraphy inscribed with Quranic verses.
Dr Shahid Siddqui further said that they are in negotiation with National Collage for Arts (NCA) for its cooperation to start fine arts’ classes and other necessary programmes. This will add diversity to their existing academic programmes, making the AIOU a high-profile learning institution.
He lauded the creative work of the artists, hoping they will keep it up for achieving excellence in the relevant field.
The artists whose work was put on display included Ijaz Ahmed, Faisal Azeem, Nasira Aqeel, Rabia Mukhtar, Khalid Javed Yousufi, Muhammad Shoaib, Mohsin Kazmi, Sadia Rahat Saeed and Shahnam Irshad Ahmed.
Director Institute of Education Technology Mukhtar Ahmed Talpur and chief designer Ijaz Ahmed said that they will provide all possible support to young designers and artists as per the vision of the Vice Chancellor.
Meanwhile, Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) held here a seminar to highlight new trends in E-learning and distance learning system.
Dr Moiz Uddin Ahmed of University’s Computer department was key-note speaker who deliberated upon on localized and adaptable E-learning practices, said a news release on Friday.
He said, advancement in Information and Communication Technology has changed the norms of distance education.
The AIOU is actively engaged in enforcing e-learning practices in its academic practices, as per the vision of the Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Shahid Siddiqui.
E-learning is an electronic way of education, using computers, Internet and multimedia. Dr Moiz was of the view that most of the existing e-learning systems support teaching with little focus on learning activities, therefore, there is a need to build e-learning models with more interactive and engaging features.
He emphasized that development of such specialized learning models is a real challenge in distance learning environment for a developing country.
He thanked the Vice Chancellor for his support enhancing the standard of education by incorporating technology as replacement of conventional mode of distance learning.
Keeping in view the e-learning issues in Pakistan, Dr Moiz proposed an Adaptable and Localized e-learning model which can create more effective learning scenarios by focusing on individual students during e-learning activities.
He highlighted that his proposed model is line with the International e-learning standards and could effectively fulfil the needs of local learners.
The lecture was arranged under research colloquium series at AIOU. It was attended by faculty members and scholars. Mark Adams and Professor Mohammad Saleem from San Jose State University, USA also attended the lecture through video conferencing. They appreciated the proposed model and termed it as most relevant in the current perspective of Pakistan.