Online learning: AIOU signs agreement with Chinese counterpart

Seeks to collaborate on coursework and to partake in student-exchange programmes.


News Desk June 22, 2016
Seeks to collaborate on coursework and to partake in student-exchange programmes. PHOTO: aiou.edu.pk

Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) announced on Wednesday an agreement with China’s Yunnan Open University (YNOU) to establish a partnership in educational exchange programmes, said a press release.

The two varsities have decided to benefit from each other’s expertise and experience to strengthen their respective faculties in various disciplines. They also decided to join their efforts in providing support material to students.

The agreement was signed by YNOU President Du Junun and AIOU Director of International Collaboration Zahid Majeed — on behalf of Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Shahid Siddiqui — in Kunming, Yunnan.

Siddiqui described the agreement as a highly significant one, as it would provide educational support to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Based on that objective, the university also intends to establish a Chinese language centre at its main campus.

AIOU intends to contribute to the establishment of an “education corridor”, in line with CPEC, he said, adding that the two universities could also provide intellectual input in pushing forward President Xi Jinping’s initiative of “One Belt, One Road”.

Under the recent agreement, the two universities shall provide online teaching and learning support services, to their students and faculty members.

YNOU offered three Chinese language learning projects for AIOU, which include a Chinese preparatory programme for studying in China, an online Chinese language undergraduate degree programme, and an online tutoring programme for HSK examinations. Under the agreement, AIOU will select the best of their Chinese language learners and printing technology learners to be sent to YNOU for further study.

AIOU has already signed an agreement with Sichuan University of China and is looking forward to a similar arrangement with their counterparts in Yunnan. AIOU has also signed an agreement with Beijing Open University for an education exchange programme, and for the promotion of the Chinese language.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 23rd, 2016.

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