“WizIQ is the best online virtual learning environment equipped with features designed for one-onone, group and class interactions. One does not need to download any special software for using WizIQ. It is absolutely user friendly and comfortable for teachers to conduct online classes,” Prof Mandar Bhanushe, IDOL, University of Mumbai
The Beginning
Treading on the path of innovative transformation of distance education by tapping the revolutionist nature of technology is Professor Mandar Laxmikant Bhanushe. With a double masters in Mathematics and a PG Diploma in Operation Research, all from University of Mumbai, and currently working as the Assistant Professor-cum-Assistant Director in the Institute of Distance Learning (IDOL) of the University of Mumbai (UoM), Prof Bhanushe has nine years of rich academic experience.
“The WizIQ team not only provided support but relentlessly maintained interactions with me and my team at IDOL,” Hemlata Chari, Deputy Director Academic, IDOL, University of Mumbai
The Change
One of the chief initiators of mobile learning project for First Year B Sc students of the University, Prof Bhanushe has conducted and organised several workshops. Currently in progress is his major project to create mobile educational apps for android.
He has initiated the use of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Youtube as a tool for learning for the students of IDOL, UoM for various courses.
He has also pioneered the initiation of online lectures for the first time ever in the University, for courses in Mathematics as well as Artificial Intelligence, via the WizIQ Virtual Classroom.
The Award
Recognizing his efforts to make learning more easily accessible to the distance learning students, Indian Education Congress 2013 awarded Professor Mandar Bhanushe with the Indian Education Award 2013 for his online course in Mathematics {for Second year BSc(IT) course} in the Best Webinar Series category.
The Now
Professor Bhanushe continues to play his dynamic role as an ambassador for change. Understanding the need of the hour to adopt the 21st century pedagogies in Indian Education, Prof Bhansuhe has helped design the model for Open learning with his education webinar series. The award winning, live webinars are conducted via the WizIQ virtual classroom. Learners attend these sessions from anywhere, from the comfort of their study or office. It’s a unique opportunity for learners in India, where knowledge transfer is rare or comes at a very high cost. Imagine a high school teacher sitting in Boston and learning from an expert in Banaras.
The Technology
With WizIQ coming into picture in 2006, establishing an e Teaching Business in India, meeting students online in real time for virtual classes/webinars, teaching asynchronously through tutorials and online assessments, is no more a distant dream. WizIQ Virtual Classroom aims to democratise education too in the largest democracy of the world. More premier institutes like IITs, VIT Vellore, ISB, ISM Dhanbad and NIOS are opting for integration of Information and Communications Technology in higher education. And with WizIQ being almost infinitely scalable, the education sector in India is undergoing a paradigm shift.
