East Delhi college steals march over fancier counterparts with virtual classroom

Believe it or not, a college known for a relatively low brand equity has beaten the better-known colleges of Delhi University in organising <g data-gr-id="32">a international</g> classroom. Shyam Lal College, located in down market Shahadara, opposite Welcome Metro station to be precise, on Monday would become the first college of Delhi University to organise a virtual classroom.

The class is being organised for teachers and students of Commerce and Economics Departments of the college. About 45 students from third year of B Com (Hons.) and BA (Hons.) courses, and 20 faculty member would interact with Prof <g data-gr-id="26">Munim</g> K Barai from Asia Pacific University of Japan on the issue, “Recent Developments in China’s Stock Market and Economy: Implications for India.” <g data-gr-id="27">Barai</g> is a well-known expert on International Economy and Finance.

“The class would start at 9 am. A convenient time had to be fixed considering a time difference of three and a half hours between the two countries,” said college Principal RN Kar. “The Indian Economy, already acknowledged as the second fastest growing major economy in the world, has a unique opportunity to benefit from developments in the Chinese economy, and the interaction would enable interested students to plan their careers around the emerging opportunities”, added Kar.

Located in city’s less affluent North-East district, Shyam Lal College largely has students from its less-than-privileged backgrounds on its rolls. “After the interaction, which is only the first in the series, these students, who ordinarily would find it difficult to get such exposure, will be much better informed and abreast with the rapidly evolving stock market and economic situation in our Northern neighbour,” said Kar. The arrangement for the lecture has been made in the college’s computer lab, which was the only available space for a virtual classroom. The interaction has been organised using the Skype Software, and with in-house human and technological resources, with no external support whatsoever. “The only cost that has been incurred for this pioneering initiative is the internet charge,” pointed out the College Principal.

In view of the overwhelming response from students and the faculty, the College has already scheduled similar interactions with experts from USA, France, Finland, Australia, and other parts of the globe as well to benefit larger sections of the College community.