The Information Technology University (ITU) and edX, a popular online learning platform and massive open online course (MOOC) provider, have signed a Memorandum of understanding.
According to a published statement, the collaboration between the ITU and edX will lead to the formation of the first digital university in Pakistan. ITU will also be categorised as one of the first universities to integrate its courses with edX programs for the university’s accredited degree programs.
As part of the collaboration, edX’s new micro-masters’ programs will be fully integrated to ITU’s multiple degree programs.
edX courses will be taught to the students, using online study material and edX’s technical platform, under the direct supervision of ITU faculty. ITU faculty members will also offer additional lectures and tutorials for the integration of edX courses in classrooms.
Upon the successful completion of any course, ITU students will be given a certificate by edX and its partner university, which can be MIT, Harvard, Columbia etc.
ITU will begin by offering courses in electrical engineering by MIT. Students will also earn university credits and grades which will be counted towards their degree at ITU.
ITU Vice Chancellor, Dr Umar Saif, and Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and chief executive officer of edX, Dr Anant Agarwal, were present at the signing ceremony.
The vice chancellor said,
“The collaboration with edX will allow Pakistani students to take courses from top universities in the world in their classrooms at the Information Technology University under the supervision of the ITU faculty members. This is the first of its kind partnership of edX with any university, in which online courses on edX will be integrated into classrooms.”
He added that,
“We will be integrating edX micro-masters into masters’ programs in data sciences and development economics from next year. Currently, our students of electrical engineering have been enrolled in the circuits and electronics course at the MIT through this partnership.”
On the occasion, Professor Anant Agarwal said,
“By leveraging technology and its university partnerships, the ITU is offering its students a blended learning environment focused on improved learning outcomes by combining the best of online education with classroom instruction. We are honored to partner with the ITU and to work together to further our shared mission of increasing access to high-quality education.”
