Mumbai University: IT Distance Education Students Lack Computer Laboratory

Around 3000 students, pursuing B.Sc. and M.Sc. with IT specilisation in Mumbai University, through University’s Institute of Distance and Open Learning (IDOL) programme, are at a disadvantage as the computer laboratory at the University has not been functional for the past one and half years at its Kalina campus.

With the computer lab out of order, students have not been able to complete their any practical classes. Aggrieved students have approached official of the university and urged them to provide them with the necessary infrastructure as soon as possible.

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A BSc student, on the condition of anonymity, said that the University has not given them any facility that is essential for the programme. Most of the students enrolled for the distance mode of education have no resources for the procurement of the latest technology. The examinations are approaching and the students have not been able to perform their practical assessment.

Another student said that when they complained to the authority of the University, they were told to go to a centre located in Kandivali West, but the lab there is very small to accommodate so many students.

Director, IDOL, Dr. Ambuja Salgaonkar, refused to comment on the issue. But an IDOL official said that they have already informed the university about the issue. All the computers in the lab have become old. The software used in these computers are outdated. From the next semester, students will get new computer lab to perform practical tests.

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An ex-senate member said that IT subject is alway practical oriented. It cannot be learned through theory classes. There is no use of such courses if the University is not able to provide proper lab facility, added the official.