The Allama Iqbal Open University is a Federal University established under an Act of Parliament in May, 1974 which has mandated it to impart education throughout Pakistan, from basic education up to Ph. D level. With the main objectives of providing educational opportunities to masses and to those who cannot leave their homes and jobs. In the last 34 years, the University has more than fulfilled this promise.
It has opened up educational opportunities for the working people and has provided access to the females on their door steps. It has also done pioneering work in the field of Mass Education. It is now breaking new grounds in the fields of professional, scientific, and technical education. It is attempting to reach out to the remotest areas of Pakistan. It is also attempting to harness modern information Technology for spreading education in Pakistan.
The idea of Distance Education was first mooted in UK in late 60s by the British Prime Minister, Mr. Harold Wilson. He was of the view, that educational opportunities must be provided to those who might have missed better education due to early employment and wish to upgrade, their knowledge and skills, in their spare times in the evenings at home. The UK Open University was, thus established in 1969. Since then it has become a major institution of learning in UK and has opened up opportunities for millions of working people. The gospel of distance and Open Learning has, since then spread throughout the world. More than sixty Open Universities are operating around the world on the basis of Distance Education. Modern information Technology has made the task of Distance Education much more easier and effective.
The AIOU, when established in 1974, was the second Open University in the world and first in Asia and Africa. It, thus, speaks of the foresight of the policy-makers of that time. As the last 34 years of AIOU have proved, Distance Education has opened up new opportunities for millions, particularly women, and supplemented the efforts of the federal and provincial governments in a big way and that too without becoming a burden on their resources.
The idea of Distance Education assumed greater relevance and acceptance in Pakistan due to the factors of poverty and relative deprivation of women. The rate of literacy, incidence of dropouts, and excess to higher education is much lower in the poorer classes of Pakistan. The incidence of poverty is much higher in the rural areas, where formal education is much less established. The rate of literacy and education is much lower for females in Pakistan, particularly in the rural areas, due to poverty and conservative traditions. Many conservative parents under the pressure of old age traditions do not allow their daughters to go out to the schools. The AIOU, through its system of Distance Education has, thus, provided educational opportunities to these housebound girls and women. This explains the reasons why the majority of the students enrolled with the University are females.
Latterly, the University is trying to fulfill another current need. Professional and technical education in Pakistan is becoming very costly, especially in recent years, because of government policy to encourage private sector in these fields. The lower middle class and poorer classes are being marginalized and their children have very little chance to get high education in fields like Business Administration, Computer Science, Medicine and Engineering. The AIOU is attempting to meet this challenge and to keep a window open for these classes by keeping the costs at the minimum and by creating a Student Assistance Fund.
Establishment
The Allama Iqbal Open University was established in May 1974 under Act No. XXXIX passed by the Parliament of Pakistan. It was initially named as the People’s Open University, renamed as Allama Iqbal Open University in 1977 at the eve of the first centenary of the national poet and philosopher, Allama Muhammad Iqbal. The idea of an "open university" was presented with the enunciation of broad principles in the Education Policy of 1972-80, in these words:
"Open Universities are being used in several countries to provide education and training to people who cannot leave their homes and jobs for full time studies. An open university will, therefore, be established to provide part-time educational facilities through correspondence courses, tutorials, seminars, workshops, laboratories, television and radio broadcasts and other mass communication media…."
Objectives
The main objectives of the University as enunciated in the Act are as under:
To provide educational facilities to people who cannot leave their homes and jobs in such manner as it may determine.
To provide such facilities to the masses for their educational uplift as it may determine.
To provide facilities for the training of teachers in such manner as it may determine.
To provide for instruction in such branches of learning technology or vocations as it may deem fit, and to make provision for research and for the advancement and dissemination of knowledge in such manner as it may determine.
To hold examinations and to award and confer degrees, diplomas, certificates and other academic distinctions.
Awards
Earned UNESCO NOMA award and Raja Roy Sing award for innovative strategies for imparting literacy to the rural masses
Councils and Committees
· Executive Council
· Academic Council
· Academic Planning and Development
· Finance Committee
· Research & Educational Technology Committee
· Selection Board
Teaching Methodology
The difference between the traditional formal system of education and open distance system of education lies essentially in the teaching methodology. As far as the curriculum is concerned, it is more or less the same.
The university is part of the Ministry of Education/Higher Education Commission system and abides by the mutually agreed curricula. The difference essentially lies in terms of teaching methodology and for reaching out to the people in the four corners of the country at their doorsteps. The university employs non-formal method of correspondence, radio and television broadcasts, special textbooks and reading materials prepared on self-learning basis, part-time teachers (tutors) engaged nearest to the student's residences. And a system of study centers for applied training is spread throughout Pakistan.
The concept of study centers was first employed in the university for teaching practice in its education programs. Students enrolled in its PTC, CT and B. Ed. programs, were given teaching practice in the selected schools, and designated as the study centers. Recently, the concept of study centers for applied and practical training has been used extensively for professional and technical courses, for example, Business Administration, Computer Science and Information Technology.
Radio & TV Programs
The traditional method of teaching through correspondence and providing guidance through tutors was gradually supplemented by radio and television programs. The development of IET and its technical competence has made it possible for the university to produce quality audio and video programs, which are regularly broadcast on radio and television, and are also sent to the students in the form of audio and video cassettes. The IET facilities and Printing Press is being refurbished with 480 million rupees grant from JICA. The university is presently allowed one hour every day on PTV World which is not sufficient, for providing meaning full support in the large number of degrees and diplomas offered by the university.
Latest Development In The Communication & Information Technology
The latest development in the Communication and information Technology, particularly, the Satellite and Internet, have revolutionized the system of Distance Education. Satellite and Internet are being extensively used as a medium of instruction as well as a source of information. As we harness this technology for Distance Education, the traditional correspondence method and tutorial systems may be replaced by Distance teaching through the Satellite and Internet.
Tutorial
In order to guide the students during the semester, part-time tutors are appointed throughout the country out of the roster of qualified experts in each field available with the concerned region. Thus a group of students is assigned to a teacher/expert. A student seeks continuous guidance through correspondence, personal visits or face to face group coaching during, the tutorials. The tutorials are arranged at a Study Center established in institutions of formal education, or in the Regional Offices.
Media Programs
Many of the University programs and courses have audio/video or non-broadcast media support to help the students in learning and understanding concepts. These programs are broadcast / telecast according to a given schedule. Their copies are available at selected Study Center and for purchase by the students or any interested individual.
Assignments
Students are required to submit two or four assignments to the tutors as per schedule who evaluates them, returns to the students with his positive comments. It is a student performance record and mode of feedback for the student. Assignments form a compulsory part of final evaluation of student. Non-credit courses usually do not have assignments or examination. In some courses students have to fill in a questionnaire based on its content at the end of the course.
Workshops/Practical
Practical training for some courses is arranged at the study centers to develop necessary skills. Students, in certain subjects, are required to attend workshops at the end of the course and thus students have an opportunity not only to interact with their peer groups but also experts. The students are also required to make presentation during the workshops.
Face to Face Teaching
Has recently being started from those courses which require intensive practical/lab work or skill development.
Internship
Of short term and long term duration in industrial or business, concerns for Computer Science, BBA and MBA program.
Final Examination
The Final Examination is given on the pattern of public examination for each course at the end of semester. The weightge of assignment marks are 30% accept few programs i.e. BBA, MBA as detailed in respective program. The Final Examination counts 70%, while the aggregate require to pass course, generally 40% except where specify.
Salient Features
Allama Iqbal Open University, since its establishment has been providing and expanding its educational and training facilities to help working people and females to enhance their qualification and occupational skills.
Main features of AIOU may be described as under:
Institutional Profile
Witnessed a rapid increase in recent years by course enrolment.
The biggest university in the country with course enrolment of 1,806,214 by the year 2004-2005.
More than 950 courses being offered in the year 2004-2005.
9 regional campuses, 23 regional centres and 90 part-time regional coordinating offices. 04 regional centres have also been planned for establishment in near future.
Over 1400 Study Centres are established throughout Pakistan.
The largest publishing house in Pakistan printing over 1.8 million books annually.
More emphasis on science and technology by introducing programmes in disciplines like Physics, Agriculture Extension, Livestock Management and Nutrition, Forestry Extension, Telecom Engineering, Auto and Computer Science.
Collaborating with private sector in establishing study centres to provide coaching and practical training in the fields of Computer Science and Management Sciences.
The largest Teacher Education institution in Pakistan with average enrolment of 1 Million Students
The first university in Pakistan to establish the student Database.
Computerization at main campus and the regions by provision of around 700 PCs.
Provision of networking facilities between the main campus and the region to exchange data/information and redressal of students’ complaints.
Provision of Internet Bureau service at the main campus.
Collaboration with Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) for providing lab facilities to AIOU students.
Establishment of Resource Centre for Basic Functional Education (mainly for illiterates), Literacy and Post Literacy materials.
Pioneer institution in Pakistan to offer post-graduate level programmes in Special Education.
The only institution in the country offering post-graduate programmes in Educational Planning and Management.
Introduction of Master’s, M.Phil and Ph.D. programmes to develop professionals and enhance research capabilities in teaching and research institutions.
Well established Institute of Educational Technology (IET) having in-house facilities for production of TV, Radio and non-broadcast programmes.
Broadcasting one hour television and fifteen minutes radio programmes daily.
Establishment of Endowment Fund with initial amount Rs.15 million, in 1997, now reached Rs.1.218 billion for the development activities like:
Computerization
Staff development.
Purchase of land for regional centres, construction of hostels for students.
Construction of buildings of regional centres, academic blocks, multipurpose centre.
Networking of regions with the main campus.
Establishing data base at the main campus.
Purchase of furniture, transport for students.
Establishment of students assistance fund to help deserving students in payment of fees.
Provision of free education in the University for its employees and their sons and daughters.
Operating semester system offered twice a year i.e. Spring and Autumn.
Future Development
Technology delivered Distance Education
JICA Supported Projects
Center for National Curriculum Studies
24 English Language Teaching Programs for Radio/TV delivery, sponsored by USAID.
Science/Computer Science, Web-delivered Courses.
FM Radio Broadcast License granted by PEMRA.Frequency Allocation and procurement of equipment under process.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education
Earthquake Special Financial Assistance. Disaster/Environmental Management.
Student Profile
More than 70 percent students employed.
Female enrolment more than 50 percent.
The rural-urban distribution of the students 58% and 42% respectively.
No age limit for enrolment in University programmes.
A student can continue at his own pace from semester to semester.
At present a large number of clientele is in SSC, Intermediate, Bachelor and Teacher Education porgrammes. However for the last few years the university has been emphasizing more on higher education.
AIOU has the facility available for learners to enroll for the course(s) of his choice at a particular level.
Regional Offices
The university has established 36 regional campuses and centers in various parts of the country to coordinate and facilitate decentralized system of education of the university. The regional directors keep a roster of qualified teachers and experts in each field of study in their area and enlist them as the university’s part-time tutors. Each group of students is entrusted to a tutor for guidance. Assignments written by the students are evaluated by the tutors and returned to them, with comments. The regional campuses also arrange practical training, teaching practice, workshops and seminars and facilitate holding of examinations in their own areas. The university is adding four more campuses in Punjab to increase its out reach in the vast province.
Admission: New Students
Admission Procedure >> Study is based on a modified semester system. The academic year is divided into two semesters namely Spring and Autumn. General education and functional courses are offered in each semester. Ph. D, M.Phil, M.Sc/MA and Teacher Education Programmes i.e. PTC, CT, B.Ed. , M. Ed. are announced once a year. Study period for each semester generally lasts 18 weeks, plus Two weeks for preparation for examination.
Admissions are offered twice a year as given below:
Spring Semester Opening Date February 1 Closing Date February 28
Autumn Semester Opening Date August 1 Closing Date August 31
Continuing Students
All the students who are enrolled with the University in one or more courses in previous semester are sent pre-printed computerized Admission Form for next semester by the AIOU Admission Office along with the Brochure wherein detail of the courses to be offered, fee tariff and the list of nominated Bank branches of National Bank of Pakistan/First Women Bank is mentioned. The course offerings relates to their respective programmers in which he/she is previously enrolled and wishes to take admission in the next semester.
Student will select the course/s out of this list and fill in the admission form at the appropriate column. In the change of address he/she will also fill in the address column with new address and fee column as well.
To facilitate the continuing students, the sample of blank admission form is given. In case the Form is not received by the student, this can be down loaded and sent to the University along with the fee to be deposited through Bank Challan (other than those where the admission is based on selection) with the designated branches of the National Bank of Pakistan or The First Women Bank. The list of designated branches of the banks for depositing the fee and the form is given separately. The back page of the computerized Admission Form contains the necessary information/instructions. Before filling the admission form, these instructions given hereunder must be read carefully.
1. This form will be used by students who are already enrolled with the university in any of the program (i.e. SSC, HSSC, Bachelor and Post Graduate etc.) and want to take admission in the next semester courses of the same program
2. The particulars must be entered legibly.
3. The courses being offered in the next semester program e.g. SSC, HSSC, Bachelors and Post Graduate can be seen or downloaded. Before entering the courses to be taken, the chairman concerned department must be consulted to avoid any inconvenience as in some programs all the courses are not offered in every semester. For SSC, HSSC, Bachelors level program, however, all the courses are offered in every semester.
4. The list of courses to be offered for each program in the subsequent semester is given separately.
5. One has to fill in the column of mailing address if there is any change, otherwise it must be left blank.
6. Student from overseas will have to pay the fee in US$ and the bank draft must be payable at Islamabad.
7. In case the fee is deposited in any of the designated branches of the bank, challan form be used and deposit the same along with the admission form. Sample of challan form is enclosed
8. Incomplete Form will not be considered.
9. Change of course or address during a semester is not permissible.
10. However, change in the course will be allowed in special circumstances before submission of first assignment date and on payment of change of course fee for required course along with the formal request/application.
11. No reimbursement of course fee is allowed after mailing of the study package.
12. Fee refund rules are given separately.
Educational Programmes
The University has introduced a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, Master’s, M.Phil. and Doctoral programs. The University also offers basic functional courses for illiterates and semi-literates . These programs have given distinction to the University in relation to other educational institutions of Pakistan as it caters to the needs of all age groups and levels of education. A summary of the Existing Programs are as follows:
Overseas Students
The University offers its educational programs only in the following countries:-• Kingdom of Saudi Arabia • Kuwait • Qatar • Abu Dhabi • Dubai • Sharjah • Sultanate of Oman • Bahrain (Arrangements are being made to offer these programs in other countries also)At present only General Education Programs of Higher Secondary School Certificate, BA level and Elementary Arabic are offered for the overseas Pakistanis. Arrangements are being made to offer other post-graduate
Examination System
Examination Department remains associated with every student till the award of Degree/certificate. Department perform the following tasks:
• Collection of result of continuous assessment component from Regions and its inclusion in the final result.
• Conduct of term final examination at the centers like conventional system and compilation/processing of the result.
• Issuance of Certificate/Degrees to successful students.
Assessment
Assessment of students in distance education system is made by two mode:
• Continuous Assessment
• Term. Final Examination on
1. Continuous Assessment:
1.1 Assignments
Students are required to do two assignments for each half-credit course and four assignments for each full credit course. The marks obtained in the assignments contribute to the final course result. For successful completion of the course, it is imperative to obtain a minimum 40% from Matric to Master level programmes and 50% for M.Phil & Ph.D. programmes. Students failing in continuous assessment (assignments) are not eligible to appear in the final examination.
1.2 Purpose of Assignments
The main purpose of assignments is to test the student's comprehension of syllabus of course and books, the students received from the University and also to help them to get through these courses.
The students are advised to take the assignments seriously. A simple omission on their part may cause considerable loss to them, which can be avoided by exercising proper care.
1.3 Submission of Assignments
The students should submit complete answers to all assignments' questions in their own words and before submitting the assignments they should ensure that they have answered all questions in all assignments. Normally after evaluation, teacher returns the marked assignments to the students with comments and grading. All assignments are required to be submitted within due date and no assignment will be accepted after due date. It is the responsibility of the students to get back their duly evaluated marked assignments along with a copy of the assessments sheet containing comments of the teacher on their performance.
2. Term Final Examination
2.1 Need of Examination
Final examination is another component of overall assessment system of a course. Exams help the students to review their studies and see the course as a whole. At the end of each semester the University arranges a final three hours, written examination in each course on the set dates, usually at the convenient center established near the home town of students..
Final examination is another component of overall assessment system of a course. Exams help the students to review their studies and see the course as a whole. At the end of each semester the University arranges a final three hours, written examination in each course on the set dates, usually at the convenient center established near the home town of students..
The final examinations carry 70% weightge in the determination of final results. In order to be eligible to appear in the final examination in any course, the student are required to obtain at least minimum 40% from Matric to Master level programme and 50% for M.Phil & Ph.D. programmes qualifying marks in the assignments. The minimum passing marks in the final examinations are 40% from Matric to Master level programme and 50% for M.Phil & Ph.D. programmes. In case a student fails to get minimum qualifying marks in the final examinations, he/she is allowed to re-appear in the examination of the same course during the next semester. In case he again fails, one more final chance is given to qualify the examinations in the next semester. If he does not obtain minimum passing marks in 3 rd attempt in the final examinations, he/she is considered fail in overall evaluation of the course; no matter he has secured passing marks in the assignments. In this circumstance, he/she will have to re-enroll in that particular course(s) after paying the requisite admission fee of course(s).
2.2 Viva Voce
In Post-Graduate Programme thesis component is involved which also carries weightge. After evaluation of the thesis by the external experts, the student has to appear before a viva-voce committee to defend thesis .
3. General Information
3.1 Issuance of Roll No. Slips
The University send Roll Number Slip to each student to appear in the final examination at least 10 days before the examinations in which Roll Number, Registration, address of examination center and dated on which paper is held are mentioned. If any student does not receive this intimation slip 10 days before the commencement of examinations, he/she can contact Deputy Controller Examination (Results) Block 3, Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad Telephone No. 051 9250015 & Incharge, Complaints & Information Cell Phone No. 051 9250014 or concerned Regional Office for obtaining duplicate Roll No. Slip. The same could also be got printed from AIOU web site: www.aiou.edu.pk
3.2 Change of Examination Centre:
The University does not entertain the request for change of Examination Centre except in exceptional circumstances wherein the student has genuine reasons for this change. For this she/she has to apply at least 45 days before the commencement of examinations.
3.3 Eligibility for Appearing in Examinations :
It is the duty of the student to check whether he/she is registered for that particular course and whether he/she is eligible to appear for the examination or not. If he/she neglects this and take the examinations without being eligible for it, his/her results is cancelled. The student must bring their National Identity Cards while appearing in the examination centers to prove his/her identity.
3.4 Declaration of Results of Examinations
The results of examinations are declared within three months of completion of examinations and dispatched at his/her postal address by ordinary mail. Results can be downloaded from AIOU web site .
3.5 Weightge of Assignments & Final Examination
For calculation of final result of a student weightge of assignments & final examination is considered as 30% and 70% respectively .
3.6 Preparation of Certificates/Degrees
On successful completion of the required number of courses for a programme, the student has to apply to Certificate Section of Examinations Department for the issuance of Certificate/Degree. The certificate/degree to the successful student is issued within the period of two years.
• Grading Scheme
The University has adopted the following grading scheme for its students:
80% and above A+
70% to 79% A
60% to 69% B
50% to 59% C
40% to 49% D
Below 40% FAIL
(The percentage in assignment and final examination do not apply to programmes like BBA, MBA as indicated earlier).
A student who fails in the assignment component is not eligible to appear in the final examination. He/she has to take re-admission in that particular course and repeat it. A student who fails in the final examination is allowed two more chances to reappear in the examination within next three semesters on payment of reappear fee only.
Credits Required for Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees:
Qualifications are awarded on credit basis. A full-credit course contains 18 units while a half credit course consists of nine units to be studied during a semester. If assignments are completed successfully and the final examination for the course is passed, a student is awarded a credit.
