E-learning is commonly referred to the intentional use of networked information and communications technology in teaching and learning. As the letter “e” in the e-learning stands for the word “electronic”, e-learning would incorporate all educational activities that are carried out by individuals or groups working online or offline and synchronously or asynchronously via networked or stand alone computers and it is effective distance learning other electronic devices.

Rama Nangpal, Senior Technical Director, NIC HQ. rama@nic.in

National Informatics Centre (NIC) is a premiere S &T organization of the GOI in the field of Informatics Services and Technology (IT) applications, took a positive step towards distance cum online training with the launch of NIC IELS.

The NIC_IELS - Integrated Enterprise Learning Solution over NICNET has been implemented and stabilized across NIC with high demand presently. More than 2500 Sessions have been successfully conducted on technology like Java, Linux, Networking Tools, PHP, Mobile Computing, the NIC in- house developed applications software.

Purpose Befitting its purpose project is gearing up technical resources of NIC to ensure readiness to support and deploy E-Governance applications development & implementation across the nation.

Objectives To develop e-learning process using NIC infrastructure to upgrade and update skill sets of NIC professionals to meet new technology challenges. To expand NIC IELS to include skill training for the Govt. officials of central and stats ministries and departments. The "key objectives" are: Capacity Building within NIC, Focus on building infrastructure for delivering IT related e-learning materials, Timely Technology Updates to the learners, Taking the technology expert to the learner Desktop, Structured Training/Education anywhere anytime with low cost of Training, Access to state of Art Learning/training materials in all part of the country, Content creation, hosting and management for Learning Management System (LMS).

National Informatics Centre in mid 2006 has implemented NIC Integrated Enterprise Learning Solution over NICNET as “NIC WebConnect E-Learning Services ".

The NIC Integrated Enterprise Learning Solution The NIC WebConnect E-Learning Services is providing the infrastructure and the necessary e-learning tools, content and application support for all the NIC offices in the States and District Centers as well as for all the NIC users in Ministries and Departments across India.

Components From s/w architecture view the NIC_IELS comprises of the Synchronous Classroom (Virtual Classroom) and Asynchronous classroom (Learning Management System).

The consolidated e-learning Portal at http://weblearning.nic.in provides learner. Instructor and the system administrator a single window interface for using any of above the two components.

weblearning.nic.in

System Requirements To run the application needs Windows Client PC with high resolution monitor 512 MB RAM, Internet Browser, Minimum 100 MB disk space for application installation and event materials.

NIC WebConnect is offering e-learning services in “5 Modes" as iClasses (max 300 users) for skills training sessions, iMeetings for small group interaction (max 500 users), iSeminars (1000 user) for mass communications, large communication like iMentoring (max 1500 users) for customer support/ tutoring, iCasts for live or on-demand playback broadcasts. Recorded session can be replayed later. Typical bandwidth required is 64 kbps with video transfers both ways.

iMeeting with 25 participants and 5 videos

From Hardware Infrastructure view, the NIC-IELS comprises of Multiple geographically dispersed teaching endpoints, multiple remote classrooms and a central hosting infrastructure all interconnected via NICNET. Basically the teaching endpoints are to be equipped with a multimedia PC, a web camera and other electronic teaching aids like scribbler. The student classroom will be equipped with multimedia PC with option of LCD projectors and wireless microphones.

Presently the Multicast technology is in place during the sessions which is leading to quick delivery with saving of bandwidth consumption. The in-house e-content developed from various live technology sessions conducted over NIC WebConnect have been uploaded in the NIC LMS.

The Virtual Class Room Sessions are running full fledged over the NICNET with 15-30 days consecutive technology trainings. The Application Sharing tool helps in training for application usage like for VPN Training, installations-usage of in house applications & others. The iMeeting Feature is in wide use across NIC on an everyday basis at the NIC State and District offices for project review meetings, case discussions and Feedback over the project status.

The NIC WebConnect Team at the NIC HQ provides complete extensive and intensive technical support and coordination for smooth running and use of services. This covers scheduling of sessions, generation of user ids, material editing and uploading, users training and hand holding session. (The "Help sessions for using Virtual Classroom “are held daily from 3.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m.), Database and Server backup and maintenance, report generations, portal management and updating services are also done. The support is expanding to ministries and depts. across the nation.

Users Feedback Helps Us to Learn, Improve and Grow to provide Quality Services. NIC Gujarat and Kerala & Maharashtra State Units were the pioneers in using e-learning services extensively on regular basis for giving know how, internal trainings, meetings, reviews, software demonstration, vendor troubleshooting, and application implementation discussions. It helped cut down on training cost, travelling time & related miscellaneous expenses. Among the new enthusiasts to use the service are Punjab, UP, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttranchal and Orissa

The North Eastern States Tripura, Assam, Meghalaya and Mizoram are geared up to use it for provision of ICT based coaching and education to the students of North East, the ICT Tools training for staff of the Sub-Divisional Offices, Teachers Training by the North Eastern Regional Institute of Education, Shillong and many other States. They also conduct internal trainings, meetings and s/w demos.

The NIC Web Connect E-Learning Services will continue to provide a strategic service delivery platform for education, training, collaboration, sharing information and knowledge.