Kochi :  Thirty colleges across Kerala have signed up for a first-of-its-kind, live, digital distance learning platform that will help their students gain access to job-oriented courses and training for competitive examinations.

TeleClassroom, which has been developed by Kochi-based technological company Edyounet and is being rolled out in select engineering and regular colleges this academic year, is an internet- based learning platform that streams live lectures from studios set up for the purpose to special classrooms equipped with large LCD screens, computers and digital writing boards.

In addition to their regular studies, students in TeleClassroom networked colleges will be able to enrol for courses such as CA, CS and ICWAI; and prepare for various entrance tests and competitive examinations such as PSC, SSB and IBPS. Engineering students will be able to access coaching for GATE and other such tests.

A number of education providers based in cities including Kochi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Vishakhapatnam are offering their courses through the new platform.

TeleClassroom is the brainchild of Edyounet founder and CEO Mr. Ram Mohan who said the concept evolved from the need to provide standardised, quality education for young people everywhere – in cities as well as remote rural locations.

“We believe this combination of methodology, administration and software is unique since such a system has not been developed or deployed anywhere in the world,” he said. “At the core of this network is a three-tier architecture that links TeleClassrooms to educational studios via a central technology hub. It utilises the most cost effective equipment and digital tools available.”

Being an internet-based system, TeleClassroom network can potentially be scaled up to the global level with educational institutions abroad offering courses to students in India’s remotest corners. Edyounet TeleClassrooms Limited has already tied up with leading data service operators for connectivity across India.

All a course provider needs to do is set up a studio in their premises from where they can beam the lectures live to all connected classrooms and reach out to students who would otherwise not be accessible.

Mr Ram Mohan said Edyounet plans to grow its business through the franchise model. Small and medium entrepreneurs in towns can set up and maintain TeleClassroom infrastructure and technology in colleges that agree to provide them space.

“We have been getting numerous enquiries from entrepreneurs interested in buying into the franchise,” he said. “The relatively low initial investment, extremely low running cost, a captive business from college students and the hassle-free and futuristic nature of the business is a big attraction.”

Students can choose from a bouquet of courses depending on the syllabus, timing, fee, certification and other factors. They pay the course fee directly to the course providers, a portion of which is shared with Edyounet and its franchisees for the infrastructure and services.

“These teleclasses are 100% interactive. Teachers use many enablers like digital writing boards, slide shows and video presentations and students have the facility to interact with them in real time,” said Mr Ram Mohan.

He said Edyounet is planning to start about 100 teleclassrooms in colleges in Kerala this academic year.

“Quality education is a serious concern in India which has the world’s largest youth population. Affordable means to reach to millions of students who live far away from cities are still not available,” Mr Ram Mohan said. “Internet technologies are something we can leverage to address the gap. If this business model succeeds, with its fully tested technology, Edyounet is confident of transforming the future of the country.”