The Center for Online Education (COE) is a flexible instructional delivery system under an ambit of Indira Gandhi National Open University popularly known as IGNOU- A Peoples University that encompasses any kind of learning which takes place via the Internet and its portal https://iop.ignouonline.ac.in. IGNOU gives educators an opportunity to reach students who may not be able to enroll in a traditional classroom course and supports students who need to work on their own schedule and at their own pace. The quantity of distance learning and online degrees in most disciplines is large and increasing rapidly. Schools and institutions that offer online learning are also increasing in number. Students pursuing degrees via the online approach must be selective to ensure that their coursework is done through a respected and credentialed institution.

The Centre for Online Education (COE) received “Best Centre Award 2023” on the occasion of 38th Foundation day of IGNOU on 19th Nov 2023.

The Center for Online Education (COE) is a flexible instructional delivery system under an ambit of Indira Gandhi National Open University popularly known as IGNOU- A Peoples University that encompasses any kind of learning which takes place via the Internet and its portal https://iop.ignouonline.ac.in. IGNOU gives educators an opportunity to reach students who may not be able to enroll in a traditional classroom course and supports students who need to work on their own schedule and at their own pace. The quantity of distance learning and online degrees in most disciplines is large and increasing rapidly. Schools and institutions that offer online learning are also increasing in number. Students pursuing degrees via the online approach must be selective to ensure that their coursework is done through a respected and credentialed institution.

The Centre for Online Education (COE) received “Best Centre Award 2023” on the occasion of 38th Foundation day of IGNOU on 19th Nov 2023.

Vision:
Centre for Online Education (COE) shall endeavor to make IGNOU a global leader in digital learning with world-class technology-enabled learning experiences and support services. The vision is to align with the nation’s digital initiatives to provide affordable access to quality education through a virtual learning environment for anyone, anytime and anywhere.

Mission:
The Centre will support in the process improvement and service enhancement through automation and digitization in line with digital initiatives of the nation to provide high quality education to all at their doorsteps.

Rationale for Considering Online Education:
CoE has become a viable and exciting method for instructional delivery in the global business society that runs on a 24/7 schedule (24 hours a day/7 day a week) because it provides students with great flexibility. With the increased availability of the Internet and computer technology, students are able to access information anytime and anyplace that would normally be available only through a traditional classroom. Studies have shown that students learn just as effectively in an online classroom as they do in the traditional classroom COE is housed in Block -17, the Dr. Radhakrishnan Block, MaidanGarhi, IGNOU, New Delhi .

Conference Room:
COE has a large conference room which is used by all the IGNOU Schools and Divisions for workshops, trainings, seminars, conferences and many more academic and administrative activities. It has a state-of-the- art projection system which makes it suitable for presentation as well as interaction. It also has a Public Address (PA) system for smooth conduct of the activities. It has seating capacity of more than 100 persons.

Data center:
Data center houses high end servers, storage, firewall and sophisticated network to house major applications of the centre like eGyanKosh, webcasting, web conferencing etc. Some components for supporting infrastructure include:

  • Uninterruptible Power Sources (UPS) – battery banks, generators and redundant power sources.
  • Environmental Control – computer room air conditioners (CRAC), heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and exhaust systems.
  • Physical Security Systems – biometrics and video surveillance systems

To provide personalized, digitally connected, experiential learning to diverse groups of learners using latest online technologies and pedagogies.
  • To provide need-based online learning opportunities for continuous professional development and skill up gradation to in-service professionals.
  • Strive towards continuous updation of learning technologies through research in and networking with other institutions working in the area of online/ virtual learning.
  • To provide capacity building opportunities to all online education providers in the country.
  • To ensure quality assurance in design, development and implementation of online education matching the requirements of national and international standards

Centre for Online Education (COE) was established on June 7, 2019 vide notification/Admn(c)/Not./ 2019/237 by renaming Inter University Consortium (IUC) with approval of the Board of Management in the meeting held on May 05, 2019.

Since its inception, COE has been instrumental in:
  • Launching IGNOU’s online degree programmes.
  • Managing SWAYAM and SWAYAM PRABHA platforms.
  • Offering a robust infrastructure, including state-of-the-art data centres and LMS platforms

  • COE received the "Best Centre Award 2023" on the occasion of IGNOU’s 38th Foundation Day (19th Nov 2023).
  • Successfully delivered IGNOU Online Programmes since Jan 2020
  • Successfully launched the IGNOU e-Content Mobile App, accessed by over 2.7 million learners.
  • Coordinated more than 1500 SWAYAM MOOCs
  • Developed Online Question Paper Delivery System (OQPDS) for practical examinations
  • Conducted SWAYAM PRABHA live sessions in 15 regional languages, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.

Welcome to the Centre for Online Education (COE) at IGNOU, a key enabler of IGNOU's vision to provide inclusive, accessible, and quality education to learners across the globe. As the global leader in open and distance learning, IGNOU is committed to harness technology-enabled solutions to expand educational opportunities and empower learners to achieve their goals.

At COE, we focus on design and delivering innovative online programmes that align with IGNOU’s mission of providing education "anytime, anywhere." Through platforms like IGNOU’s robust Learning Management System (LMS), eGyankosh, SWAYAM and SWAYAM PRABHA, we ensure a seamless and enriching learning experience for our learners.

Our efforts are centered on continuous upgradation of learning technologies by fostering research, innovation, and collaborations with leading institutions working in the area of online education. This helps us deliver high-quality content, interactive tools, and a learner-centric approach tailored to today’s digital learning environment.

We place immense emphasis on learner support services to ensure our students are guided and supported throughout their educational journey. Additionally, through capacity-building initiatives, we train faculty and administrators to adapt to emerging digital pedagogies and tools for online education delivery.

COE remains committed to IGNOU’s mission of democratizing education and bridging the digital divide. Together, let us create a future where online learning transforms lives.

Prof. Shachi Shah
Director, COE, IGNOU

Centre for Online Education (COE),
Room No-04, Block-17, Dr. Radha Krishnan Block, IGNOU HQ,
Maidan Garhi, New Delhi – 110068, India.


Email: coe@ignou.ac.in
Phone: +91-011-29572322, 29531001