In Open Learning, the face-to-face contact is very limited and the learners are at a distance and the teaching methodology is distance education mode. In such scenario, Open Schooling has to depend heavily on the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is much more relevant in case of Open Schooling by its very character. NIOS has made the optimum utility of ICT in almost all of its activities and programmes. Under the programmes and activities of the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), Information and Communication Technology is being used as a major strategy towards reaching the unreached and management of NIOS.
The Computer Unit backs up the Information Technology needs of the Institute. It provides computing facilities and Internet services to all the staff members and learners of the Institute. Network facilities have been provided to all the staff members to access and share the Resources. Individual email accounts have been provided to all the staff members on NIOS Domain. High speed internet connectivity through network connections and through Wi-Fi is provided to all the staff members of the Institute. Wi-Fi internet connectivity is provided in all the floors in the NIOS office building. Appropriate network security is being maintained in the Institute. The Computer Unit is equipped with state-of the art Centralized computing facilities through high performance servers in client server architecture.
The NIOS has come a long way in the forefront of ICT since it made a small beginning with only two personal computers in 1989. Over the years all necessary hardware and software infrastructure were installed for computerization of NIOS activities.
Starting with a small Computer Unit with few numbers of computers, it has reached to the level of full fledge Computer Division with five units within it namely
Today it is equipped with latest hardware and software. There is Local Area Network with centralised database. There are two fast line matrix printers to meet the requirements of heavy printing work of the EDP unit. Besides Desktop and printers were provided to all the departments and branches for their smooth and efficient functioning. All the computers in all the buildings are connected with a high end IBM server and Windows 2012 server Operating System and 100/100 mbps backbone connectivity. This has greatly enhanced communication and resource sharing among the users.
For Internet there is Internet Leased Line (ILL) installed. With this, the access of the Internet has been made possible round the clock through the Local Area Network. This has greatly augmented the Information and Communication capability of NIOS. It has also helped reaching the learners very promptly.
Another landmark was the installation of a compact integrated Learner Support Centre (LSC) on the pattern of call centre operational 9.00am to 5:30 PM (supported by Executive) and from 5:30 PM to 9:00 AM (Supported by IVRS) all days. It is a Technology-assisted learner support system, which consists of a 5-7 Learner Support Executives backed by recorded information through Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS).
Web Servers and Online Applications: NIOS is having 10 web servers for all online applications and database.
All the Regional Centres of NIOS are provided with basic computing facilities with 4-6 computers and 2-4 printers. The Regional centres are also provided with ILL of 1 Mbps for Internet access and e-mail facility for transfer of data and for smooth connectivity with Headquarters at Delhi. The Admission and Examination data were transferred through e-mail from the Regional Centres to the Headquarter, which expedite the processing work tremendously.
Over the years, all the major activities of NIOS both Academic and Administrative have been computerized.
The student's enrolment has grown remarkably over the years. Starting with 40 thousands in 1990-91, the current enrolment during the year has gone up to 510 thousands resulting into a cumulative enrolment of about 2800 thousands. The EDP unit manages the data effectively and efficiently database management is done through Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) Visual FoxPro and SQL Database Server. Various statistical reports and MIS reports are generated and made available to the NIOS Management.
Starting from registration/admission to the issue of the certificate, all the processes are automated/computerised. The following areas are covered under Student Information System:
Computer Unit is having Training Centre where ICT training are imparted to the staff and officials. The computer Unit has organized various ICT Training programme.
Internet and Web technology have proved effective in the teaching and learning process especially in the field of Open and Distance Education. With the help of Internet, one has access to information around the world at one's fingertips.
The NIOS has its own web site as www.nios.ac.in and has been developed as per the Guidelines of Indian Government Website (GIGW) for dissemination of information about NIOS.
Official E-mail Id of NIOS officers have been generated and configured on the NIOS web site. A training-cum-orientation programme for the same was organized to help / facilitate the officers to access Internet & their E-mail.
A separate link "Ask your teacher" has been provided on the web site to facilitate the student's support. Students can now directly interact through the E-mail to the specific subject expert and can easily solve their problems/ queries related to their subject area.
The NIOS website has been divided into following parts
National Institute of Open Schooling has been working on the concept of On-Demand Examination (ODE) at Secondary and Sr.Secondary Level in the area of its feasibility and operationalisation. The novel concept of ODE is a great step in the direction of flexibility to the open and distance learning. This will make the total system of examination independent of the time frame and will help the student to take up the examinations as per their wish and preparation. They can walk into the examination center as and when they feel ready for the examination.
Under the System of ODE, a set of question paper having defined number of items is generated randomly by the computer out of the already developed question bank on the basis of question paper design and the blue print of the subject as and when demanded.