EduNxt is an online learning platform launched by Sikkim Manipal University's Directorate of Distance Education to provide accessible, affordable, and appropriate education to its over 324,000 enrolled students. The platform enables collaborative learning through features like virtual classrooms, self-study content, recorded presentations, and online discussion forums. It aims to create an interactive online environment similar to a physical classroom.

1. EduNxt<br />EduNxt initiative launched by Sikkim Manipal University’s Directorate of Distance Education (henceforth referred to as SMU – DE) is the nominated program. Currently the University has over 3,24,000 active enrolled student base from over 300 towns. <br />EduNxt enables collaborative and interactive learning environment which includes small group mentoring, virtual classrooms, simulation, self-study content, recorded presentations and shared browsing.<br />The 3 As of Affordability, Accessibility and Appropriateness are the guideline to scaling up EduNxt across distributed learning. Meanwhile, the 4Cs of Content, Collaboration, Communication and Computing are the basis of developing EduNxt into a means of disseminating educating among the not-so-privileged or the infrastructure – challenged.<br />EduNxt was launched by SMU-DDE on 12TH May, 2009 by Mr. Steve Ballmer, CEO Microsoft Corp. USA and Mr. Anand Sudarshan, CEO Manipal Education, to –<br />Take the fruits of online learning to all the Distance Education students of the SMU-DDE

2. Develop a sense of togetherness among the members and different stakeholders of the huge community within the platformAnother important objective behind the development of EduNxt is to create a common learning platform for over 3,24,000 active enrolled student base. The platform has functionality which provides a student to interact with 63 core faculty and 6500 counsellors in order to utilise the varied expertise and vast experience of this community. <br />The EduNxt is also being used to train, certify and orient these 6500 counsellors to technology based education and its benefits. As of now SMU-DE has more than 6500 trained & certified faculty members at 725 authorised learning centres across India.<br />Product URL: http://www.smude.edu.in/EXPERIENCEZONE/Pages/ExperienceEduNxt.aspx<br />Why was EduNxt Initiated?<br />In an environment where the average GER( Gross Enrollment Ratio) across the globe is 23.2% , India lags far behind with a GER of 13%. Given the country’s predicament with respect to its availability of educational infrastructure, distance learning might be the answer to spreading education throughout the country.Sikkim Manipal University Distance Education(SMU-DE), offers programmes spread across 10 disciplines.SMU-DE offers programmes in Masters, Bachelors, Diploma and PG Diploma levels in various disciplines like Information Technology, Management, Journalism and Mass Communication, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Apparel & Fashion Design, Allied Health Sciences, Hospitality, Telecom and Commerce.The programmes are made accessible through 725+ University authorised Learning Centres across the country.<br />So far over 3,24,000 lakh students have benefited from the Distance Education programmes, taking full advantage of the 65 core faculty members and the 6,500 committed and qualified mentors supporting faculty members present at the learning centres. <br />Apart from the widespread presence in India – covering 205 districts and 310 towns and cities – the University has also spread its reach overseas across 20 countries, with 25 learning centres.<br />Credibility for “Distance Education” is generally low among industry and Public, essentially due to lack of atleast three important elements which indicate quality learning for the students. These are <br />i. A definite learning process.<br />ii. Connect and relationship with faculty.<br />iii. Connect and relationship with other students.<br />Other than the above, there is also a total absence of additional inputs for the students from external industry or academic experts. The interactive design and features of EduNxt will address these concerns.Our goal is to make SMU DE an industry accepted and recognized University in the future. E-learning offers a visible proof of engaged learning which includes close monitoring and guidance by the faculty members. The rigour which is envisaged in the student engagement process is enough evidence of our aspirations and intentions to be as close to any campus programme in the long run.<br />We have recognized that though SMU DE has a large number of students from disadvantaged sections, they do have genuine aspirations for higher education and for a reasonable job opportunity. Hence, we need to offer a definite path and guidance to such students, though they may be in a small number initially, to realize such hopes they have placed on SMU DE.<br />Objective<br />To provide a campus like environment to students located across the globe with the flexibility and comfort to access their study material at anytime and place. EduNxt strives to engage students using state of the art technology , there by delivering quality education to its consumers. <br />Target Group<br />Any individual who was unable to complete his/her desired level of education and would like to complete the same , with the flexibility to do so even while working.<br />Geographic Reach<br />India + 20 countries<br /> <br /> How is the programme/project innovative? <br />EduNxt helps create an environment exactly like a classroom, facilitating a more interactive learning experience along with a holistic approach to providing education - addressing all aspects from pedagogic modeling, to rich content, to interactive technology, to faculty training to providing access to computing devices and internet connectivity. It is truly an end-to-end approach.

3. It creates an inclusive environment where over 3,24,000 Lakh learners and 6500 mentors across the country can interact with one another and learn in a collaborative manner

4. 3853180149225The platform facilitates an automatic guide-map and prescribed study schedule to all SMU-DE students for completion of the course on day-to day basis and this schedule gets updated every time a student enters the EduNxt portal based on resources to be covered to complete the syllabus as well as the remaining number of days in the semester

5. A facility that provides alerts and news across all LCs regarding both subject matter and the day to day happenings at the LCs

6. E- SLM ( Electronic Self Learning Materials) provide rich content ( audio and video) to make the process of learning easier and more effective