Course Module 1. Orientation to the current trends, challenges and future developments of the university system  

The module will orient learners to identify current trends, challenges and future developments of the University system. This also depicts to the evolution of university system, both locally and globally, with special emphasis to learning philosophy of Vidyodaya University, thereby to prepare the learners for the needs of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. 

Medium of instruction : English

Course duration : 8 hours (F2F) and 15hs (Self-study)

Learning Methods : Face-to-face sessions, group activities, eLearning and self-work

Learning Location: In-house 

Objectives

At the end of the training session, participant should be able to, 

• familiarise with historical aspects of learning environment and learning philosophy of Vidyodaya University  
• recognise the present set of requirements that he/she needs to meet in preparing the students for local and international environment.
• identify the professional commitments, which he/she is required to undertake in the career.
• identify the learning needs for his/her professional development
• become conversant and thereby adapt to the environment and needs of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and accordingly satisfy its objectives.

Content

1. Evolution of educational institutes and universities 
2. Current trends and developments in university systems
3. University act 
4. Role/s of an academic

Enrollment

1. log into blog- http://cthe2017.blogspot.com
2. Follow the instructions of the trainer

Resources

1. Evolution of educational institutes and universities       (https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B33NC8_BgRybZTI4X05CYl93QzQ/view?usp=sharing) 
2. Nalanda (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nalanda)
3. Athens (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athens)
4. Impact of Industrial Revolution on education (https://www.oswego.edu/~waite/industrialrevolutionV2ByGalvin.doc)

Activities

1. Reflect on how educational institutes and universities were developed/evolved
2. Discuss how Industrial Revolution influenced on education
3. Discuss how Sri Lankan universities were commenced-you could depict into the important steps taken place
4. Discuss the place of 'Pirivena' education on Higher Education in Sri Lanka
5. Discuss the structure of Higher Education system in Sri Lanka - you could depict into UGC, Public, Private and other arrangements
6. Discuss public perception of universities 
7. Explain the terms 'Academic freedom' and 'Autonomy' 
6. Discuss different roles academics should be played today