Open Universities to turn ‘Agentic AI Hubs’: Experts at BRAOU meet

The future of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) took center stage today at the Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU) campus during the inauguration of a two-day National Conference titled “Beyond Boundaries: The New ODL Landscape.” Organized by the Indian Distance Education Association (IDEA) in collaboration with IGNOU and BRAOU, the event gathered top academic leaders to discuss the digital transformation of inclusive education.

The Rise of Agentic AI Universities

Chief Guest Prof. Uma Kanjilal, Vice Chancellor of IGNOU, delivered a visionary address, describing open universities as emerging “agentic AI universities.” She highlighted that ODL now accounts for nearly 50% of the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in India. Prof. Kanjilal emphasized that AI is no longer just a tool but a transformative force capable of managing massive learner scales through:

AI Tutors and Virtual Reality: Enhancing the student experience with immersive technologies. High-Quality SLMs: Using AI-driven, learner-centric approaches to develop self-learning materials and Hybrid Models-Combining online, ODL, and face-to-face methods to align with Viksit Bharat and Skill India initiatives.

Inclusivity and Technology

Presiding over the session, Prof. Ghanta Chakrapani, VC of BRAOU, noted that the educational landscape has shifted irrevocably toward digital tools. He stressed that the core mission of ODL remains social justice, invoking the visions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Prof. G. Ram Reddy to ensure that technology is used to "reach the unreached" and empower marginalized sections.

Cautionary Innovation

Keynote speaker Prof. V. S. Prasad (Former Director, NAAC) reminded attendees that while ODL is a cost-effective mode governed by the "four As" (Access for anyone, Anything, Anytime, Anyplace), technology must be carefully regulated. He cautioned that without proper design, technology could shift from being a helpful tool to a controlling force.

The conference also featured insights from Anandrao Vishnu Patil, who urged institutions to introduce employment-oriented courses, and Prof. Saji Gopinath, who emphasized that technology is the only way to achieve quality at scale.