SLIIT’s Faculty of Humanities and Sciences held an inauguration ceremony to launch its first Postgraduate Diploma in Education recently helping candidates in their dedication to lifelong learning, and developing their professional teaching practice.
Gracing the inauguration ceremony was Professor Lalith Gamage, Vice-Chancellor, SLIIT, Dr. Malith Wijesundara, Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, Prof. Rahula Attalage, Professor/Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies & Research, Prof. Sriyani E. Peiris, Head, School of Natural Science, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences and Dr. Virajith Gamage, Programme Coordinator.
Despite the pandemic situation in the country, understanding the importance of supporting the candidates develop their careers and skills necessary in the teaching profession, SLIIT organized the commencement ceremony via zoom and has also made arrangements to conduct the programme online.
Through the use of advanced video technology, participants will be able to gain professional knowledge and understanding of teaching and learning processes as well as practical and theoretical grounding, in addition to be able to interact with teachers in live online classes.
A notable characteristic of SLIIT launching its first Postgraduate Diploma in Education is to support teachers, lecturers and education administrators involved in working in the sector.
Welcoming the online audience, Dr. Malith Wijesundara said, “Enrolling in SLIIT’s Postgraduate Diploma in Education is a wise decision taken as the programme has been designed with specialist learning and rigorous quality standards. An expert and well-experienced board of teachers serve as resource personnel. We have introduced the ‘FLIP’ methodology for the first time for this programme. The lessons will be through video recordings and the students will have the opportunity to engage with lecturers online live, for further instructions and understanding. At the end of every lesson, students are also provided the opportunity to participate in a question and answer session to reinforce their learning and clarify queries.”
Dr. Wijesundara added, “Despite the pandemic our institute has continued all teaching activities through a virtual setting by facilitating superior technology. We hope to share our experiences and successes with you all. There is demand to conduct this programme in Tamil and English and we hope to cater to this. Through this programme our objective is to develop professional teachers and contribute to the country’s education sector and we firmly believe that you will be able to achieve this goal.”
Speaking to the candidates, Prof. Lalith Gamage said, “SLIIT is catering to the education sector by offering the first Postgraduate Diploma in Education. This is also the first time that we are offering a programme in the Sinhala medium. This programme is not prepared mainly to acquire only knowledge. The expectation is for you who are already in the education sector to be able to benefit through developing your skills and professional abilities. Additionally, this programme is valuable to those in the education administrative sector, as upon competition of this programme, they can advance in their career through promotions. Even though you have obtained a university degree, and acquired knowledge on the subject, to become a teacher you need in addition to pedagogical knowledge, the ability to be effective teachers. This programme provides you the skills required to manage the classroom, ability to assess students, work together as a school community and several other expertise necessary towards developing your chosen profession. You will have the opportunity to experience class lectures through modern technology in addition to visit SLIIT on a monthly basis for practical activities and participate in on-site lectures too.”
“We are conducting several programme using modern technology to develop the education sector such as the popular ‘Guru Gedara’ TV Channel together with the Ministry of Education providing free educational lessons and the ‘e-thaksalava’ programme with ICTA. I wish you well as you embark on this new programme and trust upon completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Education your contribution towards the education sector of this country will be invaluable,” Prof. Gamage added.
Prof. Rahula Attalage congratulating the programme’s chosen candidates noted that they are among the distinguished participants to have been selected from a large number of applications. He added that SLIIT has a rich history of over 20 years and throughout has received University Grants Commission approval for offering a range of Postgraduate Diplomas.
He said, “SLIIT has infused over 20 years of experience and knowledge, towards creating this programme that you have joined today. We are using online mediums to teach not entirely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our institute since it was established has collaborated with international universities and used technology as a medium for students to participate in learning. As a result we have the requisite experience and resources to conduct these classes. I believe you will easily be able to gain an understanding on how we conduct our classes. The Postgraduate Diploma in Education we commence today is another milestone for SLIIT. In 1999, SLIIT was established to provide specialized education in information technology and today with that background we are able to offer a programme geared towards the education sector.”
Prof. Sriyani E. Peiris thanking all those who participated in the event and addressing the candidates said, “Today, you have joined our institute and created a historical milestone. I am certain that the decision taken to follow this programme will ensure that you contribute to the service of the nation through the education sector. It will undoubtedly bring great pride to us all. In conclusion I believe that as you participate in this programme and upon completion you will be able to contribute towards providing qualitative education to the country’s education sector. I thank everyone who contributed towards the success of this event.”