Hyderabad|India|May' 2009: Manipal Education, a pioneering force in Higher Education, has announced the launch of its next generation learning system - EduNxt – a new Technology infused Learning System that will transform Distributed Learning in India.

Affordable and easy to use, EduNxt enables a collaborative and interactive environment for learning and includes small group mentoring, virtual classrooms, simulation and other interactive content, self-study content, recorded presentations and shared browsing. This innovation from Manipal Education thus shifts the Education paradigm from being ‘faculty-centric’ to a ‘learner-centric’ environment. Infusing technology into both teaching delivery and learning enablement, EduNxt empowers students with anywhere, anytime access. Students will now experience a ‘portable campus’, ‘carry along mentors’ and will have access to over one million online books and journals – all at their fingertips!

EduNxt will be launched first for Sikkim Manipal University’s Distance Education (SMU - DE) students in July 2009. EduNxt combines academic rigor and a personalised learning environment with SMU – DE’s hybrid learning delivery system with its flexibility, convenience and accessibility to offer a first of its kind learning environment in India.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Anand Sudarshan, CEO, Manipal Education said, “EduNxt is truly transformational and has the potential to change higher education in India. It has the power to scale and provide highly affordable access to quality education to aspirants even in far-flung areas of the country, thus achieving geographic inclusivity. We see this innovation providing significant impetus to the higher education enrolment rate, employability and positively influence the economy of our country.”

Manipal Education is partnering with Microsoft, BSNL and netbook OEM suppliers in an effort to provide quality affordable education coupled with computer access and connectivity, enabling an enriching personalized learning experience for all its students.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Steve Ballmer, CEO, Microsoft Corporation Pvt Ltd, said, “India’s emergence as a global technology center is the direct result of its strong education system. At Microsoft, we have always believed that education is the foundation for opportunity and success. One of our most important commitments is to help deliver high-quality educational materials to those who lack access to teachers and resources. The EduNXT distance learning platform is a great example of how information technology can extend the reach of great educational resources. We look forward to continuing to work with Manipal Education to expand educational opportunities in India.”

Adding to this, Mr. Ravi Venkatesan, Chairman, Microsoft India, said “India has the largest education system in the world, but it will never be large enough for us to reach every student in every corner of the country. The answer is not to wait until we have enough teachers – but to increase the impact of the teachers that we do have today. Distance education is one of the answers, as is implementing other technological solutions. Education in India has a chance of beingtransformed if various players, public and private, come together.”

The addition of EduNxt, the next generation technology infused learning system to Sikkim Manipal University’s hybrid Distance Education learning delivery model is bound to have a far-reaching positive impact on aspirants and students in the distance education sector in India.