Clinical Research education institute ICRI adopts virtual learning environment; to use Blackboard platform

Blackboard is a patented programme providing virtual learning environment. It provides access to library resources, journals, study materials, papers, lectures, and updates from ICRIs partner University in UK, Cranfield University, to its students in India.

To facilitate Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), all the students will be provided with a laptop. Also, all the campuses have been made Wi-Fi enabled with LCD panels in all classrooms.

According to ICRI, it is the only institute in India that will facilitate such a methodology of teaching and the new batch of students (2008 2010) at ICRI will be exposed to this system of teaching. A pilot project was undertaken to check on its feasibility and has been very well accepted by the students.

Blackboard method facilitates direct dialogue with the faculty at Cranfield University, UK, over the internet for Indian students. It will also enable the students to submit papers/reports online and get immediate feedback. It is a secure system and no papers are leaked or shared with others. A special Software called Turntin will checks for plagiarism automatically the non original work is detected and the students and faculty are alerted.

Commenting on this methodology of teaching, Mr S R Dugal, Chairman, Board of Directors, ICRI, said, India is emerging as a key player in the field clinical research on a global platform. Our aim is to constantly benchmark ourselves to International Best Practices in our domain. We strive to become the future torch bearers for similar Institutes in India and the introduction of the Blackboard is a step in this direction. We are confident the students will benefit immensely from this teaching methodology.

ICRI says that Clinical Research is a global industry and hence the courses, faculty and practices at Clinical Research Institutes all need to be global adopting the best practices from all over the world. The institute has collaborated with Cranfield University, U.K., Europes academic centre for strategic and applied research.

ICRI is a premier Clinical Research Institute conceived with the objective of meeting the growing demand of skilled Clinical Research professionals in the future. ICRI currently operates from four campuses in Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad and Bangalore.