Institute of Clinical Research India, (ICRI) has introduced a revolutionary teaching methodology referred to as the 'Blackboard (Virtual Learning Environment) and the new batch of students (2008 - 2010) will be exposed to this system of teaching. It is the only institute in India that will facilitate such a methodology of teaching and a pilot project was undertaken to check on its feasibility which indicated a positive response.
Blackboard is a patented programme providing virtual learning environment. It provides access to library resources, journals, study materials, papers, lectures and updates from its partner University in UK, Cranfield University. The method facilitates direct dialogue with the faculty at Cranfield University over the internet. Also, it will enable the students to submit papers or reports online and get immediate feedback. It is a secure system and no papers are leaked or shared with others. There is special software called Turntin which checks for plagiarism automatically. The non original work is detected and the students and faculty are alerted. It also allows annotations and editing from both sides i.e. students & faculty and facilitates archiving.
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 S R Dugal, Chairman, Board of Directors, ICRI, 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," he averred.
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, which is Europe's academic centre for strategic and applied research. This partnership has given ICRI, a global magnitude in clinical research learning in India and they are developing some of the best practices in the industry and working towards creating world class talent pool in clinical research.