The University of Colombo and Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel teams up to revolutionize the education system with "M-LEARNING"

9th May, 2007

COLOMBO, May 09, 2007- The modern age of education officially begins as Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel joins hands with the University of Colombo to introduce to Sri Lanka, a truly innovative concept that breaks through traditional boundaries, utilizing advanced technology. "M-learning" goes a step further changing the way in which education is delivered and received and is a promising pathway to obtaining higher education that will undoubtedly deliver value to the country.

Education is the cornerstone of economic development to any nation. Traditionally, formal classroom-based education was adopted, which allowed a teacher and student to have face-to-face interaction. However, this approach has noticeable drawbacks in that it requires a student's physical presence and participation which is an integral part of an institution's curriculum.

With the advancement of mobile technology, and especially Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel moving into the 3G network spectrum, it was recognized that these traditional learning shortcomings can be addressed through the concept of "M- learning" (Mobile learning). "M- learning" is the teaching and learning process through the use of mobile and hand-held devices such as mobile phones, Personal Digital Assistants (PDA), laptops and tablet PC's.

"M-learning" will be capable of catering to a larger audience, which will give the student greater flexibility to choose where and when the learning happens. Additionally "M- learning" has the ability to provide full internet experiences that are ubiquitous, accessible, rich in content, efficient, flexible, secure, reliable and interactive.

Coupled with the benefits of mobility, flexibility and convenience is the value added by the course curriculum designed and compiled by the University of Colombo, the leader of higher education in Sri Lanka. Initially the course offered through "M-learning" will be the "Executive Diploma in Marketing" (EDM). This program is currently offered by the Faculty of Graduate Studies of the University of Colombo, and will be a stepping stone for students with only A Level qualifications, providing them with an entry point to move further into pursuing the Post-graduate Diploma in Management and thereafter the Masters in Business Studies (MBS).

Pioneering this innovative approach with Mobitel, Professor Lakshman Dissanayake, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, had this to say, "This activity will open up a new gateway to higher learning in this country by providing a unique opportunity to get our local universities connected globally. Thus the employment opportunities of our graduates will be enhanced, and they will also be well-equipped with subject knowledge as well as new technology in the 21st century."

Speaking on behalf of Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel, CEO Mr Suren Amarasekera said, "Mobitel's objective as the 'National Service Provider' has always been to connect the unconnected and having achieved that, we want to do something more such as rendering an even bigger service to the nation, that being education. We always strive to do something more with our capabilities that would enhance the livelihood of the people in Sri Lanka, in line with our slogan, "We Care Always". This concept at the same time revolutionalizes the way education is delivered making it possible for people to gain access to it whenever and wherever they may be."

The Executive Diploma in Marketing (EDM) will provide students with an intermediate level of knowledge to be applied in the marketing field. The curriculum is designed to mirror the challenges in the marketing industry. It adopts problem based learning as the primary teaching methodology to promote student directed learning that will better equip them with specialist marketing knowledge and techniques in marketing management. It will help to understand the roles and functions of marketing, giving the opportunity to apply marketing skills and knowledge and investigate the processes involved while evaluating their effectiveness. The prescribed modules within this course includes Marketing Management, Marketing Economics, International Marketing, E-marketing, Consumer Behavior, Marketing Strategy, Services Marketing and Business to Business Marketing, while electives include Sales Management, Marketing Research, Brand Management, Promotion and Advertising and Business Law.

On enrolling with the University of Colombo to pursue this course, students will be provided with a "Course Kit", comprising of course material together with mobile utilities and other accessories needed. The mobile utilities and connectivity will be provided by Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel, while the technology will be supported by a few identified reputed Korean Companies. The total course fee will comprise of key components being bundled together inclusive of the course material, mobile utilities and other accessories and charges for course related calls or SMS/MMS. Thus on paying the total course fee, course related call and SMS/MMS charges would be free.

This program will aid in improving the employability of students in marketing positions in the business arena or help them move on to higher studies, as the minimum qualification is GCE AL's. It will also provide students with practical knowledge on computer technology which is one of the pre- requisites for present employability. As distance learning is facilitated, this course could even be offered internationally. Therefore, this concept promises to be an easy and efficient way to pursue your higher studies and career aspirations, which will certainly contribute to the prosperity of our country and future generation.

About the University of Colombo

The Faculty of graduate Studies of the University of Colombo (FGS-Colombo) is one of the leading postgraduate institutions in Sri Lanka. Located in the heart of the commercial hub of the country, it can lay claim to well-established facilities and internationally qualified staff and a leader, Professor Tilak Hettiarachchy who is looking beyond the traditional boundaries of higher education, in expanding its access to those who are denied of it through traditional mode of delivery. About Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel

Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel - the national mobile service provider - is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sri Lanka Telecom. In January 2004, the company launched its full-fledged GSM network that is EDGE/GPRS enabled and designed to operate on dual bands. Investments committed to date in its 3G and GSM service offering totals over US$200 million and is set to increase its present 600 base stations to 1500 base stations by the end of this year