With the advent of Information and Communication Technology and improved broadband internet connectivity, to support distance learning, Indian Space Research Organisation, Government of India has launched dedicated communication satellite called EDUSAT in 2004.Out of the variety of applications, One of the prime applications of EDUSAT satellite is tele-education at various levels (i.e. school level/UG /PG level) by different ministries / autonomous organizations/departments/institutions/universities in India.

The IIRS outreach programme is synchronized mode of online education system and is being conducted through following two major modes:

Live and Interactive classroom sessions (also known as EDUSAT) and

E-learning based online courses.

The e-learning courses are self-paced and learner centric courses and the open source software and data sets for practical exercises are also available to the participants.

Most participants perceive their Remote Sensing education as useful for their career along with the hands-on projects that are considered the most effective learning method to solve the problems in real world.

The remote sensing and GIS as a main subject paper of the UG Geographycourse, it plays an important role in improving the geographic literacy of contemporary college students.By combining information technology development and cognitive extension, the quality of students’ geographic abilities can be rapidly enhanced.

To achieve excellence in teaching, learning, research and professional activities in applied remote sensing, and to promote the awareness of technology within the geospatial community and outside the subject matter, the Department of Geography of Salesian college hold the position as one of the Nodal centresfor the IIRS Outreach program.

Various courses are being held with different time schedule under this Outreach program whereas participants (students or teachers or other members) can get registered for each course and can take participation from the distances. The annual course calendar of 2021 are attached below.

Regards,

Assistant Professor Manasi Debnath

Department of Geography

Salesian College

Siliguri, West Bengal

India