Nepal Open University, a newly established University, is the first institution of its kind to impart knowledge, skills, and competencies to working individuals at various locations inside the country and outside it through open, distance, and blended modes with flexibility in terms of pace, place, and time. The University assumes that the processes of teaching, learning, researching, and assessing can be performed and operated through online and distance mode by the use of Information Communication Technology (including Artificial Intelligence), networks of various kinds, electronic repositories of in the compatible electronic devices.
By the use of virtual learning platforms (MOODLE) and virtual classrooms (Microsoft TEAMS) learners undergo an intensive and active engagement in which they will have ample opportunities to speak, discuss, interact, participate, make their presentations, submit their assignments, make comments, co-create and collaborate and, of course, intensively participate in the Face-to-Face interaction mostly at their convenient locations (such as various learning centers of the country). With access to the electronic database (e-library), learners may engage themselves by generating new knowledge and acquiring skills through cybergogy, peeragogy, and heutagogy.
To ensure the quality of online and distance education, the Faculty has conducted its examinations, proctored through the surveillance tools, at multiple levels (written, oral, and portfolio) by the use of randomized, unique /individualized, localized, and contextualized questions demanding higher-order thinking skills. The diversified assessment systems (such as placement, diagnostic, formative, continuous, and summative) have been employed to achieve
 
the intended learning outcomes. Very soon, the Faculty will incorporate plagiarism checking software to encourage and inspire learners towards academic integrity.
Faculty of Social Sciences and Education has launched programs at various levels: Diploma, Bachelor, Master, PG Diploma, and M Phil (the Ph. D. programs will start very soon). It has been jointly collaborating with the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology to operate its One-Year B. Ed. Program. It has been actively involved in five educational projects in collaboration with Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu University, and European Universities. The Faculty has successfully conducted the 2020 STAR KATHMANDU CONFERENCE in collaboration with STAR Scholars Network, United States of America. The Faculty is initiating and developing new programs such as Corruption Studies, Kirant Studies, Islamic Studies, Buddhist Studies, Hindu Studies, and Magar Studies.
These programs under this Faculty are up-to-date and designed to address the current job market context of Nepal. Professors /instructors at this Faculty are not just facilitators and mentors, they work as students’ torch-bearers, supporters, coaches, and advisors from guided to autonomous learning and researching. Keeping learners at the center, the Faculty has closely and carefully observed the quality-assuring processes from start to the end of each of the Sessions. The Faculty, further, assumes that in today’s context knowledge, skills and competencies can be imparted /transferred collaboratively, multimodally, multilaterally in a distributed manner.
 
Professor Ram Chandra Paudel, PhD
Dean of Faculty of Social Sciesce and Educations