Prof. M.M. Pant

A Ph.D in Computational Physics, along with a Professional Law Degree, and has been a practitioner in the fields of Law, IT enabled education and IT implementation.

Drawing upon his experience in world class international institutions and having taught in various modes of Face-to-Face, Distance Learning and Technology Enhanced Training, Prof. Pant is now exploring the nature of institutions which will be successors to the IITs, which represented the 1960s, IIMs, which represented the 1970 and Open Universities which were the rage of 1980s & 90s.

He believes in the maxim, that convergence between various media and technologies would fundamentally alter the way learning would be created, packaged, and delivered to learners. His current activities are all directed toward actual implementation of these new age educational initiatives.

Prof. Pant, has been the Former Pro-Vice Chancellor, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and has been on the faculty of IIT - Kanpur (the premier Engineering institution in India), MLNR Engineering College and Faculty & Visiting Professor - University of Western Ontario-Canada.

He has been visiting scientist to research centers in Italy, England, Germany & Sweden and has delivered international lectures with about 80 papers published.

During his association of over 14 years with the IGNOU, Prof. Pant has served as the Director Computing and has been the Member of All Bodies (i.e. School boards, Academic council, Planning board, Finance committee and the Board of management).

With his interest in Law, backed with practice of Law in a High Court, and his basic training in Science and IT, Prof. Pant has been particularly interested in the Cyber Law, Patent & trade mark issues, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) issues etc. and has been involved with many activities, conferences on "Law & IT"

Prof. Pant is presently:

• Member - Board of Management - I I T, Delhi
• One-man committee to create the Project Report & Legislation for Delhi IT-enabled Open University
• Advisor to the Delhi Government on Asian Network of Major Cities Project (ANMC-21) distance learning project, being pursued in association with Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

Some of Prof. Pant's key works include:

• Introduction of Keller Plan at I.I.T., Kanpur
• Development of Computer-supported Learning Systems & implementation at IGNOU
• Associated with the IIT - JEE entrance examination to India's premier Engineering Institution, conducted on an all India basis.
• Computerization activities for the Indian Representative of ETS, USA for conduct of their TOEFL & GRE examination in India, Sikkim & Nepal.
• Design and implementation of Student Registration and Evaluation methods as well as Evaluation Systems and Procedures for Testing and Examinations at the IGNOU.
• Associated with the Project Development as Member, committee for on I I I T, Allahabad

With his mission to create and implement new business opportunities in the area of e-learning & learning facilitation, Prof. Pant has promoted Planet EDU Pvt. Ltd., as its Founder & Chairman, along with a team of highly experienced and skilled professionals from Education & Training, Operations, IT and Finance.