Professor Becomes Guinness Record Holder

Coimbatore: If one had a doubt as to the possibility of teaching 1,934 students spread over 16 different venues in 10 countries at the same time, then they can lay their doubts to rest. S.Subramonian, Principal of R.V. Arts and Science College, made an attempt at it here in November last. He addressed students of the “Largest Computer Class – Multiple Location” for an hour from the college premises through a dial – up connection.

In an attempt to enter the Guinness Book of World Records, Professor Subramonian took an hour – long class for the students to break the previous record created in China with 1.135 students. The Guinness Book of World Records has approved his attempt in January 2007.

Inaugurated online by G.Thiruvasagam, Vice – Chancellor of Bharathiar University, the class involved Professor Subramonian giving a lecture to school children on the topic, “How to attend an online class?” He used his computer to create a virtual classroom with the help of a teaching software known as Conference V2 software.

His students were from Austria, Ecuador, Ghana, Greece, Kuwait, Lithuania, Mexico, Malaysia, Nigeria, Poland, Philippines, Russia, Taiwan, Nepal and the USA. Closer home, students from Kerala, Harayana and Bangalore also participated.

Speaking on the reason for the attempt, he said, “It is not only for the sake of breaking the record, but also to attract the attention of the younger generation towards the teaching profession. They should understand that information technology could be put to use for teaching is keeping in pace with information technology.” Professor Subramonian already held a record in the Limca Book of Records for teaching continuously for 61 hours and 35 minutes. The President, APJ Abdul Kalam, has congratulated Professor Subramonian for his entry into the Guinness Book World Records.

The proud record holder expressed hope that if he got support and recognition from the State Government he would be able to produce a world record every year in the field of education.

Professor Becomes Guinness Record Holder