Observing that internet has emerged as a huge source of information for students, Andhra Pradesh IT minister P Lakshmiah on Friday said colleges have to offer more to differentiate themselves from web-based sources.

"In today's age, a student does not have to go to the college or university to get information. He can go to Google or find that on any of his social technical networks. If universities or colleges have to differentiate themselves from Google and Facebook, they need to provide a layer above the knowledge foundation," he said.

The minister was speaking at the 'Indo-Global Education Summit 2012' held in Hyderabad.

Cross-cultural learning would benefit students immensely in the globalised world, the minister also said.

"This is the age of globalisation. World is one. Work gets moved around to the best possible location. students should have a global perspective. It is very important to have cross-cultural learning," he said.

Speaking on the occasion, AP high court's justice G Raghuram emphasised that "quality education should be prioritised over quantitative education, and it is in that area that we require synergies from the best educational institutions."