Distance Learning: IndiaAs in other parts of the world, distance learning in India is gaining in popularity. This can be attributed to a number of technical and practical reasons. There’s no question that the personal computer and the internet have radically contributed to the distance learning explosion around the world. The ability to communicate in real time with professors and classmates, coupled with the opportunity to work at one’s own pace, creates a learning environment that offers the best of all worlds. In India, however, many areas lack computers but do offer distance learning courses via television. For areas and individuals that don’t have computers, internet access, or television service, India’s distance learning programs are also offered via correspondence courses.
Under the auspices of the Indira Gandhi National Open University Act of 1985, the Distance Education Council was born. The purpose of the council is to educate the public regarding distance education and open universities, as well as to coordinate their efforts. The council is further charged with establishing and maintaining standards of acceptability within distance learning and open university programs. India offers a dual system of distance education. The open system permits anyone who desires to enroll in a course or program of study the ability to do so. Students are generally not required to have a diploma, prior certifications, or degrees to undertake these studies. The only stipulations established by some schools offering open system education is that diploma and undergraduate level courses are offered to students aged 18 and older, or 21 years and older for postgraduate work. In addition, some courses may require that applicants demonstrate their capability by sitting for a written examination. The second distance education system offered in India is called the regular system. As the name suggests, students must apply for courses offered under this system and have the same qualifications as students enrolling in identical courses that meet on a campus. While the qualifications are more stringent than for open system courses, these classes are easier to get into because they aren’t as limited in terms of capacity. Another reason for the popularity of distance learning in India is the fact that it is more affordable than attending classes at a brick-and-mortar university. Employment is at least as competitive as acceptance into a university, and without specialized training and enhanced qualifications, there is little chance of getting ahead. In fact, many of India’s businesses require documentation in the form of certifications or degrees just to qualify for consideration for a promotion. Distance learning has been and continues to be a boon to India’s rural population for whom travel to university is not feasible. As well, many Indians who live in areas where elementary education is limited can still take advantage of distance learning opportunities. In 2004, India launched a specialized satellite dedicated to distance learning education in order to create opportunities for populations living far from city centers. Through distance learning programs, students have opportunities to earn professional certifications and degrees at a number of levels. A diploma and postgraduate diploma is offered for certain types of courses including engineering and technology, computer studies, agriculture, education, and a range of vocational classes. Degrees that are available via distance learning include first degrees, postgraduate degrees, and research degrees, which include a Master’s in Philosophy in dozens of areas of concentration such as history, economics, chemistry, public administration, zoology, and political science. PhD professional courses include journalism, teacher education, nursing, information technology, computer technology, library science, and more. The Indira Gandhi National Open University is the major contributor to distance learning in India. The greatest number of distance learning courses in India is delivered via television. This is problematic for the vast populations who lack television access in the home. However, even in many remote and poverty-stricken areas, there is a surprising amount of media access. Also, the Indira Gandhi National Open University broadens availability even further by providing distance learning satellite links to more than 2,000 educational institutions nationwide. In areas that are too remote for a learning center, many classes are taught via radio, opening up educational opportunities to a far wider segment of the populace. The Amity School of Distance Learning is another very successful and popular distance learning university in India. The Amity School concentrates on information technology and business programs, offering students a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree through them. The Amity School primarily serves individuals who have already secured a professional position and intend to increase their employment opportunities through earning a higher degree, mothers who remain at home with young children, and individuals who are in the military. Distance learning programs are offered not only by open universities that are exclusively dedicated to off-campus education, but also by brick-and-mortar universities that offer opportunities through their departments of correspondence courses and also by private schools proffering professional level certifications. As is the case elsewhere, the quality of distance learning programs varies. Among factors that contribute to the quality of education students receive is the quality of materials through which lessons are delivered. Information must be well organized, thorough, and timely in order to offer the best education. This holds true regardless of whether the information is delivered via correspondence courses, television, or the internet. Secondly, quality can be affected by how capable instructors and students are of using available technologies. For students who do have computer access, those lacking computer fluency are at a disadvantage. A third contributing factor is the availability and competency of guidance made available to students either virtually or at study centers throughout the country. |
A second reason for the growing popularity of distance learning is due to the restricted size of face-to-face classes. This means that the increasing number of students vying for a limited number of seats ultimately leaves out capable, competent students who are serious about gaining an education in order to create a better life for themselves and for their families.