Meaning of distance Education
Today two terms that are being used almost inter-changeably are ‘Open Learning’ and ‘Distance Education’ and they are often combined to be known as Open and Distance Learning (ODL). Open learning is a philosophy and Distance Education is the mode used for translating it into reality as the two are complementary to each other. Distance education is mode of imparting education. In this mode student needs to register with a recognized university providing education in distance mode. The student no needs to attend classes except practical classes (if required). Student
will receive self learning material (SLM) , needs to solve assignments and appear in the examination.
There is no face to face contact, student can study at his own pace, can take the help of internet as it is a vast source of knowledge and can score good marks. It depends upon the interest of the student. Distance mode is suitable for working professionals seeking additional degree, people who are from poor financial background, who cannot afford regular education or people who are
interested in enhancing their knowledge
It can be through correspondence system or through open system. In the regular system, there is eligibility requirement for enrolment in any course. But in the open system, the courses are open to any person who has attained the age of 18 years but had no formal education. That person can undergo Bachelor Preparatory Course (BPP) of Open University and after its completion can enroll for any course.History of Distance Education in India
The Indian government while realizing the need for distance education opened the prestigious University (IGNOU) Indira Gandhi National Open University in 1985, which offers students degrees widely accepted in the job market as any other recognized Distance Education course.
Since distance is no longer an impediment to pursue a course and complete them as most universities have study and examination centers in many cities, the interest in Distance Education is growing very rapidly in India and is expected to double up in the next decade. This Directory on Open learning will serve the purpose of making it easy for students to choose courses in Distance Education along with full details on Universities offering them.
Members of Distance Education Council (DEC), The Vice-Chancellor of IGNOU acts as the Chairman of the DEC.
- Other members of the DEC include representatives from:
- Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD)
- University Grants Commission (UGC)
- National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC)
- Vice-Chancellors of State Open Universities
- University Grants Commission (UGC)
Main roles and functions of the DEC,
1. The key duty of the DEC is to promote the open university/distance education system, coordinate its development and ensure that the quality of education is maintained as the best.
2. The DEC starts the process of recognition. It recognizes ODL institutions on the basis of how prepared they are to offer programmes through distance mode depending upon their infrastructure, human and other resources, learner support system, and teaching methods. Recognition is the certification for offering education through ODL mode. It is, therefore, mandatory for institutions to get recognition from the DEC.
3. Another major role of the DEC is in matters of financial interest. The DEC appoints committees that assess what development grants need to be sanctioned for various open universities and distance education institutions.
Thus, it is clear that the DEC, as an apex agency, is responsible for recognizing ODL institutions in India. It is compulsory that all institutions should take prior approval from the DEC for all existing and new programmes they plan to offer through distance mode. The DEC also provides technical and financial support to the Open and Distance Education institutes in the country.
Growth of ODL System in Higher Education
The growth of distance education has been exponential over the last four decades in our country beginning. With the establishment of Dr BR Ambedkar Open University, Hyderabad in 1982, a new chapter in the distance education system began when full fledged Open University with the mandate to provide distance education was established. This was followed by the establishment of Indira Gandhi National Open University in 1985. The idea of having institutions imparting open distance learning was accepted by many states and 1987 saw the emergence of two more Open
Universities, namely, Nalanda Open University (NOU) Patna, Bihar and Vardhman Mahaveer Open University (VMOU), Kota, Rajasthan. Subsequently, Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMOU), Nashik, Maharashtra was established in 1989. The 17 Open Universities on date have a strong network of about 11000 study centers and about 70,000 academic counselors to support the learning needs of students. The Open Universities offer all kinds of programmes ranging from vocational to general to professional to technical.
Karnataka State Open University started as the Institute of Correspondence Course and Continuing Education, a wing of Mysore University. It was formally established on June 1st, 1996 under the Karnataka State Open University Act of 1992, with the objective of introducing and promoting the system of Open University and distance learning in the state of Karnataka.
Advantages of Distance education.
The main advantage of Correspondence Education is that it allows you to fit your learning around your work and home life. You can usually also set your own pace of study. It is your decision as to when and where you study. It doesn’t matter where you live – you can gain a degree from anywhere in the world.
How the Open Education operations in India?
India has one of the largest DE systems in the world, second only to China.
There are six types of institutions offering Distance Education today:
- National Open University
- State Open Universities
- Distance Education Institutions (DEIs) at-
- Institutions of National Importance –
- Central Universities
- State Universities
- Deemed to be Universities
- State Private Universities DEIs at Stand alone Institutions
- Professional Associations
- Government Institutions
- Private institutions
Scope of Distance Education in India
There is a huge scope of distance education in future. This mode of education attracts the people who are currently engaged in job and want to pursue higher education along with their career. Correspondence education also known as distance learning is the medium of learning without attending the regular classrooms.