Distance learning- Innovation through pedagogy Learning, knowledge-building, application and sustained productivity make the ideal framework

for higher education. As one of the crucial stepping stones to the job industry, there is even greater need in higher education to drill out skills- through the pedagogy. In the past few years, Innovation in pedagogy has chiefly reflected in the Distance education space as this mode of learning is becoming increasingly popular amongst the mass-student community. The contributing factors for distance learning growth are convenience, flexibility and affordability, for the larger Indian mass who want to earn and study at the same time. All the innovative techniques used have made the job industry view the distance learning stream as a potential channel to meet to the demands for skilled workforce. Online MBA program is aimed at providing the students complete flexibility in pursuing further education without compromising on quality. Apart from designing industry-oriented curriculum, distance education universities have also restructured the pedagogy - the course structure, the teaching methods etc. The teacher plays a vital role in honing the skills of the students, which is assumed to be missing in the Distance education scenario. The approach and mode of transferring knowledge moves from sheer theoretical lecturing to practical experimentation. When a student gets hands on experience of the concepts being taught, there is more engagement from the students end, to listen and understand. The practical approach also helps the student to research on his/her skills, where they apply and discover new avenues of learning. In a campus scenario also, the faculty should, from time to time reinvent teaching methodologies to deliver an active process of learning. Periodic assessment of students progress also helps drill out the most effective and reliable method of teaching. Other ways that have innovated pedagogy in distance education, is through the use of technology. The wide spectrum of technological devices and the online platform, offer a plethora of advantages, with 24X7 global connectivity. Through this medium, students are led through multiple channels, which helps them witness the practical application of the subject being taught. To elaborate further, a fashion designing student can take a peek into the working style of an expert fashion designer of global stature. This kind of exposure will not only keep the student aware of global trends in fashion but also of the novel approach to designing, using different tools of technology. To cite another example, biotechnology students through the online medium can participate in world-wide, web-cast seminars on

biotechnological developments, which will keep them connected with the developments in the field. Teaching methods in the modern day distance learning space foster team-building and consequently, knowledge sharing skills. Learning, exploring, experimenting and researching in groups has become a part of distance education. In the group learning technique, the students acquired skills are put to test, by enabling a peer to learn about the same through simple, effective and innovative approaches, thus acting as a fool-proof skill-enhancement technique.