ZANKHANA VATHANI

ROLL NO 95
R. R EDUCATIONAL TRUST AND COLLEGE
SUB: CONTEMPORARY INDIA AND EDUCATION

EMINAR PRESENTATION ON THE IMPACT OF EMERGING TRENDS/ POLICES IN

EDUCATION
OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING
 INTRODUCTION
The term “open learning” is used to describe learning situations in which learners have
the flexibility to choose from a variety of options in relation to the time, place, instructional
methods, modes of access, and other factors related to their learning processes.

Open and Distance Learning (ODL) system is a system wherein teachers and learners need not
necessarily be present either at same place or same time and is flexible in regard to modalities and timing
of teaching and learning as also the admission criteria without compromising necessary quality
considerations.
The Benefits of Open Learning

Open learning is helping democratize education, by making it more affordable, accessible, and
attainable to students, no matter their location or income level. It also helps students explore new
industries before investing in an often costly, more formal education.
“I think we are just beginning to tap into the opportunities made possible through the open
approach,” Matthews-Denatales says. “Open learning could be a key component to solving some
of the hardest problems in education.”
In an open education system, every professional can pursue lifelong learning.
 MEANING AND IMPORTANCE OF DISTANCE EDUCATION

Distance education is traditionally defined as, any educational or learning procedure in which the guide
and the student are separated geographically. There is no interaction between students. ... Present-day
distance learning in India is influenced a lot by computer, mobile and electronics technology.

“Open and distance learning is important for providing greater access to education, but it
has also proved time and again to be a successful mode of higher education, although not
necessarily recognized by students and governments around the world,” Tian told University
World News.

Distance Education is inexpensive & provides opportunities to the students to enhance their
qualifications. In the last couple decades, Distance Learning has evolved a lot. With the
advancement of technology, distance learning also includes e-learning or online learning.
 MODES OF OPEN AND DISTANCE
EDUCATION
Open and distance education in India is offered through two modes; either through
correspondence courses by the various correspondence course institutions (CCIs) or
through face‐to‐face open education by open schools and universities . These open
schools and universities are single‐mode contiguous learning institutions.

Distance Learning in India for higher education in India was initiated in the form of Correspondence
Courses in 1962, in response to the ever- increasing demand for higher education which could not
be met by the conventional system.
 List of Top 10 Distance Education Universities of
India
•IGNOU Distance Learning. ...
•Amity University Distance Education. ...
•Symbiosis University. ...
•Annamalai University. ...
•Sikkim Manipal University. ...
•School of Distance Learning, Delhi University. ...
•Institute of Management & Technology (IMT) ...
•Suresh Gyan Vihar University.

distance learning, also called distance education, e-learning, and online learning, form of education in
which the main elements include physical separation of teachers and students during
instruction and the use of various technologies to facilitate student-teacher and student-student
communication.
Advantages of Distance Learning
1. Greater Flexibility
With distance learning programs, students can pursue and complete their desired courses from anywhere with the use of
computer and internet connection. A larger percentage of those that enroll for distance education are actually persons who are
working. Distance education allows such students to find convenient time to study without interfering with their already busy
schedule. One can study after work, in the middle of the night or during weekends. Learning materials and instruction can
actually be obtained online at any time. So working students can learn as they earn.
2. No commuting
Distance learning takes place online, which means students don't need to spend money and time commuting to and from class
venues. Students can take lessons and complete assignments from the comfort of their home. Most institutions that offer
distance learning programs deliver lectures and tutorials through online video conferencing. That means students don’t have
to be stuck to the classroom. One can actually enjoy class sessions from the comfort of their living room couch, bedroom or
garden. Video conferencing solutions like talks Cloud Meeting offer innovative whiteboards and screen/file sharing options
that make classes more interactive. Its full HD video and audio experience duplicates the real-life class scenario that makes
online lectures more meaningful.
3. Significant Cost Savings
The cost of online-based education programs is generally lower compared to those offered in brick-and-mortar institutions.
Undertaking an online course or program also eliminates the costs associated with commuting, renting an apartment and/or
getting meal plans. That means distance learning an economically viable option for both students and parents. Apart from the
convenience of pursuing a course from home, students will have a perfect opportunity to save more on their studies.
course in much detail.
4. Convenient Learning
For most of the working class students, going back to the classroom is rather intimidating. Asking questions about
a hard concept about a given topic can also be embarrassing for shy students. But that's not the case with
distance learning. A disciplined and self-motivated student can learn at his or her own pace. Online education
combines the use of tutorials, eLearning materials and video conference class sessions to deliver knowledge to
students.

Disadvantages of Distance Learning​

1. Lack of Social Interaction​
Learning in a brick-and-mortar institution presents students with the opportunity to meet and interact with people from
different locations on a personal level. Distance learning only limits students to classes and learning materials that are
based online. Though students can interact through chat rooms, discussion boards, emails and/or video conferencing
software, the experience cannot be compared to that of a traditional campus.​
2. High Chances of Distraction​
With no face-to-face interaction with instructors and other students, those who are enrolled on an online program might
find it hard to keep track of their course work and assignments. That's because there are no constant reminders about
pending assignments and/or deadlines. It only requires one to be self-motivated and focused to be able to complete a
course successfully. Hence distance learning cannot be a good option for students who keep procrastinating things or
those who aren't able to stick to deadlines.​
3. Complicated Technology

Any student seeking to enroll for a distance learning program needs to invest in a range of equipment including
computer, webcam and stable internet connection. There is absolutely no physical contact between students and
instructors as instruction is delivered over the internet. This overdependence on technology is a major drawback to
distance learning. In case of any software or hardware malfunction, the class session will come to a standstill, something
that can interrupt the learning process. Moreover, the complicated nature of the technology used in distance learning
only limits online education to students who are computer and tech savvy.

4. Questionable Credibility of Online Degrees​

Despite its convenience and affordability, distance learning is still not the best option for many due to lack of lack
of quality faculty members. Even when the instructors are fully qualified and experienced, they might not find
it comfortable to teach in an online environment. The design and delivery of every course differs greatly.
Sometimes the instructor might find little time to talk about trivial details of a given topic, which are otherwise
important to helping students understand better a given concept. That, plus a host of other challenges like lack of
proper assessment make credibility of distance learning degrees questionable.​
As a matter of fact, there many employers out there who do not accept online degrees as they still find stigma attached
to distance education. That means students have to evaluate whether or not their online degrees can be ideal for the
target job or future learning. This discourages many students from undertaking a distance learning program even when
the degree being offered is genuine and competitive in the market.​
What is distance learning?
Distance learning refers primarily to a system of learning in which students are not physically present in the classroom,
but attend classes virtually, oftentimes from their homes. There are several types of distance education:

•Correspondence courses refer to learning from the instructional materials (books) provided by the educational institution
without direct communication with the lecturer. Even testing is done through forms that are filled out online, or submitted
by e-mail or regular mail. Although it may sound outdated, this method is still widely used, primarily to complement other
forms of learning. It is also very popular in the business world, where it exists in the form of employee tests and courses.

•E-learning initially referred to online learning, although recently, its meaning has extended to encompass all forms of e-
learning, including pre-recorded and live lectures, interactive lessons, listening to audio material, etc.

•Open learning is another term that is often used interchangeably with distance learning, although it has its own unique
characteristics. It primarily refers to the learning principle where students learn in the way they think is best for them.
Given that distance education is based on student self-control and their desire for learning, it is clear why these terms
merged into one.
 PURPOSE OF DISTANCE LEARNING
Distance education refers to all forms of education which take place through communication means like online
learning or correspondence, for which you don't have to be present in a particular location for classes whereas
Open education usually refers to education which is available to anyone, regardless of student ...

Technology is an integral part of distance education ​

​
Although it may seem that this education system arose with the development of modern technologies and the Internet, it
has actually existed long before that. In the modern age, communication was carried out via letters, radio and television,
in step with the development of technology. ​
Today, distance education primarily occurs online, through software that allows students to attend classes
and communicate with the lecturer in real time. The fact that these lectures are computer-based is no longer an
issue. Applications that enable a high level of interaction during lectures are being developed and updated every day. ​
Nowadays, it is possible to actively participate in class, ask questions to the lecturer, complete assignments, and
many other things. The introduction of new technologies provides additional opportunities, but it should be noted
that most things can still be done using the Internet, mobile phone, computer and adequate conferencing software.
This learning environment is highly effective which encourages people to increasingly opt for distance education from
the comfort of their home. ​
 The most popular forms of online education
There are different methods of distance learning, but the most practical ones have found application in a number of
educational institutions:

•Video conferencing – form of distance education closest to traditional, face-to-face learning. Allows teachers to
directly address their students (or one student if we are talking about private lessons). Communication takes place in
real time (synchronous learning) and it is possible to engage in dialog, just like in the traditional classroom.

•Hybrid learning – a combined lecture that takes place in real time, and is attended both by students physically present
in the classroom and online learning students.

•Asynchronous distance learning – a form of education where students and teachers don’t communicate with each
other in real time (usually due to being in different time zones). Lectures are pre-recorded and can be watched and re-
watched on-demand, and students ask questions via email or one of the communication platforms.

•Open-schedule online courses – students have access to the necessary learning material, but they don’t have defined
deadlines. Instead, they can attend courses when it suits them.
•Fixed-time online courses – students are required to attend lectures.
The Pros And Cons Of Distance Education
If you are thinking about distance education, then you definitely want to know everything about it.
The Pluses
You Have The Opportunity To Learn At Any Time
A student who studies remotely can decide when and how much time to devote during a semester to studying the
material. They make an individual study schedule for themselves. Some educational institutions give their students the
opportunity to postpone and return to their studies without having to pay tuition fees again.
You Have The Opportunity To Study At Your Own Pace
Students do not have to worry that they will leave their classmates behind. You can always go back to studying more
complicated questions, watch video lectures several times, read correspondence from the teacher, and you can skip
already known topics. The main thing is to successfully pass intermediate and final attestations.
You Can Study Any Place
Students can study without leaving their home or office, anywhere in the world. To start learning, you must have a
computer with internet access. Absence of the need to attend an educational institution every day is a definite advantage
for people with disabilities, for those living in hard-to-reach areas, imprisoned parents with young children.
Offers On-The-Job Training
It is possible to study remotely in several courses simultaneously to receive the next higher degree. For this purpose, it is
not necessary to take a vacation at the main place of work or go on business trips. There are educational organizations
that organize corporate training (professional development) for employees of firms and civil servants. In this case, the
study does not interrupt the length of service, and the issues studied can be immediately applied to working life.
High Training Results
Studies by American scientists show that the results of distance learning are not inferior or even superior to traditional
forms of education. Distance learning students study most of the learning material on their own. This improves the
memorization and understanding of topics learned. And the ability to immediately apply the knowledge in practice at
work helps to consolidate it. In addition, the use of the latest technology in the learning process makes it more
interesting and lively.

Offers Mobility
Communication with teachers/tutors is carried out in different ways, both online and offline. Consulting with a tutor by
email is sometimes more effective and faster than scheduling a face-to-face meeting in person or by correspondence.
Availability Of Training Materials
The students who study remotely are unfamiliar with such a problem. Access to all necessary literature is available to
students after registration on the university website or they receive educational materials by mail.
Distance Education Is Cheaper
If we compare training in a single specialty on a commercial basis, both full-time and remotely, the second will be
cheaper. The student does not have to pay for travel, accommodation, and in the case of foreign universities, they do not
need to spend money on a visa or foreign passport.
It Is Convenient For The Teacher
Teachers and tutors who teach remotely can pay attention to more students and work while on maternity leave, for
example.
Individual Approach
In traditional teaching, it is quite difficult for the teacher to give the necessary amount of attention to all students in the
group and to adjust to the work pace of each. The use of distance technologies is suitable for organizing an individual
approach. In addition to the fact that the student chooses their own pace of learning, they can quickly get answers from
the tutor.
The Minuses

Strong Motivation Is Required

Almost all training material is mastered by the students themselves. This requires developed willpower,
responsibility, and self-control. Not everyone is able to maintain the right pace of learning without control.
Distance Education Is Not Suitable For The Development Of Communication Skills
In distance learning, students' personal contact with each other and with teachers is minimal, if any. Therefore, this
form of training is not suitable for developing communication skills, confidence, or teamwork skills.

Lack Of Practical Knowledge

It is difficult to teach specialties that involve a large number of practical exercises remotely. Even the most modern
simulators will not replace future physicians or teachers of "live" practice.
The Problem Of User Identification
So far, the most effective way to see if a student has passed exams or credits honestly and independently is through
video surveillance, which is not always possible. That's why students have to come to the final exam in person to visit
the university or its branches.
 5 key characteristics of distance education
Distance education has various characteristics that make this model of learning so attractive for students around the
world, but the following characteristics are most important:

1.Flexibility
One of the main reasons why people choose online learning is the ability to balance their private and school
commitments. In most cases, students who opt for online education have commitments that cannot be postponed. This
is why they need the freedom of being able to plan when they will attend lectures and complete assignments. In
addition, e-learning allows a learning rhythm that does not depend on other students, so one can speed up or slow
down depending on their abilities and commitments.

2.All learning materials are in one place

In online learning, learning materials are available to students at all times. Educational institutions are obligated to
provide each student with the learning material necessary for passing exams and successfully completing the course.
Learning material usually refers to recordings of online lectures, online books, tests, etc. Literature is mostly stored
on the school server or sent to students’ email so they could use it when it suits them. This saves time and facilitates
independent learning.
 – 3 flexible time
people choose distance learning because they want to have the freedom to study when their obligations allow. This is
possible thanks to the main characteristic of online education, i.e. possibility of delayed viewing. All lectures are
recorded and uploaded to the server, after which they are available to students 24/7. The recorded material can be
paused, rewound, or rewatched, which makes it easier to follow lessons and maintain the desired learning pace.

4 cost effective online education is, as a rule, significantly cheaper than traditional education. Tuition fees are
lower primarily because students are not physically present at lectures. In addition, there are no accompanying costs of
transportation, books and food. Online education only requires a stable Internet connection and a laptop (or even a
mobile phone).

5Quality – distance education provides high-quality education that not only enables the acquisition of new
knowledge, but also internationally recognized diplomas and certificates. A large number of schools that organize
online courses have years of experience in this field, and can guarantee top quality teachers and latest study programs.
This is why diplomas and certificates acquired in online programs are highly valued around the world, both by other
educational institutions and employers.
 Distance learning in India
India has one of the largest educational systems in the world. There has been tremendous expansion since
independence. The education at all stages brings prosperity. Our country will prosper rapidly, in the present
day world set up, when it will have a higher percentage of highly educated people. Hence the great mass of
illiterate people has to be made literate. All the children up to the end of elementary stage have to be provided
with schooling. There are to be made adequate provisions for a bulk of school-going children and for higher
education, technical education and scientific education.
The rural population and the backward people of the society have to be given better facilities for education for
their upliftment. It is being felt that formal education in schools, colleges and universities, will not help us to
achieve our goals of these universal education for the schooling is beyond the means of our country due to the
increasing population and limited resources. Hence, formal education will not help to accelerate the march
towards progress.

The idea of distance learning in India took a concrete form after independence. The Independence raised
the hopes for educational reconstruction and the idea of distance education gained a great support when
our planners and administrators became alive to this new task. For the first in India, an Expert Committee
under the chairmanship of Dr D.S. Kothari was appointed by the Union Ministry of Education to explore
the possibility of starting correspondence courses in a few selected universities.
In pursuance of the recommendation of this expert committee, a pilot project in correspondence education
was started by the Delhi University in 1962-63 for B.A., BCom (Pass) level students. Then Delhi
Administration took initiative in starting correspondence course for the Secondary school level examination
under the Directorate of Education.
As a result of which the Open School at Delhi has started its activities in July, 1979, under the Central Board
of Secondary Education (CBSE) for appearing at the Central Board Examinations through its specially
prepared instructional materials, assignment, face- to-face contacts and other multi-media programmed. This
latest innovative idea of open school will be discussed in the foregoing pages.
The University Grants Commission has approved new guidelines drawn up by its Standing Committee to
improve the functioning of Correspondence Courses. The commission has accepted “in principle” the
proposal of different universities of the country to start correspondence course leading to B.A. and BCom.
degrees.
At present, number of universities and organizations are providing correspondence courses at the
undergraduate level and some Universities at the Post-graduate level in social science, life and physical
sciences, commerce and languages.
A few Universities are also providing correspondence courses for Teacher Education after obtaining approval
from the National Council of Teacher Education (NCTE) as per the approved guidelines of the University
Grants Commission, Recently, the University Grants Commission had issued necessary instructions to the
Universities for discontinuing pre-service teacher training courses taking note of the view of National Council
of teacher Education.
In this regard, the Report of the Committee under the chairmanship of Acharya Ramamurti, 1990 for review
of National Policy on Education, 1986 popularly known as National policy on Education Review Committee.
(NPERC) states that a strong distance education system of in-service education should be developed using TV
Radio and print media. It can be strengthened by occasion-contact programmed.
The first degree in Teacher Education should not be given through correspondence education. Because, in the
correspondence mode of pre-service teacher training, the trainees do not get adequate explore to school
conditions, and practice teaching is perfunctory.
Hence a correspondence course is not adequate for preparing a balanced professional teacher. Therefore,
there is urgently need for withdrawing sub-standard Teacher Education Institutions. Here, the author gives
his little remark regarding the withdrawal of pre-service teacher training institutions, showing in Favour of
opening these institutions with some suggestions. That, there should be proper selection of students enrolled
under correspondence course through strait aptitude and attainment test and not merely on University grade
or mark.
◦ Quality education through distance
learning
◦Thanks to its many positive characteristics, distance
education has never been so accessible as it is now. Various
obstacles, such as lack of time have been solved in this form
of education, as shown by the data, because more and more
students around the world opt for e-learning. Simply put,
studying from home enables one to obtain high-quality
education, while retaining the flexibility of their private life.
Everyone is entitled to a good education and a chance for a
successful career, and this is exactly what online education
can provide.
 Conclusion
Despite its numerous drawbacks, distance learning still provides better learning options for students wishing to enjoy
greater convenience and flexibility in pursuing a course. The greatest benefits of distance education is that it allows
students to access numerous learning tools using minimum financial resources. Studying online is even made more
interactive with the use of video conferencing software. That improves the ability to acquire and retain knowledge on a
given subject.
However, distance education limits social interaction, involves use of complex technology and has a negative perception
among some employers. Any student wishing to enroll for distance learning diploma or degree should weigh between its
pros and cons to determine whether or not it's a good option. Generally, distance education can be the perfect option for
working students.