The 12th Five Year Plan aims to achieve a 30% GER of the current 15% GER for students in the higher education segment. To attract more numbers from the student segment requires not only accessibility but also affordability, flexibility and relaxation of eligibility criteria. With these workable and workable parameters, distance education serves as a trailblazer for mass education and can greatly expand its scope of application to attract more students to continue their education.
distance learning has grown in shape and size and currently accounts for 22% of the total GER of students in the tertiary segment. Considering the needs of the Indian crowd who want to pursue higher education while continuing to work, distance learning can be the bridge for aspiring students/professionals to achieve their dreams. The areas that can strengthen distance learning initiatives in India are:
remote access:
Currently India has 544 universities and 3132 colleges. The country’s burgeoning universities have not provided easy access for students from remote areas. According to a survey, almost 24% of all enrollments in the higher education system come from the ODL system. To increase this percentage, distance learning universities can focus on opening information/learning centers in regions with low CEFR but huge student potential. Apart from that, in view of the Internet penetration in the country, the online medium of training and studies can also be used in regions with a prominent Internet presence.
Innovative pedagogy for higher employability:
As the competitive job industry seeks qualified workers, students with industry-relevant knowledge of the subjects they study have a better chance of landing the right job. Industry-oriented training through state-of-the-art course modules with a balance between practical and academic training make distance learning more relevant today. For example, SMU-DE’s online platform EduNxt offers many opportunities for deep learning and development of its students and has a large student base.
mediation services
Universities such as IGNOU and SMU-DE offer placement services to their students. SMU-DE has its own switching cell, which is networked with the country’s large employment offices.
Job fair initiatives are also taken up distance universities will secure job prospects for prospective students after distance learning.
Introduction of New Age courses, business-based, professional courses
The market trends determine the growth of different industries and thus different opportunities. As an agricultural economy, India offers many perspectives for professionals who conduct research in agricultural sciences and can offer innovative solutions to Indian farmers. distance learning courses related to agriculture are more relevant to the larger population who would be keen to add value to their farm or other family business. Similarly, professional education has greater application for the labor force – the semi-urban or rural sections of society who can gain additional skills and better financial status.
Open universities like IGNOU have set up vocational schools to promote the study of vocational sciences. In this context, SMU-DE offers fashion design, journalism and mass communication courses for students aiming for self-employment or pre-employment skills at the end of the course; because in the vocational subjects, the focus is on practical training.
The popular medium for education
Primary education in semi-urban and rural areas is taught in colloquial language. The number of students willing to pursue higher education but withdrawing due to the language barrier accounts for a large number. distance learning courses, when taught in the colloquial language, offer the double benefit: first, they can encourage more students to pursue further education, and second, the ease and comfort of learning in one’s native language provides a better understanding of the subject and thereby produces better results Results.
Quality with affordability
Quality is the top priority for all students. And when distance learning matches the regular stream of learning with timely delivery, a great interface to students, and up-to-date course materials, more students will turn to distance learning as a mainstream.
Simplified authorization – entry, exit, re-entry
Compared to the regular stream of learning, which imposes the 10+2+3 norm, the admission criteria for distance learning degrees are less stringent. Further simplifications can be introduced for students who have the university entrance qualification but do not meet certain criteria, especially those who had to drop out of their studies and would like to continue studying.
Education Loan and scholarship Programs
Open universities can introduce student loan programs at subsidized interest rates. In this way, deserving students from economically weaker classes can continue their education without any problems. scholarship programs can work with loans to make the pursuit of higher education easy and flexible.
distance learning promises to achieve quality education that is affordable for students across the country.
Thanks to Krish Kanna | #Improvisations #Distance #Learning #India #GER
