Improvisations To Make Distance Learning In India For Better Ger

Distance learning has grown in shape and size, and at present accounts for 22% of the total GER of students in the higher education segment. Considering the needs of the Indian mass, who want to pursue higher education, while continuing to work, distance education can be the bridge for aspiring students/working professionals to achieve their dreams.

1.The 12th five-year plan is geared up to achieve a 30% GER from the present 15% GER of students in the higher education segment. Attracting larger numbers from the student segment not only demands accessibility but also affordability, flexibility and relaxations in the eligibility criteria.

2.With these workable and viable parameters, distance learning serves as the rider to mass education, and, can considerably expand its scope to bring in more students to continue their education.

3.Distance learning has grown in shape and size, and at present accounts for 22% of the total GER of students in the higher education segment.

4. Considering the needs of the Indian mass, who want to pursue higher education, while continuing to work, distance education can be the bridge for aspiring students/working professionals to achieve their dreams.

5.The areas, which can bolster the initiatives of distance learning in India, are:

Remote accessibility:

1.At present, India has 544 universities and 3132 colleges. The mushrooming universities in the country have not delivered easy access to students from remote areas.

2.According to a survey, close to 24% of all enrolments in the higher education system is from the ODL system.

3.To boost this percentage, Distance Learning Universities can focus on opening up information/learning centers in regions with low GER, but a vast student potential.

4.This apart, in view of the internet penetration in the country, the online medium of training and studying can be adopted in regions with prominent internet presence.

Innovative pedagogy for higher employability:

1.As the competitive job industry looks for skilled work-force, students with industry-relevant knowledge about the subjects they have studied, have a brighter chance to land in the right job.

2.Industry ""oriented training through cutting-edge course modules, with a right balance between practical and academic training, make a distance education course more relevant in the modern-day scenario.

3.For instance, SMU-DE"s online platform EduNxt features many avenues for all-round learning and development of its students and has a vast student base.

Distance education holds the promise of reaching quality education with affordability to students across the country. Distance learning universities such as SMU-DE expands the premise and principle of distance education. The university, with its vast student base, aims at the next level of improvisation, to reach far and wide and deliver quality and employability.