Distance education is a concept that has been introduced much before. In India, distance education was started in 1962 by Delhi University, the School of Correspondence Courses and Continuing Education. However, its importance has begun increasing after the COVID-19 pandemic. Distance education’s flexibility to adapt to modern technologies contributed extensively to its popularity and grew as an e-learning facility, online education, and hybrid studies.
With the introduction of electronic devices, internet connectivity, and technological advancements, distance education has become more accessible, convenient, and revolutionary. In this blog, we have discussed the significance of distance education in India. But first, let’s understand what distance education is.
Table of Contents
What is Distance Education?
Distance education is a learning process in which students and teachers don’t need to attain a physical classroom to learn and teach. For distance learning, learners receive study materials at their homes via post office or online with the help of Gmail, learning management systems, etc., attain live classes, and learn through recorded videos at their own pace. Distance education students can either appear for offline exams at centers or take examinations online, depending on the institute’s examination rule. Distance education candidates receive various benefits, including learning at their own pace and managing jobs and education together.
Why is Distance Education Important?
Numerous reasons make distance education necessary. Here are five of them.
- Distance Education Reach
Unlike physical education, distance education can reach anyone, no matter where the learners live. The broad reach of distance education ensures that every individual receives quality education.
- Flexible Learning
Another primary reason behind the rapid recognition of distance education is its flexibility. Professionals and individuals with less time to study can get distance education at their own pace.
- Affordability
Compared to physical education, distance education is affordable. Since the fee for distance courses is low. Distance education also eliminates living and transportation costs. Moreover, distance education also provides study materials for free.
- Endless Access to Study Materials
In distance education, you receive PDFs, textbooks, and recorded lectures that you can use several times to learn and understand the concepts.
- Independence from competition
The best part of distance education is that you don’t need to go through a competitive examination to gain admission like CAT, MAT, JEE, CUCET, etc. However, there’s an entrance exam in the IGNOU MBA Course OPENMAT.
Why is Distance Education Important for the Education System?
The concept of distance education to reach everyone contributes highly to strengthening the education system in India. With the integration of technological advancements, distance education comprises the power to go even in remote areas. With distance education, the Indian education system can revolutionize and develop a blended learning system. With it, Indian students can access global learning materials and enroll in the World’s top universities. This approach will create such a learning environment in the country that will utilize all the available resources. Distance education is redefining the education system in many ways by offering:
- Skill Oriented Courses
In distance education, you receive various types of courses, from literature to skill enhancement. Some popular skill-oriented programs are MBA, Masters in business analytics, data science, etc.
- Short-term and long-term courses
With distance learning, you can find short- and long-term courses like a 12-month diploma, 6-month course, 30-day skill enhancement programs, etc. Institutes like IIM, IIT, etc, provide online short-term courses in distance mode.
- Dual degree at the same time
With distance education, you can pursue dual degrees at the same time. You can be admitted to two different colleges or two different courses in the same college and open various career options for yourself.
Is Distance Education Good?
Distance education is one of the best education systems, and there are several reasons for it.
#1. Distance education ensures learning doesn’t stop
In most of the distance education courses, there’s no age limit. That means it promotes continuous learning throughout life.
#2. Advanced teaching and learning
Distance education is rapidly growing and revolutionizing by adapting to technological advancements like LMS, online learning, audio-visual sessions, and more.
#3. Acceptable across the globe
Distance education is widely accepted in companies and institutions. Employers recognize the distance courses and grades. It’s always recommended to pursue distance education from recognized universities.
Top Institute to Pursue Distance Education in India
- Indira Gandhi Open University
- DY Patil University
- Jain University
- Shoolini University
- Amity Online University
- Lovely Professional University
- Uttranchal Online University
- SavitriBai Phule University
- Delhi School of Distance Education
- Jamia Millia Centre For Distance And Online Education
These institutes provide several undergraduate, graduate, diploma and PHD programmes. Some of the highly opted courses are online MBA in business management, diploma in business analytics, BBA, masters’ in computer science etc.
Conclusion
Distance education is becoming one of the most adaptable education systems with its broad reach, technological advancements, affordability, and flexibility. The learners embrace distance education and utilize its benefits in developing skills and achieving their career goals. In India, numerous distance education colleges offer distance education master’s programs, bachelor’s programs, skill enhancement courses, and more. With the help of technology, distance education is undoubtedly moving towards a brighter future.
Candidates with an enthusiasm for learning can leverage the distance education facility. They can also consult distance education consultants to receive guidance for e-learning.
