Distance Education in India: Distance mode of learning is rapidly becoming standard for everyone due to the sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Many of us realize the power of distance education and how it can transform people’s lives in a cost-effective manner and create a revolution in the education sector.
There are people who are pursuing UG and PG level degrees from top universities in distance education mode but first, what is distance mode?
Many students might be confused and have questions regarding distance learning. In this article, you will get all the information about distance learning, such as why it is important, its types, a list of popular universities for distance education, advantages and disadvantages of it.
Let’s start with article What is Distance Education in India? The Complete Guide of Types, Benefits and Future.
What is Distance Learning?
Distance learning is a new way of pursuing traditional courses at the ease of home. Students do not have to physically attend regular classes in distance education mode.
Students can learn at their own pace and access the learning material at any time. It comes with different types of delivery modes, and each delivery mode has its own benefits.
The distance education mode leverages modern technology to facilitate communication between teachers and students and provide learning material online.
Why Distance Education Is Important for Students?
The distance learning mode is essential for those students who are unable to attend the lectures in the physical classroom or can’t travel regularly for any reason. The distance learning mode provides the solution to this problem and gives opportunities to every student who is willing to pursue higher education but has time management or physical challenges.
Distance learning takes advantage of modern technology to provide lectures and establish communication between students and educators without physically presenting themselves. It is very beneficial for working professionals, students who can’t leave their homes or are physically challenged, etc.
Types of Distance Education Method in India
There are multiple ways that students can get education in distance learning. Each student has their time management and pace of learning, and providing different types of distance learning can help students understand the course better.
- Synchronous delivery method – in this distance learning method, students have to attend real-time online lectures and can clear their doubts in the online conversation along with other students. Many schools and colleges use Zoom, Google Meet, etc., to deliver education in real-time.
- Asynchronous delivery method – in this distance learning method, Educators send pre-recorded lectures that students can access according to their learning pace or set deadline. Most Institutions use this method to deliver the learning material, tests, and assignments within deadlines.
- Hybrid distance learning method – when you mix asynchronous and synchronous delivery methods, a hybrid distance learning method will come into existence. The university provides learning material in both ways and conducts physical tests/exams for which students have to appear at the location. The educator/teacher will be in contact with the students, give them assignments to submit by the deadline, track their progress, and clear their doubts related to the course.
- Online open schedule learning method – in this method, students will have most of the freedom. The university will provide all the educational materials like Books, lectures, mock tests, etc. but students have to clear their doubts on their own. Make your own learning strategy, time management, etc. The educator will have less or no involvement in this distance learning mode.
- Fixed time virtual course distance learning method – in this distance learning method, students have to visit the university website and complete a few lectures in a fixed time. Then students can access the next chapter or lecture after the completion of it. They will be rewarded with a certificate.
What Are The Benefits of Distance Learning?
There are multiple benefits of distance learning for students who are working professionals, physically disabled, or have any other reason not to attend regular physical classes.
Distance learning is like a miracle for them with several benefits that can enhance their learning curve by providing these benefits.
- Saves time and money – It provides education at lower fees compared to the regular one as it is distributed digitally. Students can pursue higher education even if they are not able to attend the class or live far away from the educational center. It also helps the university by saving up physical resources and university efforts.
- Flexibility in learning – Students have options to learn according to their pace and speed. The flexible timing and availability of the learning materials & resources help students understand the core fundamentals in a better and more precise way.
- Availability in learning – Students who are fast/slow learners have access to the next/previous chapter’s lectures in Asynchronous distance content delivery. It can help the students to revise the old lesson, clear their doubts, prepare for exams, etc. The availability of educational resources & lectures in digital form is an outstanding benefit that students can take advantage of.
Disadvantages of Distance Learning?
There are some disadvantages as well of distance learning. Students often get distracted or lose the pace of learning in distance learning mode, which leads them to poor educational performance.
Students need to remember the disadvantages of distance learning so they don’t make or fall into these distractions while studying in a distance learning course.
- Discipline– Most of the students face poor educational performance because of a lack of discipline. Students might feel lazy or not interested in attending a few lectures but it can become a habit if there is no instructor to guide them. Students need to create discipline for themselves; otherwise, they will fall into this lazy study trap and realize their mistakes at the time of exams or deadlines.
- Lack of Motivation – As distance learning is limited to online mode, students feel less motivated toward the learning process. Students need to make a study plan and prioritize their studies to overcome this problem.
- Communication barrier – Distance learning also creates a communication barrier problem. Students have to wait longer to get their solution than regular lectures, in which they can ask the educator for any doubts.
- Time Management– Students who are bad at managing their time and keeping up with the deadline.
- Limitation of Courses: Not all degrees are available in distance learning mode, as they require practical knowledge and hands-on practice. You can’t do medical, engineering, pharmacy, law, and many other degrees in ODL mode.
What is the Difference Between Distance Learning and Open Learning?
There is a huge difference between distance education and open learning. People often confuse or misunderstand distance learning with open learning but both are different and have their perks.
The majority of people only know about the open learning system. If someone introduces them to distance learning, they often think it is the same, but in open learning, students do not get support from the university regarding their preparation and study for that course.
In distance learning, the university provides education through different types of delivery methods whether they are fixed-time schedules, asynchronous, synchronous, or video lectures. Students can learn at their own pace and be backed by university educators if they face any problems in their learning process.
In short, students have to learn everything on their own in the open learning programs. Still, in distance learning, the university takes care of the education and study materials without attending classes in physical form.
Some Famous Universities To Pursue Distance Education
There are many famous and popular universities in India that provides high-quality distance education in all types of UG and PG courses with several specializations.
Here is a list of a few famous universities that offer distance education across the country:
- The University of Mumbai
- Delhi University (DU SOL)
- Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
- Periyar University
- Subharti University
- Kerala University
- Maharshi Dayanand University
- Nalanda University
- Bhem Rao Ambedkar University
- Pondicherry University
- Shivaji University
- The University of North Bengal
- Jamia Milia Islamia
- Uttarakhand Open University
- YCMOU University
What is the Future of Distance Learning in India?
Distance learning and online learning have grown rapidly since the COVID-19 pandemic. The ODL industry has a bright future as the pandemic taught people the significance of distance learning.
After NEP 2020, the government of India has also been supporting the ODL education system as India has a large population living in remote areas.
Now, with the new platforms and evolving technology, distance learning will be easier and more beneficial for everyone unable to attend physical lectures.
Students all around the country can pursue any university without leaving their homes and can get a degree from that university, which is equivalent to a regular degree.
As per the NAGESHWAR RAO (VC of IGNOU) in an article available at the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), “ODL institutions must integrate technology to create learner-centric, technology-enabled education, enhancing access to quality higher education in India. Overcoming challenges will transform them into Centres of Excellence in technology-supported learning.” Source
As per Symbiosis SCDL Article titled “Importance of ODL as an Alternative Mode of Education: An Exposition,” “ODL system nurtures learners’ potential, addressing issues like quality education, dropout rates, gender disparity, and unemployment, offering a platform to discover and develop learners’ abilities and skills.” Source
On the other hand, universities are also shifting their distance learning towards hybrid and online learning as these methods eliminate some of the limitations of distance education.
The distance education system in India will grow more with the upcoming academic sessions like 2025 and 2026, but it is growing along with its partnering competitor, “online education.”
Most Asked Questions Related to Distance Education
Q1. Is a distance education degree equivalent to a regular degree?
Ans. Yes, as per the UGC Guidelines, a distance learning degree is equivalent to a regular degree.
Q2. How do I know if my distance degree is valid or if the university is offering a valid ODL degree?
Ans. Check for their UGC DEB approval in their “Recognition section.” It should be written like “UGC-Entitled,” or visit the UGC DEB website and search for the university name.