Dr. J D Singh Asst. Professor

G V (PG) College of Education (CTE)Sangaria-335063, Rajasthan.

Email: drjdsingh@gmail.com

Outline of presentationIntroduction Introduction DefinitionsDefinitionsNeedNeedPurpose of Open & Distance LearningPurpose of Open & Distance LearningCurrent Scenario in IndiaCurrent Scenario in IndiaTarget groupTarget groupOpportunitiesOpportunitiesBenefits of ODL EducationBenefits of ODL EducationProblems,Problems, Issues Issues and Challenges and ChallengesMajor Initiatives for Improving ODLMajor Initiatives for Improving ODLConclusionConclusion

Introduction

Education is essential for the socio economic development of a country. In India, the rate of literacy is 74.04% according to 2011 census.

India has significant advantages in the 21st century knowledge race.

It has a large higher education sector— the third largest in the world in student numbers, after China and the United States.

It uses English as a primary language of higher education and research.

One of the major attractions for ODL is its potential to be more cost effective

Open & Distance Education Defined

Open & Distance Education is an education

system model which all the teaching-learning

activities between students and teachers who

are living in different geographical locations are

conducted via various communication

technologies and traditional postal services

Open and Distance LearningRelated terms are distance learning, open

learning, open education, distributed education. online learning, mobile learning, remote learning, off site learning, and a-learning (anytime, anywhere, anyplace learning etc)

Now in India, there are 13 State Open University, one National University (IGNOU) about 200 Directorate of Distance Education of the dual mode of universities. These universities are recognized by the Distance Education Council (DEC) of India.

Need of Open and Distance Learning

According to ILA Guidelines traditional library services designed for on-campus users are not able to meet the requirements of distance learners

The formal education systems through schools, colleges and universities have not been able to fulfill the educational need of the large population in India. To cater the need of education, the concept of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) education has adopted in India.

Purpose of Open & Distance LearningTo provide Flexibility to students to learn what

they want, when they want and where they wantTo Reach the unreached: Drop-outs,

underpriveleged, out of school childrenCost EffectivenessTo enable the participants (students) to

understand their practicesTo empower the teachers to improve their

teaching practices by testing innovative ideas of their own

To help practitioners to identify problems & seek solutions systematically

Current Scenario in IndiaCurrent Scenario in IndiaE-learning/Open/Distance Education are considered

inferior to traditional modesDemand for higher education in the country is

increasing by 15% to 17% every year Conventional institutions can take at best only 7% of

this load500 courses to approximately 20 lakhs students

through 5000 study centers and 65000 academic counselors

Existing initiatives are lacking inHands-on experienceQuality contentAlignment with university system

Target groupTarget students: primary & secondary teachers, rural people,

military officers and soldiers, disabled and minority groups

The adult in full time employment wishing to change jobs or move up the ladder

The adult in part time employmentThe unemployed adult seeking a professionThe young students who could not get

admission into a regular university due to various reasons

Today’s Educational Context

Rapidly changing technological environmentNew digital literacy skills needed for

learners and teachersNew forms of online community and

interactivity practices are emerging The modern college student is interested in

online learning, small modules and short programs…and in learning that can be done at home and fitted around work, family and social obligations

TRADITIONAL SYSTEM

TEACHER TAUGHT

SPATIO-TEMPORAL FIXEDNESS

CURRICULUM FIXEDNESS

CORRESPONDENCEEDUCATION

SELF LEARNING

FREEDOM OF LOCATION

SELF LEARNING

FREEDOM OF LOCATION

FREEDOM TO LEARN

ODL EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM

PARIDGM SHIFT

PARIDGM SHIFT

CURRICULUM FIXEDNESS

Learning Paradigm Shift

Benefits of ODL SystemLearning is self-paced and gives students a

chance to speed up or slow down as necessary24/7 accessibility makes scheduling easy and

allows a greater number of people to attend classes

On-demand access means learning can happen precisely when needed

Enhances computer and Internet skillsTravel time and associated costs (parking, fuel,

vehicle maintenance) are reduced or eliminatedGeographical barriers are eliminated, opening

up broader education options

New opportunities through ODL New opportunities through ODL Development of distance education through e-

learning actually removing the distance from distance education

Governments’ increasing concern for mass education and life-long learning

Impact of knowledge-economy on education reform and innovation

Universities’ actions in capacity building in the transition of educational paradigm to meet social demands

Practical WorkDesign of a Online Course Demonstration of

learning platforms, software, web resources, Career Guidance

Problems,Problems, Issues Issues and Challenges and Challenges

• Lack of online libraries, laboratories, and classrooms facilities that are unable to provide top-quality instruction

• No clear paradigm of Research on ODL teaching and learning practices

• Reducing cost of education at point of material development and delivery

• Large sized classes resulting inadequately resources

• Online Teaching

• Lack of hands -on experience with computers and the Internet

Problems,Problems, Issues Issues and Challenges and ChallengesShortage of well qualified Faculty and staff

trainingFaculty workload due to lack of Teaching FacultyLack of enthusiasm for technology among

academicsPoor institutional arrangements and support to

help academics to develop skills for the new technologies

Inadequate expertise in the development and management of ODL

Problems,Problems, Issues Issues and Challenges and Challenges

Distance education students often feel very isolated

Overcoming this isolation is a big challengeQuality of teaching and learningLack of latest Computers and high speed

Internet servicesOnline examinations and assignmentsIncorporating technology mediated

synchronous learning

Problems,Problems, Issues Issues and Challenges and ChallengesInsufficient Learning Materials-Most of the ODL

programmes in the country are based on the print media

Application of ICT tools by teachers in ODL is low. It a challenge to learn to use ICT effectively to support students

Use of Mobile learningBig challenge to Change the attitude of staff,

students and the societyInadequate financial resourceslack of committed participation of private sector

in ODL

Major Initiatives for Improving ODLMajor Initiatives for Improving ODL

Facilities to Students should provide to register and pay tuition fee electronically

Facilities to Students should also give for exams electronically

Community radio is one of the popular media to reach the unreached.

It is most helpful if students can communicate with each other, building their own learning community

Major Initiatives for Improving ODLMajor Initiatives for Improving ODLThe assigning and submission of Assignment is a

very important aspect in open and distance learning education system. In ICT based ODL system, the assigning and submission process of Assignment to the student community is expected to be in digital form or online.

Now a days SMS/ Email alert service has become a popular and important services in different sector and in distance education also it is very important as it can alert and inform the maximum number of user within a limited time.

Major Initiatives for Improving ODLMajor Initiatives for Improving ODL

Develop and maintain the technological and human infrastructure

Application of ICT, from the step of admission to examination and publication of result electronic system can make the ODL system more open.

Adopt ethical and professional values and organizational commitment

Developing digital librariesHigh quality research practicesInvitation to be given guest faculty for courses

being taught online, in areas of their expertise.

Major Initiatives for Improving ODLMajor Initiatives for Improving ODL

The results should made available over the mobile phone also.

Toll free number is also very important tool for open and distance learning institution which can provide educational interactive voice response for meeting the educational need of the students.

Training and staff development programmes should organise for promotion of ODL

Major Initiatives for Improving ODLMajor Initiatives for Improving ODL

Distance education institutions should also provide facilities like online chat, group, forum, Webmail etc. due to this student can contact with the Subject coordinator as well as other course-mate online.

Graphics should use in illustration in self instructional material as well as in determining the learning strategies.

Mobile Learning Van services should provide to remote area students

Promotion and awareness can spread through various media (blog, Facebook, published articles)

Major Initiatives for Improving ODLMajor Initiatives for Improving ODL

local resources should blend with curriculum-based resources and/or distance education resources

Indigenous Knowledge should spread and preserve through technological application

contribute to conserve and promote cultural heritage, literature, traditional knowledge and environment conducting short term programmes

Digital talking books- digital talking books can be used to assist with lectures for recordings, audio needs, and taking notes

Major Initiatives for Improving ODLMajor Initiatives for Improving ODLThe workshop/ short term training programmes on

application of ICT on education system specially on ODL system arranging for both the teacher & student community are very essential.

The separate e-library facility is a demand of time for the ODL learner with a facility to access journal, books and other reference sources online.

National resource center and public learning support system should be formed. The Internet is changing the face of education. we can use it to make optimal use of global educational resources.

Major Initiatives for Improving ODLMajor Initiatives for Improving ODL

Job oriented and vocational programmes should offer in flexible terms in the line of the national and regional level demand of manpower.

Motivation increases by success and success, in turn, reinforces motivation.

Students engagement should be made as promotion of ODL

Help from alumni can take after inviting to their association

The ODL system should empower people to manage change in the social system.

Major Initiatives for Improving ODLMajor Initiatives for Improving ODL

The learning material should provide learners with opportunities to access content for acquiring knowledge and skills

To give more focus on Student SatisfactionIncentives must be given to facultyPublicity campaigns involving students on where

to find existing open textbooksSingle window systemInvolve charitable organizations for financing

Conclusion

There is need of the hour to develop work culture adopting indian values with various skills. Now time has come to promote Network-Enabled Open and distance Education with their local, national, and global resources for sustainable development of the country.

Questioning /Answering session

Questions relating to the theme

Thank You Very much