What is Distance Education

About Distance Education

There are two systems of correspondence education: 1. the regular system, and 2. the open system. In the regular system, the qualification requirements for enrolment are similar to those prescribed for the normal university courses. In the open system, the courses are open to any person who may not even possess any formal qualifications. But in some institutions they should have attained the age of 18 years for under-gradate and diploma courses and 21 years for postgraduate courses. Enrolment in some courses is subject to qualifying in a written examination.

Benefits of Distance Education

It is inexpensive. The employment market is highly competitive and the best jobs go to persons possessing requisite qualifications. In many organisations, getting promotions depend on the possession of higher qualifications. The correspondence courses provide them opportunities to enhance their qualifications. In particular, distance education is a boon to housewives, who can use their precious leisure time to enhance their educational qualifications and employment potential.
Distance education is imparted by three kinds of institutions:

• Departments of Correspondence Courses in universities and university level institutions
• Open Universities exclusively involved in imparting higher education through the distance mode, and
• A large number of private institutions mostly offering professional courses.

Nature of Distance Learning Courses

Distance education institutions offer courses at different levels: first degree, postgraduate degree, diploma and postgraduate diploma, certificate and even research degree (M.Phil. and Ph.D). The courses cover a wide variety of subjects. Apart from the traditional courses in Arts, Science and Commerce, both at first degree and postgraduate degree levels, a large number of professional courses at different levels are also offered. They include teacher education, library and information science, journalism and mass communication, nursing, management and its different branches, computer and information technology and several branches of science, computer and information technology.

Quality of Distance Learning Courses

The success of distance learning courses rests, among others, on three major factors

• high quality, well structured instructional material both in print and electronic media,
• Use of distance learning technologies based on new communication and information technologies,
• adequate guidance and counselling at study centres.