Open University system is flexible in terms of admission, choice of programs, duration and age requirements, teaching methods and evaluation procedures.
Distance Education is considered to be a very modern way of learning and gives more emphasis on self-study by the learner himself. This method is remarkably different from correspondence education as students learn sitting at home with the means of communication technology. The students can interact, debate, evaluate and give their feedback despite the barriers of distance and time.
Whether it be due to a job or any other factor, students can now continue their college education with the help of distance learning.
With new, efficient and widely available technology, this education method has gained popularity among the youth. Understanding the need of the hour, several elementary schools, secondary schools, universities, and businesses have started to offer distance education at both undergraduate and postgraduate level in India. Check some points for advantages and disadvantages of distance education in India.
Advantages of Distance Education in India
Flexible education system
Easy Curriculum
No Regular classes
Earn along with learning
Less course fee
Disadvantages of Distance Education in India
Lack of classroom education
No social interaction with fellows
No exposure to regular campus life
Here we have discussed the top 10 universities that provide distance education to students:
1. Indira Gandhi national open university (IGNOU)
Indira Gandhi national open university is one of the most reputed universities in India. The university has a professionally qualified and experienced team of faculty which is dedicatedly devoted to developing knowledge, skills, attitudes, and value through dynamic and interactive methods of learning and grooming the students. IGNOU provides undergraduate, postgraduate, certificate and diploma courses to students in arts, science, commerce and management fields.
Important features of IGNOU are:
Tele-counseling for student groups
Training Study Centre Counselors /Coordinators
Administrative interaction with Regional Centre functionaries
Extended Contact Program (ECP) with students
Teaching-end studios located at IGNOU Campus, New Delhi and about 850 receivers 'nodes' located in IGNOU Regional Centers and Study Centers
2. Symbiosis Centre for distance learning
Symbiosis Centre for distance learning (CDL) offers Post Graduate Diploma, Diploma and Certificate programs across a variety of management courses.
Important features of SCDL:
Introduction of a "Blended Learning" methodology for all the programs offered at SCDL
Interactive e-Learning content as a supplementary learning methodology to improve the understanding of concepts
Virtual Classroom facility with the faculty has removed the distance barrier between the teacher and the taught
Online Faculty Chat Sessions allow students to interact with faculty
3. Sikkim Manipal University
Sikkim Manipal University has contributed to the education revolution in its way and is recognized by the University Grants Commission and approved by the Government of India. Sikkim Manipal University offers quality education to the scholars from North and Northeastern components of India.
Important features of SMU:
The institute is among the top leading institutes in India
The objective of the SMU is to support, promote and undertake the advancement of academics
4. IMT Distance and open learning
IMT Distance and Open Learning Institute is on number 4 on our list. The Centre has taken the lead in preparing managers of tomorrow armed with a distinct vision, blended with technology and skills. The centre strives to create all-rounder leaders in management and entrepreneurship by helping its students acquire the necessary skills.
Courses Offered at IMT CDL include:
Some popular courses offered by IMT - CDL are as follows:
Two Year Post-Graduate Diploma in Management
One Year Post-Graduate Diplomas in Business Administration
One Year Post-Graduate Diploma in Management (Executive) with specialization in -
Financial Management
Operations Management
Human Resource Management
Marketing Management
Information Systems
5. Madhya Pradesh Bhoj (Open ) University
The university aims to spread and promote higher education among the underprivileged and has set up study centers in remote rural areas. It has collaborations with institutes like the Rehabilitation Council of India, Indian Institute of the tour and travel management and Indian Institute of material management, etc.
The university aims to provide an easily accessible system of teaching and learning through education inputs like practical classes, distance teaching, satellite communication teaching, etc. Bhoj University gives special emphasis to target groups of learners coming from rural areas and especially those with a disability.
6. Dr BR Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU)
Dr BR Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU) has a wide network of 206 study centers spread throughout the state of Andhra Pradesh. The University follows the motto "Education at Your Doorstep".
The University caters especially to women, working people and those who want to improve their academic qualifications and professional skills. The University lays special focus on socially disadvantaged and geographically isolated people who never had access to higher education earlier.
7. Netaji Subhas Open University
Netaji Subhas Open University is the premier State Open University in India. The university has set up 31 study centers to provide the students with distance education in Bachelor Degree Program (BDP) in Arts & Commerce, 5 study centers for Arts & Commerce Courses under the BDP.
Bachelor's Degree Program in Science subjects, Post Graduate Degree Program in Science subject (Mathematics) and Arts Subjects (History and Social Work) have also been made available to the students.
8. Maharishi Dayanand University (MDU)
Maharishi Dayanand University provides a wide variety of courses through means of distance learning. Maharshi Dayanand University has Students Support Services Centers (SSSC) in open and distance learning system that are not only confined to interactive counseling or solving the learner's problems but also includes personality development, soft-skills, career counseling, community education, promoting open and distance learning as per the National Education Policy i.e. Education for All.
Further, the SSSCs also facilitate learning, counseling and solve the problems of the distance learners faced during self-study with respect to the study material supplied to them by the Directorate. Through SSSCs, these learners get an opportunity to interact with the counselors as well as with the peer group.
9. Karnataka State Open University
Karnataka State Open University is located in Manasagangotri, Mysore. It is recognized as one of the best open universities in India imparting distance education.
The University System is a respected higher-learning organization known for its distinctive strengths in providing superior and relevant distance learning programs to its learners. In pursuing this vision, the University System:
Creates interactive, effective learning environments for all constituents
Serves its constituents' diverse personal and professional development needs
Expands access to affordable programs for underserved learners
10. Acharya Nagarjuna University
The university has the following features:
Enrolment either through the Centre for Distance Education or through the Study Centre of Student's choice
Admissions are done twice a year i.e., Academic Year Batch (July to June), Calendar Year Batch (January to December)
Weekend Classes / Practical through Study Centers.
The University offers more than 75 courses.
A wide network of Examination Centers for the convenience of the students.
Offers quality education at an affordable cost
Visit to know more about Acharya Nagarjuna University.
