The global pool of information, the online-connectivity, the surge in employment opportunities, and the need to continuing education- Distance learning answers it all.

1. The need of Distance Education in India – Sikkim Manipal University
The global pool of information, the online-connectivity, the surge in employment
opportunities, and the need to continuing education- Distance learning answers it all.
Globalization, the information-age and consumer awareness have spelt a paradigm shift in
trends, lifestyle and education standards. The scenario witnesses a transition in thought,
mindset and growing ambitions amongst the ever-growing populace. The change in turn
spells Distance education as a prospective mode for higher education for the new-age
populace.
As per statistical studies, there are 16 million students into higher education at present,
which is expected to grow to 40 million by 2020. Despite the 26000 and odd institutes for
higher education (the highest number in the world), the lack of quality resources and poor
accessibility fail to garner admissions. Vision 75’s survey reveals that the majority (60%) of
the Indian Population is young (the working age). Of this eligible category, only 12%
account for GER creating a huge divide between the educated and the undereducated.
Additionally, in the current scenario, the high cut-off percentage, and the expensive fee
structure has become a hindrance to get entry into campus even for the meritorious
candidates. Also, considering that the standard of living of the larger socio-economic
section of the Indian society is below par, there is a greater need to get to start working
from a young age. This further widens the socio-economic divide, with the undereducated
mass continuing in the same substandard way of living.
More so, the transition mobilized by globalization has spawned a multitude of businesses
operating in each sector, with job opportunities for one and all. A pre-university pass-out, a
post graduate or a graduate from any discipline are equally employable and continuing
education, gives an edge for progress. But as mentioned, higher education may have to take
a back seat for the sake of career, even among the elite or middle class. The reasons may be
time or financial constraints and other commitments, which don’t give room for campus
studies. In such scenarios, distance program steps in, to help chart out a career-path and a
parallel academic track, at one’s own comfort level. Distance education paves way as the
viable route for higher distance learning to help tap the knowledge potential and gulf the
socio-economic divide as well. The advantages of distance learning are many, which
address the needs of the different sections of the society.

2. Distance education works on a multi-dimensional premise. To elaborate, working
professionals can pursue studies while on job, and fresher’s can take up work, draw regular
earnings and pursue studies at the same time. In such cases, a certification/ degree through
distance learning adds value to one’s profile, in the way of experience, expertise and the
academic degree of course. And above all, distance education program is affordable.
Additionally, with the foray of technology, into the education segment, distance learning is
part of a “live network” of students, tutors, academic exponents, who converge on the
online interface. Thus the erstwhile drawbacks of distance education, which compromised
on quality, delivery, and student-commitment, are overcome through technology. The
online information resource makes any distance learning university accessible for both
students and working professional. In short, online distance learning deploys the best of
resources – pedagogue, faculty and references to deliver on an active online interface.