1. Distance Education Learning – The Past Drawbacks and the
New Possibilities
A decade back, distance education was not viewed as a matter of choice. Distance learning courses
were more often associated with the last and the only option scenario, where in a denied admission
or lack of affordability for a regular course saw this mode of education as the only option. This was
because there was the distance factor between the student and the university, which did not
guarantee prompt communication, guidance or resources, if required by the student by any time.
Add to that, the out-dated syllabus of most of the distance learning courses did not deliver job-
readiness. There was a degree at the end of it all, but the worth of it was seldom recognised by the
job-industry. In short, those who just wanted an additional qualification to their profile drove
distance education.
But with globalization, the technology boom and the growing Indian populace, distance education
learning has been through a period of Renaissance. There are opportunities everywhere as industry
players perform on the global platform. The mass job-potential spells out greater degree of
specialization and higher levels of competencies to perform and succeed. The industry doesn’t seek
degree-holders alone but professionals with job-ready skills, exacting less investment for training
or induction. Additionally, with the increasing awareness amongst the mass and the greater
exposure to the world outside, education too has assumed a new significance. Higher education is
not only viewed as the means for better economic power for the individual or its family but also as
one’s in-disposable asset, which will last a lifetime. So continuing education for the professional, the
student and the value-seeker is the seen as the route to their desired goals.
Distance education learning has taken to an altogether new plane to satisfy the needs of different
segments of people in the society. Working professionals can aspire for better job prospects, while
they “learn and earn”. Their work experience along with academic knowledge doubles career
progress, in terms of better designation and remuneration. Students, who are ready to kick-start
their career find distance learning programs to be of good value as certifications from reputable
universities are treated equivalent to campus degrees. Distance education is also a fill-gap for
many- the housewife, or the premature job-starter who had to discontinue studies for various
reasons/commitments. Technology and the online platform have given a boost to these programs,
with online distance learning catching up with the student-mass.
As India gears up to become the next Economic super power, higher education- to the 400 million
and odd student populace, is one of the key milestones to be reached. Accounting only for 11% GER
in higher education, India’s mass-education dream can be realized only through quality distance
learning universities.
Standing out as an emblem of quality in the Indian distance Education space, is UGC and DEC-
recognized SMU-DE. Offering more than 70 courses across 11 disciplines, the university is geared
up to reach the mass with quality and affordable programs. With over 725+centers spread across
310 towns, SMU-DE’s interface with its students is cemented further through its technology

2. platform- EduNxt, Ranked number 1 by students in nation-wide survey of DE institutes; SMU-DE is
the new potential for better value of education.