Dr. J D Singh presented on open and distance learning in India. He began with definitions of open and distance learning as an education system that allows teaching and learning between students and teachers in different locations via technology. He discussed the need for open and distance learning to expand access to education in India. Some key challenges he outlined were the lack of online resources, large class sizes, shortage of qualified faculty, and changing attitudes towards technology-enabled learning. Major initiatives to improve open and distance learning in India include developing digital infrastructure and libraries, applying mobile learning, and offering job-oriented programs.

1. Dr. J D Singh
Asst. Professor
G V (PG) College of Education (CTE)
Sangaria-335063, Rajasthan.
Email: drjdsingh@gmail.com

2. Outline of presentation
IntroductionIntroduction
DefinitionsDefinitions
NeedNeed
Purpose of Open & Distance LearningPurpose of Open & Distance Learning
Current Scenario in IndiaCurrent Scenario in India
Target groupTarget group
OpportunitiesOpportunities
Benefits of ODL EducationBenefits of ODL Education
Problems,Problems, IssuesIssues and Challengesand Challenges
Major Initiatives for Improving ODLMajor Initiatives for Improving ODL
ConclusionConclusion

3. 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

4. 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

5. Open and Distance Learning
Related 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.

6. 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.

7. Purpose of Open & Distance Learning
To provide Flexibility to students to learn what
they want, when they want and where they want
To Reach the unreached: Drop-outs,
underpriveleged, out of school children
Cost Effectiveness
To enable the participants (students) to
understand their practices
To empower the teachers to improve their
teaching practices by testing innovative ideas of
their own
To help practitioners to identify problems & seek
solutions systematically

8. Current Scenario in IndiaCurrent Scenario in India
E-learning/Open/Distance Education are considered
inferior to traditional modes
Demand for higher education in the country is
increasing by 15% to 17% every year
Conventional institutions can take at best only 7% of
this load
500 courses to approximately 20 lakhs students
through 5000 study centers and 65000 academic
counselors
Existing initiatives are lacking in
Hands-on experience
Quality content
Alignment with university system

9. Target group
Target 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 employment
The unemployed adult seeking a profession
The young students who could not get
admission into a regular university due to
various reasons

10. Today’s Educational Context
Rapidly changing technological environment
New digital literacy skills needed for
learners and teachers
New 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

11. TRADITIONAL
SYSTEM
TEACHER TAUGHT
SPATIO-TEMPORAL FIXEDNESS
CURRICULUM FIXEDNESS
CORRESPONDENCE
EDUCATION
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

12. Benefits of ODL System
Learning is self-paced and gives students a
chance to speed up or slow down as necessary
24/7 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 skills
Travel time and associated costs (parking, fuel,
vehicle maintenance) are reduced or eliminated
Geographical barriers are eliminated, opening
up broader education options

13. New opportunities through ODLNew 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 Work
Design of a Online Course Demonstration of
learning platforms, software, web resources,


14. Problems,Problems, IssuesIssues and Challengesand 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

15. Problems,Problems, IssuesIssues and Challengesand Challenges
Shortage of well qualified Faculty and staff
training
Faculty workload due to lack of Teaching Faculty
Lack of enthusiasm for technology among
academics
Poor institutional arrangements and support to
help academics to develop skills for the new
technologies
Inadequate expertise in the development and
management of ODL

16. Problems,Problems, IssuesIssues and Challengesand Challenges
Distance education students often feel very
isolated
Overcoming this isolation is a big challenge
Quality of teaching and learning
Lack of latest Computers and high speed
Internet services
Online examinations and assignments
Incorporating technology mediated
synchronous learning

17. Problems,Problems, IssuesIssues and Challengesand Challenges
Insufficient 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 learning
Big challenge to Change the attitude of staff,
students and the society
Inadequate financial resources
lack of committed participation of private sector
in ODL

18. 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

19. Major Initiatives for Improving ODLMajor Initiatives for Improving ODL
The 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.

20. 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 libraries
High quality research practices
Invitation to be given guest faculty for courses
being taught online, in areas of their expertise.

21. 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

22. 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)

23. 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

24. Major Initiatives for Improving ODLMajor Initiatives for Improving ODL
The 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.

25. 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.

26. 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 Satisfaction
Incentives must be given to faculty
Publicity campaigns involving students on where
to find existing open textbooks
Single window system
Involve charitable organizations for financing

27. 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.

28. Questioning /Answering
session
Questions
relating to the theme

29. Thank You
Very much