Open and distance learning during pandemic

The concept of open learning and distance education system focuses on public access to education and training to make the learners free from the constraints of time and place, and offering flexible learning opportunities to individuals and groups of learners. Open and distance learning (ODL)is one of the most rapidly growing fields of education nowadays, and it has a substantial impact on all education delivery systems. This has also become very significant during this time of the pandemic.

In India-

• Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) was established in 1985 by an Act of Parliament with the dual responsibilities of (i) enhancing access and equity to higher education through distance mode and (ii) promoting, coordinating and determining standards in open learning and distance education systems. Since then, the IGNOU has undergone rapid expansion and emerged as an international institution in the field of Open and Distance Learning.
• State Open Universities (SOUs)- There are at present 13 State Open Universities set up by the individual state grants (as per details below), are single-mode institutions, which means they provide education only in the distance mode. These universities cater to people who are unable to pursue regular courses due to various reasons. These Universities are also instrumental in shaping the career growth of learner who is already employed.

• Commonwealth of Learning (COL) was established through a Memorandum of Understanding between Governments of Commonwealth countries in the year 1988. The Commonwealth of Learning (COL) is an intergovernmental organisation created by Commonwealth Heads of Government to encourage the development and sharing of open learning/distance education knowledge, resources and technologies. COL is helping developing nations to improve access to quality education and training.

• SAKSHAT- The content development task for ‘SAKSHAT’ was looked after by the Content Advisory Committee (CAC) for the respective subject, which consisted of representatives from educational institutions like IGNOU, Delhi University, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangthan (KVS), Navodyaya Vidyalaya Sangthan (NVS), National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) and National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and prominent academicians in the field. Besides, some NGOs had also provided the contents developed by them free of cost for this portal.

In the USA-

• John Hopkins University is dedicated to helping the self-development of its students and encouraging the collaboration between them and the university’s faculty leading to discoveries that improve lives. John Hopkins offers online studies in Social Sciences, Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Medicine, and more, proving its diverse offer and commitment to improving a wide range of American and international learners.

• The University of California prides itself with its commitment to provide free access to information, open debate and mutual respect and tolerance. It prides itself with 290 medical research centres and institutes. You’ll find a tasty variety of online Engineering degrees at UCLA.

• New York University has been innovating in education since 1831, promoting a global vision of the world to its students. NYU has been designed as an institution with a democratic spirit that answers the demands of the American commercial culture. You can find online degrees in areas like Business & Management, Computer Science, Engineering and more.

• The University of Texas at Austin promotes a culture of ambition and leadership that does not shy away from remarkable achievements. The university is dedicated to connecting students and alumni with lucrative job opportunities through industry partnerships. You can find useful online Engineering degrees to apply for at the University of Texas at Austin.

To know more, visit Globalshala.

Dawor Deka.