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. Distance education is one of the most popular options for the students who cannot attend regular classes. 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, a number of elementary schools, secondary schools, universities, and businesses have started to offer distance education at both undergraduate and postgraduate level in India.
1. Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi
Having an enrolment of over 4 million students, this institution is run by the central government of India. It is the largest Open University in the world and has consistently been the top in the country. The students who have pursued their MBA from this institute are now well settled in some of the top MNCs in the global level. What sets this institution to be a notch higher than others is the fact that the course structure here is highly affordable and thus, this institution is successful in its motto of making education affordable to all.
2. Dr. BR Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU)
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU) has a wide network of 206 study centers spread throughout the state of Telangana. 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.
3. Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning
One of the first colleges in the country to introduce the concept of online classrooms, SCDL has a highly equipped digital mentoring system wherein students can interact with the tutors effortlessly via online chat sessions. The entire process is so well managed at the digital level that students can have a near life-like experience while sitting at the comfort of their homes.
4. Institute Of Management Studies, Ghaziabad
The hallmark of this college is the fact that its distance learning MBA course is fully analytics-driven and the learning management system is very concise. This ensures that the time a student invests in this program is well utilised. Unlike other distance learning MBA courses, this college ensures that the students in the program are subjected to periodic tests, quizzes and comprehensive exams and that they do not lag behind their peers who are pursuing their MBA full-time.
5. IMT Distance and Open Learning Institute
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.
6. Madhya Pradesh Bhoj (Open) University
The university aims to spread and promote higher education among the underprivileged and has set up study centres in remote rural areas. It has collaborations with institutes like the Rehabilitation Council of India, Indian Institute of Tourism 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.
7. Acharya Nagarjuna University (CDE)
Acharya Nagarjuna University's Centre for Distance Education (CDE) was established in the year 1976.
The university has the following features:
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We can say that the Open University system is flexible in terms of admission, choice of programmes, duration and age requirements, teaching methods and evaluation procedures. Thus, it offers an alternative channel to those who missed the opportunities for higher education.
8. 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.
9. Netaji Subhas Open University
Netaji Subhas Open University is the premier State Open University in India. The university has set up 31 study centres to provide the students with distance education in Bachelor Degree Programme (BDP) in Arts & Commerce, 5 study centres for Arts & Commerce Courses under the BDP.
Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Science subjects, Post Graduate Degree Programme in Science subject (Mathematics) and Arts Subjects (History and Social Work) have also been made available to the students.
10. 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 Centres (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.
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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.