Effectiveness of Open and Distance Education
Information and Knowledge Management
ISSN 2224-5758 (Paper) ISSN 2224-896X (Online)
Vol 2, No.1, 2012
www.iiste.org
Effectiveness of Open and Distance Education and the
Relevance of ICT: A North-East Indian Perspective
Prasenjit Das, Ritimoni Bordoloi*
Department of English, Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University, Guwahati 781006, Assam, India
* E-mail of the corresponding author: ritimonibordoloi@gmail.com
Abstract
In today’sKnowledge Society, it is almost accepted by common agreement that open and distance learning
(ODL) has enabled people to develop different levels of proficiency in various fields. The application of information and communication technology, commonly known as ICT in ODL has not only made teaching-learning an interesting activity, but has also helped in inculcating a practical mindset among the learners. ICT-enabled learning as a surrogate system of the conventional ODL has released a lot of avenues for the people. In this context, it is not surprising to find that the relevance of ICT in the education sector of the North Eastern part of India has been being increasingly realized in recent times. The National
Knowledge Commission of India too that has laid unprecedented attention on the ICT sector and its use in educational purposes, thereby helping to restore the potentials of ICT to every individual hailing from each and every corner of India. This paper seeks to address some of the assumptions that ICT enabled teaching learning has the potential to drastically change the educational scenario of the North Eastern part of India.
Key Words:ICTs and Open and Distance Learningin North East of India
1. Indian Education: A Brief Survey
As a lifelong process, education has considerably changed the meaning of existence in the contemporary world. Education is termed as the bedrock of our socio-economic development as it providesnecessary and relevant knowledge on various fields, acquaints people with many need-based
ISSN 2224-5758 (Paper) ISSN 2224-896X (Online)
Vol 2, No.1, 2012
www.iiste.org
Effectiveness of Open and Distance Education and the
Relevance of ICT: A North-East Indian Perspective
Prasenjit Das, Ritimoni Bordoloi*
Department of English, Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University, Guwahati 781006, Assam, India
* E-mail of the corresponding author: ritimonibordoloi@gmail.com
Abstract
In today’sKnowledge Society, it is almost accepted by common agreement that open and distance learning
(ODL) has enabled people to develop different levels of proficiency in various fields. The application of information and communication technology, commonly known as ICT in ODL has not only made teaching-learning an interesting activity, but has also helped in inculcating a practical mindset among the learners. ICT-enabled learning as a surrogate system of the conventional ODL has released a lot of avenues for the people. In this context, it is not surprising to find that the relevance of ICT in the education sector of the North Eastern part of India has been being increasingly realized in recent times. The National
Knowledge Commission of India too that has laid unprecedented attention on the ICT sector and its use in educational purposes, thereby helping to restore the potentials of ICT to every individual hailing from each and every corner of India. This paper seeks to address some of the assumptions that ICT enabled teaching learning has the potential to drastically change the educational scenario of the North Eastern part of India.
Key Words:ICTs and Open and Distance Learningin North East of India
1. Indian Education: A Brief Survey
As a lifelong process, education has considerably changed the meaning of existence in the contemporary world. Education is termed as the bedrock of our socio-economic development as it providesnecessary and relevant knowledge on various fields, acquaints people with many need-based
References: Aggarwal, D. D. (2007): “Future of Distance Education”, Sarup and Sons, New Delhi Ambani, M Basu,. S. (2008): “Innovation in Open and Distance Learning”, SecondFoundation Day Lecture, Guwahati. Chandra, R. (ed) (2005): “Trends in Higher Education”,Kalpaz Publications, Delhi. Davis George (edited) (2008): “Quality Education, Prospects and Challenges”, A.P.H. Publishing Corporation, New Delhi Michael M. Moore et al (edited) (2002):“Open and Distance Learning Trends, Policy and Strategy Considerations”,UNESCO Patrick Alan Danaher and Abdurrahman Umar (edited) (2010): “Teacher Education through Open and Distance Learning”, Common Wealth of Learning ISSN 2224-5758 (Paper) ISSN 2224-896X (Online) Vol 2, No.1, 2012 Sukhadeo, T. (2006): “Higher Education in India, Emerging Issues Related to Access,Inclusiveness and Quality”,Nehru Memorial Lecture, New Delhi, November 24.