Benefits of Distance Learning for Fresher’s and Professionals

The education industry in India is one of the largest industries in the country with a market-size of 450 million students which, in turn, generates an annual revenue of $50 million. During the period of 2011-2021, the education segment in our country is expected to make a tremendous growth of 15 per cent. In addition to that, the distance education sector is working as a key player in this growth target. It is playing a major role as the education provider for the mass amount of people and is all ready to get to the nerves of the potential of student market.

Several years ago, when India lack in quality distance learning institutes, people consider distance learning as disadvantage over normal college education. But it is noticed that, Distance learning has taken off well over the last five years & it is considered a genuine learning medium and has acquired benefits that make traditional systems of education appear outdated and could possibly even render them obsolete. 

Industry experts predict that India will grow in stature to become the hub for imparting this mode of education. 

Recent report says that more than 4 million students are enrolled in open distance learning programs. It is considered as best option for working professionals, House wife and many other people who cannot attend the classes regularly due to some personal or professional reasons.

Technavio, a market research firm headquartered in London, has predicted India’s distance education market to flourish over the next few years and hit a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of close to 11% by 2020. This explosion will be propelled by the emergence of multiple learning methods catering to the needs of different kinds of learners.

There is lot of scope for open and distance learning today in India. There are total 13 open universities and more than 200 distance education centers that offer various distance learning courses in India.

There are many open learning universities and distance education universities who provides distance education such as, 

1-Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU),

2- Amity School of Distance Learning,

3- Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning,

4- Sikkim Manipal University,

5- IMT Distance and Open Learning Institute,

6-Yashwantrao C. Maharashtra Open University,

7- Madhya Pradesh Bhoj (Open) University,

8-Dr. BR Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU),

 That provides the best distance education courses.

It gives choice or opportunity to study subjects that are not available locally.  People who missed out on earlier education, people looking for up-gradation of knowledge and higher education, those employed who need additional skills, all are thronging towards it.  It is perfect for working professionals who want to rev up their resume with new skills. One can learn and relearn at their own pace and space with as many repetitions which are not available in regular classroom study.

BENEFITS OF DISTANCE LEARNING

1-Flexible Study

The flexibility in terms of work hours a student needs to put into a course allows them to indulge in numerous other activities while completing their education. This opens up time for valuable experiences such as travelling, playing sports, research and everything else a student desires. You can also opt to skip the exam in a particular year and take it next year.

2-LOW COST

Distance education courses have an extremely modest fee structure that does not burden students and parents and allows them to divert the flow of funds into other productive mediums.

3- Saves Time & Energy

Going to college daily along with full-time job can become too tiring and hectic. Beside the class timings clashing with office timings, it consumes a lot of time and energy. But the case is totally opposite in case of a distance programme. You can access the lectures any time of the day and your time of travelling to the college is dedicated to you studies or something fruitful.

4. Study while you earn

Sometimes situations don't match our desires. Therefore, compromises have to be made. Many students drop out of academics to support their family or earn money. But distance learning offers you the option of earning while studying. The classes are mostly held during weekends or evening hours or in online mode, so that one can attend the office on weekdays and study on weekends.

 

5- Plenty of options

Unlike traditional universities, students do not have to limit themselves to one university while selecting their courses, and can pick and choose based on their individual needs and requirements. The distance barrier is covered as well, thanks to online courses which allow students to even venture into international courses and reputed institutions.

6- Attractive Job Prospect

After completing distance learning programme, a candidate secure opportunities in some of the sectors like Marketing, Finance, Insurance, and Human Resources etc. Various reputed corporate houses and MNCs employ candidates from recognized distance learning University with completed diplomas.

So major number of people in India are young and they are considering distance education mode as a very conventional and effective way of higher education. Given that the distance education system is on a tremendous rise in the country.

Many well-known international investors are willing to invest a high amount of money in this sector. Distance learning universities in the country join hands with foreign investors with a primary objective of providing valuable, skillful and friendly higher education to the mass public.