For learners who cannot attend full-time classroom sessions, virtual courses are a ray of hope, writes Arjun Nair
While the concept of distance learning has existed in the Indian education landscape long before the advent of the internet, its success rate has been depleting. Studies have shown that of all students registering for distance learning programmes, only 5-10% of them appear for the final test to attain certification. Despite the flexibility in learning offered by these programmes, students are unable to complete them due to lack of engaging content, limited faculty support, and less accountability.
Keeping the demand for robust education in mind, UGC has formally recognised and legalised online degree programmes. These programmes promise great quality education with access to premium faculty, along with industry mentors who can help learners power ahead in their careers. Here are few points that will help learners draw comparison between distance learning programmes and new-age online degree courses.
Robust quality
The approach adopted in distance education is self-directed and majorly dependent on the efforts of an individual. However, the complete removal of any kind of hand-holding and proctoring leads to heavy dropout rates as students are unable to stay motivated to study on their own. Though the training material offered to students in distance education are set by regulatory authorities, many times it is outdated or too simplistic to equip students with industry-relevant skills.
On the other hand, online degree courses focus on equipping learners with skills on par with industry requirements. The curriculum is designed by experts from academia and industry to help students master core concepts in various specialisations.
Hand-picked faculty
There is a massive difference in the quality of faculty and level of student engagement offered by distance education as opposed to online education. A challenge that distance education faces is the shortage of high-quality trained teachers in new-age tech domains. Students must manage and monitor their performance throughout the programme. Due to the absence of standardised channels for student-student and student-teacher interactions, learners tend to feel isolated.
Contrary to this, online programmes empower students with top-notch faculty, including both academia and industry mentors, who boost and maintain student engagement. Teachers can hold one-on-one live sessions, discussion forums, and doubt sessions at regular intervals. This mentored learning format enhances the learner experience. It also allows students access to a global network of skilled and like-minded peers that further enhances their learning outcomes.
Industry-relevant projects
Assessments are conducted periodically in distance learning wherein students must appear at a designated regional centre for their exams annually. In online education, learners are constantly evaluated through assignments, MCQ-based tests, class performance and projects. This application-oriented learning format helps them become job ready.
Apart from the uniform live group sessions and continuous feedback, online degree programmes focus on offering candidates an opportunity to learn and implement their knowledge with a pragmatic approach through capstone projects. Hence, the online learning structure provides more room for versatility and creativity in gauging students’ progress.
Lucrative career prospects
Only certifications do not promise a lucrative career. Learners need to be trained with soft skills to help them navigate through a transition in their careers. Through distance learning, learners gain only necessary qualifications and certifications to pursue a career. They generally lack career support and placement assistance services.
Such employment related struggles are rarely encountered on the completion of an online degree programme. Contemporary online degree programmes are designed to develop learners’ professional acumen. Institutions focus on supporting these learners with career services like resume creation, personalised job boards, and placement opportunities. They also help them grow in areas where they can excel in the industry.
Publication: Education Times
