Distance learning, a student-friendly course

Distance learning, a student-friendly course

Says S Jeelani, Director, Centre for Distance and Virtual Learning, University of Hyderabad (UoH)

• What has made distance education so popular among students? 

Flexible learning and knowledge based on employability attract students. They get education at their doorsteps. Courses that have commercial value in job market are being included in distance learning. When students invest three years, they expect job opportunities, which they get at the end of the course.

• Are there systematic efforts to make distance education popular?

Enrolment of students in higher education in India is only 12% while on international level it is 23%. We are far behind the developed countries like the USA, where more than 60% students enrol in higher education. The Government of India wants to bridge this gap by starting institutes that offer student-friendly distance learning courses. However, there is less number of institutions which offers this course.

• What distance learning courses are offered in UoH? How are they different from other courses?

UoH offers 17 Post Graduate Diploma Programmes in streams including science, law, humanities and arts. Syllabus of the courses is designed in a way that makes is self explanatory and compensates for the classroom teaching. Study material is designed by experts and it is being constantly updated. Most other Universities lack these facilities.

• What is the structure of courses offered by UoH?

Duration of courses is one year with two semesters. Students have to complete their assignments that carry 10% of total marks. Compulsory classroom education of 60-80 hours depends on the course. Syllabus is completed in 10 to 15 days during which free hostel facility is availed by students.

• How are the placement opportunities?

We have tied up with NIRD and GVK Bioscience that will offer placement opportunities to students here in distance learning. Fee amount ranges from Rs 5,000 to Rs 16,000.