Distance education is defined as a formal education

Distance education is defined as a formal education process in which the students and instructor are not in the same place. Thus, instruction may be synchronous or asynchronous, and it may involve communication through the use of video, audio, or computer technologies, or by correspondence (including written correspondence and the use of technology such as CD-ROM). Distance education includes courses and programs that were formally designated as online, hybrid/blended online (combination of online and in-class instruction with reduced in-class seat time for students), and other distance education courses and programs.

Distance education has really opened a new window of opportunities for those who desire for further studies. In a way it has helped numerous professionals, dropouts (school & college), housewives, etc to accomplish their unfinished dreams. It has immense relevance, particularly in a country like India, where pursuing education is a pricey affair. The whole purpose of providing Distance education is to provide cost-effective, quality education to large sections of our population including those living in remote and far flung areas.

In the job market today, an overwhelming 86% of businesses welcome employees who have earned a distance education degree. Employers just want to know that potential employees have the skills to do the job, not whether they got their degree online.

Global Concept of Distance Education In the developing world, since the 1950's, the population has doubled to over 5 billion people, most of whom want to be literate and want greater educational opportunities for themselves and their children. The majority of this expanding population is in Asia where there are massive problems of poverty, illiteracy and disease. In most developing countries, such as Bangladesh, distance education offers the promise of a system of information distribution through which new ideas, attitudes and understanding might begin to ooze through the layers of the disadvantaged environments.

Global Concept of Distance Education Drawing upon the well known model of the British Open University, countries such as Pakistan, India and China have combined modern methods of teaching with emerging technologies in order to provide low-cost instruction for basic literacy and job training. Turkey has recently joined those nations involved in large scale distance learning. Only twelve years old, their distance education program has enrolled almost one million students and is the 6 th largest distance education program in the world.

Distance Education in Indian Scenario No wonder, Indian universities top the charts on the number of Distance Education courses at both undergraduate and post graduate levels. Most universities in India now have Distance Education programs offering a wide variety of courses. The Indian government while realizing the need for distance education opened the prestigious Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) in 1985, which offers students degrees widely accepted in the job market as any other recognized Distance Education course.

Distance Education in Indian Scenario For instance a mere twenty five years since its inception IGNOU has carved a niche for itself among the premier educational institutions in the country. The University has been a pioneer in Distance Education and the recipient of the Centre of Excellence in Distance Education award conferred by the Commonwealth of Learning in 1993. Apart from the traditional degree distance learning courses, the emerging professional courses have also attracted attention of the learners. This is evident from the fact that Bachelor of Business Administration ( BBA), Bachelor of Computer Application (BCA), Bachelor of Mass communication are some of the degree courses pursued through distance education mode by a large number of population in India today

Distance Education in Indian Scenario Besides these traditional and professional courses, IGNOU and some other Open Universities in India are offering some specialized degree correspondence courses. The Bachelor of Corporate Secretaryship offered by Alagappa University, Institute of Correspondence Education, University of Madras and Pondicherry University can be cited in this context. Many career counselors of repute in the country and abroad have been advocating Distance Learning simply because of the fact of its popularity and availability. Some people are skeptical about the learning mode and they are right in thinking so because every option has got its pros and cons but in the case of distance learning mode pros outshine the cons. Let us have a look both the sides to get a clearer picture.

Distance Learning Pros • Convenience – can take online courses when you need them, not based on some college's annual or semester schedule. A course is as close as a computer with an Internet connection. • Flexibility -- with no set class times, you decide when to complete your assignments and readings. You set the pace. In some programs, you can even design your own degree plan. • Availability -- distance-learning opportunities have exploded over the past few years, with many accredited and reputable programs.

Distance Learning Pros • Cost -- prices are often cheaper for online courses than traditional college and trade courses -- with no housing or meals plans to worry about. • Self-Directed -- you set your own pace and schedule, so you control the learning environment. • Time Spent in Classroom -- now you can take a course on just about any subject without ever having to be in -or travel to -- a classroom so you have very little wasted time. Note, however, that some distance-education programs still do have an in-class component. • Accessibility -- with an online course, you can work on the course just about anywhere you have computer access.

Distance Learning Pros • Better for Some Learners -- distance-education courses are often better for people who learn through visual cues and experiential exercises and those that require more time, are language-challenged, or introverted. • No Travel Expenses -- you may never even have to leave your house to take an online course, and certainly there are no relocation costs. • No Interrupting Job/Career -- because distance learning courses are located in cyberspace and controlled by your pace, there is no need to quit your current job -- or even take a leave of absence -- to go back to school.

Distance Learning Cons • No Instructor Face Time -- if your learning style is one where you like personalized attention from your teachers, then online education will probably not work for you. • Perceptions/Reputation -- while slowly changing as more and more mainstream colleges and universities embrace distance learning, there still is a stigma attached to distance education. • Requires New Skills/Technologies -- if you're not computer-savvy or are afraid of change or new technologies, then online education will probably not work for you. • No Social Interaction -- while you often interact with classmates via email, chat rooms, or discussion groups, there are no parties or offline get-togethers.

Distance Learning Cons • Making Time -- if you are a procrastinator or one of those people who always needs an extra push to complete work, you may have a hard time making time for your online classes. • Little Support -- students are expected to find their own resources for completing assignments and exams, which is empowering for some, but daunting for others. • No Campus Atmosphere -- part of the traditional college experience, of course, is the beauty of the campus, the college spirit -- but you have none of that with distance-education courses.

Following chart will help find Institutions and Universities offering various distance courses in India S. N. Name of Universities 1. Indira Gandhi National Open University 2. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Open University 3. Kota Open University 4. Nalanda Open University 5. Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University 6. Madhya Pradesh Bhoj (Open) University 7. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University 8. Karnataka State Open University 9. Netaji Subhas Open University 10. U. P. Rajarshi Tandon Open University 11. Tamilnadu Open University 12. Pt. Sunderlal Sharma Open University, Chhatisgarh 13. Uttaranchal Open University 14. K. K. Handique State University

Distance Education Institutes S. N. Name of Institutions 1. School of Correspondence & Continuing Education, University of Delhi 2. Institute of Distance Education, University of Mumbai 3. International Centre for Distance Education& Open Learning, HP University, Shimla 4. Directorate of Distance Education, Kamraj University, Madurai 5. School of Distance Education, University of Calicut 6. Department of Correspondence Studies , Punjab University, Chandigarh 7. Prof. G. Ram Reddy Centre for Distance Education Osmania University, Hyderabad 8. Directorate of Correspondence Courses, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra 9. Directorate of Distance Education, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak 10. School of Continuing & Distance Education, JNTU, Hyderabad 11. Bharathidasan University, 12. Directorate of Distance Education, Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad 13. National Law School of India, Bangalore 14. School of Distance Education, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala 15. Department of Distance Education, University of Kashmir

Distance Education Institutes 16. Distance Learning Progs. Div. , Birla Institute Of Tech. & Sc. , Pilani. 17. Institute Of Distance Education, Dr. Harishing Gour Vishwavidyalay, Sagar, M. P. 18. School of Distance Education, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 19. Central Institute Of English & Foreign Language, Hyderabad 20. P. G. C. S. , Gauhati University 21. Deptt. Of Extra Mural Studies, International Institute for Population Sc. , Deonar, Mumbai. 22. Shivaji University, Kolhapur, Maharashtra 23. Jain Vishva Bharati Institute, Ladnun, Rajasthan 24. Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Viswavidyalaya, Satna, M. P. 25. Centre for Distance Education, B. R. A. , Bihar University 26. Directorate of Distance Education, Tripura University, Tripura 27. Sambalpur University 28. Directorate of Correspondence Course, University of Burdwan, West Bengal 29. Directorate of Distance Education, Guru Jambheshwar University, Hissar 30. Directorate of Distance Education, Patna University, Patna

Distance Education Institutes 31. Institute of Distance Education, Patna University, Patna 32. Institute Of Distance Education, Jiwaji University, Gwalior 33. Centre for Distance Education, SNDT Women’s University 34. Directorate of Correspondence Courses & Distance Education, Bangalore University 35. Institute of Distance Education, University of Kerala 36. Centre for Distance Education, University of Hyderabad 37. Distance Education Centre, 38. Institute of Correspondence Education, University of Madras 39 Directorate of Distance Education, Vidyasagar University 40. School of Distance Learning & Contg. Edu. , Kakatiya University 41. Gujarat Vidyapith 42. Mukta Vidya Kendra, Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth 43. School of Distance Education, Mother Teresa Women’s University 44. Directorate of Distance Education, Sri Venkateswara University 45. Directorate of Distance Education, University of Jammu

Distance Education Institutes 46. School of Distance Education, Andhra University 47. Lalit Narayan Mithila University, Darbhanga 48. Institute of Correspondence Course & Contg. Education, University of Allahabad 49. Directorate of Distance Education, Annamalai University 50. College Development Council, Utkal University 51. Department Of Correspondence Course, Punjabi University 52. Directorate of Distance Education, Pondicherry University 53. Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 54. NEHU, Shillong

S. N. Certificate Courses 1. Basic Electronics 2. Communicative English 3. Computer Applications 4. Computer Fundamentals 5. Computer Operation 6. Computer Programing 7. Computer Upgradation Maintenance 8. Computing 9. Consumer Protection 10. Digital Electronics 11. Disaster Management 12. Domestic Wireman 13. E-commerce 14. Environmental Studies 15. Fish Culture

16. Fitter 17. Food Nutrition 18. Gardening 19. Guidance 20. Health Environment 21. Hindi Translation 22. Hiv Family Education 23. Human Rights 24. Industrial Painting Technician 25. Women Empowerment Development 26. Journalism 27. Kannada 28. Labour Development 29. Lathe Operator 30. Library Information Science

31. Mason 32. Mechanic 33. Mechanic Radio 34. Nutrition Child Care 35. Participatory Forest Management 36. Participatory Project Planning 37. Pcb Drafting Manufacturing 38. Plumber 39. Program Laboratory Techniques 40. Radio Writing 41. Rural Development 42. Rural Surgery 43. Software Application 44. Syriac Language 45. Teaching English 46. Teaching Primary School Maths 47. Tourism Studies 48. TV Repair Maintenance 49. Youth Development

S. N. Diploma Courses 1. Advanced Diploma in Business Administration 2. Advanced Diploma in Software Systems 3. Advanced Diploma in Computer Application 4. Advanced Diploma in Web Programming 5. Biopesticides Technology & Biofertilizer Production 6. Diploma in Apparel Merchanding & Marketing (AMM) 7. Diploma in Basic Web-Technology 8. Diploma in Communication Engineering 9. Diploma in Comp. Hardware Maintenance & Network Tech. 10. Diploma in Computer in Office Mgt 11. Diploma in Computer Technology 12. Diploma in Construction Mgt. 13. Diploma in Creative Writing in Hindi 14. Diploma in Energy Mgt. Technology 15. Diploma in Fertilizer Technology

16. Diploma in Dairy Mgt. 17. Diploma in Fruit Production 18. Diploma in Garment Manufacturing Technology (GMT) 19. Diploma in HIV and Family Education 20. Diploma in Industrial Electronics 21. Diploma in Industrial Pollution & Control 22. Diploma in Information Sciences 23. Diploma in Kannada 24. Diploma in Law of Taxation 25. Diploma in Maintenance Engg. & Mgt. 26. Diploma in Mushroom Technology 27. Diploma in Operation Research 28 Diploma in Population and Health Mgt. 29 Diploma in Production Mgt. 30 Diploma in School Management

31 Diploma in Software Technology 32 Diploma in Sugar Technology 33 Diploma in Tourism & Hotel Mgt. 34 Diploma in Vegetable Production 35 Diploma Course in Culture and Tourism 36 Diploma in Applied Electronics 37 Diploma in Chemical Process, Instrumentation and Cltr 38 Diploma in Communicative English 39 Diploma in Computer Applications 40 Diploma in Computer Programming 41 Diploma in Computing 42 Diploma in Creative Writing in English 43 Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education 44 Diploma in Fashion Design & Boutique Management 45 Diploma in Financial Management

46 Diploma in Floriculture and Landscape Gardening 47 Diploma in Functional Arabic 48. Diploma in General Electronics 49. Diploma in Horticulture Nursery Mgt 50. Diploma in Industrial Hygiene 51. Diploma in Industrial Safety 52. Diploma in Journalism 53. Diploma in Labour Laws with Admn Law 54. Diploma in Library & Information Science 55. Diploma in Management 56. Diploma in Office Automation 57. Diploma in Pattern Making & Garment Construction (PMGC) 58. Diploma in Primary Education 59. Diploma in Refrigeration & Air Conditioning 60. Diploma in Seed Production Technology

61. Diploma in Statistics 62. Diploma in Textile Designing & CAD 63. Diploma in Tourism Studies 64. Diploma in Youth Development Work

S. N. Degree Courses 1. B. Sc. Fashion & Apparel Design 2. B. Sc 3. Bachelor of Academic Laws 4. Bachelor of Arts (Honours) 5. Bachelor of Arts 6. Bachelor of Bank Mgt 7. Bachelor of Business Mgt 8. Bachelor of Business Admin 9. Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) 10. Bachelor of Commerce 11. Bachelor of Communication & Journalism 12. Bachelor of Computer Application 13. Bachelor of Education 14. Bachelor of Foreign Trade 15. Mechanical Engineering Correspondence Degree Courses

16. Bachelor of Corporate Secretaryship 17. Bachelor of General Law 18. Bachelor of Horticulture Science 19. Bachelor of Information Sciences 20. Bachelor of Journalism & Mass Communication 21. Bachelor of Journalism 22. Bachelor of Law (Academic) 23. Bachelor of Library & Information Science 24. Bachelor of Literature 25. Bachelor of Marketing Mgt 26. Bachelor of Mass Communication 27. Bachelor of Music 28 Bachelor of Physical Education 29 Civil Engineering Correspondence Degree Courses 30 Electrical & Electronics Engineering Correspondence Degree Courses

Distance education abroad is truly a blessing for many people who desire to study in a foreign university. Distance learning abroad has become an excellent alternative to formal education for those who want to pursue higher education from a foreign University, but are unable to go there for various reasons. These can be financial reasons or some other visa related problems. Now, with distance learning abroad provided by so many foreign university offering innumerous distance education abroad courses, dream of students has come to reality. In addition to this, the system of International Distance Education has also made it possible to pursue a course that is not available in the country where he or she is residing. University education has thus become less tedious because of these abroad distance learning courses. For those who require traveling a lot, distance education from abroad has made it possible for them to continue their studies.

Another advantage of International Distance Education is that it has made available quality education to all at much lower cost. Accessing quality education by being physically present in the class would have not been possible for many because of the expenses involved. But now it’s just a matter of a click to acquire quality education at minimum expense.

Following mentioned are the universities and institutions outside India providing options of Distance Education Name of Country - USA S. Name of University/Institutions N. 1. Northcentral University 2. University of Massachusetts Boston 3. University of Outreach Idaho Engineering 4. University of Florida 5. Kelley School of Business Indiana University

Name of Country - Australia S. N. Name of University/Institutions 1. Open Training and Education Network 2. Deakin University 3. University of Southern Queensland 4. Open Learning Institute of TAFE 5. The University of Sydney Name of Country - Mexico S. N. Name of University/Institutions The Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)

Name of Country – New Zealand S. N. Name of University/Institutions Whitireia Community Polytechnic The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand Name of Country - Ireland S. N. Name of University/Institutions 1. University of Limerick 2. National College of Ireland 3. Oscail 4. Institute of Public Administration 5. Kilroy's College, Distance Learning Ireland 6. Dublin Business School

Name of Country - Canada S. N. Name of University/Institutions 1. University of Saskatchewan 2. Athabasca University 3. University of Phoenix 4. University of Calgary 5. Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology Name of Country – U. K. S. N. Name of University/Institutions 1. The Robert Gordon University 2. University of Derby 3. Commonwealth Open University 4. University of Edinburgh School of Law 5. The University of London

Today, we stand on threshold of a world which holds many promises provided we are aware of methods to avail them. Distant learning is surely proving to be a boon by opening the flood gates of knowledge and opportunities. Modernizations has laid time constraint and monetary limitation to success but Distant learning has set success free from all these shackles and has brought education and success within the reach of common man. Gone are the days when education was age bound and domain of few now it belongs to one and all provided there is willingness to explore the unexplored ….

Facts and Figures • The first distance education program began in the 1830 s with the advent of commercial correspondence classes. • In 2001, 56% of traditional learning institutions offered distance learning programs. An additional 12% of schools stated they planned on adding distance learning programs to their curriculum within the next three years (National Center for Education Statistics, 2003). • In a 1999 study, it was concluded that, "Distance education is just as effective as traditional education in regards to learner outcomes. " (Distance Education at Postsecondary Education Institutions Study, 1998).

Facts and Figures • In 2000, there was a 70% success rate for distance learning students versus a 74% success rate for those attending a traditional learning institution, (Virginia Western Community College Student Assessment Report, 2001). • The rate of distance learning registrations has increased 25% each year over the last ten years. • Studies have shown that the majority distance learning students tend to be female, older than most students in traditional learning environments (i. e. , over the age of 25), and have family or work obligations, (U. S. Dept. of Education, 2002).

Facts and Figures • Students taking distance classes fare the same, or even better, in terms of grades, yet worse in terms of retention rates when compared to students in traditional learning environments, due to the degree of self-motivation and discipline required, (Denton, Clark, Rossing, and O'Connor, 1984; Hogan, 1997; Schoenfeld-Tacher, Mc. Connell, and Graham, 2001). • The largest higher learning institution in the United States , the University of Phoenix , has educated approximately 200, 000 students enrolled online and on campuses throughout the country. Additionally, they employ over 23, 000 faculty members in educational roles.

Facts and Figures • Most online universities report 50 -60% graduation rates annually. • Today, only about 27% of students can be classified as attending conventional learning institutions.