Open Learning: Is It An Option You Are Considering?

Open learning is a mode of education where a student can learn anywhere and anytime. Here, learning is flexible to the learner's choice with respect to the time, place, mode of instruction, and accessibility. It may come as a surprise that open education for higher education began in India in 1962. Initially, there was a lot of doubt regarding the new form of education. But later was considered the best form of learning for those who could not get into the typical regular academic system.

What Is Open Learning Today?

Open-education system has played a major role in equalising educational opportunities for all learners across India. Open learning offers opportunities for learners at all educational levels. ‘National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning’ (NPTEL) supports engineering students, Consortium for Educational Communication focuses on undergraduates, and IGNOU caters to out-of-school learners. Each institution plays a vital role in providing targeted and quality education to its respective audience.

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The Government’s Role

Open and Distance Learning (ODL) uses various modes and initiatives to provide flexible education opportunities. The Government of India emphasises the importance of quality higher education through the ODL mode. ODL has also made a significant contribution to the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in India with more individuals accessing higher education.

The government has facilitated open learning platforms like NPTEL, which are collaborative efforts between prestigious institutions like IISc and IITs and is funded by the Ministry of Education (MoE). They provide courses in the field of science and technology taught by expert educators and offer certificates from IITs, benefiting those who couldn't get into the institute.

Similarly, the ‘Study Webs of Active–Learning for Young Aspiring Minds’ (SWAYAM) is a government-initiated online platform providing quality education for learners from Class 9 to post-graduation. Though there are many platforms available for opening learning it's not meant for everyone. Here’s a list of who could benefit from open learning.

Learners living in difficult terrains, especially girls, often have to leave their regular schools because of economic restraints and the responsibility of household chores. Open schooling comes as a blessing for them as they don’t have to compromise on their learning to fulfil their family responsibility.

Above all not every learner has an interest in pursuing stereotypical careers like medical law, engineering etc. They have a passion for performing arts, and sports etc and prioritise skills over knowledge. They choose open learning to complete their degree while focusing primarily on acquiring practical skills in their chosen field. Open schooling allows them to develop the necessary skills for their desired career while completing their basic education.

The Government of India has set up National Institute Of Open Schooling (NIOS )to offer pre-degree education for all through open and distance learning, promoting equal opportunities for all learners. It has also set up eight state-level open schoolings systems like West Bengal Council of Rabindra Open Schooling (WBCROS), Maharashtra State Open Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education and others in states of Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Tamilnadu.

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Who Should Go For Open Learning?

• Students who live in rural and remote communities: A majority of the population of India lives in rural areas with limited access to quality education. In remote areas or hilly terrains, access to proper educational centres is limited. This deprives many students of quality education. Open and Distance Learning (ODL) bridges this gap by establishing study centres in nearby locations. These centres enable students to connect with educational resources and pursue their studies independently. Setting up NIOS is some of the best government initiatives for school students who cannot leave their homes for proper education.

• Students who belong to economically weaker sections: Like geographical barriers, and economic issues also interfere with the availability of standard education for learners. Conventional education charges hefty fees that can be beyond the financial capability of many learners. This financial burden makes it difficult for some people to pursue formal education and gain the necessary knowledge and skills. ODL provides a platform for economically weaker sections of society to get basic education at an affordable cost.

• Students who are self-learners: Since open learning has self-paced courses it teaches the students the quality of staying self-motivated. Learners who prefer taking charge of their own learning process can pursue open education for independent learning at a minimum cost.

• Students who are flexible learners: Open learning is the best platform for gaining knowledge who can’t allocate to specific timings because of prior commitments. With ODL learners simultaneously manage their commitments and educate themselves in the field of their choice. The flexibility of open learning gives the student an opportunity to become a student at a university in a different country

• Students who are looking for skill-based courses: Open education is a viable option for learners who focus more on skill-based learning as compared to the old format of mugging up facts. Online platforms like NPTEL, and SWAYAM provide open online opportunities to learners to choose a skilled-based course with a partnership with a prestigious institution. Delhi University's Campus of Open Learning (COL) is also planning to start a centre for innovative skill-based courses, offering diverse options to students

• Students who want to grow their industry-relevant knowledge: Some domains like IT, medicine, law etc are constantly evolving with new innovations or rules. It is not possible for the learners to attend a college to upgrade their skills. Open learning facilitates the learner the opportunity to stay relevant to industry requirements as per their preference.

• Students who are working: Open learning is a boon for individuals, especially those who are between the age of 18-20 and want to learn while earning. With its flexibility in mode, place, and time of study it gives the opportunity to the learners to maintain a balance between their working hours and learning hours. They generally pursue courses that align with their present job position giving them an opportunity for better salary and growth. For instance, learners can pursue an undergraduate degree in data science from IIT Madras, or a Bachelor of Computer Application from Amity while working through their open learning platform.

• Students who want to switch their careers: For learners who are looking to shift to other professions can also opt for learning. Open learning gives the advantage to explore a new stream of courses while working in some other domain. This gives the learner the independence to explore new career options without not abruptly changing their present jobs.

• Students who are lifelong passionate learners: Some people are passionate about always learning something new. Open learning gives learners the opportunity to keep learning regardless of their sex, age, educational qualification, eligibility requirements etc.

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How Does Open Learning Help?

Open learning has made higher education accessible to everyone, regardless of their qualifications or background. It allows learners to study at their own pace without the pressure of strict deadlines. Open learning with its numerous perks has transformed the adult population in countries like India into skilled individuals, improving their quality of life.

Open education provides flexibility, but it lacks the personal interaction of traditional classrooms. It also fails to keep up with discipline, and responsibility for other social skills that a learner needs to develop in life. Incorporating online forums and mentoring programs can help enhance the learning experience, and develop a sense of commitment in students. By embracing improvised open learning, educational institutions can cater to a wider range of learners and promote inclusive education.