KUMAUN UNIVERSITY

B. Ed Sem – 4

B-401: Education in
Contemporary Indian Society

Unit-4: Secondary Education in

Post-Independence India

Topic- Concept, and need for

Distance and Inclusive education
Concept of Distance Learning
Distance learning is not a modern phenomenon. It actually dates back as
far as 1728 when Caleb Phillips, a teacher in Boston, Massachusetts,
offered shorthand lessons to students via weekly mailed lessons. In the
early 1840s, long before the advent of the Internet, Isaac Pitman, a British
educator, also taught shorthand through correspondence courses.

Distance learning (education) is a system of non-formal education. It is imparted

through correspondence or postal courses, contact, electronic media like radio,
television, video and audio cassettes, etc., and other audio-visual aids.
Different terms used for distance learning are: -
a) Distance Education
b) Distance Teaching
c) Open Education
d) Open Learning
e) Open School
f) Open University
g) University of the Air
h) University without Walls
i) Tele University
j) Out of School Education
k) Correspondence Learning
l) Correspondence Teaching
m) Correspondence School
Distance education is the method of learning at one's own pace, in one's own time,
without the boundaries of the formal class room and without the formal presence
of the teacher.
Need and Importance of Distance Education

1) Need of knowledge
There is a need for knowledge because of rapid scientific and technological
developments. The formal system of education on account of its rigidity and high
cost, finds it difficult to incorporate new changes speedily as desired.

2) Population Explosion
Unprecedented growth rate of population has resulted in the corresponding
increase in students. The formal education system serves a selected and limited
number of students.

3) Varied Needs
Distance learning is needed to satisfy the varied needs of varied students.

4) Earning while Learning

Distance education is especially needed for those who want to learn while
learning.

5) Desire to Improve Qualifications

There are many people who want to improve their education qualification while
they are in jobs. Distance learning provides opportunities to such people to
improve their qualifications.

6) Geographical Isolation
People may be geographical isolated because of distance or because a
communication system has not been developed.

7) Social Isolation
People may be socially isolated or disadvantaged due to financial, physical,
emotional or family circumstances.

8) For Different Ages

Distance learning can be used to teach people of different ages and to teach
courses from a wide range of discipline areas.

9) Universal Education
Distance learning is needed to achieve the cherished goal of the nation for
universalization of education.

10) Democratic Aspirations

Distance learning is needed to meet the great demand for democratisation of
education from those sections of society that are neglected.

11) Self - Improvement

Distance learning is needed from the point of view of self-learning and self-
improvement of an individual who , otherwise is deprived of receiving proper
education.

12) Boon for In - Service Aspirants

Open universities is a boon for in- service aspirants. They can improve their
educational qualifications and by doing so, they can brighten up their chances of
promotion.

13) Easy Access

It provides opportunities to large number of people who had previously been
denied such opportunities.

1. Take up an Important Job:

Distance learning helps students with flexible studying hours which can help them
to continue the job of their interest without any problem and can contribute
towards the nation’s overall development.
2. More Skilled Individuals and More Development of Nation:
Distance learning not only helps you to upgrade your skills but also helps you to
earn more. This, in turn, will help you to multiply the country’s skilled workforce
which in return leads to a greater contribution to the GDP of the country.
3. Helps you in pursuing your dreams:
Many of us have dropped our dreams for continuing our studies. Distance learning
can help us in fulfill our dreams without any obstacles.
4. Convenient Education Medium for Women:
Some Indian families have a narrow mindset regarding women’s education.
Therefore, some women are forced to drop their education and are made to
marry without completing their education. Open education gives women a golden
chance to study again and achieve their dreams.

5. Multi-Talented Professionals:
Correspondence Education helps students to take up various courses that are not
accessible in the colleges from their immediate geographical conditions.
6. Pocket-Friendly Fee Structure:
Distance education is always economical in nature as it doesn’t burden the
students and their parents. These help the student to invest their funds into some
other productive medium that could help the nation in one way or the other.