Distance learning is increasingly becoming popular amongst the scholars as it offers flexibility, low cost and an option to study with the best universities of the world. Aspirants can continue to learn while they earn and fulfill their financial requirements, says Dr Vinay Agrawal
Distance education is perfectly crafted to fit into the learning requirements of every individual who doesn’t want to leave his home or work. It allows an individual to choose from plethora of courses ranging from specialised diploma courses to regular degree and doctorate courses. Distance learning is increasingly becoming popular amongst the scholars around the world as it offers flexibility, low cost and an option to learn with the best universities of the world. However, the greatest advantage of distance learning is that you can continue to learn while you earn and fulfill your financial requirements and responsibilities towards your family.
One of the biggest advantages of distance learning is that you can choose to learn from almost any university around the world that offers the facility of distance learning, provided that you have necessary qualification and fulfill the required criteria. There are no limitations or boundaries of states or country and you can readily choose your desired course from the best institutes irrespective of where you live or which part of the world you belong to. While you stay at home, you can take care of your business or share some responsibilities with your family members and contribute to earnings.
There are many reputed institutes in India offering distance learning education like Indira Gandhi Open University, New Delhi; Indian School of Business Management and Administration, New Delhi; IMT Distance and Open learning Institute, Ghaziabad; Sikkim Manipal University, Gangtok; Symbiosis Centre for Distance learning, Pune and more.
These days there are numerous courses options available via distance learning education; one can pursue the traditional courses of Management like MBA, Entrepreneurship Management, Banking, life Insurance and at the same time explore off beat diploma courses in Corporate Ethics, Textile Management, Rural Marketing, Purchase Management and more.
There are many business class family students that enroll for specialty diploma courses. For instance one may need to join the family’s exports business immediately after passing high school; distance learning gives the student that flexibility to opt for a course of his or her choice that could be relevant to the business, which can strengthen the business acumen of the student while he or she continues to support the family’s business.
We have also seen another trend of students who are working full time in an industry that they have tumbled upon due to family, peer or financial pressure but they are keen to explore other sectors of their preference while they continue to work. That is when distance learning is an extremely preferred option since it enables you to add a specialised diploma or a degree course on your CV for a future job of your choice without leaving your current job.
looking at another perspective, there are students who decide to follow their creative passion like photography for a living, distance learning can help them secure a degree or diploma in traditional management or an entrepreneurial course that can further strengthen their journey in their creative line of work. A few distance-learning institutes offer fast-track courses which saves time and at the same instance, adds a new diploma to your education portfolio.
One should be a Class XII pass-out from any school in order to be eligible for most of the diploma courses and degree courses and, for post graduation courses one has to be a graduate from any institute. It is also apt to say that you can opt for distance learning without putting any extra financial burden on your pocket. In fact, all types of distance education courses cost much lesser than the traditional classroom courses without any difference in credibility of courses.
lesser cost again contributes to your earnings in an indirect way while you continue to learn and acquire necessary certifications or degree to boost your portfolio.
Distance-learning education has highly evolved over the last few years with the advent of technology. It is no longer a mere sit at home- study on your own concept. Institutes now have online video lectures, there are teachers who are available online throughout working hours to guide students and there is a provision of an E- library whose access is given to all students that enroll with the institute.
The inflation rates are ever increasing and in the quest of better standard of living, you may not want to compromise your job or work to acquire higher education. With so much of competition in almost every sector, distance learning offers a perfect option to continue your job along with studies through distance education. With a job in your hand, you can stay relaxed and not only self-finance your studies but also take care of the other responsibilities.
(The writer is executive director, Indian School of Business Management and Administration).