In this globalised world there is paradigm shift in the concept and practice of imparting knowledge. The transition from black board to the web is a remarkable phenomenon that influenced the change in the pattern of education. The process of conventional class room teaching was extended to correspondence or distance education and then to the online education system, to help those who want to continue their education.
The conventional class room teaching method has survived the test of times for many generations and found to be a very effective way of imparting education. Despite many problems in the implementation, the method was adopted throughout the world, because of its efficacy and convenience. As far as basic education is concerned, the classroom system prevailed throughout, without many changes in its form and content. But when it came to advanced stages, especially at higher levels the need for an alternate system arose. Inability of many aspiring students to get themselves admitted to the institutions for continuing education is the main reason for the quest for new system. Again, inadequacy of institutions with required number of qualified teachers posed problems in many countries. The result was the birth of correspondence courses. This new system was a boon to those who could not get admitted to conventional educational institutions. They found the new system cheaper. The students were able to choose their own timings to study conveniently from homes. But this system also had its own inherent weak points. The problem is that there was no interaction between the teacher and the taught. The students could not interact with the fellow students, except in the contact sessions. Systematic and result oriented education was not possible as excess flexibility and options led to lethargic attitude of the taught.
Internet opened new vistas in the sphere of education. Online education could refine the whole system. The inherent anomalies of correspondence education could be eliminated and an effective teaching and learning method was evolved through the web. It is a convenient tool to search, link and learn. The educational institutions and universities are now making intensive efforts to streamline the system and maximize the benefits through this open and flexible distance learning method.
The students find the online education more result oriented and affordable. In a changed economic scenario, many students have to earn while they learn, to augment the resources for continuing education. Such students can choose the timings for studies according to their convenience. Further they find online education cheaper than all the other systems. The fees and cost of study materials are far less than the conventional system. The transport, travel and accommodation are not necessary in the online system. Many institutions offer financial assistance to the students. They offer job opportunities also after successfully completing the course.
Unlike the conventional correspondence courses, the online courses enable the students to interact with teachers and fellow students as and when required. The system encourages group discussions and meaningful interactions to promote ideas and to enable the students to apply and generalise what was taught.
To be precise, online education is a boon to the society which starves and craves for knowledge. The barriers are disappearing in the devolution and spread of education to every nook and corner of the globalised world. |