Future of e-learning in India

By: Gagandeep Chawla Anu Chawla

Objectives
Why is education important Introduction to e-learning How e-learning can be helpful Current Scenario of e-learning in India What need to be done for promotion of e-learning in India Future of e-learning in India Conclusion

Education and its Importance

It is must for every youth, and makes him capable of thinking and making decisions Important for the growth and development of the nation and its economy Government initiatives are praiseworthy to provide education to all. Many new specific and vocational courses being introduced by the universities. India on its way for adopting e-learning . e-learning will definitely help in improving countrys literacy rate and its economy.

What is e-learning
E-learning is a technology driven, next generation education system. e-learning comprises of all forms of electronically supported teaching and learning methods delivered offline or online. E-learning can be delivered on various medias comprising of CD/DVDs, internet, intranet, iPods, mobile (this one has formed a separate branch of study called mlearning). E-learning has made the education system all more flexible, easy, self paced, self directed, enjoyable and understandable.

Types of e-learning
e-learning

Asynchronous methods

Synchronous methods

Asynchronous Method
Asynchronous mode or on demand mode of elearning is the offline one deliverables in form of CD/DVDs, Discussion groups/Bulletin boards etc. The setup cost for the learner here is low. suffer from the problems like cost of production. Skilled professionals are required for the production purpose using all those special software. The human interactivity factor is absent The evaluation system in asynchronous mode is not that skillful and good. Students performance track on is hence absent.

Synchronous methods
Synchronous mode or real time mode of e-learning is the online method This method provides the education to the learner through web Virtual classrooms / online classes, chats, blogs, wikis any or all of these can be used to provide education Human Interactivity factor is high providing interaction between teacher-student, student-student and teacherteacher . Availability of the interaction ,makes tracking of learners performance possible Students can be evaluated by the teacher and reverted back by the improvement tips.

Blended Learning
However practically combination of both synchronous and asynchronous methods are being used to produce the e-learning modules.
Online Classes

Feedback

Evaluation

E-learning methods

Simulations

Games Animations

Conferencin g

Discussion groups

Why e-learning
e-learning has already crossed academics and is now a welcomed option for companies to train their employees Helpful for adult education It is self paced, self directed learning methodology. It has bring down the cost of education and training its reachability factor makes it anytime anywhere learning method e-learning can help a nation lead towards development Its adoption is highly recommended

Current scenario of e-learning in India

MHRD working hard to achieve the target of providing education to all UGC & AICTE promoting various measures to lure learners into research. Teaching professions guidelines being updated from time to time for providing well qualified faculty to institutes. ICT is doing a lot e-learning promotion and adoption by conducting workshops and seminars across the country. UGC EDUSAT and INFONET provides electronic access to the scholarly literature Many private institutes like NIIT varsity have also stepped in for providing online education Small private setups also into e-tutoring classes

Steps to be taken for e-learning Promotion in India

Faculty members from all backgrounds and areas should be given special training regarding its benefits and ways of developing e-learning contents for their subjects. The faculty members should be encouraged to create shareable learning objects. Special courses for the design and development of elearning objects should be provided by various universities. Private sector should also be encouraged and involved in e-learning. Provision of broadband connections in all parts of India its speed and pc cost reduction should be looked into

Future of e-learning in India

Education at primary level Education at higher Level Adult Education Training programs Education in all parts of the country Employment

Conclusion
Concept of e-learning is still growing in India. Special marketing efforts for its promotion are needed. For any nation elearning can improve the level of literacy, learning and economic development. Hence adoption of this learning technology with our traditional education system and for other purposes is a must and sincere efforts must be made for its promotion and adoption.