KKHSOU Education Assignment (4th Semester) 2015-16

Education

Assignment (4th Semester) 2015-16

KRISHNA KANTA HANDIQUI STATE OPEN UNIVERSITY

Suryya Kumar Bhuyan School of Social Sciences

Home Assignment

Bachelor of Arts (EDUCATION)

Distance Education, BED M/P 03

4th Semester, 2015

Total Marks 50

A. Answer the following questions within 50 words. 2×4 =8

Q 1: Why do you think that distance education is important?

Ans: Education is immensely important for every individual for proper growing. Many people or aspiring students cannot take education in school or colleges for various reasons. Distance Education contributes immensely in this context. Distance learning is rapidly becoming an alternative to traditional classrooms. Students can benefit from the flexibility that comes with distance learning. Distance learning can increase access to education for students who aren't located near a school or who can't afford to travel to class daily. Distance learning is less expensive. Distance-based learning offers more flexibility to students in terms of how and when they take classes. Many distance-based courses allow students to use several different learning modules.

Q 2: How would you like to differentiate distance education from correspondence education?

Ans: Distance Education is a type of education, where students work on their own at home or at the office and communicate with faculty and other students via e-mail, electronic forums, videoconferencing, chat rooms, instant messaging and other forms of computer-based communication. It is also known as open learning. Distance education have various instructional delivery models like- instantaneous live chats, recorded or archived live chats using internet, video or audio tapes. On the other hand Correspondence education is a part of distance education where students are provided with the course materials sent to them via mail or electronic means. The learners learn them in the absence of an instructor and send back her work for feedback, analysis, criticism, and grading.

Q 3: Why do you think that quality is important in an educational institution?

Ans: Quality is very important for educational institute because Quality in education enriches the dimension like curricula aspect, Teaching Learning Process, student’s support services, research consultancy and co-curricular activities of an educational institution. Quality of the education reflects the degree of excellence of an educational institute.  Bringing quality education we can build modern, value-based, knowledge based, culture based, and peaceful society which can lead the country towards economic stability and prosperity.

Q 4: What is ICTs?

Ans: ICT (information and communications technology - or technologies) is an umbrella term that includes any communication device or application, encompassing: radio, television, cellular phones, computer and network hardware and software, satellite systems. It also refers to the technology used to handle telecommunications, broadcast media, intelligent building management systems, audiovisual processing and transmission systems and applications associated with them, such as videoconferencing and distance learning. Although ICT is often considered an extended synonym for information technology (IT), its scope is broader.

B. Answer the following questions within 75 words. 3×4=12

Q 1: What are the different generations of distance education as divided by Prof. James C. Taylor?

Ans: The different generations of distance education as divided by Prof. James C. Taylor are as follows-

First Generation- The Correspondence Model: Print,

Second Generation - The Multimedia Model: Print, Audio/Video Tapes, Computer based learning,  Interactive video, Interactive multimedia etc.,

Third Generation - The Tele-learning Model: Various forms of audio and teleconferencing, videoconferencing, broadcasting, Audiographics communication, Broadcast TV, Interactive Radio/ Radio Phone-in

Fourth Generation - The Flexible Learning Model: Interactive multimedia Online,  Internet-based access to WWW resources, Computer-mediated Communication CMC

Fifth Generation: The Intelligent Flexible Learning Model- Interactive Multimedia Online, Internet-based access to WWW resources, Computer-mediated Communication, using automated response systems, Campus portal access to institutional processes and resources.

Q   2: What do you mean by LSS?

Ans: By the term Learner support services (LSSs), we mean any other services provided to the learners other than the SLMs(Self Learning Material)in the ODL system to facilitate the learning process. Thus, services like- personal contact programmes, counseling, organization of resource centres, library facilities, telephone teaching, interactive teaching through TV and Radio, and other similar activities form the components of LSS. In general, the objectives of LSS are- to provide all information learners need, to encourage students to fully utilise the available facilities, to motivate learners to assimilate what they learn, to provide necessary counselling and to create a friendly environment among students, the faculty and the administration.

Q 3: What are the basic differences between Synchronous and Asynchronous tools in education technology?

Ans: A learning tool that is in real-time, such as instant messaging or video-conferencing that allows students and teachers to ask and answer questions immediately, is synchronous tool. Concept of F2F (face to face) is used. Rather than learning on their own students who participate in synchronous learning courses are able to interact with other students and their teachers during the lesson. Asynchronous learning tools on the other hand can be carried out even when the student or teacher is offline. Coursework and communications delivered via post or email, posting on discussion boards, forums etc. are examples of asynchronous tools. A student is able to follow the curriculum at their own pace, without having to worry about scheduling conflicts.

Q 4: How can open and distance learning can be useful in case of women empowerment?

Ans: Open and Distance Education (ODL) has emerged as a powerful instrument for enhancing opportunities for formal education for women. ODL provides a flexible and adaptable approach to learning that is compatible with the cultural roles and responsibilities that often restrict and constrain females from continuing middle and higher education in certain section of society. Studies show that there is a significant decline in the number of females enrolled from primary to secondary school. Reasons for this include poverty, early marriage, ill health, pregnancy, and cultural constraints on female education. ODL has provided an alternative to such society to continue their studies. Due to distance learning women are able to overcome social and religious barriers and able to fulfill their dreams and ambitions.

C. Answer the following questions within 150 words. 5×2=10

Q 1: Discuss the challenges of ICT in educational use.

Ans: The integration of information and communication technology (ICT) in education is much sought but some barriers may discourage teachers to integrate ICT with education. The integration of ICTs (information and communications technology) in teaching is complicated and it demands more specific skills from the teachers. The major limitation is the teachers’ motivations and interest to use technology. Familiarity of Technology among teachers also comes into question. Some of the major challenges are as follows:

Effectiveness: The effectiveness of Integration of ICTs in education depends upon its use. If the purpose of its use is not clear the output will not be good. Time and place of use, class, age and section of learners is very important while using ICT in education. Its effectiveness also depends upon its reach to every learner.

Cost: Cost factor is the major obstacle for implementation of ICT in education. It requires availability of instructional tools such as Computers, well equipped labs, Electronic gadgets, Television broadcasting etc. which cannot be afforded easily.

Equity: Poor countries cannot afford ICT in education, so there is a chance that people of poor countries may get marginalized. Segregation of education with ICT among rich and poor class can widen the gap socially, culturally and economically.

Sustainability: Lack of proper plan and policy and lack of trained professional may hinder progress of such initiatives. It is very difficult to assess the effectiveness of ICT in education so goals and objectives need to be achieved for its sustainability. 

Q 2: "Placement service is an integral part of distance education"- discuss.

Ans: The assistance provided to a student to obtain employment or additional training is known as placement service. Placement service is an important part of distance education. Though not everyone who gets enrolled in a distance education programme looks for a job but most of the universities offering distance education have now “placement cells" that helps their students to get placed in reputed multinationals, government jobs, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and the private sector. These placement cells make sure that all registered students get help with job placements, counselling for employment and even self employment. This is done through either by Study Centres locally or sometimes by the OU/ODL institutes do it centrally.

The various specialised distance learning courses can help working professionals climb up the corporate ladder. An added degree, certification, skill can reflects well on resume and distance education is one of the most convenient ways to achieve that. With a proper placement wing, employment opportunities and professional growth after distance education are a definite possibility.

The fact that a lot of distance education candidates are indeed working professionals who want to continue with higher education or upgrade their skills to perform better at work. At the same time, it is somewhat difficult to place a fresher with a distance learning degree in a good capacity.

D. Answer the following questions within 300 words. 10×2=20

Q 1: Evaluate the role played by the study centres in the ODL system.

Ans: A study centre plays a very important role in the system of open and distance learning (ODL). As the learners may not have direct contact with the University, the study centre acts as bridge between the ODL institutes and its learner. A study centre facilitates a learner in following way-

·   Getting admitted to a programme: Study centre acts as a nodal point for a learner to get admission in an Open University or an ODL institute. All the formalities like receiving prospectus, submission of yearly/semester/monthly fees etc. are done through study centre only. Now-a-days, application form and fee transaction can be done through online also.

·   Acts as a Connecting point: A study centre also provides study materials received from Open University or an ODL institute to its learners. Most of the administrative activities between learners and ODL institutes are done through a study centre. From getting admitted into a programme to the receipt of the mark sheets/certificate of pass out, all the tasks involving he learners are undertaken by a study centre.

·   Conduct of counselling sessions: A study centre also conducts counselling sessions, generally in weekends. The counselling sessions play an important role in the learning process.

·   Continuous evaluation: A continuous evaluation occupies an important place in distance education. study centre undertakes continuous evaluation to assess the progress of learner. In distance education, a learner is needed to submit assignments. Learners submit such assignments at the study centre.

·   Library Services: A study centre also offers the facility of library services to its learners. Most of the study centres of an open university/ODL institute are located in local colleges, whose library facilities can be used with conditions.

·   Conduct of examinations: Some of the study centres also act as the examination centres of the term-end examinations. Depending on the number of learners, easy communication facilities, and other factors more than one study centres may have a common examination centre.

·   An activity centre of its learners: A study centre helps a learner to interact with other fellow learners who can thus form a group among themselves.

·   Grooming of personalities: A study centre may help the learner to develop personal traits or skills. Training sessions for developing certain soft skills, which are very much important in professional career like self-presentation, an effective communication skill, writing a suitable bio-data etc. are conducted by study centre on their own.

·   Placement services: Keeping in view the burning problem of unemployment, the open university/ODL institute through the study centers may offer placement services to its learners. The study centre may take such activities on their own, with or without the help of the OU/ODL institute. However, sometimes, the OU/ODL institute may do this centrally, on its own.

·   Other activities: A study centre may also undertake some activities not directly related to the curriculum of study. For example, a study centre may conduct workshops/lectures/seminars on issues relating to the ODL system or other general topic.

Q 2: How is open and distance education related to rural development? Discuss.

Ans: After Independence of India, it has given emphasize on rural development through its various policies. Rural development is backbone for prosperity in India. Rural development depends upon the proper utilization of human resources available in rural areas. The empowerment of PRIs leaders and rural youths can accelerate development in rural areas. The rural youth have the knowledge and experience, but they lack the higher education due to their lack of opportunities and socially relevant constraints etc. The rural development programmes in Open Distance Learning (ODL) can help them to avail the higher education in the field of development in general and rural development in particular. The mode of distance learning has emerged as a blessing in disguise to the rural people who aspire to become learned and knowledgeable but could not access the regular mode of formal education due to their economic compulsions or for some other reasons.

With high percentage of rural people in India it has rightly been given importance to ODL system of education, also because Indian villages are characterized by high incidence of poverty. Through this system of education even the low income people who have no access to education in formal institutions can improve their knowledge base and acquire qualifications. This, in turn, contributes towards increasing the literacy rate, and in the long run can be useful towards eradicating poverty and other such problems. So, distance education plays a major role in rural development.

India is an agricultural based economy so for achieving rural development and to meet global standards there will be required trained professionals with a wide range of relevant expertise. Such professionals are needed who can formulate appropriate policies and plans, design and implement development projects, introduce appropriate technology and information to farmers and small-scale entrepreneurs, and manage businesses and the efficient delivery of services in rural areas. If such professional are produced from rural areas the output will be even better. So Open Universities in India have started professional programmes in the field of rural and agricultural development. IGNOU offers various programme in rural development. Besides IGNOU, other open universities like YCMOU (Yaswantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University)   have also launched various programmes in rural development. YCMOU has launched ten crop based programmes for the farmers in Maharashtra. These open universities have rightly adhered to the objectives of making quality higher education available to the deprived and disadvantaged segments especially in rural and remote areas, women, SC/ST and besides tailor made innovative programmes.

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