Education Portal for Students in India

Open vs Distance: At present, there are 14 government run open universities in India. ( Representational Image/ AP) Open and distance modes of learning are quite similar but there is a significant difference between these correspondence courses. In the open learning module, candidates are allowed to take admission in any courses without any age limit.

Meanwhile, distance learning is a form of open learning where candidates can pursue a desired course without any classroom presence. Speaking to indianexpress.com, Jadavpur University professor Santwan Chattopadhyay commented that open courses are a viable option for candidates who had to drop out of mainstream education.

“As admission in open institutions does not require any age-related eligibility criteria, students who discontinued their studies can continue further.” Recently, a 93-year-old grandfather completed a Master’s level degree through IGNOU which could only have been possible through the open mode.

While this gives a second chance to candidates despite a long break, the value of the open degree programme is often questioned. “The degrees granted through the open mode is also valued, if the candidates has the required skills,” remarked Chattopadhyay. However, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Vice Chancellor believes the open mode is preferred among the two by employers.

Practical facility makes the difference V-C Tankeshwar Kumar said, “Though both the form of education, open and distance are quite similar, but in open education, students get lab facilities and so they are preferred in professional field. The distance mode candidates do not have any access to lab facilities, and are comparatively less preferred in jobs.” READ | BE versus BTech: What should be your pick? The Supreme Court in 2017, however, ruled that technical education cannot be pursued in distance mode or open mode.

1. The SC suspended all engineering degrees obtained between 2001 and 2005 through correspondence courses.
2. Following the apex court order, the University Grants Commission (UGC) suspended all engineering degrees offered in distance mode by JRN Rajasthan Vidyapeeth, Allahabad Agricultural Institute (AAI), Institute of Advanced Studies in Education (IASE), Rajasthan and Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation, Tamil Nadu.

VIDEO | How a fake varsity running in Delhi The list of degree courses not allowed to be imparted through distance mode include engineering, medicine, dental, pharmacy, nursing, architecture, physiotherapy and agriculture. At present, there are 14 government run open universities in India.

The varsities are Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Dr.B.R. Ambedkar Open University Hyderabad, Vardhman Mahaveer Open University, Kota, Nalanda Open University, Patna, Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University, Nashik, Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University, Bhopal, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University, Ahmedabad, Karnataka State Open University, Mysore, Netaji Subhas Open University, Kolkata, U.P.

Rajarshi Tandon Open University, Allahabad, Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU), Chennai, Sunderlal Sharma Open University (PSSOU), Bilaspur, Uttarakhand Open University, Haldwani, Krishna Kanta Handique State Open University, Guwahati,
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Is open or distance same?

Open and distance learning universities are not the same thing – Open and distance learning universities both offer online degrees, but they have different degrees of openness to candidates. Basically, open universities tend to accept any student, with no age limits and no prior education requirement.

• In some open universities, students cannot complete a degree, but the credits they earn can then be transferred towards an academic degree.
• By contrast, distance learning universities have entry requirements similar to those of traditional universities and they guarantee that you will earn an academic degree provided you fulfil the course requirements.

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What is open and distance education?

Ministry of Education, Department of Higher Education >> >> Overview Open and Distance Learning (ODL) system is a system wherein teachers and learners need not necessarily be present either at same place or same time and is flexible in regard to modalities and timing of teaching and learning as also the admission criteria without compromising necessary quality considerations. ODL system of the country consists of Indra Gandhi National Open University(IGNOU), State Open Universities (SOUs), Institutions and Universities offering education and includes Correspondence Course Institutes (CCIs) in conventional dual mode universities. This is becoming more and more significant for continuing education, skill updation of in service personnel and for quality education of relevance to learners located at educationally disadvantageous locations. With the dissolution of the Distance Education Council of the IGNOU, the regulatory powers on ODL is currently vested with the University Grants Commission(UGC). Last Updated by admin on Wednesday, 3 May 2017 – 10:43am : Ministry of Education, Department of Higher Education
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What is the difference between online learning and Open & distance learning?

Advantages of online learning over distance learning – Convenient learning mode Online learning employs a wholly online methodology, with all students participating in scheduled virtual classes. These classes are overseen digitally by a teacher who also guides students through the online lessons and tasks.

The Learning Management System ((LMS) is used for digital assessments and exams. Online learning is therefore not location-specific and simply depends on the online accessibility of both students and teachers. On the other hand, in distance learning, students must travel to test locations after studying and preparing at home.

They might occasionally even be required to attend in-person classes or practicals at Learner Support Centers. Course structure is similar to regular classroom course Another benefit of online courses is that the structure of such courses is very similar to a regular classroom course.

This means that you are not losing out on anything when you choose an online course. You get a lot of flexibility but you also get all the benefits of a regular classroom course. Whether it has to do with the course materials or examinations, a good course will let you partake of everything you need to grasp the subject matter well.

Online degree is equivalent to a traditional degree It’s only a myth that an online degree is not as worthy as a regular on-campus degree.If you pursue an online degree from any UGC-recognised university, your degree is as good as a traditional degree and is accepted by employers around the world.

Better interaction The nature of teacher-student and student-student interactions also vary between Online Learning and Distance Education. Online learning programmes typically use virtual courses and clearly defined modules. Additionally, they have a more interactive pattern. They adopt a blended digital learning style, making them more engaging whether they are group activities or one-on-one projects.

There are also forums and groups where students can converse and share knowledge. There are extremely few interactions in distance education. Due to the lack of resources and infrastructure, this interaction is especially rarer in rural places. There are a few, dispersed online groups and forums where students can connect with other students.

Effective pedagogy Online education aims to simulate in-person instruction in a digital setting. The teaching methods used in this online degree programme are quite similar to what students would encounter in traditional classroom settings. To make learning enjoyable, online programmes use blended teaching methods.

When it comes to remote learning, the teaching approach is usually straightforward. Students receive the study material, and they use it at their own pace to learn. Web-proctored exams Students enrolled in distance education must show up at designated exam centers.

1. For online learning, students just take the tests from any location in a web-proctored setting.
2. The administrative team is also ready for any back-end assistance, such as rescheduling tests, placements, internships, and more.
3. For distance mode exams are usually conducted at regional test centers that require students to travel and take the exam.

Networking opportunities Online learning provides students with the opportunity to connect with various industry experts and build meaningful relationships with them. Networking with mentors and industry experts is often neglected but has great importance since they have the ability to provide insights to the students and guide them on the right path.
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What does open mean in education?

Definition of open education – The European Commission’s definition of open education is: “a way of carrying out education, often using digital technologies. Its aim is to widen access and participation to everyone by removing barriers and making learning accessible, abundant, and customisable for all.
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Which is better open or distance?

Difference between open schooling and distance learning ? Although the terms are often used interchangeably, there are important differences. Open learning is an umbrella term for any scheme of education or training that seeks systematically to remove barriers to learning, whether they are concerned with age, time, place or space.

• With open learning, individuals take responsibility for what they learn, how they learn, where they learn, how quickly they learn, who helps them and when they have their learning assessed.
• Distance learning, on the other hand, is one particular form of open learning in which tutors and learners are separated by geographical distance.

This is sometimes called a home study or correspondence course. But many modes of communication are used for distance learning, not just postal correspondence. If you stop to think about it, most of us use distance learning techniques in some form in our daily lives: we read books and newspapers, watch programs on television and request information over the telephone.

It provide you the following facilities that a regular school does not have 1) Flexibility of choosing program independent of your age 2) Flexibility of not attending classes 3) Flexibility of on demand exam ( You can give exam when you are ready) 4) Flexibility of time frame (You can do program of 1 year even in 4-6 year if you are not ready for exam) At national level we are having NIOS with regional centers at state level, — NIOS offer the following courses: Open Basic Education Programme, Which includes following three levels courses OBE ‘A’ Level Course—Equivalent to class III OBE ‘B’ Level Course—Equivalent to class V OBE ‘C’ Level Course—Equivalent to class VIII Secondary Course—Equivalent to class X Senior Secondary Course—Equivalent to class XII Vocational Education Courses Life Enrichment Programmes

In general perception students consider open schooling and distance learning both as same concept but actually there is a vast difference between the two concepts. Distance education refers to all forms of education which take place through communication means like online learning or correspondence, for which you don’t have to be present in a particular location for classes whereas Open education usually refers to education which is available to anyone, regardless of student qualifications.

1. Open school, for example, are usually open to anyone who wants to pursue his education from home without attending regular classes.
2. Distance education is approached in various ways, with the more popular formats being print, audio, video, broadcast radio, television, and of course computers and the Internet.

It is characterised by separation of geographic distance and time. Open learning is defined as an method of learning that allows learners pliancy and choice over what, when, at what pace, where, and how they learn. Open education usually refers to education which is available to anyone, regardless of his or her qualifications.

Open learning tends to be delivered via distance education that is characterised by separation of geographic distance and time. Distance learning has evolved greatly since the days of correspondence learning in which the student would receive course materials including textbooks and other course materials through the mail.

Students would then work completely at their own pace, finishing the course according to their work and life schedule. Although correspondence courses still exist, they are quickly being replaced by online courses, which offer instruction from teachers, interaction with other students, and a forum for feedback.

• Distance education refers to all forms of education which take place through communication means like online learning or correspondence, for which you don’t have to be present in a particular location for classes.
• There are a number of advantages to the new formats of distance learning, such as making permanent professional contacts, a greater amount of teacher support and a multimedia educational experience.

With the advent and improvements on computer, digital and Internet technology, the shift from the traditional classroom experience to online or distance learning only seems natural. This is especially true for programs that traditionally require large amounts of reading and written assignments, such as business administration and management, human resources management and services, finance and accounting.

With open schedule online courses, students are allotted the greatest amount of freedom. This is an asynchronous form of learning in which students are provided Internet-based textbooks, mailing lists, Email and bulletin boards to complete their coursework. At the beginning of classes, the student is provided a set of deadlines, but is allowed to work at their own pace as long as the work is turned in by the deadline.

This type of learning is great for students who work well independently and those who do not procrastinate. For any help related to admission in NIOS please contact SS Coaching @ on our Mobile No.9839665533, 6386869080. : Difference between open schooling and distance learning ?
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What is open and distance?

The concept of open learning and distance education system focuses on open access to education and training to make the learners free from the constraints of time and place, and offering flexible learning opportunities to individuals and groups of learners.
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What is the main features of open and distance education?

1) Open distance learning ( ODL ) is easy and accessible to all. ODL is a learning distance that can open or available for anyone and is regardless of age, qualification or to the ethnic group as well. The distance is to study away from the institution or college and the time of teaching and learning is separated.

The institution or college will prepare the course materials in advance. The learning method is the student to self studying of the course material at home or other places and to complete the assigned assignment. Get Help With Your Essay If you need assistance with writing your essay, our professional essay writing service is here to help! Essay Writing Service The ODL learning is does not require the present of the teacher.

The learning place does not necessarily at the same time in teaching. For this education learning the methods of the communication is thru ‘technologies innovations like self-instructional electronic communication, telephone, printed materials, audio, broadcasting, video and online communication.’ ( WOU CD: Unit2).
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Is IGNOU open or distance university?

IGNOU is an educational institute where any of the students can take admission for their further studies. Candidates can take admission in IGNOU anywhere from India or from the selected overseas centers around the world. Now distance learning has much demand from candidates because they want to get an education without affecting their working life.

• Distance Learning is now a trending method in the education system which is now spreading to every corner of the World.
• Open Learning is an online method of study in which student has no need to visit any center for a new application and to complete their study.
• There may be some cases in which candidates need to visit their center which includes document verification, practicals, projects, and assignment submission.

Also Check:

IGNOU Distance Courses 2022 IGNOU Admission 2022: Last Date IGNOU Syllabus 2022

Why Do I Choose IGNOU Distance Learning? In the present time, some of the students have to work with their studies because of family dependency on them or others. It was very difficult to attend regular classes which are mandatory in the regular mode of study.

In most of the cases, candidates are getting the lower marks and grades in their examination because of the regular programme so in that situation distance education comes with the best solution. In the distance mode, candidates have no need to attend compulsory lectures and there is no pressure for attendance.

They can complete their programme without disturbing their working life. Candidates can give a great performance in their exam, get good marks and it becomes helpful for a bright career. Introduction of IGNOU Distance Education IGNOU has started distance learning since 2003 and it is now trending across the country.

• The university offered a lot of programmes throughout the open distance mode so the candidate can take IGNOU Admission in their selected programme very easily.
• Now, more and more courses added in distance learning with the objective to expand education to everyone and everywhere.
• You can get admission in any of the program offered by IGNOU and available in the list of IGNOU Courses.

Candidates can admit in any of the below degree and certificate programs with the distance education system. Most of all courses offered as a distance program for which you can find the list from below.

Master degree Bachelor degree Post Graduation Diploma Post Graduation Certificate Diploma Certificate Ph.D. (Doctoral) M Phil Non Credit Courses and more

IGNOU Online Learning The open distance learning system is easy to follow and candidates can learn online through video conferencing, web conferencing, live streaming, educational television and more option available for online learning. You can connect with your faculty teachers by online communication method, discuss queries with them and more can be done.

1. Candidates can complete their program without the need of physical presence at any institutes so it is much benefit to all peoples.
2. There is a lot of IGNOU Study Material that is now available for all distance learning students so that they can access it and download it for their studies free of cost.

Because of online system, students can learn from anywhere and anytime they want. The candidate has no need to visit the university and center for any query because you will get everything online except a few things. Online learning is a modern method that transforms the traditional educational system to distance education (also called independent learning).

IGNOU Study Material IGNOU Prospectus 2022 IGNOU Exam Centre List

Go with IGNOU Open Learning with the Right Program Start your learning now by choosing the best and right program for your career which gives you a lot of opportunities in your future. The right program means selecting only that course in which you have an interest and you want to be an expert in that field or subject and that will give you the great opportunities after completing the particular program.
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Is open university degree valid?

Guide to recognition of OU qualifications outside the UK – An Open University degree has the same status as one from any top UK university. Recognition outside the UK may differ, however. We recommend erring on the side of caution: if you intend to use your Open University qualifications to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK, then check whether your intended qualification will meet local requirements for your chosen career before you enrol.

We mention this because official recognition of qualifications gained outside the country in which you wish to work or study isn’t always straightforward. For example, you might intend to use your Open University degree as a professional qualification for finding work – but membership of a professional body or professional status might also be required.

In such cases, you’ll need to find out whether your chosen degree will allow entry to the next qualifying stage. You’re best advised to check your Open University study plan with the appropriate professional body in the country where you intend to work, prior to enrolling.

1. Happily, many employers and organisations worldwide do employ Open University graduates and understand that an OU degree is equal in academic standard to a degree from any other British university.
2. For further information, read our advice and guidance below.
3. If you are intending to use your Open University (OU) qualifications to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK it is important to undertake enquiries at the earliest possible opportunity to ensure that your OU qualification or study path will meet local requirements for your chosen career or study goals.

Official recognition of qualifications gained outside the country in which you wish to work or study is complex. Each country has its own legal and administrative framework, with which you must comply, and there are supra‐national directives, for example within the EU, which often add to the complexity.

This is a fast‐changing area, within which any advice is temporary, so you will need to inform yourself fully before seeking recognition. You might be planning to use your UK degree as a professional qualification in finding work. However, your degree is not always sufficient. Membership of a professional body or professional status (such as Chartered Engineer), may also be required.

In such cases, you will need to find out if your chosen degree will allow entry to the next qualifying stage. This could include additional professional examinations and/or a period of accredited work experience. The professional bodies determine whether academic courses will provide exemptions from specific professional examinations.

Your study plan should therefore be checked with the appropriate professional body in the country where you hope to work before commencement of study. You may also have to apply for national or state recognition of your qualification from the official authorities – see below for further information on applying for official recognition overseas.

It is not always necessary to seek official recognition of your degree if you are looking for work in the private sector. You should enquire of prospective employers if this is demanded. Many international organisations employ OU graduates and understand that an OU degree is equal in academic standard to a degree from any other British university.

Smaller employers may be less familiar with the OU and you might need to provide additional explanatory information to ensure that your qualification is fully valued. If you wish to use your degree to gain entry to another academic institution, or to work in the public sector, you will often have no choice but to seek official academic recognition.

It is preferable to do so before you commence your studies since the OU is unable to guarantee recognition in all circumstances. However, please be aware that the academic recognition process can be cumbersome, slow, and not without cost and should only be sought if you discover that you need official recognition of your qualification to pursue your career outside the UK.

• You must follow the required procedures when seeking recognition and you will need explicit advice on how to do so before you begin.
• All countries within Europe have a national advice centre on recognition, known as a NARIC or ENIC centre, which will give you advice free but may charge for other services.

These centres also exist in the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, but in other countries you may have to approach the Ministry of Education or equivalent government department for advice. If you are advised that you must approach a university or other institution in any particular country it is sensible to assume that they know very little about The Open University (OU).

The University’s sample explanatory letter. An academic transcript of your studies – in Europe this should be in the form of a Diploma Supplement if you have already graduated (you can download this from your StudentHome page). Module descriptions available from our website and from the University’s printed prospectuses. An academic reference that should explain the qualification you have in a broader context. This can be requested from your student home website and should be explicit about the purposes for which you need the reference. You will also be required to produce an original degree certificate, which sometimes has to have an additional certification as a legal document. This involves the attachment of an apostille to authenticate the signature of the document. The Open University cannot provide this, but you can apply online,

It is important to present your studies in a way that emphasises the quality of The Open University’s qualifications:

Make it clear that you have not followed correspondence courses. The OU teaches through supported ‘Open Learning’ which incorporates flexible learning with one to one study support. An OU degree is equal in academic standard to a degree from any other British university. The University is subject to the same quality assurance procedures, through the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), as all other British universities, and uses external assessors and examiners to ensure comparability of standard and level in its courses. Your studies may have been on a part time basis but remain equal in academic rigour, and in volume, to those of a student studying full time. It is important to stress the total amount of time that it takes to gain an OU degree. If you have included residential schools in your profile, do not forget to mention the intensive laboratory or practical work undertaken, and the opportunities for group work, presentations, field trips, etc. The University’s assessment system is rigorous. You will have had to pass both continuous assessment and a written examination in most modules. In some countries you may wish to add that each tutor‐marked assignment (TMA) is the equivalent of a modular examination. Each module has published learning outcomes that you have to satisfy to pass.

American degrees are based on a modular system like Open University degrees. Systems vary from one institution to another and between states, but two of the most commonly used measures are ‘credits’ and ‘semester hours’. It is important to remember that OU credit does not represent the same amount of study as American credit.

Students usually need 120–124 semester hours or 180–186 quarter‐hours to graduate with a bachelors or baccalaureate degree. On the whole it is advisable not to try to equate OU courses with American courses yourself, but rather to allow the American institution to assess their equivalence in American terms.

However, it might help to state the number of hours of study each course required, and to explain that the OU uses a credit system in which 120 credits are the equivalent of one full‐time academic year of study, and at least 360 credits are required for a Bachelors degree with honours.

• The OU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education,
• The MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognised by the U.S.
• Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
• MSCHE is an institutional accreditor; therefore, it examines and reaffirms accreditation for each of its member institutions as a whole, rather than the specific programs within the institution.

MSCHE does not approve individual programs. MSCHE accreditation does not expire but is reaffirmed at the time of the institution’s next review. It may be appropriate in some circumstances to refer to this as additional external evidence of OU academic quality.

Accreditation of this kind does not guarantee automatic transfer of credit in the USA or elsewhere. Each institution makes its own decisions about credit transfer and it may take into account a variety of factors, such as how well the credits students earned at another institution fit the requirements for the program they wish to pursue, the comparability of learning goals for the courses at the other institution, the grades students received in the courses they took, whether the college they attended is accredited, and other factors that vary from one institution to another.

The only way to determine which credits (if any) a college or university will accept is to contact the institution directly. Students who know in advance that they may wish to transfer to another institution should contact the receiving institution as soon as possible about the transferability of credits.

1. There appears to be no blanket validation available from US government courses and therefore the onus of assessment is placed on the individual employer/institution.
2. However, there are agencies in the United States that, for a fee, will assess the equivalence of qualifications gained outside the US to those available in the US.

Two agencies we know of are: World Education Services and International Education Research Foundation, The Bologna Process in the European Union aims to harmonise the Higher Education (HE) systems of all its signatories to increase the mobility and portability of qualifications.

Amongst the reforms completed are the division of HE into three cycles (equivalent to the British honours degree, the masters degree and the doctorate) and the provision of transparent documentation of these qualifications, in the form of the Diploma Supplement (a transcript of your qualification). The OU honours and masters degrees conform to the current European qualifications framework.

You can download your Diploma Supplement from your StudentHome page. This will indicate how your OU credit measures against the European credit transfer system (ECTS) but, in essence, 60 OU credit points are the equivalent of 30 ECTS points. Please note that it is possible that undergraduate level certificates and diplomas, ordinary degrees and foundation degrees will not be given any formal academic recognition outside the UK, since they are achieved before the end of the first cycle of the common European Higher Education framework.

• The Bologna Process is still ongoing, and information on recognition quickly becomes outdated.
• For the latest information on individual countries, and for contact details of the national offices, visit the enic‐naric website,
• For up‐to‐date information on the Bologna process, visit the official website,

Please remember that while the general principles of the Bologna process have been agreed throughout Europe, they are not legally binding. Individual universities and national authorities have considerable freedom concerning their interpretation and application.

• As a result there continue to be significant differences in the recognition of British awards.
• For example, an academic degree of 180 ECTS from the OU – or any other British university – might not meet the strict entry criteria for certain postgraduate programmes or for employment in the public sector in some countries outside the UK.

Students are therefore strongly advised to undertake local enquiries at the earliest possible opportunity to ascertain the current position. Students living outside the UK are entitled to all our services but should be aware that there are more examples and opportunities advertised within the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Students based overseas and studying through our partner organisations should check with their host organisation what services are available to them. When planning your career development, it is important to recognise that academic qualifications may play only a part in determining your suitability for a particular career or profession. You should also consider your skills, the content of specific courses, and the learning outcomes that are all part of OU study. If you are an OU student, or if you have studied with the OU in the last three years, you can request information, advice and guidance to support your career planning and job seeking, including help to recognise and develop your employability skills. Visit our OU Careers and Employability Services website for information and advice on all aspects of career planning.

Here are a selection of the services on offer to you:

online forums, webinars, and Facebook Live chats on a wide range of job market skills, career planning and specific career areas a wealth of downloadable guides and the Career Planning and Job Seeking Workbook online interactive career planning, timed interview practice and CV building tools Opportunity Hub platform to connect with vacancies, placements and schemes from hundreds of employers (chiefly UK‐based) our LinkedIn networking group The Open University Careers Network (TOUCAN) one‐to‐one guidance from experienced careers consultants

To whom it may concern Re: ‘Student name’ Recognition of Open University Qualification (Student name) was awarded her/his/their qualification(s) (enter qual) by The Open University on (date). We have been contacted by (student name) to attest her/his qualification(s).

This letter sets out the Open University’s authority to award UK degrees and how the academic standards of its qualifications are assured. The Open University The Open University has national and international reach with a strong reputation for leadership in the provision of higher education and professional development.

The Open University is a world leader in modern distance learning, pioneering teaching and learning methods which enable people to achieve their career and life goals studying at times and in places to suit them. Power to award UK degrees The Open University was established by Royal Charter on 23rd April 1969 with degree awarding powers.

The UK Government maintains a list of institutions that have their own degree awarding powers recognised by the UK authorities (UK and Scottish Parliament, Welsh and Northern Ireland Assemblies). The Open University is listed as a recognised body with degree awarding powers on the UK Government website where this can be verified at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/recognised‐uk‐degrees.

The Open University degree programmes are at the UK higher education level, and degrees awarded are comparable with those awarded by other UK universities. The Open University’s awarding powers are used to validate the awards of other educational institutions in the UK and overseas including the Arab Open University which occupies 7 different countries across the Middle East.

Quality of Higher Education Qualifications Like other UK universities, The Open University is independent and autonomous. The University’s academic standards are assured in a number of ways including by external examiners appointed from other universities and degree awarding institutions within the UK.

In line with other universities in the UK, the University’s teaching and research are formally assessed by a Higher Education Funding Council (HEFCE – www.hefce.ac.uk), and its quality assurance arrangements reviewed by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (www.qaa.ac.uk).

The Open University is accredited by the Middles States Commission on Higher Education, Education (https://www.msche.org/) based in Philadelphia, USA, which is an institutional accrediting agency recognised by the US Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. These bodies have a commitment to the improvement of educational qualifications and continuous improvement in management of quality in Higher Education, and the University continues to place high priority on the development and enhancement of its procedures for quality assurance.

Higher education in the UK has an international reputation for excellence and maintaining the highest academic standards and quality is crucial to keeping this reputation. The Open University is both a teaching and research institution and research informs course development and teaching practice.

Since its launch in 2006, the University’s publicly‐available research repository – Open Research Online – has recorded more than 2.2 million visitors. The repository makes around 22,000 research articles publicly available, as part of The Open University’s commitment to open access to educational resources.

You can find out more about The Open University at www.open.ac.uk, however I do hope that the above information is sufficient to attest to the quality credentials of The Open University and the qualifications it offers, as well as its authority to confer degrees that are fully recognised by the UK Government and UK and international quality assurance bodies.
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What are the advantages of open and distance learning?

Flexible Learning – Perhaps the most immediately obvious advantage of distance education is the level of flexibility it provides for students. In general, remote learning tends to require more independent study and because modern distance education is usually online-based, students have more control over both when and where they study.

For teachers and academic institutions, modern education technology, or EdTech, offers possibilities to deliver lessons via synchronous or asynchronous methods. Examples of synchronous methods include video conferencing and digital whiteboarding, while asynchronous methods allow for the creation of a learning resource center.

The all-round flexibility on offer via distance education can make it ideal for people who have to juggle a lot of additional responsibilities, as well as those who like to study when the mood strikes, rather than when they are obligated to do so. Nevertheless, it is also possible for remote education to have structure and deadlines too.
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Is distance degree and open degree same?

Open vs Distance: At present, there are 14 government run open universities in India. ( Representational Image/ AP) Open and distance modes of learning are quite similar but there is a significant difference between these correspondence courses. In the open learning module, candidates are allowed to take admission in any courses without any age limit.

• Meanwhile, distance learning is a form of open learning where candidates can pursue a desired course without any classroom presence.
• Speaking to indianexpress.com, Jadavpur University professor Santwan Chattopadhyay commented that open courses are a viable option for candidates who had to drop out of mainstream education.

“As admission in open institutions does not require any age-related eligibility criteria, students who discontinued their studies can continue further.” Recently, a 93-year-old grandfather completed a Master’s level degree through IGNOU which could only have been possible through the open mode.

1. While this gives a second chance to candidates despite a long break, the value of the open degree programme is often questioned.
2. The degrees granted through the open mode is also valued, if the candidates has the required skills,” remarked Chattopadhyay.
3. However, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Vice Chancellor believes the open mode is preferred among the two by employers.

Practical facility makes the difference V-C Tankeshwar Kumar said, “Though both the form of education, open and distance are quite similar, but in open education, students get lab facilities and so they are preferred in professional field. The distance mode candidates do not have any access to lab facilities, and are comparatively less preferred in jobs.” READ | BE versus BTech: What should be your pick? The Supreme Court in 2017, however, ruled that technical education cannot be pursued in distance mode or open mode.

The SC suspended all engineering degrees obtained between 2001 and 2005 through correspondence courses. Following the apex court order, the University Grants Commission (UGC) suspended all engineering degrees offered in distance mode by JRN Rajasthan Vidyapeeth, Allahabad Agricultural Institute (AAI), Institute of Advanced Studies in Education (IASE), Rajasthan and Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation, Tamil Nadu.

VIDEO | How a fake varsity running in Delhi The list of degree courses not allowed to be imparted through distance mode include engineering, medicine, dental, pharmacy, nursing, architecture, physiotherapy and agriculture. At present, there are 14 government run open universities in India.

• The varsities are Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Dr.B.R.
• Ambedkar Open University Hyderabad, Vardhman Mahaveer Open University, Kota, Nalanda Open University, Patna, Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University, Nashik, Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University, Bhopal, Dr.
• Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University, Ahmedabad, Karnataka State Open University, Mysore, Netaji Subhas Open University, Kolkata, U.P.

Rajarshi Tandon Open University, Allahabad, Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU), Chennai, Sunderlal Sharma Open University (PSSOU), Bilaspur, Uttarakhand Open University, Haldwani, Krishna Kanta Handique State Open University, Guwahati,
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Is open education good?

@Glencox – OEC: What is Open Education? Cox: From my perspective, Open Education includes making freely available, under an open license, all materials that make up education. This could include every kind of teaching material which could range from an entire course to an image or an infographic.

• Importantly, it includes entire textbooks.
• From my perspective, I also feel that open access research articles also make up the very important component of education and therefore they can also come under this broader banner of Open Education.
• In addition to that, I feel that part of Open Education is also Open Science and Open Data because all these aspects can be included as part of an education.

As an open educational practitioner, I feel that for me to truly walk the talk of Open Education I need to be considering sharing all these different aspects so data, research, teaching materials, slideshows, presentations all these different aspects.

• I believe all of that makes up Open Education.
• OEC: What does it mean to you to be an Open Education Practitioner? Cox: The way I approach everything I do is from an open perspective.
• Because of that open perspective I am constantly striving to think of ways of sharing different aspects of what I do.
• As an educator in a higher education institution I do data collection, I do research, I do teaching, I teach workshops, I go to conferences where I do and share presentations.

I believe that as an Open Educational Practitioner you need to be able to share all these different components. The Practice side is walking the talk of Open Education. OEC: Why do you think Open Education is important? Cox: I think Open Education is important because it extends the reach of teaching, learning and research materials beyond the classroom.

• At school level, Open Education gives teachers and learners access to materials and textbooks that they previously would not be able to get hold of.
• That’s related to cost and I will talk about that a bit more later.
• In tertiary education, there are a number of problems or crises or concerns not only in the Global South but across the globe.

Tertiary education is very expensive. There are limited spaces available meaning many people cannot get access to tertiary education and even if they do there is a variable quality between the different tertiary education institutions that you can go to.

• Open Education is important because having materials openly available and textbooks openly available allows teachers and students or learners at those institutions to have access to materials that they normally would not be able to afford.
• So it is a potential solution to some of the crises in higher education not only in the Global South but across the world.

OEC: What is your view on Open Education in relation to informal learning and those who cannot get access to universities. Can you see any potential benefits of Open Education there? Definitely. I have talked about basic education and schooling and then tertiary education.

• But there is an enormous group of people who may have that basic education but there is no way that they could continue with higher education for a number of different reasons.
• Having these materials available to teach themselves, to do self-directed learning extends the reach of these materials.
• I believe that is very important.

OEC: What changes do you hope Open Education will bring? Cox: In terms of changes there is some evidence that is growing now of the impact of Open Education. Open Education is being researched more extensively. Now we are building some evidence that higher education and other sectors have benefited from Open Education.

We can now actually see that there is a benefit and there are numerous examples now. Such examples are extremely important when we are trying to convince people of the value of Open Education and why it is useful. Evidence of impact is important and we now have cases of this evidence of impact especially in the Global South with the Research on OER for Development project (ROER4D).

More recently in higher education, and this is certainly the case in South Africa but there are other calls around the globe, there is a call for “fees must fall.” Students and learners are asking for free education. Although this is a complex problem that involves government and policy in complex historical contexts free textbooks and teaching materials can offer solution to part of that problem.

1. By making textbooks and materials openly available higher education certainly becomes much cheaper for individual students.
2. I feel that that is one of the changes that I hope Open Education can make.
3. That it can address some of these calls for people to have a reduced fee on tertiary education.
4. Having said that I am aware that there are big challenges.

One of the challenges is a lack of awareness of Open Education. While, at the moment, people are calling for “fees must fall,” they are not necessarily aware that Open Educational Resources are available. This is a challenge for Open Education researchers and advocates to make teachers and lecturers aware of these materials and help them to see the value of contributing materials.

• I am hoping that through Open Education we can solve some of these challenges.
• Certainly, there is a lot of work to be done around awareness of Open Education before we can see a bigger change or more impact.
• OEC: What role do you think Open Education will play in education in the future (either in the country or the region)? Cox: Perhaps I should focus on South Africa since that’s my context while referring to cases where I have done some research at different institutions.

I am aware of the different contexts out there. In South Africa, my hope is that sharing of teaching materials between institutions will assist some of the smaller institutions, the less resourced institutions but also some of the very new institutions is going to help lectures at such institutions to access different materials, different viewpoints, different ways of teaching and to help them to not reinvent the wheel by creating new resources when in fact those resources are already created and available.

In South Africa, the challenge is also around awareness. Making those people in smaller or new institutions aware of the power of Open Educational Resources and the fact that these resources are there for them to use. Also in South Africa, with the crisis in basic education where math and science students don’t achieve well and we know that much of the schooling system is quite inadequate: Having textbooks available for free through various platforms now that are being created like Siyavula and Nolwazi, just to name two, these textbooks and teaching materials are now available for teachers in schools.

Especially for students who cannot afford to buy any kind of textbook to have these materials freely available will hopefully improve pass rates and improve grades. That’s what I am hoping for in South Africa. OEC: At the level of basic education the Department of Basic Education is responsible for distributing textbooks to schools.

How is the availability of openly licensed textbooks going to improve pass rates and grades where cost of textbooks is not necessarily an issue]? Cox: In many of those schools the textbooks don’t ever arrive. Even when they do arrive there are often not enough of them. We know that this does happen especially in poor areas.

It is these kinds of inconsistencies that can be solved by having more of these materials available. We know that teachers are supposed to get support from government but often they don’t get the training that they really need. They don’t have access to these resources and they don’t get the support, the training that they should be getting.

1. I think that the situation in South Africa is very inconsistent.
2. Having materials openly available on different platforms will hopefully equalize this situation and give those teachers who are really struggling to get those materials.
3. As part of the ROER4D project that I was working on I compared 3 different institutions in SA: UNISA, Fort Hare and the University of Cape Town.

The situation in just these 3 institutions is quite different with complex institutional cultures and history. As an advocate, I hope that these institutions will include more open education resources (OER). The politics and history around using other materials is very complicated.

• Word of caution: Although we might suggest that people use these OER, the process of getting people to actually do it requires quite a bit of work even when they agree that this is a wonderful idea.
• The hard work is in terms of showing people value and making them aware.
• This is a project that needs to be taken on not only in SA but in many institutions.

We need to help lecturers become aware of the potential of OER. Having looked at different institutions, I can see how complicated it is to simply take on OER. OEC: Clarifying question: What role do you think open education will play in the Global South based on your experiences with the ROER4D project? Cox: ROER4D has a number of studies in various countries in the Global South.

1. I think that it is quite encouraging to see the variety of different projects that are being taken on.
2. In South America (Colombia, Chile, and Brazil).
3. In Africa (South Africa, Ghana and Kenya).
4. In Southeast Asia (Philippines, Mongolia): We had country studies where we can see that OER has been introduced and we can see measures of positive impact on educators.

These are still relatively isolated projects however. We hope to continue that research in the future and build on that research. We hope that through this project – part of the project is a development project: Not only have we done research but we also try to develop people involved in the project – For example, my small project: Part of that project was to teach workshops on Open Education and Creative Commons at institutions in a hope that it would benefit the different sites where we were.
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How many years is an open degree?

Is a single sitting degree approved by UGC ? – UGC(University Grants Commission). It is a grant-level university. When you take admission to this university, you can get success and also get some achievement in your life in the future. As you know, education is very important at present.
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Is open university certificate valuable?

Is IGNOU Degree Valuable? When a student plans for further studies from a distance learning education, it is not the course that creates confusion, but the credibility of degree does. Likewise, if your next target is studying in IGNOU, then we are certain, hundreds of questions might be trotting in your mind.

Say, will I be able to get a government job with a degree from IGNOU? Will IGNOU degree be able to lift my career? Will I get equal job opportunities with an IGNOU degree or not? Many more queries will be roaring around, but the moral of the entire scenario connects with one string – Is IGNOU Degree Valuable ? The answer to this question is YES, so, don’t go on the journey of stress, and instead, focus on the education program you have chosen from IGNOU.

Even from the earlier days, passed out of students from IGNOU has lured several jobs and is now working with top-notch companies. The same outline is being repeated even now. From teachers to businessmen, IGNOU has showered prestigious positions all over the world with its magnificent students.

Also Check: Is IGNOU tough than a Regular College? During Covid-19 pandemic in India, many of the student are now choosing IGNOU university for their further studies for its distance learning because students did not have to be physically present at IGNOU centre as they can join IGNOU online classes on various IGNOU channels and can prepare with the help of IGNOU Online Books.

Furthermore, the university also send their markshet and certificate to their home without personally submitting the application to IGNOU. You Can Also Read:

IGNOU Distance Courses 2022 IGNOU Placement 2022 IGNOU Scholarship 2022

Is IGNOU a Government University? To understand whether IGNOU is a government university or not, we need to go through some in-depth information. The name IGNOU is defined as Indira Gandhi National Open University that came into the formation under the Parliament Act 1985.

• The motive behind the establishment of IGNOU is to impart high-level education to the deserving candidates from society.
• Its concept of teaching revolves around Open Distance Learning mode, also known as ODL, enabling the students to nurture their career with the best of efficacy.
• There is no doubt of IGNOU being a government university, as it is proven with its formation.

Plus, the mandate behind its creation is another rationale to demonstrate its integrity. Also Check: Is IGNOU Degree the same as Regular Degree? When summarised in a few sentences, IGNOU has come into existence not only to provide higher education to each and every segment of the society but to impart innovatively and need-based educational programs.

1. Where the fee structure and timing of the educational system are elevating, IGNOU has turned the table with affordability and flexibility programs giving valid degrees that can be accessible all over the globe.
2. How Can I get IGNOU Degree? Attainment of IGNOU degree will pose you to discharge some of the most elastic criteria along with credibility to exert a pull on your dream jobs.

Now, we will talk about what all you have to do in order to get a degree from this distance learning university. First Step – Decide on the course you are willing to take admission in IGNOU. After that, search for the eligibility criteria and requirements from the official website of IGNOU.

• Once you are done will this task, jump on with the second one immediately.
• Also Check: IGNOU Admission 2022 (Check Last Date) Second Step – The filling of the admission form of IGNOU courses starts from here.
• It depends on you as to how do you want to submit the application form as both online and offline process is open.

Third Step – If all the measures are performed cautiously, you will surely get your seat, so pay the fees in one time or installment. Fourth Step – At this time, your focus should be on completing the course without getting into any kind of a mess. Depending on the course type, the duration will matter and seamlessly one fine day; you will reach the point of examinations.

IGNOU Study Materials (Free) IGNOU Question Papers (Previous)

Final Step – The instance you have scored well in the examinations and have passed in all, you can obtain the mark sheet from IGNOU’s website. Remember, this mark sheet will be provisional. To get hold of the main degree, you are supposed to wait for few months for the IGNOU Convocation,

Otherwise, it will be sent to your postal address. These were the five kind steps, via which you can easily grip a degree from IGNOU University without much ado. Is IGNOU Degree Valid in Overseas or Foreign Countries? As per the conversation we were having with reference to “Whether IGNOU is a government university or not,” it will suffice this answer.

The degree from IGNOU University is valid and acceptable in overseas and foreign countries with ease. The robust reason behind IGNOU is a recognized university under UGC and is governmental too. Adding further, the degree from this university is approved by DEC and AICTE as well.

• Therefore, academically, no one will raise a question on this prospect.
• No matter which degree you are holding in your hand, say under graduation, graduation, post-graduation, Ph.D., etc., step up and live your dreams in any part of the world with IGNOU degrees.
• Also Read: Scope after Graduation from IGNOU? Is IGNOU Degree Valid to Join Employment Programs? The stature of a student only on the basis that his or her degree was obtained through a distance learning university was a question in the court in the year 2014.

The High Court of Allahabad passed the judgment in favor of the validity of IGNOU, stating; no such candidate can be restricted from employment on the specified condition. Doing this will upset the mandate of the Parliament Act under which IGNOU was actually formed.

• Hence, you are free to apply for any jobs in India and abroad, relying on your IGNOU degree.
• Explain further, the degree from IGNOU is equal to any accredited university in India.
• It connotes, you have the ultimate liberty in your hands.
• Also, we shall not wipe off the other reasons for which you should consider studying in IGNOU.

Until now, we were having a chat on the validity of the IGNOU degree, and you must have received it under the context. Even if you plan to sit and compare the credibility of IGNOU degree with the any other accredited university of India, nothing will fall short.

1. Apart from this, IGNOU has been serving the country since long and now have opened arms globally.
2. It plays its part in being a trusted education provider by helping the students in fulfilling their career dreams sitting in any corner.
3. Plus, the study effectiveness, need-based programs, technological advancements, global tie-ups, availability of world-class course materials, etc.

have made it the largest open university. Today, IGNOU proudly teach over 3 million students, which is enough to accept the integrity of its educational programs.
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What is the meaning of distance education?

Overview – Distance Education “is a process to create and provide access to learning when the source of information and the learners are separated by time and distance, or both.” In other words, distance learning is the process of creating an educational experience of equal qualitative value for the learner to best suit their needs outside the classroom.

Distance education courses that require a physical on-site presence for any reason including the taking of examinations is considered to be a hybR&D or blended course of study. This emerging technology is becoming widely used in universities and institutions around the globe. With the recent trend of technological advance, distance learning is becoming more recognized for its potential in providing individualized attention and communication with students internationally.

http://www.ugc.ac.in/deb/
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What is difference between distance education and regular education?

4. Location restriction – In distance learning, the courses are taken online which does not restrict the student to a particular location. In traditional learning, however, students must go to school or college for education. Here, there is a pre-assigned time at which students have to report daily for receiving their education.
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What’s the meaning of distance learning?

distance learning, also called distance education, e-learning, and online learning, form of education in which the main elements include physical separation of teachers and students during instruction and the use of various technologies to facilitate student-teacher and student-student communication.

• Distance learning traditionally has focused on nontraditional students, such as full-time workers, military personnel, and nonresidents or individuals in remote regions who are unable to attend classroom lectures.
• However, distance learning has become an established part of the educational world, with trends pointing to ongoing growth.

In U.S. higher education alone, more than 5.6 million university students were enrolled in at least one online course in the autumn of 2009, up from 1.6 million in 2002. An increasing number of universities provide distance learning opportunities. A pioneer in the field is the University of Phoenix, which was founded in Arizona in 1976 and by the first decade of the 21st century had become the largest private school in the world, with more than 400,000 enrolled students.

1. It was one of the earliest adopters of distance learning technology, although many of its students spend some time in classrooms on one of its dozens of campuses in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico,
2. A precise figure for the international enrollment in distance learning is unavailable, but the enrollment at two of the largest public universities that heavily utilize distance learning methods gives some indication: in the early 21st century the Indira Gandhi National Open University, headquartered in New Delhi, had an enrollment in excess of 1.5 million students, and the China Central Radio and TV University, headquartered in Beijing, had more than 500,000 students.

Students and institutions embrace distance learning with good reason. Universities benefit by adding students without having to construct classrooms and housing, and students reap the advantages of being able to work where and when they choose. Public-school systems offer specialty courses such as small-enrollment languages and Advanced Placement classes without having to set up multiple classrooms.
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Is open university a distance learning?

How OU study works – A module is the basic building block of Open University study. Modules usually take 9 months to complete. When you successfully complete a module, you’ll earn credits, You can study a module on its own, or you can study multiple modules to work toward a nationally recognised qualification such as a certificate, diploma or degree.

1. For more information about modules, qualifications and credits, see our Planning your studies section.
2. You’ll be allocated a tutor who will guide you through your studies.
3. Modules are taught through entirely online study, or a combination of online and printed materials.
4. Depending on the module, you may also be able to attend optional face-to-face tutorials.

Some tutorials are also delivered online, so you’ll be able to dial in anywhere you can get an internet connection. For each module, you’ll be assigned a tutor. They’ll help you with your studies, mark your assignments and give you an extra helping hand when you need it.

• Most of your contact with them will be through email, phone and the module forums.
• You’ll connect through your module website.
• The tutor will present to you and other students in an online tutorial room.
• If you’ve got a headset with a microphone, you’ll be able to join in the conversation.
• But, even if you don’t, you can still use the chat box to add your ideas.

Some online tutorials may be recorded, so if you miss one, or you want to go through the information again, they’ll be uploaded after the event is finished. If you want to know if a tutorial was recorded, be sure to ask your tutor. As we’re a distance learning university, you won’t need to attend traditional lectures.

• Most of your study will take place through your module website and course materials.
• Some modules may offer you the opportunity to participate in face-to-face tutorials, while others may offer field trips or require you to attend a residential school.
• Our module descriptions will tell you more.
• Your course materials will be unique to the modules you study – these could be purely online, or a balance of online and print materials.

Any online materials will be accessible through your module website and, if your module has printed materials, you’ll usually be able to download electronic copies. If you need your module materials in an accessible or alternative format, be sure to let us know in plenty of time before your module starts.

You’ll have a week-by-week study planner that’ll guide your learning throughout the module. There’s an assessment section, showing exactly what you need to do for each assignment and when they’re due. It’s where you’ll book to attend tutorials, join online tutorials and access the contact details for your tutor. You can join all the other students in your module cohort on the module forums to discuss key topics, do any collaborative work, and get a little extra help if you’re stuck. And it’s also where you can find all the online, PDF and accessible formats of your module materials and resources.

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Why do we use open and distance learning?

Introduction to ODL system – OUSL What: Open and Distance Learning (ODL) is an approach to teaching and learning that offers open and flexible access to learning opportunities to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. Why: ODL is especially useful for potential students who are unable to access learning opportunities where they are provided.

• For these students, learning opportunities need to be offered where they are located, and provided at a time which best suits them and their circumstances.
• ODL also offers students choices in relation to entry and exit points, as well as selection of courses, making it particularity suitable for lifelong-long learners who wish to continue with their education while in employment or engaged with domestic work.

How: ODL methods use a wide variety of technologies to bridge the divide that is created by the physical separation of learners from the teachers and the educational institution. These include printed as well as digital learning resources, audio and video conferencing, online learning management systems, mobile devices, as well as a growing list of social media tools.
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How is distance learning related to open learning?

Distance Learning vs Open Learning Although the terms open learning, distance learning, correspondence learning, or online learning has been used interchangeably, they do not mean the same process of learning. While distance learning or distance education as the delivery mode of instruction refers to a learning environment in which teachers and students are physically distant and interaction occurs via technological affordances, open learning refers to a learning process where potential barriers are removed in order to address the needs of the students by enabling available resources to study at their own pace.

1. The barriers that exist in traditional learning could be categorized into four different constructs including physical, educational, individual, and financial barriers,
2. In order to receive proper education, individuals need the following attributes: a location, time for exam and lectures, objectives, content, delivery method, cost of materials and fees, students’ presence.

Open learning, thus, sets out to eliminate these barriers through learner-centered strategies that allow more individualization and independence. The course structure is flexibly organized to address learners’ needs. The openness of education means education for everyone, open access to courses, open educational materials, and open data.

• Recently, there has been a growing sympathy for open learning, predominantly in the form of open educational resources (OER) and MOOCs such as EDx, FutureLearn, or Coursera.
• Learners enrolling in MOOCs can choose the courses they are interested in studying at their own pace wherever and whenever they desire, usually at no cost.

OERs are also high-quality online materials created by professionals in the field. Students can access them at no cost. Distance education, on the other hand, is provided in online settings by experts who are physically away from learners. Further resources Please feel free to contact if you need any further information.
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