DISTANCE EDUCATION: PROBLEMS AND SOLUTION

Abstract

This paper deals with problems associated with distance education and their tentative solutions. First, it identifies those problems which were faced by distant learners during their course of study. Second, it also identifies the problems associated with the distance education system. Finally, it provides tentative solutions to these problems and some recommendations for the betterment of distance education. For this related content collected from different books, journals and internet was reviewed and then problems associated with distance education were identified. These were associated with nature of study material, lack of multi-media instruction, insecurities aboutlearning, lack of feedback or contact with the teacher, lack of support and services, lack of social interaction among learners, lack of student training, absence of a teacher, low status of distance education institutes, rigidity imposed by university regulations, misconception about the role of distance education departments, discrimination with the product of the distance education departments lack of support by the faculty. Keeping in mind theses problems tentative solutions were suggested such as - If distance learning institutions are serious about providing equity of educational opportunity to all, then careful consideration must be given to the special needs of distance learners. We should use multi-media technologies during PCPs. Proper planning and cooperation on the part of all those are associated with distant learners. If students are undertaking distance learning courses that require knowledge of computers, then the students must be taught, at a minimum, the fundamentals of operating the system of choice of the distance-taught course. Feedback on the part of concern distance educators and authority regarding admission, PCPs, assignments, examination and projects should be provided to the distance learners time to time. Understanding and mitigating technology problems are important, especially with the rapid expansion of technology. Further research into course development techniques will help learning institutions understand which methods work best in the distance learning classroom.