Expert Speak: Multifaceted Personality of Distance Education

Dr. L Senthil Kumar
(14 years in IT Industry. Currently HOD IT Dept. Sikkim Manipal University)

One sided approaches or one sided benefits are a thing of the past. It’s the age of multitasking and multifaceted personalities that click in the long run in today’s capitalist society. Distance education mode is one such form of imparting education that has adapted to the changing needs of the corporate world leaving old schools far behind.

The driving factor behind this change has no doubt been the necessities created by the corporate sector but institutions that have recognized the needs early and have adapted do deserve a lot of accolades. Take for instance the EduNxt platform provided by Sikkim Manipal University of Distance Education. Apart from the authorized Learning Centre faculty, students can directly interact with university based faculty to clear doubts, get career guidance and project help at anytime and from anywhere. It’s just one of the distance learning advantages but no doubt the most important one as it has been able to severely bridge the gap of communication and increase interactivity.

Adding to the above, there is no form of distraction in the education mode. One can choose a convenient time to pursue a particular course. Working professionals have the added advantage of completing their higher studies like post graduation without worrying about leaving the job.
The stigma attached to distance education in India however, has to be removed. This mode of education deserves a fresher outlook. Today programs offered by the leading institutes are all approved and contents at par with regular colleges. Faculty support through technology has helped in increasing academic rigour and interactivity leading to more acceptance among industries.

Talking of industries, the markets are looking good and the storm has passed. There is huge demand across all sectors of IT for experts where the most potent weapon is previous work experience. The demand is likely to surge in the coming months especially in the field of Infrastructure Management Systems (IMS), ITes services and entry level jobs. Having that higher education degree and work experience will keep you ahead in the race at all times. If you choose distance education you can do both at the same time.

However, choosing an institute is never easy and one needs to look at several factors so that the degree and skills that you earn is most valued in the industry. Check for course approvals by DEC (Distance Education Council), long existence of the university, their promptness in addressing your queries and the skill sets they provide along with learning support materials. Choose the best since quality matters and the rest will follow.