DL in India

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Kizmet, May 15, 2014.

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  1. Johann

    Johann Well-Known Member

    Increasing DL access in India - I'm guessing that's a great idea, at least in the cities.

    Barriers for other areas:

    (1) around 700,000 small rural villages. Many without internet access. Internet usage in the villages - currently about 2% of people, so I'm told.
    (2) Poor enforcement of anti-child-labour laws. Last I looked (2014) I read about 150 million Indian children who should have been in school (by Indian law) but were not. Most of those were indentured to labour contracts. Many extremely poor parents with no other option, I guess.

    Sure, improve distance education opportunities. But as a priority - try and ensure rural (and other) children are properly fed, have health care and are actually in school, where they belong. Yes, I know that's a tall order! After they eat well and get to school healthy -- then concentrate on piping in the the Internet, by all means.

    J.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 22, 2015
  2. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

  3. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

  4. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 17, 2015
  5. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

  6. mattchand

    mattchand Member

    Distance education in India can be affordable, to be sure. One would be wise to get references from others, especially other non-Indians, who have successfully made their way through a particular Indian university/college/seminary.

    I did an accredited Master's degree in India a decade ago, but I was living there at the time, so I was in something of a different category. I also have a relative, also living in India, who had a difficult time getting their Master's degree certificate after graduation - they got it eventually, but it took a long time.
     
  7. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    There are tons of Indian expats in the Boston area, and I've noticed that they place a premium on education. I think there's a real untapped market for Indian DL programs in the US, not only for expats, but also for native Americans looking for quality programs at a reasonable cost.
     
  8. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

  9. msganti

    msganti Active Member

    Intersting last paragraph from above link:

    Incidentally, the UGC had derecognised Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) in Mysuru, saying it was “blatantly flouting norms” set for offering distance-learning programmes. A UGC directive in August last year had said universities are required to conducted programmes in distance education mode only within their territorial jurisdiction.
     
  10. Johann

    Johann Well-Known Member

    Sounds a little strange to me. Under such a rule, Indian schools like Don Bosco University, which offers programs to students in India and abroad, would have to cease doing so. And obviously, it has not ceased. I just can't believe such a Draconian regulation applies to ALL universities. Here's Don Bosco University's current page. Don Bosco Global | DBU Global DBU is a school of good reputation, run by a Roman Catholic religious order.

    Msganti, you're an acknowledged expert in this field. Can we get some clarification here?

    J
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 22, 2015
  11. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    Don Bosco is private, isn't it?. Maybe the rule only applies to state universities.:dunno:
     
  12. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    I'm not sure, but given that there are many open universities there run at the state level, this seems plausible.
     
  13. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    Then I thought about IGNOU and I said "Hmmm, this school crosses all kinds of boundaries, drawing students from around India and the world." My answer to myself is that IGNOU is a "national" university and so may be exempt from this new rule due to the fact that it's not a regional school. Maybe.
     
  14. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    Also, many Westerners are accustomed to the idea that rules are ironclad, but in some societies they're more like the starting point of negotiations. Especially in the case of IGNOU I suspect that there have been times when some ridiculous regulatory burden was placed on them and they sort of said, "Yeah, whatever, we have work to do over here."
     
  15. msganti

    msganti Active Member

    I remember, in the past, seeing some ads of "rogue" study centers of KSOU offering degrees in engineering. UGC has made it very clear that no Institution can offer technical degrees through DL, unless explicitly approved by them. I believe KSOU is taking it's toll due to those rogue study centers.

    I personally have a respect for KSOU. Despite being state-owned, they are trying their best to bring-up a good online study model. I am pretty sure they'll come out of the muddy waters soon.
     
  16. msganti

    msganti Active Member

    Thanks J. I am still a traveler, like every one here. Inspired by Dr. John Bear about 24 years back (when I was in college).
     
  17. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    Has anyone had any luck with emailing the US representative for Madurai Kamaraj University? I sent an inquiry last week, and haven't heard anything.
     
  18. msganti

    msganti Active Member

    Did you try calling them? Their contact info is on the main page itself:
    Page 1

    Dr. Selvin Kumar
    410-326-8080
    410-231-1507
     
  19. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    I tried emailing them once upon a time. Two different email addresses. No answer. It's a bit like the old complaint about UNISA. No response to emails even though they list the email addresses specifically for contact to receive information. I know I could use the telephone number but it makes me wonder about the organization as a whole when they specifically give out an email address for info and then ignore the emailed requests for info.
     
  20. msganti

    msganti Active Member

    No offense - but this is only a "study center" or an "information center"- not the real university itself. I won't be surprised if this guy is running this outfit from his garage. He might be getting a sales commission only, so his interest might be limited to his financial needs.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 28, 2015

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