DL in India

Would it be safe to say that the term has slightly different meanings in different environments?:yes(1):

 

I think it IS true, Steve. I'm told "synchronous" sessions don't necessarily have students all gathered at the same place - the participants can be "virtually together" at the same time. Read this, if you have a moment:

"Although the expansion of the Internet blurs the boundaries, distance education technologies are divided into two modes of delivery: synchronous learning and asynchronous learning.

In synchronous learning, all participants are "present" at the same time. In this regard, it resembles traditional classroom teaching methods despite the participants being located remotely. It requires a timetable to be organized. Web conferencing, videoconferencing, educational television, instructional television are examples of synchronous technology, as are direct-broadcast satellite (DBS), internet radio, live streaming, telephone, and web-based VoIP"

It's from here - the Technology section. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distance_education#cite_note-lever-duffy-32

Synchronous - Gk. σύγχρονος (syn+chronos) is "Together + Time." Obviously, it means at the same time - nothing to do with the same place - although some people use it to mean this. I think such a meaning requires a more accurate term, like co-located, possibly. I still think "synchronous" means precisely what I said it means. AFAIK, what you're calling "synchronous" is now referred to as "blended" or "hybrid" learning, or so the above article says.

J.

P.S. The article also defines "asynchronous" as individual students proceeding at their own pace - not absence of live attendance requirements, as you put it.

 

BTW - that "asynchronous" definition from the article makes perfect sense to me. Etymologically, "asynchronous" simply means "not at the same time." Nothing more.
J.

 

Are we? That's good, then. :smile:

J.

 

Just a clarification - in this particular case of "IIMs offering online courses through NIIT and Hughes Education", synchronous mean:
The classes will be delivered through satellite or online, but the students have to gather in a physical classroom to attend them.

 

Yes, thanks. The article was clear on this point. It's just me - again.

My contention was that the literal meaning of "synchronous" is "at the same time" and has nothing to do with place. Some schools follow the IIM's definition of "synchronous," I guess, but others have "synchronous" programs using technology that doesn't require students to be in the same physical location at lecture-time. Perhaps the IIM's lectures could be described as "synchronous and spatially co-located" or even "meta-synchronous." Then again, perhaps not. :smile:

J.

 

not specifically related to DL, the UGC reaches a compromise with Professors

Crafting the joyless university - The Hindu

 

A summary of the current status of DL in India

A Realistic Approach To Online Learning Could Do Wonders For Skilling India | Krishna Kumar

 

Teachers denied promotions because they have DL degrees. Upsetedness ensues

Day before hearing, distance learning teachers meet Education Minister

 

rules are rules but what if they're not applied or enforced evenly?

Are open learning varsities flouting UGC norms to offer PhD courses? | education$top | Hindustan Times

 

OK, so this is different. Lucknow University has established a kind of affiliation with IGNOU related to study centers such that Lucknow can now (again) offer degrees across state/district borders. Whether this also means that these courses are available outside India remains unclear but that coveted certificate in Beekeeping could be yours.

IGNOU: Lucknow University begins distance learning through IGNOU, 500 register for 25 courses - Times of India

 

If not, I can get mine much closer to home - here: http://www.ontariobee.com/sites/ontariobee.com/files/OBJ_EAS_15.pdf :smile:

J.

 

needle/noodle

Distance learning policy needs a needle, not noodles approach- The New Indian Express

 

Needle?
Noodle?
Neither.
Moodle!

J.

"Just do it!" - Nike

 

And then they spray for Zika mosquitoes and whaddaya got? Bupkis.

 

how about some feedback for IGNOU?

Feedback being sought on policy for distance learning:IGNOU | Business Standard News

 

:yawn:

Distance Learning Market in India - Analysis, Technologies & Forecasts to 2020 - Key Vendors are EduKart, SchoolGuru & IGNOU - Research and Markets | Business Wire