Challenges to Open and Distance Learning System in Present Global Scenario

Abstract

The outbreak of Covid-19 and the subsequent lockdown that followed globally has affected the lives of the people. The worst affected is the sphere of education. What has become more visible as an outcome of the Covid 19 restrictions is the socio-economic impediments among the relatively disadvantaged sections of the society. A complete turnaround can be witnessed in government policy vis-à-vis the education sector. Be it schools or college education, completion of syllabus “online” with “online” evaluations are terms which are now integral to households across the world. While distance education is not a new concept for many, online education definitely is. Virtual learning has aroused considerable interest amongst the new generation and awe amongst the older one. The objective functions of virtual learning can take place from any place without any visit to the physical site of learning and without any or very little human engagements and functional interconnectivity between itself and other multiple modes of learning. MOOCs are slowly catching the attention of teachers, students and parents who have become more focused on upgrading and up-skilling themselves. The challenges that emerge are that of a digital divide, pedagogical issues, ODL policy faced by all, students, teachers and governments across the world. A lot depends on the administration of the course and the instructor administering it. Interestingly, results differ of