PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTIVES IN DISTANCE EDUCATION IN INDIA IN THE 21st CENTURY

This research paper attempts to introduce the problems and prospective in Distance Education System in India. This paper begins with the definition of distance learning and then proceeds to tell about the types of distance learning. It discusses and analyses the synchronous and asynchronous of distance education delivery system and emphasizes that the asynchronous method is more flexible than synchronous instruction. It also emphasizes that the instructional design, technology and support are the elements which are of paramount importance to any successful distance education program. The history of distance learning narrates the development of distance learning and discusses how it found an alternative method to the then existing effective system which brought the students together to one place and one time to learn from one of the masters. It reveals how the pioneers of distance education used the best technology of their days to open educational opportunities to people who were unable to attend the regular conventional institutions. It also lists and discusses the problems such as lack of student’s co-ordination, conducting examinations, publishing results and other related problems. Further, it attempts to converse on the origin, salient features, and the technologies used in distance education in India. It also brings out the four themes of distance education system and their prospective. Finally, it summarizes and suggests solutions for the problems faced in distance education and also widens the scope of any researcher to further research on the problems and prospective in distance education and to improve the values in distance education system of learning in India. Key words: distance education, definition and types, technology, problems and prospective.