Page 251 - DEDU501_DEVELOPMENT_OF_EDUCATION_SYSTEM_ENGLISH

Unit 26: Distance Education :Concept, Need and Modes of Distance Education)

2. Peter (1973) defines distance education as "Distance teaching/education is a method of Notes
imparting knowledge, skills and attitudes which is rationalised by the application of
division of labour and organisational principles as well as by the extensive use of
technical media, especially for the purpose of reproducing high quality teaching material
which makes it possible to instruct great numbers of students at the same time wherever
they live. Whereas in mainstream of education, the relationship between teacher and
students in the classroom is based upon social norms, in distance education it is based
upon technological norms."

Distance is an industrialised form of teaching and learning. It is a method of indirect
instruction implying geographical and emotional separation of the teacher and the
taught.

Distance education is known by different names. On account of a variety of terms used for
distant education, Prof. F.R. Jevons (1983) called it a “bewildering nomenclature”. Important
terms associated with distance education are as under:
(1) Continuing Education; (2) Correspondence Education; (3) Correspondence Learning;
(4) Correspondence Course; (5) Correspondence School, etc.
26.1.1 Brief History of Distance Education in India
University of Delhi was the first University to start correspondence course in higher education
in 1962.
Andhra Pradesh was the first Open University to be opened in the country in 1982.
The National Policy on Education - 1986 (revised in 1992) says:
“The open learning system has been initiated in order to augment opportunities for higher
education, as an instrument of democratising education and to make it a lifelong process. The
flexibility and innovativeness of the open learning system are particularly suited to the diverse
requirements of the citizens of our country, including those who had joined the vocational
stream.
26.1.2 Chief Characteristics of Distance Education
1. There is physical distance between the teacher and the learner
2. There is little face-to-face relationship
3. There is no fixed classroom or lecture room
4. There is less of oral instruction
5. There is no immediate, supervision by the tutor present with his students.
26.1.3 Correspondence Education, Open Education, Formal Education and
Distance Education
Correspondence Education and Distance Education: The basic difference between the
correspondence education and distance education is the use of mode of communication. In
correspondence education, postal system is the mode whereas in distance education postal
system and multimedia are used.
Distance Education and Open Education: In distance education there may be minimum
educational qualifications prescribed for joining a course but in open education there may not
be any such qualifications required for pursuing a course.

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