Year: 2020 | Month: December | Volume 11 | Issue 2
Changing Paradigms of Open and Distance Learning System with Blended Learning: Indian National Education Policy, 2020
Noor Aisha and Amiteshwar Ratra
DOI:10.30954/2231-458X.02.2020.4
Abstract:
Purpose: The Open and Distance Learning (ODL) system has been integrating technology to reach the students since the inception of technology. The efforts to integrate technology in the education sector have always been to bring about quality enhancements and outreach of education to learners at a distance. The ODL system in the context of India has grown from past six decades leading to the changing paradigms with the integration of technology with respect to pedagogy and the use of technology in it. The ODL system has benefitted India in contributing to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio of the country. Thus, the present research intends to study the evolution of distance education from merely technology mediated to the blended learning approach; the potential of blended learning in leveraging the teaching-learning process; and the role of the new National Education Policy (NEP, 2020) of India has laid emphasis on the promotion and implementation of blended learning in the Indian higher education institutions. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study employs document analysis to study how the evolution of distance education took place; and the role of the National Education Policy (2020) in leveraging blended learning in the Indian higher education Institutions. Findings: The 21st century world of ever developing science and technology requires a robust and upgraded educational system to cope with the advancements and challenges. This study finds blended learning as a mode of teaching-learning that can be relied for teaching-learning process. Further, the paper observes how the various factors that include the technological and pedagogical advancements of ODL system which includes online and blended learning, National Education Policy (2020), and the COVID-19 pandemic have a mixed impact in promoting and implementation blended learning in the Indian higher education institutions. Originality/Value: This paper is an original work that reviews and discusses the changing paradigms of ODL from correspondence education to online and blended learning. And, highlights the major thrust areas of blended learning in Indian new National Education Policy (NEP 2020), through which India foresees to achieve sustainability in the education system through ODL, as it thrusts largely for blended learning.
Print This Article Email This Article to Your Friend
