|
In
the interest of Institutions and Distance Learners
|
Why is the approval
of DEC required for offering academic programmes through distance mode?
It
is to ensure the quality of education and to assure the standard
of degree/diploma earned through distance mode of education.
What DEC does to ensure
quality :
A:
Evaluation of self-instructional materials in terms of the following
objectives :
The
learning materials used in Distance Education are usually prepared in the
self-instructional format. The Self-Instructional Materials (SIMs) differ from a chapter
of a textbook or an article of a journal. The
chapters of a textbook usually present information in a very compact form.
They are closer to reference material than to learning texts.
They are organised in terms of the subject matter to aid the teacher in
an institution. On the other hand,
SIMs are the instruments for learning. Learner
Centredness (LC) of the distance mode requires development of self-learning
qualities and skills of learner through various learning processes.
Hence the SIMs should have some basic characteristics as given below.
It should be:
|
i. |
Self-explanatory | |
| ii. | Self-contained | |
| iii. | Self-directed | |
| iv. | Self-motivating | |
| v. | Self-evaluating | |
| vi. | Self-learning |
B: Institutional
requirements :
1. Faculty
| The distance education institutions require two types of faculty; one – full-time faculty and two – part-time faculty. The full-time faculty is of two types, again | |
| (i) full-time core faculty on a permanent basis to maintain and coordinate the essential functions | |
| (ii) full-time contractual staff for job-specific requirements. | |
| Part-time faculty may be used for development and delivery of instructional materials, and other related academic activities. |
2.
Self-Instructional Material
| Self-instructional material is different than Text-Books. High quality SIM is essential. As far as possible SIM must be supported by A/V material. |
3. Physical Facilities and Equipment
| An institution should have requisite infrastructure facilities at a) headquarters and b) support service centers. |
4. Library
| Every distance education institution should have a well equipped library at headquarters with good collections of books, journals/periodicals, audio, video tapes and other electronic media learning materials to serve the need of staff and learners. |
5. Computer Facilities
| In view of the large number of learners per programme, the institutions should plan computerisation and use of technology from the beginning. The number of computers required may vary from institution to institution depending upon the activities undertaken. |
6.
Access to ICT networks for Programme Delivery.