Understanding Online University and Distance Learning

The developments in internet technology have lead to rapid growth in the field of online education. Online degree programs are gaining popularity rapidly and the main reason behind their increasing popularity is that they are widely accepted by the employers and educators. Thus, more and more online universities are available on the internet offering degree programs in almost every stream. There are so many universities online that it is really difficult to choose one Online University where you can enroll for your degree course.

In order to choose the best Online University it is important to consider few points like marketability, usability and class quality. These three factors can help in finding which Online University is the best. You will be pursuing a course from a Online University to have a bright career and therefore, it is essential to check whether the degree is marketable or not which means whether the degree is accepted by the employers or not.

Then you need to find out about the usability factor. You will have to check whether the Online University provides a good online class teaching system or not because it is essential for a smooth learning environment. Last but not the least you will have to check the class quality of the Online University.

Distance Learning has gained much popularity in the recent past as it helps in providing opportunities to the individuals to study who are not able to complete their higher education and those who are working professionals and do not have time to attend regular classes. Despite its popularity Distance Learning has various advantages as well as disadvantages.

Some advantages of Distance Learning are: The courses offered by Distance Learning are much affordable as compared to traditional courses. There is no need to attend regular classes and you can study from the comfort of your home at a time most convenient for you. It provides flexibility in time, location and pace but there are certain rules which you may have to follow.

Some disadvantages of Distance Learning or you may refer to conditions of pursuing education through distance mode of education are: you need to be self determined and self motivated because there will not be any teacher or instructor to make you sit for studies. You will have to be disciplined and study regularly.

Therefore, in order to have a great career ahead you must enroll in a reputed Online University and complete your education through Distance Learning.

Steve Johnson here writes about the various Distance Learning university and how they can prove beneficial in one’s career.For information on Online University please visit http://www.rdi-usa.com/.

Sikkim Manipal University ? Distance Education Ranked Among India’s Top Distance Education Providers

Sikkim Manipal University – Distance Education (SMU-DE) , a unique public-private initiative between the Government of Sikkim and Manipal Education, Ranked #1 in the student perception survey conducted by CAREERS360, a magazine for young professionals in collaboration with Yahoo.

With over 710+ SMU-DE Learning Centers covering 310 cities across India, Sikkim Manipal University -Distance Education emerged as the top distance education provider across parameters ranging from quality of study material, library support, quality of faculty, access to study centers, conduct of exams and publishing of results among others. SMU-DE was also found to have one of the largest presences on the web with over 500+ unique IP addresses, showing the substantial reach technology could achieve.

SMU-DE spokesperson Mr. V Sivaramakrishnan, President – Distributed Learning, Manipal Education says “We are thrilled to be ranked among India’s premier Distance Education providers in the country. In line with the vision of providing affordable & accessible education to aspirants across the country, our endeavor is to collaborate technology with high quality education, providing a learning experience that’s incomparable.”

In one of the most extensive exercises undertaken in the field of distance learning, the survey elicited over 7000 responses from current and past distance education students. For the analysis, over 5000 entries, which ranked over 81 Universities, were taken into consideration. After eliminating those with less than 50 responses and unique IP addresses, the research team finally zeroed in on 30 top distance education providers which were subjected to detailed analysis.

In the objective ranking, Sikkim Manipal University – Distance Education was ranked 4th on various parameters including reach, course offerings, processes, pass ratio and transparency.

Interestingly, only 11 out of the 32 top distance education providers in the objective ranking list made it to the perception ranking which hailed SMU-DE as a top provider of distance learning education in India.

The Universe for Open and Distance Learning Institutes (ODLIs) in India comprises 249 institutes, out of which 188 institutes are currently offering Distance Education Programmes.

 Over the years, SMU-DE has consistently raised standards in Distance Education and earned its place of pride. Some of the recognitions & awards received include:

Ranked 1st for Results and Efficiency and Ranked 2nd for Learning and Experience by CAREERS360 magazine for the year 2010. The CAREER360 survey is the first of its kind survey in distance learning space and ranks SMU-DE in the top 3 best distance learning institutions in India.

Dewang Mehta Business School Awards- Best Distance Learning programme

DNA-Best B-School for the use of Technology in providing Management Education in Distance Education

Star News- Best Management Education in Distance Education

Winner of e-India and e-Rajasthan Awards for Digital Learning ICT enabled University of the Year”

About SMU & SMU-DE

Sikkim Manipal University is a unique public-private initiative between the Govt. of Sikkim and Manipal Education. SMU, a state University, is recognized by the UGC, Ministry of HRD and is a member of the Associations of Indian Universities. The Distance Education Council has granted recognition to all Distance Education programs offered under the aegis of SMU (Sikkim Manipal University). The Sikkim Manipal University – Directorate of Distance Education is ISO 9001:2008 certified.