Distance learning for women in India

The given reading Thirty-two Trends Affecting Distance Education: An Informed Foundation for Strategic Planning  by Howell et al. mentions that,’ Like growth in adult learners, the percentage of women and minority learners is increasing. More women than men now enroll in college (57% of students are women), a trend supported by the fact that more women are entering the workforce (“Lifelong,” 2002). Among minorities, the proportion of women is even higher: “60% of Hispanic and two-thirds of African-American college students are women” (Cetron, 2003, p. 10)’

This certainly holds true for Indian women and minority communities. Indian women got uplift with the introduction of distance education back in 1990s. The distance education was a ray of hope for married and single moms(widow, separated, divorced). Women those who got married early in their life and could not finish studies had an option to pursue further with their degrees. Indian families are generally joint families, supporting the daughters and daughter in laws if the wish to study further after marriage. Now a days, many women are obtaining professional degrees and diplomas. With professional degrees in hand, these highly educated women are ambitious, financially independent, aware of their rights and know how to take charge of their life. Online education addresses some of India's shortcomings: a dismal education system, limited reach, and a severe paucity of faculty. Distance education allows women to study according to their convenience . They take care of the kids and family and study as and when they like.The only thing is that they have to go to the examination Center once or twice in an year for writing the exams or for practicals.

Minority section and underprivileged sect of society also got advantage of distance learning. People living in remote areas, were blessed with the concept distance learning. With advancement, and many of them having access to internet, the online education is becoming popular among Indians.

References: Howell, S. L., Williams, P. B., & Lindsay, N. K. (2003).westga.edu. Retrieved from http://www.westga.edu/~distance/ojdla/fall63/howell63.html