The best of 5 Distance Learning Service Providers In India

1. 2021 | Vol.-01| Issue-01 The best of 5 DISTANCE LEARNING Service Providers IN INDIA Dr. Suhrud Neurgaonkar Director MIT School of Distance Education Dr. Smita Jadhav TRUSTEE AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DR. D. Y. PATIL VIDYAPEETH’S CENTRE FOR ONLINE LEARNING SANT TUKARAM NAGAR,PIMPRI- PUNE

4. FACILITATING THE DISTANCE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES TO CREATE MOST RESOURCEFUL PEOPLE W can be of effective use is distance learning education. Distance learning education can benefit so many people. So many people may not always afford to go to specific place at fixed time for learning something important due to long distance issue or time constraints. But if such opportunities are available online, many interested people can take the benefit of it. Many people are in the constant search of knowledge to excel in their career, but run short of time due to their commitments of work, family, etc. Many people like to avail multiple learning opportunities according to the convenience of their time. e all are living in a technology dominated world. Technology if used effectively has its huge advantages. One such purpose where technology

5. From the From the EDITOR Distance learning education offers opportunity to learn whatever we want at our pace and at our convenience. The current pandemic crisis has even accelerated the need of distance learning education as almost all schools and colleges are shutdown. Challenges should be transformed into opportunities. Pandemic should be seen as a blessing in disguise. The online learning education platforms are increasing rapidly in recent times as so many people prefer this type of learning. Many educational learning courses can be completed through distance learning educational facilities. So many people can access the benefit of best learning platforms due to the distance learning education concept. helps in revising topics. Distance learning education offers positive experience to students since it helps them to learn in a less pressure environment. Best distance learning education providers should use the technology effectively to provide the seamless online education to the students. The online education providers can help individuals to develop and nurture their professional talents, skills and abilities in the most engaging learning environment. It can create the competent professionals suitable to the needs of the industry and according to the changing dynamics of the job market. There is tremendous potential in the distance learning education concept. Many learning providers can take the maximum benefit of this concept and can create the most talented and resourceful people through this distance learning educational platforms which will help us build a stronger nation because of the contribution of the most resourceful people. The new normal due to pandemic has demanded a lot of changes from everyone. The education industry should move faster than the most since education should not be stopped at any point of time. Education is the most powerful tool that can be used to change the world. As schools, universities and many other educational institutions shut down due to the lockdowns imposed to control the pandemic, online education is gaining more prominence. e-Learning is emerging as the most important platform for students and teachers. In this edition, we are publishing The Best of 5 Distance Learning Service Providers in India that are truly contributing to create the best talents in our country. Also, read some of the industry insights curated in the form of articles by our in-house editorial team. Although in last few years, many EdTech start-ups were launched in India, it was during the lockdowns that they gained the prominence of being the primary mode of learning in the country. Distance learning education has its huge advantages. Any tough lesson can be accessed as many times as possible one wants on the online platform. This helps in clearing the concepts and DarsHP Darshan Parmar darshan@insightssuccess.com

6. CONTENTS e r v S o C t o r y Articles 18 Distance Learning Insights Dynamics of Distance Learning in India 34 08 Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth Centre for Online Learning Providing High-quality Education in Diverse Disciplines Education on the Go Distance Learning: Transforming the Global Education Paradigm

7. Special Profile CXO 16 26 The Mental Health Aspect How teachers and parents can ensure physical and mental well-being of children amid Covid-19? Academician & Researcher MIT School of Distance Education Bridging the Ever-evolving Skills Gap through Holistic Technology-enabled Learning Architecture 22 28 Learning Matters Pvt. Ltd. Transforming Learning Through EdTech NinthSem Making Aspiring Engineers Job-ready

8. Editor-in-Chief Sumita Sarkar sales@insightssuccess.com JANUARY, 2021 Managing EditorDarshan Parmar Assisting Editor Abhishaj Sajeev Corporate Offices: Chief Designer Asha Bange Designing Head Deepanjali Jena Co-designers Vivek, Rahul Insights Success Media and Technology Pvt. Ltd. Off. No. 22 & 510, Rainbow Plaza, Shivar Chowk, Pimple Saudagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411017 Phone - India: +91 7410079881/ 82/ 83/ 84/ 85 Email: info@insightssuccess.in For Subscription: www.insightssuccess.in Operations Head Megha Mishra Business Development Manager Nandan Deshpande Asst. Manager Ashwini Pahurkar Business Development Lead Tejaswini Whaval Business Development Executive Sneha Nagare Insights Success Media Tech LLC 555 Metro Place North, Suite 100, Dublin, OH 43017, United States Phone - (614)-602-1754 Email: info@insightssuccess.com For Subscription: www.insightssuccess.com Technical Head Amar Sawant Technical Specialist Pratiksha Patil Digital Marketing Manager Amol Wadekar SME-SMO Executive Atul Dhoran Circulation Manager Tanaji Cover Price : RS. 150/- https://twitter.com/insightssuccess Follow us on : www.facebook.com/insightssuccess/ We are also available on Copyright © 2021 Insights Success Media and Technology Pvt. Ltd., All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine should not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from Insights Success Media and Technology Pvt. Ltd. Reprint rights remain solely with Insights Success. Printed and Published by Insights Success Media and Technology Pvt. Ltd. RNI NUMBER: MAHENG/2018/75953

9. Management 5 ?e best of DISTANCE LEARNING Service Providers In India Company Name Brief Dr. Smita Jadhav, Safia Farooqui Trustee and Executive Director, Director Dr. D Y Patil Vidyapeeth and Dr. D Y Patil Unitech Society Dr. Smita spearheads a renowned institute while keeping in mind the requirements of the modern learning community. Saraswathy shares her insights of the journey pertaining to the success of Learning Matters Pvt. Ltd. and grasp the scope of online education in the future in India. Saraswathy Ramamoorthy Co-founder Learning Matters Dr. Suhrud is leading MIT School of Distance Education with a vision to be a distinctive global ‘learning’ Ed-Tech organization that continuously striving for excellence. MIT School of Distance Education Dr. Suhrud Neurgaonkar Director Ms. Mena talks about the proces where teachers and parents can holistically ensure the physical and mental health of children in this ongoing pandemic of Covid-19. Ms. Mena Mittle Vice Principal Modern Public School Ambika Prasanna Dhal, Surya Narayan Kar Co-founder, Chief Communication Officer Ambika and Surya describe how their ed-tech startup aims at preparing engineering aspirants to be industry ready through their firm Ninthusem. Ninthusem

10. Dr. Smita Jadhav TRUSTEE AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

11. DR. D. Y. PATIL VIDYAPEETH CENTRE FOR ONLINE LEARNING PROVIDING HIGH-QUALITY EDUCATION IN DIVERSE DISCIPLINES “ We aim to prepare determined professionals to hone future focused capabilities sought by employers across the globe so that they can accelerate their career growth to its full potential “

12. THE BEST OF 5 DISTANCE LEARNING SERVICE PROVIDERS IN INDIA M their commitments of work, family, etc. Keeping in mind the needs of the modern learning community, a renowned institute Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth formed its Centre for Online Learning. The institute was incepted with a vision to help build an enlightened, culturally and economically vibrant India developed through education in diverse disciplines. any people are in the quest of knowledge to excel in their career, but juggle with While assisting my grandfather, and my father, at the Vidyapeeth, I learned that education needs to be innovative, engaging, exploring, and experiencing. Only then, one can attain success in life. professional potential in the most engaging learning environment. It ensures that the programs remain relevant to the Indian job market. To accomplish that, inputs from industry leaders and key influencers while planning the program are sought. The programs are designed as per the UGC 2018, regulation F. No. 1-19/2016 (CPP-II/DEB-I), for conventional learners, as well as working professionals and other individuals aspiring to acquire knowledge and academic credentials. The main focus of these programs is to increase the productivity of all employees by motivating and educating managers. In today’s times, besides academics, the young generation should be equipped for a better tomorrow! To do that, education should be made a positive experience for students where along with academics, they can also develop holistically. For that, along with formal education, professional education is a must for students to become successful in every sphere. In the long run, it is seen that professional education not only has a direct impact on the academic performance of the students but also prepares him/her to face the challenges of the competitive world. As educationists, we should imbibe the capacities of the spirit of inquiry, creativity, entrepreneurial, and moral leadership among students and become their role models. As our Prime Minister Modi said, “Education cannot come from books only. The motive of education is to provide a balanced development for the overall personality of the human being. Every human being is born with some motive in their lives. And education plays an important role in the fulfillment of this motive.” Let us learn more about how it is mentoring people through industry veterans and experts in an interview with Dr. Smita Jadhav, the Trustee and Executive Director of the institute. Please highlight a few of your distance learning services. Do you customize services as per the need and eligibility of your clients? DPU COL is one of the leading distance learning education institutes in India. It has made rapid strides in providing quality education to thousands of students in India and abroad. Below are the highlights of the interview: Brief our audience about your journey into the educational services space and how you came about with the idea of the institute. My grandfather Dr D Y Patil (the founder of Dr D Y Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune) and my father, Dr. P D Patil are educationists who have left their footprints on the sands of time. Their vision and mission had always been to provide education. Education should be provided to all. They knew that for people to be self-reliant education is a must. Their efforts have borne fruit and today, their hard work has been chronicled in the annals of history. DPU COL is equipped with the best of academic resources for teaching, evaluation, e-learning, and self- learning material from its sister management institutes as well as from the industry. Over the past decade, the winds of change have touched this particular sector as well. It is all about balancing your fast-paced life with your career. At the same time, working professionals are increasingly trying to find ways to skill themselves and earn a degree too. Keeping in mind, the need of these professionals, the Centre for Online and Distance Learning (DPU COL) was established. The Institute has UGC approved programs, placement assistance, industry relevant courses, holistic training infrastructure, online assignments, employment driven education, employment enhancement programs. From my childhood, I have been influenced by them. I knew that education is the most powerful weapon with which one can change the world. As Mahatma Gandhi once quoted, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” This portrays the importance of education and learning in one’s life. Yes, we do customize services as per the need and the eligibility of our students. Are there any popular courses that This online education provider helps individuals to develop their

13. are high in demand? What makes them so popular? At DPU COL, we have observed students mostly opt for courses that can boost their careers. The courses which are popular and are in high demand are Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Certificate Program in Digital Marketing (CPDM), and a Certificate Program in Hospital and Health Care Management (CPHAHM) These courses are popular as it has got high value and demand in the market. Moreover, students can pursue these courses at their own pace and time. In short, from any place, anywhere and anytime. We allow our students to - approach of the content, technology marketing, and services to offer quality education in close partnership with corporate and academics to offer rigorous and industry-relevant programs. The best part about DPU COL is that it allows students as well as the teachers to get accustomed to new trends in the industry and focus on research. • Schedule their studies according to their convenience • We provide study materials • There are dedicated student success managers • Every student is guaranteed mentor support • Assessment is done regularly • Better career opportunities How do you help in overall student learning like doubt clearance? Also, do you assist in placements? If yes, how? We provide support to our students from the time they take admission in our institute till they complete their course. With this aim, we continually innovate and upgrade our offerings. We endeavour to eliminate gaps in their knowledge and enhance their learning through our Learning Management System. One of the best features on offer is the - learner support services. This service has evolved down the years and has been of great assistance to our students. For better facilitation, the learning process between a student and a teacher is open as well and interactive. Our aim is to take the full-stake The learner support services include program orientation sessions, academic calendar with weekly planner, live interactive virtual classes, counseling sessions, announcements, last minute

14. revision sessions, webinars with industry experts, live chat-mail. Yes, we do assist in campus placements. Campus placements are arranged for by our institute. We usually invite all the best possible companies to recruit our students. Number of companies visit our campus to conduct interviews and hire students to work in their organization. stimulated innovation within the education sector. Education has changed dramatically, with the distinctive rise of e-learning, whereby teaching is undertaken remotely and on digital platforms. We have seen innovative approaches in support of education and training continuity: from radio and television to take-home packages. Distance learning solutions have been developed, thanks to quick responses by governments and partners all over the world supporting education continuity, including the Global Education Coalition convened by UNESCO. In the fight against the outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), countries have replaced traditional classroom education with distance education as a defensive tool. Research suggests that online learning has been shown to increase retention of information, and takes less time, meaning the changes coronavirus have caused might be here to stay. increasing adoption of the Internet and the rise in awareness about e-learning, the online education industry is expected to witness promising growth during the forecast period. Accessibility, affordability, flexibility, learning pedagogy, life-long learning, and policy are some of the arguments related to online pedagogy. It is said that the online mode of learning is easily accessible and can even reach rural and remote areas. It is considered to be a relatively cheaper mode of education in terms of the lower cost of transportation, accommodation, and the overall cost of institution-based learning. Flexibility is another interesting aspect of online learning; a learner can schedule or plan their time for completion of courses available online. Being an accomplished leader, what are your thoughts on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the distance learning services sector? The COVID-19 pandemic has played havoc in the educational system. It created the largest disruption of education systems in history, affecting nearly 1.6 billion learners in more than 190 countries and all continents. Closures of schools and other learning spaces have impacted 94 percent of the world’s student population, up to 99 percent in low and lower-middle- income countries. The crisis is exacerbating pre-existing education disparities by reducing the opportunities for many of the most vulnerable children, youth, and adults – those living in poor or rural areas, girls, refugees, persons with disabilities, and forcibly displaced persons to continue their learning. On the other hand, this crisis has Combining face-to-face lectures with technology will give rise to blended learning and flipped classrooms. This type of learning environment can increase the learning potential of the students. Students can learn anytime and anywhere, thereby developing new skills in the process leading to life-long learning. The government also recognizes the increasing importance of online learning in this dynamic world. What is your opinion on the future of the distance learning market, in terms of technological improvements, increase in demand, or the sorts? According to a survey, the online education market in India will be worth INR 360 billion by 2024. With the

15. What would you advise the emerging entrepreneurs and professionals, who wish to enter the industry? My advice to entrepreneurs and professionals will be to do what they love and have a fulfilling career. They need to find a job or career path within a field that they are passionate about. Doing work that has meaning to them will provide the motivation needed to get through the rough patches and tumultuous times that are an inevitable part of building any new venture. They also should keep in mind that they have to take time to thoroughly study all the elements that go into establishing their new business. They should immerse themselves in the minutiae of their chosen industry. Understand the operations and finance of the business. What have you envisioned for the institute for the near future? DPU COL will become a premier provider of online delivered courses and degree programs based on the University’s core values, its strategic imperatives, and the guiding principles of anytime, anywhere, student-focused, and learning-centered education. DR. SMITA JADHAV Designation: Trustee and Executive Director Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth and Dr.D. Y. Patil Unitech Society, Pune Executive Director, Pudhari Publications Pvt Ltd and Tomato 94.3 FM Dr. Smita Jadhav is an educationist par excellence and a dynamic leader. From a very young age, she was interested in making education engaging and interesting. She wanted learning to be fun! She believed that besides academics, students should be given an opportunity to develop and grow their talents and abilities latent in them. She wanted to bring to the students the best that education has to offer. Dr. Jadhav wanted to bring education to the masses. She knew that for people to be self- reliant they should have access to education, only then they will be enlightened and can work for the nation. DR. SAFIA FAROOQUI Designation: Director Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth Centre for Online Learning, Pune The result of leveraging technology to its best capabilities will enhance the reputation of the institute, increase intellectually stimulating opportunities for students, and improve retention and graduation rates. Regardless of when they decide to start their business, there is always value in taking some time to learn from more seasoned professionals. Working for someone else for a short time can help them build an extensive list of contacts, pick up the best practices, and learn from leaders in the industry. Online delivered courses and degree programs will be accessible by students through a personal learning environment with integrated and relevant support services. This environment will facilitate meaningful, consistent engagement with highly trained faculty and fellow students in activities leading to mastery of course and program learning outcomes while maintaining academic integrity. Find mentors who can offer guidance and support. This will help a new entrepreneur navigate the pitfalls of business development and ownership. They also need to build a network and make connections as often as possible and with as many people as you can. Use their tech know-how to harness technology's power to establish, promote, and grow their businesses. Try to develop great communication skills, a sound understanding, and the ability to manage the financial aspects of the company. DPU COL will provide access to electronic learning technologies and training on new pedagogies. Integration of these new instructional tools and techniques by faculty and staff will improve the overall quality of teaching and learning and enhance student engagement and success. Dr. Safia is presently working as a Director of Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth's Centre for Online Learning. She has vision, courage, integrity, humility and focus along with the ability to plan strategically and catalyse cooperation amongst the team members. Last but not least, developing an unflappable resilience and commitment to the business will be necessary to get through the toughest days.

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18. MIT School of Distance Education Bridging the Ever-evolving Skills Gap through Holistic Technology-enabled Learning Architecture F similarity in the marketing strategy and the communication to the same target audience causes clutter in the minds of consumers. The support services extended to the students also appear similar. or any e-learning institute, the imitability of the courses offered, and the services availed by the customers is the key pain point. Apart from this, the working professionals. The courses are all postgraduate courses which include Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM), Post Graduate Diploma in Management Executive (PGDM Executive) for professionals with over five years of experience, Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (PGDBA), Post Graduate Certificate in Management (PGCM). The courses offered are all approved by the AICTE. Not only does the institute offers 31 specializations under the courses mentioned above, these courses are in tune with the industry skills requirements needed to fill the gap identified in the industry. The courses are updated according to the changing industry environment to make the student industry ready. With a vision to be a distinctive global ‘learning’ Ed-Tech organization that is continuously striving for excellence in its deliverables and value offered to all its stakeholders through innovation, creativity and technology, MIT School of Distance Education (MITSDE) was formed. MITSDE is in the constant pursuit of mobilizing innovative solutions, using technology, sharpening skills, developing personalities, thereby evolving a new future for the Next Generation. It is striving to overcome these pain areas by providing LinkedIn Learning subscription to the students as a part of supplementary resume building aid, continuous engagement through webinars and doubt solving sessions, providing global experts as mentors through Mentor Links for guidance, in-house digital marketing team and content development to formulate unique strategies. Besides this, MITSDE also organizes webinars delivered by industry experts to give the students real industry insights and help them better understand the skill gap in the industry and the skill requirements to fulfill that gap. MITSDE is soon coming up with Dalham Learning and Harappa to provide supplementary learning material and make the courses more practical. Advanced Features Having its vision at the core, MITSDE has brought to its students unique features - Being Vigilant When Opting According to MITSDE, the students need to be vigilant when opting for any online course. Many parameters are to be considered when looking out to pursue distance learning courses; some are internal while others are external. LinkedIn Learning - Providing LinkedIn Learning access to all its students at a highly discounted price, MITSDE is the first-ever institute in India to partner with LinkedIn. Mentor Links - Mentor Links is a panel of global experts guiding the students with their career planning, practical problems and giving valuable industry insights and is a highlighted feature of MISDE’s product offerings. Internal factors include - time availability with the aspirant, financial viability, perseverance and ultimate objective. External factors are - name and ranking of the institute, course content, duration, fees structure, the credibility and experience of the lecturer, certifications bestowed upon the completion of the course, placement support, after-sale support. Buddy Programme - With the ideal of having a friend or a buddy to guide, aid and assist students in their academic journey with a view of creating a positive impression about the overall course and institute experience. For this purpose, MITSDE offers a dedicated support team to resolve any academic query, organize student engagement activities, and enhance their learning experience called the Buddy Programme. The course which matches most of the external and internal parameters of the student should be opted by the candidate. Value-based Courses for Working Professionals MITSDE offers value-based courses targeted towards 16 | JANUARY 2021 www.insightssuccess.in

19. Continuous engagement through webinars and doubt solving sessions Besides, MITSDE has Wiley publication as its content partner ensuring maintenance of the quality of the curriculum. It has AICTE recognized courses. MITSDE nurtures an Open-Door policy for employees as well as students. It conducts various student engagement activities such as newsletter, pop-quiz, etc. It being a technology- driven institute continuously upgrades its technology solutions. The institute also has a strong alumni network and a healthy association with working professionals and subject matter experts. Ensuring Optimum Learning The MITSDE teaching pedagogy comprises online lectures, which are pre-recorded and are delivered by the subject matter experts, PowerPoint presentations, the concept of the chapter and its terms are explained with the help of a presentation. Dr. Suhrud Neurgaonkar Director Students have all the course content available on the Learning Management System (LMS), which can be accessed by them anytime from any device. Besides, the student is also given access to the E-Library, containing several reference books. Not just this, they are also provided with mock exams to prepare for the semester-end examination. The students are required to submit two assignments per subject and clear those to appear for the semester-end exams. The exams are conducted in online mode either in a centre or in proctored mode. “ MITSDE is a brand, and an association with the brand elevates the status of the student in the industry “ Providing Experiential Learning The Subject Matter Experts at MITSDE offer experiential learning to its students. The learner experience is enhanced by futuristic and engaging learning pedagogy or immersive learning. Its platform for Mentor Links connects a panel of global experts to students for their holistic development through the Mentor Links ALERT initiative - well-defined placement support program. It has successfully assisted a student to land an internship and post-internship placement offer in Fresh Paprika with an annual package of Rs 6 lakhs. A - Ask the Expert L - Learn about the global trends E - Engage with the expert face-to-face R - Read the articles by experts T - Training customized with experts A Roadmap Ahead MITSDE is always striving to carve a niche for itself and become a global institute. With this goal in sight, the institute is planning to enter in collaboration with foreign universities and develop and implement futuristic and non- conventional learning methods such as situational case studies, live sessions, panel discussions, cases and live projects. It is planning to organize events and sessions on professional development for students. It is also planning to tie-up with MNCs and corporates for employee skill development programs. It is planning to have an internationally benchmarked assessment scheme for student evaluation and secure a very high world institutional ranking. A Brand Elevating the Status of Student MITSDE is a brand, and an association with the brand elevates the status of the student in the industry. The institution strives to give value to its students through its courses or other student engagement activities. It has a dedicated team for academic, administrative and career support. It is always trying its level best to provide placement assistance to its students. MITSDE has a dedicated placement support team and a JANUARY 2021 | 17 www.insightssuccess.in

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21. Distance Learning Insights DYNAMICS DISTANCE LEARNING OF IN INDIA A higher education in India consists of 3.74 crore students across 993 universities, 39,931 colleges, and 10,725 stand- alone institutions. With a change in classification suggested by the study from GER (Gross Enrolment) to EER (Eligible Enrolment), India’s figures of enrolment in higher education could be close to 65%, a figure equivalent to those in the west. While it may seem good to have figures that make things rosy, what is not is the fact that distance learning in India is still taken as a 2nd option that is open to those who could not make it to the A list or are far away from urban centres where higher education is easier to get. Enrolment in distance education constitutes 10.62% of the total enrolment in higher education, of which 44.12% are female students. Distance education in India thus has its share of peculiarities including the following: 2019 research in the field of higher education in India, the AISHE-2019 which included the UGC Vice-Chairman Bhushan Patwardhan states that Subjects other than those purely science-related that need peripherals like labs and dissections, do well in the distance education in India. From Bachelor’s degrees to MBA and even PHDs, everything can and is being done in the distance education mode in India. JANUARY 2021 | 19 www.insightssuccess.in

22. 1. Distance learning still carries the stigma of being for those whose scores were not good enough to secure a regular college degree or for those who need to work and support themselves while they are studying. Their style of education being self-study in most cases too stand in the way of being the 1st choice. The latter invariably goes to regular colleges with regular teachers. 6. Given the manner in which colleges are coming up in urban and semi-urban areas, DLPs may still be the need of the hour for quite a few reasons including: Need to earn and learn at the same time Need to have education that does not cost a bomb or involve travelling long distances Need to have education that can be paced according to one’s abilities Need to pursue other interests besides education which demands time Need to have courses that can be tailored to one’s interests with particular subjects Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ 2. While distance learning in India was present right from school level (National Open School), it is most utilized for higher education after school with both B. Com and BA of various kinds being the most used though these days BBA and BCA too is seen as an option. 3. IGNOU, a Distance Learning University with enrolment crossing 4 million is today the largest Open University. Name after India’s PM Indira Gandhi, it is today the biggest such facility anywhere in the world. In a way, it was the one institution which brough a semblance of respect and seriousness to the existence of distance learning in India. It is without a doubt an institution of excellence that is recognized as such worldwide though its courses have limitations where employers deem it necessary to employ students only from regular colleges. Ÿ Ÿ There are a few things which the Government in India, be it at the centre or state ought to think and implement in order to make distance learning in India more effective: • Need-based courses that reflect the latest needs of the job markets • Hybrid system of education including online education to supplement self-study • Exams at regular intervals instead of a single one at the end • High-quality course material including websites and sources abroad for the latest information • Freedom to reputed individuals and bodies to design and hold courses that are necessary for the industry • Freedom to take exams at one’s liking instead of being compelled to do so under and existing system • Freedom to refer to specialists from any part of the world through online means. 4. As of now India consists of one of the world’s largest and most prolific of distance learning systems that has more than 125 HEI, 1500 recognised Distance Learning programmes and more than 40 lakh students. 5. Not all the 1500 recognized DLPs are of equal worth with lesser-known ones known to have outdated and old syllabus that needs serious updating and change. Online education in fact is one mode which might change things for these old-styled DLPs. - Purushottam 20 | JANUARY 2021 www.insightssuccess.in

24. THE BEST OF 5 DISTANCE LEARNING SERVICE PROVIDERS IN INDIA LEARNING MATTERS PVT. LTD. Transforming Learning Through EdTech T education and development after all. As schools, universities and other educational institutions shut down due to the lockdowns imposed to control the Covid-19 pandemic, online education became all the rage. he “new normal” has demanded a lot of changes from everyone. But the education industry had to move faster than most, there is no stopping for domain for 20+ years. My forte is early childhood education and child development. I started my career managing preschool classrooms and training ECCE (early childhood care and education) teachers. My early years of work in this space taught me the importance of keeping the learner’s developmental stage and abilities at the forefront while designing educational programmes. I also understood how important it is to train teachers to understand best practices in teaching and to equip and enable them to teach such that their students can learn effectively. Although between 2014 and 2019, more than 4450 EdTech start-ups were launched in India, it was during the lockdowns that they rose to the prominence of being the primary mode of education in the country. One such visionary start-up is Learning Matters Pvt. Ltd. which came into existence with the singular goal of empowering educators to educate their students more efficiently and thus transforming schools. I then moved into working in print curriculum development and production at KinderCare Education, a leading education company in the USA, as well as in digital content development at Pearson, India. Founded in the year 2016, Learning Matters is dedicated to transforming teaching and improving the student learning experience. They do this by using artificial intelligence for equipping teachers and students with pedagogically designed digital and non-digital tools and skill development. When Ramamoorthy G, Gowri Mahesh, and I came together to co-found Learning Matters, we were very certain that we wanted to address the foundational challenges in the Indian education space – lack of quality teacher training and the lack of access to affordable but pedagogically-sound, digital tools due to the cost factor and the stark urban-rural divide. We designed learning solutions keeping in mind these two vital challenges and created our innovative products – the StarTeacher teacher-training programme and Tara – a virtual voice teacher powered by AI. To gain insights into the journey of Learning Matters Pvt. Ltd. and understand the scope of online education in the future of India, we conducted an interview with Saraswathy Ramamoorthy, the Co-founder of this innovative educational institution. Please highlight a few of your distance learning services. Do you customize services as per the need and eligibility of your clients? Saraswathy completed M.S. Child Development and M.S. Special Education from Purdue University, and is responsible for all things marketing and brand building at Learning Matters. Our educational products and solutions are designed to improve teacher competency and student learning outcomes. Each of our solutions fulfils a specific need in schools, as outlined below. So, without further ado, let us dive right into the interview and relish the wisdom we are about to receive. Brief our readers about your journey into the educational services space and how you came up with the idea for this company. Tara – a virtual voice teacher There is a severe shortage of qualified teachers in tier2/tier3 schools. Many are single-teacher schools, leading to a I have worked exclusively and extensively in the education 22 | JANUARY 2021 www.insightssuccess.in

25. CO-FOUNDER “ “ highly stressed education system. Even in schools that have a satisfactory number of teachers, the student-to-teacher ratio is very high, with one teacher managing almost 45 students in a class, on average. This brings down the efficacy in the whole teaching and learning process. This is the pain point that we are solving with Tara who is an efficient teaching assistant. Additionally, teachers do not speak in English even in English medium schools because of their own lack of exposure to the language. This affects the students' ability to comprehend other core subjects, leading to an overall downward spiral in learning outcomes. Tara addresses this specific pain point with the communicative English course that she delivers to both students and teachers. “She” is an intelligent and powerful combination of a voice-enabled device (such as Amazon Alexa®) with content created by experts in Learning Matters. Tara teaches learners how to effectively communicate in English through a combination of lessons that include listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Schools need only the device, internet, and our books to get started. Tara does the rest. StarTeacher Lack of well-trained teachers is a debilitating problem in India. StarTeacher is a teacher-training programme that uses a blended delivery model to render it effective. Teachers are trained through JANUARY 2021 | 23 www.insightssuccess.in

26. video conferencing sessions, one-on-one personalised calls with a master trainer, and also receive customised videos and information of interest through WhatsApp groups. This personalises the training and makes it meaningful to each teacher. We also conduct webinars for educators and education leaders on a wide range of topics ranging from online teaching to incorporating digital tools in teaching. These webinars fulfil a huge need for ongoing professional development on current, relevant topics for teachers. remotely provided they have access to good internet, basic infrastructure, and the curriculum is pedagogically based and makes use of effective teaching-learning techniques and strategies. Distance learning has become synonymous with online learning now. The pandemic has helped us realise the true potential and scope of distance learning, but it has also demonstrated the severe inequity in access to the internet and basic infrastructure without which distance learning will remain a dream for many. If these can be taken care of by thoughtful implementation and collaboration between the government, private organisations in EdTech (Education Technology), and the big daddies of telecommunication and internet services, distance learning can truly be impactful in our country. Are there any popular courses that are high in demand? What makes them so popular? Two of our learning solutions that are highly in demand are StarTeacher and Tara. There is a great need for customised, comprehensive, and holistic teacher training and up- skilling, and StarTeacher fulfills these needs. Hundreds of students across India have started conversing in English within a month after learning from Tara. Our interactive English voice teacher has been an instant hit among both teachers and students as we have content specially designed for these diverse age groups. Moreover, the content is aligned to the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) and teaches learners through a conversational mode that is natural, engaging, and fun. To top it all, learners learn in a judgement-free environment that is totally free of intimidation and fear. What is your opinion on the future of the distance learning market, in terms of technological improvements, increase in demand, or the sorts? It is clear that virtual distance learning will be central to learning in some form or the other in the future. Distance learning has a lot to offer than just being a temporary alternative. It is important to recognize that distance learning is capable of a much more long-term impact than what students experienced during 2020, which was just the beginning. Because Tara is extremely light on hardware, requires minimum bandwidth for usage when compared to video- based learning, and does not intimidate learners who are not as tech-savvy as others, Tara is a very practical and attractive choice for schools all over the country. Online and virtual learning is already evolving quickly and constantly to meet the requirements of the users and adaptability in this sector is much faster than the traditional learning method. Even though not a complete distance learning model, a hybrid or blended virtual programme will definitely be a big part of the future which will let students engage in a mix of in-person and online learning. How do you help in overall student learning like doubt clearance? Also, do you assist in placements? If yes, how? What have you envisioned for the organisation for the near future? Our StarTeacher programmes teach teachers the best practices in teaching and pedagogy, classroom management, assessment and remediation. It is holistic and comprehensive for up-skilling of teachers designed to enable them to teach better, thereby enabling students to learn better and more effectively. Artificial Intelligence is already gaining prominence in education, and voice technology will play a big role very soon. Tara, which harnesses AI and voice technology, will play a huge and impactful role in teaching students not just communicative English but other academic subjects. Tara will start to train teachers on best practices in teaching. We envision a revolutionary and sustainable shift in being able to impact teacher proficiency and student learning outcomes that will be both scalable and impactful. Being an accomplished leader, what is your opinion on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the distance learning services sector? Covid-19 has reshaped education and distance learning and has demonstrated that learners of all ages can indeed learn 24 | JANUARY 2021 www.insightssuccess.in

28. Ms Mena Mittle Vice Principal ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ms Mena Mittle ,Vice Principal of Modern Public School has been associated with school for 28 years, performing her duties diligently and to the best of her ability. Under her guidance and mentorship, the school has brought laurels home in almost all the fields be it academics or co-curricular activities. Her vision begins with a strong focus on holistic education. As a Vice Principal, she has transformed and taken the school to the next level of globalisation . She has been constantly engaged to prepare global citizens via Multi cultural exchange programs with foreign schools . 26 | JANUARY 2021 www.insightssuccess.in

29. The Mental Health Aspect How teachers and parents can ensure physical and mental well-being of children Amidst Covid-19? A around the world for nearly a year now has reminded us what it means to be innovative and how optimism can tilt the odds in your favor. When the nationwide lockdown was imposed to prevent the spread of the lethal virus, every industry and institution was shut down – including schools and colleges. Children had to spend months on end cooped up in their homes – away from their friends, away from their teachers, away from the school playground that plays host to magical moments of friendship and competition. pessimist sees a problem in every opportunity, and an optimist sees an opportunity in every problem. The Covid-19 pandemic that has been rampaging the children can interact virtually with each other and feel like an extended family. The mental health aspect Regardless of whether the signs are noticeable or not, the extended lockdown and the current scenario of panic and fear has certainly taken a toll on the mental health of children. It is, therefore, the duty of parents and teachers to ensure that the children are not suffering from mental illnesses like anxiety, stress, and depression. For this purpose, the schools can start a hotline where the children can vent their feelings and be counseled properly by mental health professionals. Many schools have already done so and are seeing a positive impact on the overall mental well-being of their students. Seeing the direness of the situation, the school authorities quickly sprang into action. It was the responsibility of the educators and parents to ensure that the children, especially young ones, do not suffer from the lack of proper education and the nurturing environment that the schools provide. Not only did the schools manage to reach out to their students via online education, but the parents also got to spend some time with their children, something that had become impossible in the nuclear urban families since both the parents are working nowadays. This has also allowed parents to help their children learn important life skills like first aid, budgeting money, doing laundry, ironing, cooking, learning to use basic tools, and time management among others. Parents also need to sit their children down and explain to them the practicalities of the situation. They need to explain to the children that while the disease is dangerous and they need to be cautious at all times and follow proper protocols. There is no need to panic unnecessarily. Explaining to children that most patients who contract Covid-19 only exhibit mild symptoms and that it isn’t always life- threatening might also help put them at ease. Besides that, the school authorities as well as the parents can indulge children in physical activities like calisthenics, Yoga, and meditation. Not only are these exercises good for physical health, but they also calm the mind and usher an air of peace and tranquility. The schools have also taken it upon themselves to ensure that the children are learning real-life skills besides academic concepts. For this purpose, many activities are regularly being conducted by the school authorities to keep children engaged and entertained through these tough times. While there is no denying that these times are difficult for everyone, they are especially difficult for children. Unlike adults, the concept of social distancing is difficult to digest for children. They may feel low and unmotivated if they do not get to hang out and play with their friends. This is where the regular online activities conducted by the schools play a major role. They foster a sense of belongingness and The best thing to do in such a scenario is to make sure that the children do not sit idle all day. It will only cause them to feel gloomy, lazy, and bored. This difficult time is a great opportunity to teach important life-skills, discipline, and moral values to the children which would help them throughout their lives. That is something we should all focus on. JANUARY 2021 | 27 www.insightssuccess.in

30. Surya Narayan Kar CHIEF COMMUNICATION OFFICER 28 | JANUARY 2021 www.insightssuccess.in

31. Making Aspiring Engineers Job-ready A s we enter into the new year, cautiously awaiting old normal to bounce back into full swing, but at the same time we realize that the scenario may never materialize all the same. The new normal is all we can hope to make the best out of. And a staple for this new normal is online education. in India every year and then step into the job market. However, the industry estimate says that only 7% engineering graduates hold that industry-ready skills which can make them employable. NinthSem is looking forward to addressing this problem by providing skill-based learning to students by real industry experts from every core engineering sectors. We encountered this problem when we saw there is a constantly increasing unemployment rate and the widening gap between conventional academic learning and industry requirements for the engineering students. As the lockdowns induced by the Covid-19 reaction forced majority of schools and universities to shut down and disrupted the classroom education system, e-learning has emerged as a victor to alleviate the stress for educators and students alike. Although between 2014 and 2019, more than 4,450 Edtech start-ups have been launched in India, it was during the lockdowns that they went in full swing and grew to be the primary mode of education in the country. India is producing engineers by certification, not by skills. All the founding members at NinthSem are core engineers and have experienced this problem. “Necessity is the mother of invention,” likewise we felt the need of skill- based learning for core engineering students in our country and came up with NinthSem. One such EdTech start-up which aims at preparing engineering aspirants to be industry ready is NinthSem. Founded in the year 2020, this Indian skill-based e-learning platform provides training and guidance to engineering students and aspirants of the core and non-IT industries. To gain a few insights into the dynamics of the online education industry and understand what makes a great online educational platform, we conducted an interview with Surya Narayan Kar, the Chief Communication Officer and one of the founding members of NinthSem. So, without further ado, let us dive right into the interview and cherish the knowledge we are about to receive. Core engineering-branch students of diploma and degree engineering institutions, engineering graduates who are looking for job, industry professionals who want to up skill and build their portfolio can be benefited immensely by different services of NinthSem. What technology do you use and what services do you offer? Please explain with an example how NinthSem curriculum differs from that of college curriculum. Brief our audience about your journey into the educational services space and how you came about with the idea of ‘NinthSem’? Who can be benefited from NinthSem? The name ‘NinthSem’ itself suggests it is beyond the conventional 08 semesters of engineering. NinthSem is committed to equip students with all the required skill sets not only to crack tough interviews but also to build confidence to excel in their career in the core engineering sector. NinthSem has introduced a unique course structure for the core engineering students. A core branch is categorized into 10-12 industrial sectors. A simple example can make things clear. Mechanical CCIM (Certification Course on Industry Module) consists of sectors like automobile, real estate, aviation, power plant, The core sector industries are the backbone of our nation. The eight core sector industries account for 40.27% in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP). The biggest problem that the core sector industries are facing is lack of ‘Skills & Competencies’ in the fresh, young engineers. Fifteen lakh engineering students graduate JANUARY 2021 | 29 www.insightssuccess.in

32. THE BEST OF 5 DISTANCE LEARNING SERVICE PROVIDERS IN INDIA manufacturing, maintenance, hydraulic engineering etc. Courses of NinthSem are designed in such a way that students can acquire industry specific skills by attending video lectures, mock interviews, mock tests prepared by engineering working professionals from top core industries of India. There are two main reasons which make CCIM popular. The first one is - the holistic approach of elaboration by our experienced industry experts in the video lectures, and second is - its potential to increase the overall employability skills of students. After the completion of the course students become equipped for job in all the sectors related to his/her branch of study. Sixty plus core industry professionals are associated with NinthSem. They have prepared their course module according to the industry requirements. Engineers from top companies like Tata group, HAL, SAIL, Godrej, Hindalco, L&T, Atul, Alembic, Aarti Industries, Air India are sharing their expertise with our students. How do you groom students holistically, like clearing doubts? Also, do you assist in placements? If yes, how? Only learning cannot be effective if a student does not involve himself/herself properly in the learning process. Because we are providing skill-based learning through certification course it is very much important for the learners to get robust learning experience. Our LMS (Learning Management System) is designed in such a way that while watching the video lectures a student can raise a doubt anytime. These doubts are addressed systematically. Please highlight a few of your distance learning services. Do you customize your services as per the need and eligibility of your clients? As a part of our B2B model, we collaborate with engineering colleges and corporations to up-skill the engineering students and industry professionals respectively. Based on the industry trends, demand and needs, we do customize our services. The doubt clearance sessions also build a strong relationship between our industry experts and students, and we find that students regularly seek help in clarifying their doubts. All sessions are taken with the help of well- prepared notes and presentations which contain concept notes, questions and high-quality resources to enhance knowledge on the subject. These are the following services that we are providing to our students: • Certification Course on Industry Module (CCIM) • Mock tests • Doubt clearance sessions • CV/Resume making • LinkedIn profile auditing and building • Mock interviews (Technical+ HR) • Comprehensive and detailed interview feedback, review session with report • Placement preparation kit(GD/PI tips, interview questions, industrial networking, hiring and recruiting advice from job experts) In a package, in addition to the certification course we provide other allied services like Profile building (CV/ Resume making, LinkedIn profile building), employability tests, mock interviews (both HR and technical) which increase the potential of students to get hired. We provide ‘placement preparation kit’ dedicated exclusively for the students looking for employment. This is personalized as per student's candidature. In this kit, we provide GD/PI tips, interview questions, industrial networking, salary negotiations uptakes, hiring and recruiting advice from job experts. Are there any popular courses that are high in demand? What makes them so popular? Our Certification Course on Industry Module (CCIM) is currently in high demand. We are experiencing an exponential growth of customer demands for this. The CCIM is very much suitable for those who want to master all trades of their study. It is a series of certification courses. Suppose a mechanical engineering student is enrolling then he will get to know about all the industry modules that are related to the same branch be it automobile, steel, production, power plant etc. There are many hiring partners of NinthSem which provides best suited career opportunities for the students. Being an accomplished leader, what are your thoughts on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the distance learning services sector? It is clear that this pandemic has utterly disrupted the 30 | JANUARY 2021 www.insightssuccess.in

33. classroom education system. During this time, the e-learning platforms have emerged as a blessing for students. Research also suggests that online learning has been shown to increase retention of information in students and they take less time to grasp the concepts due to audio- visual methods of learning. The essence of EdTech sector has been felt more strongly after this lockdown due to Covid. Quality of education has been widely improved after EdTech sector came into good picture in India. Between 2014 to 2019, more than 4,450 EdTech start-ups had been launched in India, of which 25% have already shut shop, while 4.17% have raised funds. The potential of this sector is huge after rapid digitization and formation of new National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Indian education sector will further see a massive public spending that will further fuel the education market in the country due to the booming of EdTech sector. That is why e-learning is becoming the ‘new normal’ after experiencing many benefits first-hand. Talking about NinthSem, with regard to giving the learning experience to students, our e-learning platform is an amalgamation of both physical and virtual classroom. What have you envisioned for NinthSem in the near future? It offers real time interaction with an instructor just like the physical classroom and because all the video lectures are pre-recorded it allows learning at one’s own pace in a flexible manner! Students can learn anywhere and anytime by just logging into www.ninthsem.com. Our mission is to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industrial skill-based learning by collaborating with engineering colleges and the core engineering companies. Our vision is to make 100% skilled engineering graduates who will be industry ready just after the convocation day. What is your opinion on the future of the distance learning market, in terms of technological improvements, increase in demand, or the sorts? JANUARY 2021 | 31 www.insightssuccess.in

36. DISTANCE LEARNING TRANSFORMING THE GLOBAL EDUCATION PARADIGM P education, specifically education in the backdrop of distance learning. The main reason among others is the fear that has been ingrained into us due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Reasons apart, the change is here to stay with implications galore. Some we have mentioned below: aradigm shifts take place when situations demand a reason for change. One change which is being played on a virus-flattened world is that of 1. Third world isn’t necessarily third-class when it comes to education Distance learning has changed the paradigm for good students in the remotest part of the world. They can (provided they have the right and continuous tech support) with distance learning, get the best education from the best institutions worldwide. What was earlier meant only for those in better-off countries can now be had by anyone who has the right frame of mind, and right credentials. 34 | JANUARY 2021 www.insightssuccess.in

37. EDUCATION ON THE GO 2. Technology gives everyone an opportunity to teach across the globe courses) must have an immense body of work in order to appear appealing to would-be students worldwide. With such a diverse range of needs worldwide, it can be expected of such bodies and universities to have a very, very high standards which equivalent bodies in most countries may aspire for. In this way distance learning is forcing educational institutions worldwide to better their course curriculum, teaching methodologies and be relevant with time. It isn’t the case that only students worldwide would benefit from getting the best education from worldwide bodies through their distance learning initiatives. Distance learning and the use of technology has given a leash of life even to teachers worldwide who are good in their fields. For instance, a teacher of math on a Caribbean island could be good but in the absence of technology and the right promotion on various social-media forums would be stuck to a very small home-base where his/ her talent could simply waste. With distance learning and digitization such an individual gets the chance to become a worldwide teacher- either directly as an online teacher with a college or university or as an independent teacher/ tutor teaching only particular subjects. It would open the field of education in diverse ways not only to teach but also to earn- a win- win for all. 6. Study materials get a world-wide perspective Distance learning is changing the global educational paradigm in humongous ways, especially when it comes to study and instructional materials. Designed at the hands of specialists worldwide, it considers the views, interests and sensibilities of a worldwide audience that update, inform, and educate on a global scale. The study materials of distance learning of known bodies are known for being study specific without unnecessary influences of regions, countries, and communities. Clarity and brevity are found in abundance given that specialists design the course materials at every stage. 3. Students get to learn more about world-wide case studies Distance education where it has the backing and support of world-class universities and bodies uses world-wide knowledge to teach every subject which can sometimes be diametrically opposite to a very narrow band taken by local educational bodies. Subjects like science and physics these days keep getting additions and changes which only the best are known to incorporate right away into their curriculum. The rest do that once in a fairly long while and can affect the quality of study material and teaching. For this reason, distance learning from good institutions can sometimes be preferred to that of standard brick and mortar bodies whose curriculum can be dated. 7. Regional and national perspectives are giving way to an international perspective. The world today has 195 countries with more likely to form in the days ahead. That said, all these in some form or the other influence education within their areas of influence which overtime finds its way into the course curriculum of central and known universities. The only way to stay away from a situation as this is to have a central body worldwide or one with the right influence and standing to conduct independent investigation and design courses that remains free from biases. This plays a big role in making distance learning a very sought-after form of education that for obvious reasons is changing the global education paradigm. 4. Students get equal weightage worldwide Distance education gives students the chance to be international in many ways owning to which students of particular bodies carry equal weightage worldwide. For instance, a Cambridge University Distance Educational Program may give students worldwide as far apart as Argentina, Australia, Philippines, and India equal weightage leading to equal employment and entrepreneurial opportunities worldwide. This is one aspect that is changing the global educational paradigm in a big way and pressurizing educational bodies within countries to catch up with international levels of working. 8. Introduction of innovative subjects to study curriculums Like it or not, the latest and most happening changes in education take place in the labs of influential educational bodies in the west. Education in advanced countries is treated for its value and not the money it’s likely to bring in. That being the case, and with a view to serve society and industry with the right knowledge and personnel with the right knowledge, newer areas of study are introduced from time to time which by means of distance learning finds its way worldwide and brings about paradigm shifts. 5. Education within the country is cranking up to catch- up - Purushottam Distance learning, be it a product of Universities or specialized bodies (short-term, subject-specific intensive JANUARY 2021 | 35 www.insightssuccess.in