scholarly journals Digital and Web Content Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities: A case study of Indian open universities

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akhilesh Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Learning System ◽  
Web Content ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Wcag 2.0 ◽  
Distance Learning System ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Ict Tools ◽  
Open And Distance Learning ◽  
Content Accessibility

Abstract The radical development of internet and other Information and Communication Technologies have changed the scenario of education system in general and open and distance learning in particular which was further accelerated by the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools now a days are pivotal to any Open and Distance Learning (ODL) system. With the growth of ICT based education the issue of accessibility of digital information has also gained the attention of intelligentsia. With the interference of ICT tools, discussions have been taking place about the digital accessibility of web-based information available over websites. Websites of Open Universities are central source of educational and administrative information and learning for a learner enrolled in open and distance learning system. Further the basic promise of an open and distance learning system is providing education for marginalized group too and thus it must be as per the needs of persons with disabilities which has been recommended by United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). An enquiry has been made in present research to study primary accessibility features Screen Reader Access, High Contrast Text, Word Spacing, Text Resize feature and the feature of language change available over websites of Indian Open Universities. It was observed that about 45% of Indian Open University websites lacks any such accessibility features. Remaining 55% open universities of India, mostly were found providing two to four out of these five accessibility mechanisms required for persons with disabilities on any website. As Government of India has developed Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW) which has advised government institutions to confirm their websites in compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.0) guidelines of World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) at ‘AA’ level. The preliminary study revealed that Indian Open Universities has long way to go to make their websites GIGW & WCAG 2.0 complaint in order to ensure digital accessibility in higher education through open and distance learning for persons with disabilities to ensure inclusion in higher education in India.

Equivalency Programmes Through Open and Distance Learning

2018 ◽  
pp. 289-300
Author(s):  
Anita Priyadarshini
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Adult Literacy ◽  
Basic Education ◽  
Education Programme ◽  
Educational Programme ◽  
Learning System ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Course Materials ◽  
Distance Learning System ◽  
Open And Distance Learning

This chapter outlines the beginnings of equivalency programmes in India through the Open Basic Education programme, which was initiated by National Institute of Open Schooling(NIOS) and supported by the National Literacy Mission. An equivalency programme is an alternative educational programme equivalent to existing formal general or vocational education. The chapter traces the genesis of the Open Basic Education programme and shows how the growth of adult literacy in India led to a demand for equivalent education for neo-literates. The open and distance learning system with its inherent flexibilities became the appropriate vehicle for equivalency programmes. This chapter describes the concept of equivalency, its international context in the developing world and its relevance for out of school adults. The author outlines the design and development of the curriculum, course materials as well as the process of examination and certification. The chapter describes the close partnership between different stakeholders leading to its successful implementation in India.

Equivalency Programmes Through Open and Distance Learning

2021 ◽  
pp. 706-717
Author(s):  
Anita Priyadarshini
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Adult Literacy ◽  
Basic Education ◽  
Education Programme ◽  
Educational Programme ◽  
Learning System ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Course Materials ◽  
Distance Learning System ◽  
Open And Distance Learning

This chapter outlines the beginnings of equivalency programmes in India through the Open Basic Education programme, which was initiated by National Institute of Open Schooling(NIOS) and supported by the National Literacy Mission. An equivalency programme is an alternative educational programme equivalent to existing formal general or vocational education. The chapter traces the genesis of the Open Basic Education programme and shows how the growth of adult literacy in India led to a demand for equivalent education for neo-literates. The open and distance learning system with its inherent flexibilities became the appropriate vehicle for equivalency programmes. This chapter describes the concept of equivalency, its international context in the developing world and its relevance for out of school adults. The author outlines the design and development of the curriculum, course materials as well as the process of examination and certification. The chapter describes the close partnership between different stakeholders leading to its successful implementation in India.

scholarly journals Structure of the information and educational environment in the distance learning system

2020 ◽  
Vol 69 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Yu. Hohonyants ◽  
◽  
A. O. Klochko ◽  
O. A. Salash ◽  
Ye. G. Rudenko
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Educational Institution ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Educational Environment ◽  
Educational Process ◽  
Learning System ◽  
External Information ◽  
Distance Learning System ◽  
Information And Communication

The development of the information society determines the study of the introduction of information technology in the educational process of educational institutions as a tool for self-development, self-realization, social and communicative adaptation. Creating an information and educational environment of the educational institution is responsible for the success of the introduction of information and communication technologies in education at all levels. Theoretical analysis of the concept of "information and educational environment" is presented and its main characteristics are highlighted: openness, expandability, scalability, integration, adaptability. The principles on which information and educational environments should be created are formulated: multicomponent, integrity, distribution, adaptability. The functions of the information and educational environment in the distance learning system are revealed. It is shown that the information-educational environment satisfies the information-educational needs of the participants of the educational process, timely and high-quality provision of educational material, maintains connections "inside" and with "external" information space, fixes the relationship of content addressed to different subjects. The structure of the information and educational environment of the Ivan Chernyakhovsky National University of Defense of Ukraine is presented, which is an integral part of the integrated use of information and communication technologies in the educational process. A prerequisite for creating an information and educational environment is the availability of electronic content, technologies and means of electronic communication of all participants in the educational process. Information and educational environment is possible only if the development of all its components - management, content, organizational, technological. The management component includes the educational policy of the educational institution. The content component includes information and methodological resources. The organizational component performs integrating, systematizing and informational functions. The technological component is directly related to the choice of software.

scholarly journals Women Learners’ Narratives in an Open and Distance Learning System: A Critical Evaluation from a Feminist Perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-74
Author(s):  
dilek şenocak
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Gender Inequality ◽  
Social Role ◽  
Critical Evaluation ◽  
Learning System ◽  
Access To Education ◽  
System A ◽  
Distance Learning System ◽  
Inequality In Education ◽  
Open And Distance Learning

Open and Distance Learning (ODL) is an educational tool with a transformational social role in eliminating gender inequality as well as educational inequalities. In line with this idea, the aim of this study is to examine the opportunities offered by an ODL system to female learners and its contributions in closing the gap arising from gender inequality in education through the lens of feminist pedagogy. To this end, a qualitative research paradigm was adopted, and a narrative research design was conducted to analyze the stories of women in an ODL system. The findings of the study reveal that women in the study still encounter some barriers and constraints on access to education and school completion because they are women. ODL, with its flexible and autonomous learning environment, is thought to play a key role for the women in the study to cling to hope and to ensure social justice in the society

Indian Higher Education

2018 ◽  
pp. 96-118
Author(s):  
Nikhila Deep Bhagwat ◽  
Hemant Rajguru
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Education System ◽  
Learning System ◽  
Ministry Of Education ◽  
Higher Education System ◽  
Distance Learning System ◽  
Education In India ◽  
Indian Higher Education ◽  
Open And Distance Learning

This chapter gives an overview of Indian Higher Education system with special reference to Open and Distance Learning. It enlists the merits and limitations of Open and Distance Learning system. It also focuses on complexities and weaknesses of Indian Higher Education comparing it with the educational policies in other Asian Countries. The chapter describes the limitations of Higher Education System in India and discusses the reforms and restructuring announced by the ministry of education in India. It further unfolds the success story of Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University's ‘School of Agricultural Sciences' by explaining in detail the innovative practices in Agricultural ODL.

An Appraisal of ODL Interventions in Terrorism Affected Kashmir Valley

2018 ◽  
pp. 212-230
Author(s):  
Nurul Hasan ◽  
Umesh Chandra Pandey
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Learning System ◽  
Access To Higher Education ◽  
Kashmir Valley ◽  
Distance Learning System ◽  
Unique Approach ◽  
Open And Distance Learning ◽  
Unemployed Youth

The Open and Distance Learning system has been able to make a positive impact in the conflict-ridden communities of Kashmir valley in India. This part of the India has long been under the influence of armed militancy which drastically affected the access to higher education. The Open and Distance Learning systems started operating in this area with a modest beginning made by Directorate of Correspondence Courses but had a limited impact. IGNOU which is the largest provider of ODL Programmes in India started developing its network in Kashmir valley in 1999 with its unique approach based on collaboration and sharing of resources. The target groups dominantly composed of unemployed youth, school drop outs, working population, rural folks, women etc has traditionally been deprived of Higher education. This chapter describes the approach of IGNOU and its impact in such conflict-ridden societies which is worth replicating in similar socioeconomic setups across the developing world.

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