Over the past few decades technology has witnessed a rapid evolution that has made every human activity global, fast-paced, and time-critical and the education system too became a part of this growing inclination. One of the best outcomes of this trend is distance education. The education sector is evolving quickly and so are the demands and requirements of students. Education is not anymore limited to a school or college, rather it is considered as a life-long commitment; one remains a student for the rest of one’s life. The hunger for knowledge has overcome obstacles like time, age, geographical location, money through the modern influence of distance education.

When we speak of a developing country like India, we need a revolutionized education system. The influx of innovative technologies to cater to it makes distance education a popular choice amongst knowledge seekers. It is tough to fathom that despite living in the 21^st century why education in India is still a dream for many; the factors are numerous and the answer is only one and that is distance education.

Knowing distance education:

Distance education is a contemporary style of education that allows students to pursue any course or degree of their choice within their own space and time without them having to be physically present in the classroom setup. It is one of the most effective approaches to provide mass education by providing a flexible and accessible learning environment and can be an alternative to traditional classrooms.

Role of distance education:

Forms a foundation for the grown of a country: We all know the role of education when it comes to the development of a country. The higher the literacy rate, the more developed a nation is considered. In a developing country like India, the method of imparting education through traditional classrooms can never be enough; it must incorporate distance education at a rapid pace in its education system. The socio-economic growth of a country is directly proportional to the effective functioning of its education system and in a country like India where the population is so large, rural-based, and less economically developed, distance education is a boon in every sense.

Provides education a global approach: Gone are the days when aspirants would choose a course, college, or university, based on geographical location. Distance education provides you the flexibility to choose your favorite course and educational institution without you having to worry about locations. Blurring the lines of international borders, distance education has made education accessible to all. You can pursue whatever you want without leaving your country, state or town. Distance education has brushed aside factors like geographical isolation and social isolation and has made the globalization of education possible.

Pursue sporting opportunities: The connection is a little indirect, but it does exist. Sportsperson may face the dilemma of whether to choose academics or get dedicated themselves to sports completely. Many have given up their dream of a good career in sports to pursue academics. With the emergence of distance education, a sportsperson can choose to remain full-time dedicated to sports while at the same time pursue the desired course through distance education.

Individual and economic growth: Distance education is a boon for working professionals and students who are looking forward to having a successful career by enhancing their skills and knowledge. An additional degree or a certification is always considered an advantage by employers and thus it provides you a completive edge over others while ensuring a promising career. Through distance education programs one can get the desired push in one’s career in terms of not only roles and responsibility, but also in terms of the financial package, and we know that every individual contributes to the economic development of a country in terms of per capita income. So, when the barrier of inaccessibility of education is shattered through distance education, both the nation and an individual grow.

Center for Distance Education and Virtual Learning, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) is one of the best educational institutions that provide undergraduate, postgraduate, and PG diploma courses through distance learning programs under the guidance of knowledgeable and the best-in-class faculty. The courses offered are industry-driven and meet contemporary requirements.