1. How to gain more out of your Distance education programme
The only way to reap maximum benefits from any object is to understand it in and out, because
that makes you aware of what can be harnessed and what cannot! Distance education is not a
new concept however the multitude of options in the methodology of pursuing distance
education vary from institution to institution and are quite dynamic due to the development of
technology, so an obvious doubt in the minds of people is how they can gain maximum from
their distance education programme, the answer to this can be explored in a few simple steps
that are as follows,
Research: the first important step is to explore the many available options for pursuing
correspondence learning and collecting complete information as to how the function, their
methodology of pursuing such a course etc. , also explore the course of your choice, its
provision in that institute. Institutes such as NMIMS, IGNOU, SMU, NSOU and many more
provide correspondence learning services
Weigh: the next step is to weigh the option carefully, recognize the various pros and cons and
then select the course which is most beneficial to an individual.
These two steps are very important as distance education calls for self- commitment and
mature learning therefore it is best to carefully select a course which one is truly comfortable
with. Post these two steps one is ready to apply to the institute of their choice for the same.
The steps post pursuing courses are as follows,
Be comfortable with technology: distance learning programmes make extensive use of
technology, do not hesitate to try new methods of learning , this adaptation with also help you
improve your technological skill altogether which is always good in the present scenario ,
therefore your comfort with technology provides you a dual benefit , better interpretation of
matter and hands on technological experience .for e.g. edunxt launched by SMU-DE in 2009
makes use of cutting edge technology to impart quality education.
Make complete use of any forum provided: Most distance education programmes provide
various forums such as maybe an online bulletin board, make complete use of such a facility in
the following ways,
• Discuss: do not hesitate to discuss various topics on the forum you are provided with ,
distance education allows one to interact globally with other students , employed teachers etc.
do not miss on the opportunity to gain insight on the topics by such discussions.
• Ask your doubts: never hesitate to ask your doubts, distance education is providing you an
opportunity for consultation at any hour, so if you have a doubt at 2 am, post it online whoever
is available will surely answer to your query.
Respect the material: make full use of the course material provided to you, read between the
lines, concentrate, broaden your horizon and pursue with enthusiasm. Do not ignore any of the
material provided to you.

2. Recognize the competition: explore in no.’s the other students taking up your course ,
recognizing the competition around you is important as it drives you to better performance .
Be regular: distance education has no constraints however it is an existing problem that
students do not pursue their courses timely for e.g. the no. of required hours let’s say 8-10
within their semester and have to repeat , distance education provides great flexibility in terms
of personal time schedules , use this to your advantage and be regular .
Recognize deadlines: distance education follows a predetermined and pre informed structure of
submission of assignments and ample time is given to complete them, take your time, and
submit quality assignments for better evaluations, do not take evaluations for granted simply
because it is a correspondence.