Karnataka State Open University ( KSOU )
About us KSOU (Online programs)
Online Learning provides several benefits over traditional correspondence based distance education programs. Online programs are gaining popularity due their flexibility, quality academics and interactivity between the faculty and the learners on one hand and also between the learners on the other.
Simplicity and Flexibility
The Online format of education provides the students, flexibility of time and space. Students can start learning at their own time and can also interact with their teachers at their own convenience using the messaging and forum modules of the Learning Management System.
Self Paced
Online learning provides the flexibility to the students to pace their learning. Students can make their own learning schedules and incorporate them in to the Learning Management System. Students also get to revisit a video lecture any time during the course for a revision.
Open Scheduling
Many of the Online courses of the University are available in two admission cycles. Students, who missed taking admission during the July session of the University, may opt to enter the January session for the courses providing this option. Cost Savings Research points to significant cost advantages on online learning over face-to-face learning. The Online courses of KSOU have been priced very sensibly so as to cater to a very large number of students. The courses are also covered by various scholarships for the deserving and the needy.
Better access to expertise
Online programs use the expertise of several educators from across the globe. These educators are seasoned academicians and veteran industry professionals. Using the Online teaching formats, the University has been able to bring in their expertise for the benefit of its students. Upto date Content Most of the content available to the students in the Online Programs are contemporary and relevant. Using cutting edge technology, the University has been able to keep the online content up-to-date.
Continuous feedback and analytics
The University uses several mediums to interact and provide feedback to its students. The Learning Management System has tremendous amount of analytics running on it and provides a window to the learner to analyse his own progress and motivate him towards better performance.
Networking Opportunities
The Online learning platform provides a window to the learner to connect with his fellow students. This provides greater access to Expertise and Knowledge of Faculty members and Peers. Such networking open up opportunities of learning and beyond for the students.
Effectiveness
Most reports on the subject point to the fact that Online Education, due to its extensive use of Audio and Video tools, has been quite effective with the students. This is further reinforced by timely feedback with integrated online quizzes and tools to rapidly evaluate learning. The video lectures strive to simulate a real life classroom experience and provide mastery over the subject as compared to any correspondence program.
A better fit for 21st century students
The 21st century has seen a digital revolution in the professional world. Most of the operations in a corporate (and increasingly in Government), are performed using technology. Online learning inculcates technology skills and hence is considered to be better than traditional distance programs.
