GUWAHATI, June 25 � Gauhati University�s Institute of Distance and Open Learning (IDOL) has broken new grounds in expanding quality education in Assam and other parts of NE India. By offering well-received programmes at affordable costs it has answered to the needs of over 9,000 students so far.
Manjulika Srivastava, Director of Distance Education Council, who was in Guwahati, told this newspaper that IDOL�s emergence is significant not just in its reach, but in the way quality study materials have been developed.
She appreciated the way in which the institute was making use of technology in its operations. �It is indeed commendable that IDOL has made use of new technologies to make distance and open education an exciting prospect,� she remarked.
From humble roots, IDOL at present offers 25 programmes, which include those on Assamese, English, Boro, Political Science, and Information Technology, to name a few. A total of 304 study materials have been developed by a pool of academics, and more are being added this year.
The institute takes in students from various backgrounds, except for the Computer Science programmes, for which science graduates are preferred. But before getting admissions, it is ensured that students go in for a counselling sessions so what is on offer matches their expectations.
Speaking to The Assam Tribune, Director of IDOL, Dr Kandarpa Das mentioned that the success of IDOL can be attributed to careful planning and use of time and resources in a manner that benefits the students. �We have put great emphasis on developing high quality study materials by bringing in academics who know the concept of open learning, as a result the textbooks are interesting and motivational to students who are away from the classroom,� he noted.
He revealed that imaginative use of low cost technology has also come to make operations more efficient. The institute relies on computers to maintain a database of all its students, and uses bulk sms to keep its students informed. Learners have ample opportunities to interact with faculty and the director himself responds to queries whenever necessary.
Significantly, among those who have benefited from IDOL are people living away from Guwahati who can take tests in one of its 18 centres, and women who have found it especially convenient. At present nearly 80 per cent of students on IDOL�s rolls are women, many of whom are married.
Das said that many young women, even though academically inclined, cannot complete higher education due to marriage or other reasons. However, with IDOL offering a range of programmes, a large number of them have a chance to receive a degree. �A degree builds capacity, and it also creates confidence among women,� he observed.
Here, it may be mentioned that IDOL�s portal Bodhidroom has started attracting more hits in recent years. www.bodhidroom.idolgu.org the site has received acclaim for its content and user-friendly format.