Distance education and the role of IT in India

Abstract

Purpose To highlight India's efforts in raising literacy levels through distance education (DE) by utilizing various technological choices, including information technology (IT), available in the country. Design/methodology/approach This article discusses the education scenario, emergence of correspondence courses/open universities, government initiatives for IT enablement of education and DE, participating institutions and technology choices available in India. It examines the preparedness of participating institutions, status of networks facilitating virtual classrooms, technological solutions, educational channels, etc., for the spreading of DE in India. Findings The paper strongly suggests the need for digital libraries (DLs) and their integration, and the initiation of INTEND‐OPENET as an exclusive network for DE. Practical implications The needed policy guidelines to use IT for education are now in place in India. The backbone for developing DLs already exists. Declining prices of PCs and networking devices makes it economically feasible to use IT to deliver quality education to previously unreachable populations and to enhance the quality of education. Originality/value This paper offers practical solutions for the spread of DE for policy makers and implementers, participating institutions and distance learners.