IGNOU fills the quality gap between the conventional and distance learning programs

Convergence programs by IGNOU fills the quality gap between the conventional and distance learning programs


Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) introduced the Convergence program last year which is now operating well in 17 districts in the central, western and southern parts of Tamil Nadu. In Madurai alone there are 30 convergence institutions. In Tiruchi district, there are four colleges who offers IGNOU’s convergence programs, these are Bishop Heber College, Jamal Mohamed College, National College and Shrimati Indira Gandhi College.

These convergence programs enhance the employment prospects of students. It increases their employability in the job market. The add on courses fullfill the purpose of putting the resources of colleges to optimum utilization during vacations and weekends. IGNOU is famous for open and distance learning system, with Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) IGNOU is able to bridge the gap in the quality between conventional and distance learning program through efficient student support system, Edustat and audio-visual equipment, and creation of web casting facilities. Sixty percent of the 83 study centres were in rural parts which improved the gross enrollment ratio in higher education during the XI plan period. In India reaching out to the rural areas is big challenge. Since a majority of the students resides in the rural areas, it is very essential that facilities of higher education at least for the bachelors and masters level should be available to the rural population.