MOOC: A Possible Step Forward For India's Education System?

MOOC (Massive Open Online Courses): A Possible Step Forward For India's Education System?

India has a staggering population of nearly 1.25 billion people. Half of these are under the age of 25. India is now facing enormous challenges on the educational front. As a nation with a massive number of youth who need to gain access to quality education for a rewarding career, India's education system has to overcome more than a couple of challenges.

Knowledge based societies develop at a faster rate thereby providing access to good education, particularly higher education. The current model of higher education is mostly similar to those of developed countries. In India, education must lead the way forward for social mobility. Virtual learning can bring about a sea change, especially for students in remote areas which do not have access to educational institutions.

Massive Open Online Courses or MOOCs in higher education are perfect in countries such as India and China would be the perfect solution, according to V. S.Chauhan, a UGC member. MOOCs are online courses which offer open access and easy participation. These are structured courses which award degrees and diplomas. The high level of interaction and possibility of group learning also make them viable alternatives for India's educational scenario.

MOOCs were initiated in 2008 yet fully recognised by 2012. Many universities abroad have adopted MOOCs. In India, some of the IITs have formulated their own MOOCs. However, it should be noted that implementation and completion of MOOCs is the moot question.

Statistics point out that only 5 to 15 percent of the MOOCs are successfully completed worldwide. Another massive concern is the way distance learning and online courses are currently viewed in the job market. Many companies do not prefer to hire those who have obtained online MBAs citing the lack of theoretical rigor of such courses. Known companies are always on the look out for fresh talent through campus recruitment programmes. In such a situation, can MOOCs really solve the problem or exacerbate it further?

The most important feature of these courses is that both educationists and students can access the information with ease. They are very useful for providing information for conventional courses and supplementing regular courses are well. MOOCs can also expand knowledge base in specific domains such as teacher training and enhancing capabilities. They are ideal for professional growth and career advancement opportunities as well. Emerging industries such as IT, pharma and healthcare are perfect for those who want to enter job markets following the completion of graduate programmes.

If the concerns regarding MOOCs are addressed and the programmes are effectively implemented, there is no reason why they should not be successful. But it should be remembered while designing online education that the welfare of the youth and their future job prospects need to be advanced through such means.