Education is the systematic process of educating people, the acquisition of knowledge, technical skills, social values, attitudes, beliefs, and personal characteristics, so as to facilitate the learning process. Educational systems include formal training, teaching, interactive study and cooperative learning. The teaching process includes interaction with other students, preparation of lessons, development of lesson plans, instruction and feedback. The teachers may use direct teaching method, modeling, workshop and instructive activities. Instructional materials may be used for presenting information; for reviewing and practicing; for providing inputs and suggestions; for sharing ideas and experiences; and for preparing experiments.
Digital Age Education has provided a vast opportunities for the distance education sector to develop quality education system. It has increased the scope of participation in the education system and increased its effectiveness. Distance education system offers many benefits and advantages over traditional school education systems. It provides flexibility, choice and independence. It enhances the student’s learning through new technologies that are fast replacing the traditional technologies.
Online Learning: With the increased use of computers, it has completely changed the concept of teaching and learning. The main advantage of online education system is that it helps the learners to get immediate feedback from the instructors on their performance and the instructors are able to check their academic progress from anywhere. The other benefit is that the students are free to pursue their studies at any time they wish.
Informal Education: Informal education consists of various activities such as community learning, group projects, seminars, workshops, tours, visits etc. It can be informal because of its short duration and is not structured. There are many ways in which the informal education is given. For example community workshops, guest lectures, live theater programs, and camps, music classes, guest speakers programs, and storytelling sessions are some of the informal ways of imparting education. This type of education process gives more time to the learner for socializing and enjoying.
Distance Education: With the advancement of technology, distance education has also started to emerge as a form of higher education. Distance education is provided by taking the help of internet and e-mail to deliver course materials across a wide range of distances. Distance education enables the learners to earn degrees or diplomas online, through an arrangement between two or more colleges or universities. These online courses are offered in a structured manner, so that the learner has to apply himself/herself at regular intervals. Unlike the informal courses, distance education gives a better quality education.
The need for teachers of good quality, who have a positive outlook for social studies, culture and environment, along with good communication skills, knowledge about subject areas, computer skills etc. are more prevalent in today’s scenario. In order to achieve such a status, a teacher has to undergo training, which he/she can get through accredited teaching programs.