I would like to share my views about higher education and distance learning:
• Anybody who wants to pursue higher education should have clear conscious as to he/she wants to have education and knowledge or only wants to add one more degree after his/her name.
• One should also be clear as to why he/she is seeking degree? Is it for professional growth, promotions or for real interest in research?
• I feel M Phil or PhD will not be of much use and help for growth and promotions in Industry. Generally in industry, growth largely depends upon performance and potential of individual and degree is secondary.
• In case you are in teaching profession then, in that case PhD is must for further growth and PhD thru distance learning may not be of much help there.
• Again in Industry where degrees are counted, it is also important as to who has offered you degree i.e. name and reputation of university and institution.
• I am personally against taking degrees thru distance education especially of higher education and research. Distance Education should be avenue of education only for those who for some reason could not attend regular college but have practical working experience and only graduation degrees in some disciplines be offered thru distance education. Obviously post graduation should not be offered thru distance learning.
• I feel distance learning actually dilutes the quality of education and hence distance education never be treated at par with regular education.
• There is some recent directive from UGC or Education Ministry which has rightly prevented granting of PhDs thru distance education. Fellow citehr members may share more information on this.
Thanks & Regards