IGNOU’s Online Programmes: Access, Equity, and Quality through Technology- Enabled Learning

Abstract

Higher Education has seen a complete paradigm shift post-COVID-19 across the globe, including India. Online learning has been embraced as the new normal by the teaching and learning community. The new age learner is adopting online learning as their preferred mode of education to access higher education and enhance their skills. Online learning in India has also grown exponentially due to progressive policy-level interventions.

This descriptive study analyses the progression of online programmes at IGNOU in terms of access, inclusivity, digital infrastructure, quality and compliance. The results indicate that these online programmes at postgraduate and undergraduate levels are popular among the learners at their early and mid- career stages. The results further establish that IGNOU online programmes are inclusive in nature, with the presence of increased participation of women and marginalised learners. IGNOU also has a well-organised digital infrastructure to deliver these online programmes. The analyses also suggest that these programmes have been designed, developed and delivered following the rigorous quality assurance process and comply with the applicable regulatory norms.

Inclusivity, digital infrastructure, quality and compliance are the strengths of online programmes, which make these programmes unique, and the features integrated in these online programmes originate from the directives of NEP-2020, which encourages access, equity, quality, flexibility and lifelong learning opportunities. IGNOU’s online learning model meets national and international standards and can be replicated by other institutions.