Dear Students,
LAST WEEK WE ASKED: Should the government allow distance education mode for ME/MTech degree programs by Indian varsities?
BEST RESPONSE
Industries across the nation have been calling out for changes in the educational structure so as to narrow down the difference between theory and practical aspects of the subject. In such a scenario, distant education barely serve the purpose as it fails to provide the quintessential practical exposure required for any technical subject. Furthermore, it might aggravate the existing problem of rising 'educated unemployment' as the value addition is more on the resume and less on the practical knowledge base. India today needs real masters of technology and not simply post graduates.
- Rimika Mittal, Institute of Management, Nirma University (IMNU), Ahmedabad.
OTHER RESPONSES
Engineering education requires an amalgamation of theory and practice. But without the practical implication of theory engineering would become obsolete. Hence offering ME & MTech in distance may not serve the educational purpose. Also the regulation of fake institutes would have to be tracked. However distance education would work if a 'contact program' is in-built in the system wherein students spend or some hours at the institute to experiment with the practical implication.
- Vishal Rajai, St. Kabir Institute of Professional Studies, Ahmedabad.
I don't think distance education for ME/MTech should be allowed because ME/MTech being scientific disciplines need more practical insights then theoretical knowledge which cannot be obtained through distance learning courses. Also, for doing various research projects students need the assistance of faculties which is not possible in such courses.
- Ashish Singh, Institute of Management, Nirma University, Ahmedabad.
MTech being a highly skilled and research oriented program should not be allowed under distance education mode otherwise the quality of knowledge would subside enormously. Moreover students will fail to get the practical exposure which they generally derive from numerous experiments and workshop sessions during MTech program. India should rather make MTech programs more research intense and rise above impression of providing only degrees and no market ready or employable manpower.
- Tushar Shah, School of Petroleum Management, PDPU, Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
The bachelor degree marks the possession of advanced knowledge in a specialist field which is very difficult to gain by working ourselves. Role of faculty members is very crucial in research degree. If some one is working in research industries for more than three years and if working under eminent expert having doctoral degree with post doctoral research experience than MTech. by research can be consider equivalent to full time MTech. degree.
- CD Sankhavara, Faculty of Technology, School of Engineering, RK University.
Government should not allow distance education mode for ME/MTech degree programmes by Indian universities because it requires practical experience and this cannot be done through distance education mode. It is not feasible as these Indian institutes will lose its value for giving practical knowledge which is very important for ME/MTech degree courses, where practice meets theory.
- Sanya Arora, IBS Ahmedabad.
Many students don't opt for M.Tech/Me due to 2 years invested and also income lost in those two years. The best option will be distance learning. It will be always good to have a degree from distance learning rather than not having at all. And those who want to pursue full time course always have that option. This degree will create a path for their further research in a core area of interest. It will also open a wide area of career prospects like teaching, consultancy service, entrepreneurial venture etc. As compared to MBA, ME/M.Tech subjects can be self learned.
- Gaurav Kulkarni, College of Engineering, Pune.
Allowing distance education mode for ME/MTech degree program may not be fruitful. MTech is basically a research oriented course so distance program will not help in depth . It will be just to adorn one's resume by certification.
- Sumit Sourav, Regional College of Management , Bhubaneswar.
In spite of various steps taken by the government in the higher education sector, education inclusion is still a great concern. In order to ensure there is a deep rooted education inclusion, government should start leveraging its resources. Distance education will not only aim in providing education inclusion but will work as a boon for the students who can’t afford to attain the education due to mobility factor of the institute.
- Harsh Mehta, St. Kabir Institute of Professional Studies, Ahmedabad.
Government should allow the distance education mode for working professional with some constraints such as minimum experience and skill-set one should have before enrolling for the program. Learning is continuous process some people can’t continue with their higher study after graduation, they take up a job and become stagnant after some years and stuck into middle management band. ME and MTech being pure technical specialisation student can learn latest trends in technology and management and apply the same into their existing operations to add more value to their contribution towards organizations which creates win-win situation for both.
- Sarang Dani, Vishwakarma Institute of Management, Pune.
Government should allow this concept as it helps working professionals the access and flexibility to pursue higher education and that too in a cost effective way. Though, programs like ME/M Tech require more interaction with the peer group to be effective; technology has made it possible. This will solve the problem of lack of physical building space and will also help in reaching students in remote areas. According to Twelfth five year plan, the government will increase its support to distance education institutions like IGNOU, state open universities etc. This is indeed a great initiative.
- Kanchan Agrawal, Institute of Management, Nirma University, Ahmedabad.
Distance education is a cognitive process of acquiring skill or knowledge which leads to obstacle due to domestic distractions and unreliable technologies. An adequate contact with teachers and support services are a key for any learning. Unlike distance education mode, the experience which is gained practically and learning through peers are immense in a proper classroom program. Moreover most of the companies do not even value these degrees. ME/MTech are crucial post graduation programs which must not be allowable degree programs by Indian varsities.
- Saurabh Kumar, Institute of Management, Nirma University.
Distance education mainly helps working professionals who can't avail of going to a regular college. At the master's level of engineering a specialisation to various research oriented subjects is done which is not possible to do through distance learning. The concepts of science & technology cant be learned until they are not practically tested and proven in a laboratory. Such a move can altogether deteriorate the quality of students who are already grappling with the burden of not being industry-fit and of varsities who are bleeding due to lack of basic infrastructure of labs, faculty and R&D.
- Nandish Agarwal, Galgotias College of Engineering and Technology, Greater Noida.
The government should not allow distance education mode for ME/MTech programmes by Indian Universities. It is because the courses involving technical knowledge cannot be acquired through distance learning. A ME/MTech degree, in actual terms, requires hands on experience with latest technology which is only possible in case of regular courses. Also the impact of classroom teaching is far more superior in comparison to self study. Thus, the purpose of giving degree to the student would be defeated if sufficient skills are not instilled. So, in-order to maintain the value of degree it is necessary to must have regular classes.
- Shivam Chhabra, Integral University, Lucknow.
In recent times we are hearing loud and clear that there exist huge gap between industry and academia. so when we talk of distance education, that too in technical education, it will only make the situation from bad to worse. In fact PG courses should be made more practical based with huge industry interaction and project, thus imbibing practical aspect into theory. Moreover, Indian Varsities should take clue from foreign university and make education more creative, innovative, practical thus enhancing employability of students.
- Nilaya Mitash Shanker, IIT Roorkee.
Distance learning is especially great for those who are unable to leave their home during the day or at night, or who have to work a full time job with swing shifts. If distance learning co-exists with a strong, supportive, work environment, where good competent, experienced professionals help you build bridges between theory and practice, I believe one’s learning can be faster, better, deeper and more value additive than otherwise.
- Lokesh Pravin Jain, Vishwakarma Institute of Management, Pune.
Your responses should reach us at edu@business-standard.com by Monday evening every week. Please ensure that your responses do not exceed 100 words. Avoid attachments and email your full name, institute's name, batch and complete mailing address. The student who gives the 'Best Response' will be awarded Rs 500.
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Do you think conducting CAT throughout the year would help more candidates crack the test?
