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PAPER ID:IJIM/Vol. 10 (VII)November/43-46/6
AUTHOR: Dr. Dharam Pal
TITLE:INTEGRATING SKILL-BASED LEARNING INTO OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING (ODL): NEED AND CHALLENGES
ABSTRACT:The article shows how important skill-based learning is for Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programs, and why that makes it such a hard challenge. Open and distance learning (ODL) is an innovative form of education, which is characterized by its adaptability, flexibility and lifelong learning emphasis for an all-inclusive group of geographically or socially dynamic individuals. This special issue analyzes what changes have come, trends from the past and new needs put on the labor force. It argues that skill-based Open and Distance Learning (ODL) modules are not only useful for job-seeking but also consistent with industry needs, economically profitable to the building region in terms of employment, and help bring economic development. As technology and modular formats have made it much easier to master new skills, however, there are still some problems. These include equal access to information and communications technology, enough hands-on learning opportunities for students, opportunities to obtain feedback by inquiry and help the student to integrate what they have been taught. The analysis shows that by addressing such regulatory problems with reforms, industry collaboration and curricular improvement, open and distance learning institutions that provide vocational training will produce graduates not just capable in terms of practical skills. This can make distance education more useful. And even better. Open and Distance Learning (ODL) is a learning approach that concentrates on skill-acquisition, vital for obtaining good employment. This kind of learning uses technology as one of its main forms, especially in vocational education.
KEYWORDS : Open and Distance Learning (ODL), Skill-Based Learning, Employability, Technology Integration, Vocational Education