What is Distance Learning....

The defining feature of distance learning is that one does not need to attend the awarding university / institution or the institution in person. Many professional institutions are aware of the conflict that people face between the need to work full time and the need to acquire and keep up to date a professional degree and qualification.

Distance learning suits people for many different reasons. These could be family and financial circumstances, attending full time jobs, undergoing other academic and professional courses, being in business, industry, advocacy, activism, and other entrepreneurial activities.

The academic support given to a distance learning student varies from programme to programme and from institution to institution. However, the focus is on self study. In its simplest form, students receive basic academic guidance through specially written study materials, assignments and model questions.

The academic support is not the only support required. Without the support of family, colleagues and friends, studying for a qualification as an external student would be a great deal harder. Distance learning demands hard work, dedication and sacrifice. If there is one quality that successful distance learning students have in common, it's self discipline.

Although studying through distance learning mode is usually cheaper than attending a full time course, students must make sure they choose a programme that offers value for money. Universities and Institutions offering professional job oriented qualifications must meet stringent quality standards and should be the same as those set for internal students.

Students and all those interested in getting admitted to a distance learning correspondence courses like Ecology and Environment; Disaster Mitigation; Sustainable Development; Eco-Tourism; Geo-Informatics and Total Quality Management should have the grit and determination for undergoing and successfully completing the entire programme for becoming activists and knowledgeable person in the areas of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Pollution Monitoring and Control, Natural Resources Conservation, Environmental Education, Risk Assessment and Disaster Management, Green Business Management, Global Warming, Island Development, Green Employment, Quality Methodology and Systems, Quality Assurance, Inspection Quality and Sampling Plans, Testing and Calibration Laboratories, Operations Research, Quality Auditing in Banking and Financial Services, Hospital and Medical Services, Publication and Graphic Technology, Documentation and Information, Materials Management.

Securing a certificate / diploma / degree through distance learning being conducted under different institutions / universities while continuing with other work may speak volumes about the ability to learn new skills, to balance workloads and to strive for excellence.

All those dedicating themselves for these hobby / professional programmes with full of zeal and enthusiasm are bound to be successful in designing a Masterplan Paradigm for combating unemployment.