ODL Technologies for Lifelong Learning in India: Possibilities and Strategies

Abstract

The changing landscape of learning is helping India to emerge as a technology driven knowledge based society and economy. The success of any knowledge based society and economy depends on promoting the acquisition of key competences and broadening opportunities for innovative and more flexible forms of learning for every citizen of the country. The necessity to adjust to the prerequisites of the knowledge based society and economy brought about the need for lifelong learning in India. The XI Plan Guidelines of University Grants Commission, India on Lifelong Learning and extension (UGC 2007) states, “The country’s economic performance depends critically on access to and the adoption of new technology and improving the skills of the labor force. Since 92.4% of India’s workforce is in the unorganized sectors, they need regular upgrading of skills to compete in the globalize economy. Equipping the labor force with relevant skills implies the need for creating a variety of learning and training opportunities.” // Especially within the context of the current knowledge economy, it is of vital importance that the Indian workforce obtains and retains an optimal level of knowledge and skills. The country’s economic performance depends critically on access to and the adoption of new technology and improving the skills of the labor force. Since 92.4% of India’s workforce is in the unorganized sectors, they need regular upgrading of skills to compete in the globalize economy. Equipping the labor force with relevant skills implies the need for creating a variety of learning and training opportunities. One of the ways to obtain this goal is improved and continuing lifelong learning. Lifelong learning is of key importance for individuals of all ages and holds an array of benefits for them and society. It promotes their full economic and societal participation, enables them to be better informed and more active citizens, contributes to their personal well being and fulfillment, supports their creativity and innovation, and increases their efficiency as workers or volunteers.