Study material is very exhaustive

Name: Anjali Anandan
Course being pursued: Pursuing BSc IT from Mumbai University's Institute of Distance and Open Learning
Current occupation: None
Previous qualification: Diploma in aviation and hospitality management
Age: 22

Why open learning?
I was pursuing my BSc IT from Elphinstone College and a diploma in aviation and hospitality management. All this became too hectic for me. Moreover, I had some financial problems at that time. I chose to drop out of college then and complete my diploma course. Now, I will start working somewhere while studying through correspondence.

How has your experience been?
The experience so far has been good. It is easy to get admission to such a course and age is no bar. The university provides study material and any revision in the syllabus is put up on the website. Any doubts can be clarified at the personal counselling centres where teachers help us out.

How were the study material, and teachers?
The study material is a lot and no less exhaustive than the regular course. It is easy to understand and of course, we have classes from time to time to explain certain concepts. The teachers come to teach students according to their convenience. We also have access to some libraries and to the University of Mumbai library where we can sit, read and take notes.

Did you face any challenges?
I did take time to adjust to the idea of studying alone. However, I made friends and shared notes with other students at the PCP centres which really helped.

How did you manage your studies with your other responsibilities?
At present, I do not have any problem. But I plan to start working soon and that will not be easy. I will have to take time out to study every day.

How does the course helped you?
I feel that with theory on one side and practical and work experience on the other, distance education students are well-qualified to enter the industry. I can apply my theory to work and learn more side by side. The only drawback is that employers are generally not open to hiring students who have studied through correspondence. However, in my opinion, we can multi-task and work experience should count.

What’s your wishlist for improving distance learning?
I think we should have more libraries. I would like it if some practical classes were arranged for us sometimes. And I wish there were more IT courses and science courses in the correspondence mode.

Interviewed by Sharanya Misra Sharma