Open and Distance Learning in Social Work Programme: A Study of MSW Learners of India

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Autor/inn/en	Saumya; Singh, Tushar
Titel	Open and Distance Learning in Social Work Programme: A Study of MSW Learners of India
Quelle	In: Asian Association of Open Universities Journal, 15 (2020) 3, S.371-393 (23 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Zusatzinformation	ORCID (Saumya) ORCID (Singh, Tushar)
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	2414-6994
DOI	10.1108/AAOUJ-07-2020-0050
Schlagwörter	Foreign Countries; Masters Programs; Graduate Students; Student Attitudes; Social Work; Student Characteristics; Educational Technology; Electronic Learning; Conventional Instruction; Instructional Materials; Student Experience; Barriers; Open Universities; Distance Education; Information Dissemination; Services; Assignments; Counseling; Experiential Learning; India + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Ausland; Magister course; Magisterstudiengang; Graduate Study; Student; Students; Aufbaustudium; Graduiertenstudium; Hauptstudium; Studentin; Schülerverhalten; Soziale Arbeit; Unterrichtsmedien; Lehrmaterial; Lehrmittel; Studienerfahrung; Offene Universität; Distance study; Distance learning; Fernunterricht; Informationsverbreitung; Dienstleistung; Assignment; Auftrag; Zuweisung; Counselling; Beratung; Experiental learning; Erfahrungsorientiertes Lernen; Indien
Abstract	Purpose: The paper reports the feedback collected from students of the Master of Social Work (MSW) Programme of the School of Social Work (SOSW), Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), through open and distance learning (ODL), in India. The paper discusses findings related to learner profile, student support services, assignments, academic counselling, fieldwork, audio/video/teleconferencing facilities, Internet access and challenges faced by the learners. The findings will be useful for researchers and practitioners, will help in improving the overall quality of the programme, in designing the delivery mechanism as per the needs of MSW learners and in preparing them to be trained professionals to work in social development sector in India. Design/methodology/approach: For data collection, a questionnaire was prepared and sent to all the students of the MSW programme along with assignment, across India. Responses from 290 students were voluntarily received. Findings: The research findings are that MSW (ODL) students are older, mostly married with the average male learners age being 35 years and that of female learners being 30 years, there are more female learners than male learners, majority of the learners are Hindu from general category, tend to be employed, mostly full-time and some part-time, with work experience. They are from urban, semi-urban, rural and tribal areas with Internet access. Most of the students preferred to read printed self-learning materials than digitally available on eGyanKosh or IGNOUmobile app especially in rural areas though with increasing access to Internet, students are gradually opting for online materials while filling up the admission form. Majority of students found the quality and standard of study materials to be very good. Though maximum respondents gave positive feedback about the student support services and their learning experiences, some of the learners faced challenges like unco-operative staff members, administrative delays, non-allotment of academic counsellor/fieldwork supervisor, irregularity, late reception of study materials, lack of staff members at study centre, far distance of regional centre/study centre from residence, etc. Research limitations/implications: The findings will help in designing and delivering the MSW programme in a more effective way. Based on the feedback received, the next revision of the programme will take into consideration the concerns of the learner. The limitation of the study is that not all learners responded to all the questions. Not all potential MSW learners filled the questionnaire and submitted it at the school. And those who responded had left some questions unanswered. Those who did not submit response may differ in their responses from what is received. Originality/value: It is an original work and will be valuable in understanding the distance learner of MSW programme in India, programme delivery and challenges. (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01