This book examines the state of the Open and Distance Learning (ODL)-based secondary education in India. ODL-based education has been a key resource for children in India who can neither cope with nor avail of regular schooling opportunities due to economic, health and disability, or other constraints. The volume uses large-scale empirical data collected from various Indian states and a sensitive theoretical framework to study the equity, efficiency, and effectiveness of the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) and the State Open School (SOS). Highlighting the roadblocks and barriers in terms of its reach, inclusion, and delivery, particularly to the marginalised, this book explores whether ODL has a potential of being a sustainable and effective option at the secondary and senior secondary level in India. Thus, it seeks to generate policy discourse around delivery mechanisms and effectiveness of ODL in developing countries. First of its kind, this comprehensive volume will be useful for scholars and researchers of education, education policy, public policy, and political studies.

Global Higher Education and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perspectives, Challenges, and New Opportunities throws light on the lacunas faced by the higher education industry during the disruption of the pandemic and offers solutions with roadmaps for the future of higher education in coming years. This book by distinguished writers is a good blend of understanding how the pandemic struck the education structure around the world and how education is evolving and imbibing new pedagogy and policies to rebuild the lost confidence of young minds with positive healing inroads to rebuild their professional dreams. In an in-depth manner, this edited book examines the impact of COVID-19 on higher education around the world. The challenges faced today by COVID-19 in our education system are determined and examined, and worldwide education opportunities post-COVID-19 are examined as well. The chapters use various methodological approaches that look at how the pandemic fostered the rise of e-learning, blended and virtual learning, and teachers’ changing roles. The book examines the role of teaching-learning practices in the era of COVID-19, the impact of digital learning on students in developing countries, and more. Also addressed is the psychological and emotional impact on students from digital learning and blended learning during the pandemic. The deep insights on the pandemic’s impact on higher education will help educators to navigate and adapt to the new normal with grace and maturity. The book also supports higher education to collaborate with a new outlook amalgamating diverse arenas of new age education, systems opportunities and challenges with right ideation and innovative pedagogies for sailing through COVID-19 pandemic. This book gives students, teachers, scholars of all domains and practitioners an opportunity to take into account and appreciate the work of comparative and international education.

This book examines the state of the Open and Distance Learning (ODL)-based secondary education in India. ODL-based education has been a key resource for children in India who can neither cope with nor avail of regular schooling opportunities due to economic, health and disability, or other constraints. The volume uses large-scale empirical data collected from various Indian states and a sensitive theoretical framework to study the equity, efficiency, and effectiveness of the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) and the State Open School (SOS). Highlighting the roadblocks and barriers in terms of its reach, inclusion, and delivery, particularly to the marginalised, this book explores whether ODL has a potential of being a sustainable and effective option at the secondary and senior secondary level in India. Thus, it seeks to generate policy discourse around delivery mechanisms and effectiveness of ODL in developing countries. First of its kind, this comprehensive volume will be useful for scholars and researchers of education, education policy, public policy, and political studies.