Sikkim Manipal University: Voted Best Distance Learning Institute in India in terms of Results & Efficiency

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Sikkim Manipal University: Voted Best Distance Learning Institute in India in terms of Results & Efficiency

Sikkim Manipal University – Distance Learning at its best in resource, reach, learning and experience

The results are out and Sikkim Manipal University-Distance Education has been voted as Best Distance Learning Institute in India in terms of Results & Efficiency. It is only institute at the top that is not an open university. What’s more is that SMU-DE has been ranked 1 in terms of results & efficiency and rank 2 in learning & experience. The two most important parameters for every student. Careers360 magazine from the Outlook Group has conducted the first ever objective ranking of 30 leading distance learning institutions across India based on qualitative and quantitative parameters. The results validate Sikkim Manipal University’s constant endeavor to bring forth quality education keeping in mind both the industry and the student’s needs. The ranking was determined after examining 30 top institutions across three broad domains namely Reach & Resources, Learning & Experience and Results & Efficiency. Nimesh Chandra, Head of Research of Careers360 had spearheaded the exercise collating data on all existing distance learning institutions, visiting select universities, study centers and interview with stake holders. The universe for Open and Distance Learning Institutes in India comprises of 249 institutes, out of which 176 institutes are currently offering Distance Education Programmes. Careers360 undertook shortlisting of 50 institutions based on student enrollment data. Careers360 then sent letters to these institutions with a questionnaire. Additional data was also taken from the Distance Education Council (DEC). Based on the responses received from these institutes, final 30 were chosen for ranking processes. These then were subjected to a thorough research that included visits by the research team of Careers360 magazine, focus on infrastructure and diversity of the institutions, and its reach. The whole research process emphasized on quality of resources, delivery mechanisms and output focusing on the performance of the institute in helping the trained student getting a better career prospect.

Scoring a sum total of 616 points, Sikkim Manipal University is ranked 3 overall in the list of the best distance learning institutions across the country. Importantly SMU-DE’s methods towards efficiency of teaching and interactive learning have earned it rank 1 and 2 respectively. Teaching efficiency is a must in distance learning as this mode focuses on self learning. Hence getting the right message across from the faculty to the student is vital. Similarly interactive learning has by far been considered as a major hindrance in distance education when compared with regular colleges. Institutes like Sikkim Manipal University has successfully negated this drawback thereby increasing industry acceptance of distance education and making the learning experience a more enjoyable one. SMU-DE also found special mention in the article with regards to Public Private Partnership model that works. SMU-DE has always believed and delivered courses that are in sync with the needs of the industry making sure that the student gets a degree that will facilitate his career growth. Established in 1995, Sikkim Manipal University is a public-private partnership between the Government of Sikkim and Manipal Education. With a student strength of nearly 1,77,000, the institute offers distance education across 11 broad disciplines aided by 65 core faculty members and over 6,500 mentors. The disciplines include Information Technology, Management, Hospitality Management, Journalism and Mass Communication, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Apparel & Fashion Designing, Allied Health Sciences, Telecom, Commerce and Fire & Safety.

Making it easy for students to learn faster is the multi award winning learning system EduNxt. EduNxt allows students to access faculty mentors, industry experts, counseling, virtual classrooms, self-learning materials and over a million journals. All this can be done 24x7 helping students to plan their studies beforehand. Moreover it allows students time to work and earn while they study thereby gaining crucial industry related experience as well as being self reliant financially. For students eager to study in a classroom environment there are more than 725 University authorized Learning Centers across 310 cities that have their own certified faculty and counselors ready to help students at all times.

The findings of the research have once again put the focus back on SMU-DE as being the undisputed leader in teaching efficiently. From here on we strive to make the experience and value of studying at SMU-DE even better and it’s now our aim to come at rank 1 across all categories. Students at SMU-DE don’t just get an higher education, they get a degree that works!

For more details please visit: www.smude.edu.in

Tags: Sikkim Manipal University, distance learning, Institute, voted, best, management, education, degree.

SMUDE (talk)21:03, 4 August 2010