Hyderabad: Telangana Education Commission Head Akunuri Murali describes open distance learning as a neglected region, despite its increasing relevance and traces its development by studying 34 platforms. He called attention to the work of Professors DS Kothari and Professor G. Ram Reddy, while also promoting better national support and inter-agency resource models.
He spoke at a one-day workshop organized by TEC, which examined how open distance learning (ODL) and online learning (OL) can be used to meet institutional gaps and learners’ needs. Discuss the disconnect between access and actual participation in open education around the timely certification model, the role of digital infrastructure, policy dispersion, and the disconnection between access and actual participation in open education.
Professor S JEELANI of UOH discusses the role of NEP 2020 and calls for stronger digital systems and more meaningful university participation. Other speakers touch on the needs of rural youth skills and the ODL agencies that transition through certification and industry collaboration. They also believe that the greatest challenge remains employability and preparation, especially for women and rural learners.
The interview story also surfaced. Professor P. Sivaswaroop of Igno talks about tribes, older people and transgender learners finding alternative paths through open education. Mustaq professor Ahmed Patel warned that he expected massive growth in online learning by 2033 when he warned of unbalanced digital preparation.
Several voices require deeper collaboration and technology use, which points to the development of Hyderabad’s technology industry as a resource. Murali called for reform proposals to maintain academic integrity and improve access. He acknowledged public concerns about quality and evaluation and recommended a closer review of legacy models such as Amie.
