Migrating to the electronic learning environment : Prospects for LIS distance learners in India

In India distance education system is being considered as the most viable method of overcoming the problems faced in developing competent human resource. Distance mode of teaching is gradually evolving as an important component of LIS education in India. The courses offered by the Open Universities in the country are quite innovative and involving multi-media packages for teaching and learning. The latest trend is towards delivery of courses through electronics networks. The Indian Training and Education Network for Development (INTEND) is being set up to impart education through distance mode. The network will be used for value added services such as, e-mail, down loading of lectures/notes from the hub station to remote classes, provision of internet services through gateways, library services, video conferencing etc. The network will be also utilised for on-line registration and evaluation purposes. As a part of INTEND the OPENET is being set up to connect all the open universities and the distance teaching institutions in the country. The INTEND once implemented will bring about revolutionary changes in the education and training through distance mode in India. The paper looks into the prospects of providing LIS education to distance learners in an electronic network environment and addresses some ofthe issues related to its provision in India.