The Institute of Distance Learning at the University of Madras offers a number of graduate and post-graduate levels. Established in the year 1981, the institute has a proud backing of alumni scattered all over the globe. Through distance education system, the institute has courses in both regular and Open University streams.
A typical academic year at the Institute of Distance Learning begins in July/ August and extends till April/ May. In addition to graduate and post-graduate programs, there are courses spanning one year (from January to December every year) as well. The Chepauk Campus of the University of Madras is the main venue for admission along with a number of Spot Admission Centres spread all over India.
The Open University System of the Institute of Distance Learning was introduced in Madras University in the year 1985. This is aimed at providing educational prospects to people who do not have any basic qualification but aspire to go for higher studies. The only prerequisite for admission in the Open University system is that the aspirant should have completed 18 years of age as on July 1 of the year of admission. However, there is a basic entrance examination to test the literacy level of a candidate to join a particular course.
The various course curricula in the distance learning mode are designed keeping in mind the industry needs. The certificate and diploma courses are also meant to enable students inculcate a particular skill set.
All in all, the Institute of Distance Learning of the University of Madras is one of the upcoming institutes of its kind in India.
By: Jasdeep Kaur
Archive for November, 2009
Distance Education at Madras University
November 23rd, 2009The Truth About Our Physical Education History
November 23rd, 2009
Remember high school gym class? You played volleyball, ran a mile on the track, and ducked before being hit in the face during a vigorous game of dodge ball? Physical education has been part of the educational scene for nearly 200 years. It is vital that students participate in physical education to keep their mind and body in peak learning condition. Currently, the childhood obesity rate is dangerously climbing to epidemic levels. Therefore, the focus on physical education is more important then ever before.
The question is how should physical education be conducted? First, take a look at physical education history. Physical education has evolved over the years. Physical education is defined as “instruction in the development and care of the body ranging from simple calisthenics exercises to a course of study providing training in hygiene, gymnastics, and the performance and management of athletic games (Merriam-Webster Dictionary).” This definition is broad because you can learn several topics ranging from the rules of basketball to sex education. It depends on the school policies of your state educational system.
Physical education was officially recognized in the United States in the early 1800’s. Colleges and Universities began to offer physical education programs throughout the 1800’s. Finally, in 1866 California was the first to mandate physical education. Many states followed this mandate within the next 30 years. The importance of training the body as well as the mind became prevalent in the educational system.
The 20th century brought varying levels of physical education to each state. Presidents such as Eisenhower and Kennedy promoted physical education and fitness. Children took the Presidential Fitness test each year to assess their physical fitness level. This arose from the need for U.S. students to be as physical fit as their European counterparts.
Controversial issues have played an integral role in physical education history. For example, in 1972 Title IX banned sexual discrimination in schools regarding sports and academics. This allowed female athletes to actively participate in team sports other than cheerleading with the financial and emotional support of the school system.
Another controversial issue is sexual education. It has been the subject of intense debate for many decades. Each state has specific guidelines about what will be taught and whether students can opt out of the sexual education program. Some states allow students to watch a video of a child being born while other states only discuss abstinence.
The official employment of physical education programs has a 200 year history which has become home to controversial issues, social reform, and overall child well being. Physical education will continue to evolve as the needs of the student population changes, societal attitudes fluctuate, and the flow of educational funds towards physical education is maintained.
By: Steve Bishop
Incorporate Environmental Education Into Your Lesson Plan!
November 21st, 2009
Environmental education needs to be incorporated from a very early onset. After all, it is when we are young that we begin to form our world view and start to form many of our habits. And everyone knows that bad habits die hard!
Environmental education should be taught even to our youngest students. Even young children can begin to understand how their individual actions can affect the environment. Even young children can learn to take personal responsibility for the preservation and restoration of our environment.
This does not mean that you need to involve young children in an in depth discussion about global warming and how the emissions of our cars contribute to it. After all, these kids do not even know how to drive these carbon dioxide-releasing vehicles!
But, even the youngest kids can learn how to turn off the water while brushing their teeth. Even the youngest kids can learn to pick up litter that they might have dropped, and even to pick up other litter. Even the youngest kids can learn to appreciate and protect the environment more fully, because of a little environmental education.
Any teacher can incorporate environmental education into his or her plan. If you teach at a school that does not have an environmental education program, that does necessarily mean that you can not incorporate some basic lessons.
In truth, environmental education can be incorporated into lessons in every subject. Quite obviously, environmental education can be incorporated into different sciences, like geology, biology, etc. But it can also be incorporated into math, English, geography, history, and other such subjects.
You can do math story problems about garbage, water, or land, etc. In English, you can read stories about the environment, etc. In geography, you can explain how polar ice caps are melting or how cultures are changing because of the changing environment. In history, you can talk about how much the environment has affected humans over the years and how much we have affected it. Mention environmental laws, etc.
Even if you do not incorporate environmental education into your day to day learning, you can still have one or two special environmental education days throughout the year. Invite a forest ranger or a conservationalist, etc. to come speak to your class. Bring out coloring books on the cycle of water and why we must conserve it. Watch the animated film “Fern Gully!” Learn about extinct animals. Learn about endangered animals.
If you are not happy with how the environment is right now, do something about it! Incorporate environmental education into the classroom at a very early age! You may feel like you are simply passing on the problem to a younger generation, but this younger generation can help solve the problem if they are given the tools at an early age.
By: Anne Clarke
