NIOS : The Way Forward - The National Institute of Open Schooling

NIOS: The Way Forward / 45
6
The Way Forward
This chapter delineates the directions in which the ODL system and specifically
the NIOS and the State Open Schools (SOSs) are like to proceed in the future.
It highlights the strategies required to be make ODLS a credible alternative
system of education that will also promote the evolution of a knowledge society
in India by universalizing education.
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Learning, Development and Open
Schooling
6.3 Life Skills: an integral part of
Modern Curriculum
6.4 Open Basic Education Programme
and Sakshar Bharat Programme of
National Literacy Mission (NLM)
6.5 Increasing Access
6.6 Skill Development through
Vocational Education
6.7 Improving the Quality of Learner
Support Services
6.8 Research and Development
6.9 Capacity Building of ODL
Personnel
6.10 Evaluation of Students’
Performances
6.11 Promotion of Open Schooling
6.12 Harnessing ICTs in Open and
Distance Learning Environment
6.13 Education of Special
Disadvantaged Groups
6.14 Implementation Strategies
6.15 Summing Up
6.1 Introduction
We have given a detailed description
of the alternate system of education
that is rapidly developing worldwide
and in India and have given a full
account of the NIOS Story. The
present chapter will spell out several
directions and strategies that need to
be taken so that the Open Schooling
movement is carried forward, as
envisaged in the National Education
Policy. Specifically we will talk about
the role and responsibilities of the
NIOS and of the State level Open
Schools to become agents which will
contribute, in significant measure, to
bring about the transformation of the
country, through a sea change in the
quality and quantity of educational
provision.
In the recent past, a number of
significant path breaking initiatives in
terms of policy directives as well as
reforms have taken place. The most
historic of these has been the recent
passing of the Right to Education Act.
As per the Act, free and compulsory
education has been made a
Fundamental Right which has to be
provided by the state to all children in the 6-14 age groups.