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

NIOS: The Way Forward / 63
Innovations and Research In order to succeed and make the desired impact
on the larger system, a subsystem should not only be receptive to fresh ideas
and innovations but should also actively encourage innovations by the
practitioners of the system. NIOS should evolve a suitable mechanism for the
identification of innovations across the globe and then for dissemination in the
country. The research should also aim at development of new learning
methodologies useful for ODL learners. NIOS should also conduct and promote
research relating to different facets of distance education, such as development
of course materials, training of ODL teachers and professionals and monitoring
and evaluation. The findings of research should lead to reformulation of
policies, modifications in conceptualization, development of material and
training of ODL teachers and professionals. NIOS should also undertake
clearing house functions for the dissemination of innovations and researches
in the country.
In order to undertake the above mentioned tasks, NIOS may have to set up a
unit dedicated to the cause of identification, promotion and dissemination of
innovations on the one hand and conceptualization, execution and utilization
of research on the other.
Being the National ODL institution in the school sector, NIOS must shoulder
the responsibility of establishing professional linkages with State Open Schools
in the country and with similar institutions outside the country. The purpose of
networking has to be sharing of experiences, learning from the experiences
of others and to avoid overlapping and duplication, wherever necessary. These
institutions should be linked to each other through Satellite to facilitate
organization of video conferences frequently. NIOS will do well to set up a
national reference library of ODL material, both print and non-print for the use
and reference of not only of State Open Schools but also for the use of
curriculum developers and course writers.
Open schools in the country should come together to form a voluntary
association of school level ODL institutions of the nation as well as in other
South Asian countries. Needless to say that the association or consortium
shall provide a forum for exchange of expression and mutual learning.
At present NIOS is functioning at the national level as an agency that
examination that provides continuing education and certification. It also acts
as a Research and Development institute in Open Schooling. During the past
few decades, tremendous expansion has taken place in Open Schooling
facilities. To meet the ever increasing demand for Open Schooling, State open
schools have been set up in fourteen states. The increasing enrolment in
Open Schooling indicates that the system is poised for further expansion in
future. The States, where open schools have not been set up so far should
initiate necessary measures to set up their own open schools. In small states,
where separate open schools are not viable, the existing School Education
Board may set up a separate and independent department to deal with open
schooling.