open and distance learning comprises tools and mechanisms which give a student the best possible chance to achieve success in his or her educational endeavour but this system of imparting education raises questions on the quality of education provided through this mode education times spoke to the uk open university ou provice chancellor geoff peters who gave his opinion on the worldwide open university education scenario and the role of it in distance learning the ou is uks largest university with over 200000 enrolled students it offers over 200 courses covering a large number of subjects and offering courses within a course why do most indian students have apprehensions regarding open and distance education indian students are generally hesitant to take up open and distance education as it is not given due weightage in india itself students are afraid of the experience that they may encounter in terms of quality in distance education however the apprehensions are not true as the students have the advantage of a lot of flexibility through the distance education mode a student can study as and when he or she wants i feel that learning depends upon the quality and calibre of teachers as well as students rather than the type of education so students must demonstrate effective timemanagement and qualities such as commitment and ambition whether it is regular campus learning or open distance learning what about the market value of open and distance learning in uk as compared to india the open learning is highly respected and valued in uk and even in other western countries moreover employers in uk value the academic and professional skills of distance learning students as well as dedication needed to study parttime whereas in india people link education with status and believe that its a matter of prestige to be a student of regular and a high profile college notably indian open universities are all well respected in abroad than in india itself what are the positive aspects of open and distance learning students have always an advantage of studying at a distance and on a parttime basis often while working on a fulltime basis the course material is send to the students and sometimes a student is supported by a tutor residing in the nearest regional centre with the help of it and internet a student could be supported through online conferencing has open and distance learning undergone a revolution with the invent of it the information and internet related technologies are definitely shaping biggest evolutionary changes particularly in distance learning with it one can reach students in all parts of the world easily and students can be taught anywhere moreover a student can register for any course and fill in his or her application through the internet in total it democratises education and gives a lot more flexibility to teachers and students as well what type of changes are going to come with it in the distance education arena we are still a long