Media and Distance Education:
The role of media in distance education needs a specific mention. It is impIied that teaching is done from a dbtance. It is also understood that education is imparted through correspondence, audio-visual aids, like radio, teIevision and telephone, besides personal contacts. As against a university, which enrolls students of a similar age, has definite time schedule, and is confined to a geographical area or campus, an 'open university' can cater to all kinds of students--of various ages, living in different and even far places, who wish tocombine education with employment or work at home. It can provide a great variety of courses. Even the pace of learning would be different for students enrolled in the same course. The Indira Gandhi National Open University is envisaged as an institution for the 'fitire country. One ot the pnnclpal objectives of this University is to provide education to those who have been denied opportunity for higher education, either because they live in remote and rural areas or because of any other handicap, including financial constraints and family obligations. The 'study centres' with audio-viial and library facilities are an important part of the University. Here, students can meet their academic counsellor and discuss their difficulties. Support from radio and television is also important in distance learning.