Limitations Of Distance Education Technologies.

While there is a very wide range of media and interfaces available, their effectiveness in terms of educational communication, compatibility with the subject have to be considered. Good domestic facilities in terms of power supply, maintenance, availability of whichever medium is selected, software production and trained personnel are very important to the success of a distance education project. There are, in many minds, questions regarding the pedagogical implication of using distance methods which depend so greatly on the media. Passive learning is still something of a problem in Asia and may be reinforced by excessive dependence on the media. Many countries may need to opt for higher technology in communication out of sheer logistical and geographical problems. These technologies may include satellites and computers. Ways can be found in which they become cost-effective. It is important to familiarize Asian countries with the language of the new technology, and it is important not to be left behind in gaining access to the most advanced technology. To sum up, lack of coordination, one-way lecture, changes in schedule, lack of preparation on the part of the resource persons, power failure, badly maintained equipment, lack of awareness, poor economic conditions, duplication of work, costly nature of technologies etc., are the limitations of distance education technologies. Technology is a tool that enhances a person's capacity to act and achieve. It is making rapid progress and finding application in several domains. Distance education is an area which is getting revolutionized with the availability of emerging technologies. Distance education has also been perceived as a critical strategy that could enhance the participation of women in higher education. There is a common feeling and a fear that as technology progresses it replaces women and pushes them out of many sectors which had been originally their domain. In current Indian context, the distance education is still dependent largely on the print media. Radio and T.V are also in use of some extent. Techniques like tele conferencing, computers and interactive video for distance education are only being experimental in a limited way in Tamil Nadu. As long as distance education is confined to print media, women would face no problems Radio and T.V should also pose no problems. In fact a survey conducted shows that the `class programme' broadcast by UGC is being watched by a larger section of housewives than students for whom it is mean.