New distance and online education structure launched

Opening the doors for the children who were not able to enter university, the Sri Lanka Distance Educators Association (SLADE) was formed recently at the Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration. With SLADE launched the Online Education Course through seven partner institutions.

SLADE is a result of the ADB funded, Distance Education Modernization Project (DEMP) of the Ministry of Higher Education.
This project focuses mostly on using technology to expand the scope for youth in this country as traditional methods cannot deliver the massive expansion and demand.

Seven programmes offered by leading higher educational institutes of Sri Lanka such as the University of Peradeniya, the University of Jaffna, the University of Moratuwa and many more, have already been developed using online techniques.

There are 21 other institutions both in the public and private sector embarking into this online education, which is going to be beneficial to the large number of youth aspiring to tertiary education and also those employed, seeking personal development for career upgrading, officials said.

Sir John Daniels, President of the Commonwealth of Learning, who was present at the inauguration, said he had great regard for Sri Lanka and for progress made on distance education modernization. He said he believes that the idea of SLADE and the work expected from NODES (National Online Distance Education Service) will bring a very positive impact to the country as it is the only way to expand educational opportunities to suit the modern market demands.