Affiliations: National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (NISCAIR – CSIR), 14, Satsang Vihar Marg, New Delhi-110 067, India. Tel.: +91 011 26863521; Fax: +91 011 26862228; E-mail: m_natarajan@hotmail.com
Abstract: With the advent of Information communication technology (ICT) and the growth of Internet, particularly the Web has changed the way of giving the curriculum materials to the students in online environment. Along with the print material, the materials are given in e-formats also. The online teaching tools like e-mail, discussion list, chat mode, lecture notes via web, use of computer mediated communication, interactive web tutorials, CD-ROM materials and virtual environments helps now-a-days for better understanding by the student community. The successful use of online technology depends on well designed and planned courses, infrastructure and price considerations, capacity and training in the chosen technology, local design and proper pre-testing and relative ease of access for the students. Technology such as video and the internet can be combined with hands on activities to enhance critical thinking and support learning skills. The author focused that the content, media and administration are the main areas for better multimedia education using online technology. In India, distance education is provided through Radio, TV, CD-ROMS and contact classes on weekly holidays. Some private institutions have started using the online technology for educating the students. The author concluded that Indian Universities and Higher Educational Institutions should adopt this technology for easy understanding of education programmes.
