Bhalessa (J&K): In today's competitive world, people often find themselves unsatisfied with their jobs and desirous of a handsome income and updated industry skills, they find themselves helplessly occupied by their daily chores.

Now, the good news for those living in Jammu and Kashmir is that you can gain a higher education degree, learn new skills, and become more marketable by using the online learning opportunities available on the internet.

One great thing about online education is that you can study according to your own schedule and can do it from the comfort of your own home.

In fact, thousands of working professionals have been able to increase their knowledge and jobs skills without ever having to enter a classroom.

As online learning continues to gain momentum across the country, education experts are warning that policies surrounding this popular learning option are shaky at best.

A new report by the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) calls for a better policy and funding framework to make sure that the students get the best education possible.

The report, 'Policy and Funding Frameworks for Online Learning,' written by John Watson and Butch Gemin of Evergreen Consulting Associates, and published by iNACOL, is the fifth report of iNACOL's six-report series called Promising Practices in Online Learning, which explores some of the approaches being taken by 'practitioners and policymakers in response to key issues in online learning.'

The series is commissioned by iNACOL as the interest and applications of online learning institutions have increased. Last year, iNACOL estimated that more than one million students were enrolled in online courses; more than 30 states have state-led online programs, and more than half of the school districts in the U.S. offer online courses and services.

However, even though online learning is growing at the rate of 30% annually, access to online schools and courses is not keeping pace with the demand from students and parents.

iNACOL estimated that more than 40% of middle and high school students want to enroll in online courses which means the number is more than 20 million students.


Studies have shown that individuals who invest the time into gaining a higher education will enjoy a greater quality of life, earn more money, and have more job security than their peers who do not have a degree.

Internet courses are just as effective as traditional classes the only difference is that of convenience. Take time to start investing in your education with Internet courses, the benefits will surely follow.

By - Sadaket Malik
(Sadaket Malik is a researcher in education, based in Jammu & Kashmir. He can be contacted at sadaketmalik@rediffmail.com)