SWAYAM is an initiative by the Government of India aimed at achieving the three cardinal principles of education policy: access, equity, and quality. Launched in 2017, it is a massive open online course (MOOC) platform that offers free online courses to students, educators, and lifelong learners. The platform offers courses in a number of disciplines, including engineering, humanities, social sciences, and more. Courses are offered by renowned institutions and universities and are designed to cater to different levels of learners. Students can earn up to 40% of their required credits from the online courses available on the SWAYAM. By choosing courses, students get an opportunity to learn from experts in various fields and earn certificates that can bolster their academic and professional profiles.
Objectives of SWAYAM:
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Access to Quality Education: SWAYAM provides online courses free of cost from renowned universities and professionals in an effort to make quality education accessible to a larger audience, including those in isolated and disadvantaged places.
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Equity in Education: SWAYAM strives to bridge the educational gap among students by including everyone in the digitization of education and ensures that students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds have equal opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills by providing free or low-cost access to educational resources.
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Lifelong Learning: The platform encourages continuous learning by offering a wide range of courses across different fields, catering to learners of various ages and professional stages.
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Enhance Educational Opportunities: SWAYAM provides students the opportunity to explore subjects beyond their formal curriculum, thus supplementing traditional education with additional resources and perspectives.
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Certification and Recognition: Upon completion of a course, learners obtain certificates that enhance their educational and professional credentials.
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Support for Teachers and Institutions: SWAYAM also offers professional development opportunities for educators, helping them stay updated with the latest teaching methods and subject matter.
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Integration with Formal Education: The platform aims to complement and integrate with formal educational institutions, allowing students to use online resources in addition to their regular studies.