e-Learning SSY

e-Learning SSY

Today, I had detailed discussions with Dilipji Deshmukh. He feels that new technologies need to be adopted not only in the area of marketing but in all aspects of SSY. The way SSY courses are offered also need to be reviewed with respect to new technologies. For example, the SSY course is strictly given to people who can attend the course in person at designated time and place. We need to have an option of e-learning as well, for millions of those people who can not attend our very few course offerings worldwide.

Dilipji believes that with modern technologies of audio/video recording and broadcast, the lectures can be delivered very effectively and in many cases some of the best lectures available in the form of recordings of Guruji Rishi Prabhakar himself. When the students are watching/listening to these recorded lectures, remote live support can be offered with tools like Skype. The work assignments that generally follow at the end of each lecture can also be more effectively evaluated using online learning platforms. 

The first objection for such a thought is that "SSY can not be learned unless you experience it. The close interaction with Guru is mandatory." These objections can not be ruled out easily.

Dilipji feels a blended approach is worth exploring. About 6 or 7 lessons before initiation should be possible to deliver by e-learning. Any student from any part of the world can complete these 7 steps at their own convenient time. The student progress can be monitored by remote Guru by Skype. The student can submit the assignments online at the end of each step. Unless the student has successfully completed the previous step, he/she will not get access to next lesson. On completion of all 7 steps, the student can come in person to one of the SSY ashrams/gurukuls for initiation and the following lessons and a retreat.

We may need to reevaluate which lessons should be offered before an after initiation..That is a matter of detail.

But one thing is definite. e-learning is extremely scale-able. SSY will reach in every nook and corner of the world. There is already a shortage of good quality SSY teachers, the available teachers will be able to double their productivity, since half the course will get taught by e-learning.