Opportunity and Challenges in Offering Tourism and Skill-Based MOOCs in India

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) revolutionize education by providing equal access to high-quality learning materials for everyone. Through the utilization of Digital Technology, MOOCs have the potential to transcend the constraints of time, location, and financial burdens, granting people from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to access education on a worldwide level. In India, the SWAYAM platform is dedicated to fostering equal access to education and lifelong learning. Vocational courses that align with the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) are designed to meet the evolving needs of the workforce, particularly in sectors like Tourism. SWAYAM provides a wide range of courses in Tourism and skills development, equipping learners with practical skills that are highly applicable to the industry. In India, there are still several pressing issues that require attention, even though there are abundant prospects in the Tourism industry and skill-based MOOCs. This chapter delves into the practical examination of MOOCs in India’s Tourism and Skill Development sector, with a particular emphasis on the SWAYAM portal. This chapter emphasizes impact of SWAYAM courses on enhancing Employability, emphasizing their accessibility and cost-effectiveness in a nation as vast and diverse as India. The chapter also discusses some challenges, such as the limitations of online learning in terms of acquiring practical skills, and the importance of improving job prospects by aligning skills with industry demands.