Technology usage for teaching and learning law in open and distance learning: a Sri Lankan perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-81
Author(s):  
Janaka Selvaras
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Technology Usage ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Online Social Media ◽  
Open And Distance Learning ◽  
Learning Law

PurposeThe Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) is the only institution to deliver legal education through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in Sri Lanka. This study aims to analyze technology usage in learning and teaching law in the ODL under OUSL to evaluate the accessibility and also challenges.Design/methodology/approachA combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies has been used for the study. This includes both interviews with teachers and surveying among students on the usage of technology in learning and teaching law at OUSL. Since the LL.B Degree Programme of OUSL delivered at six regional centres in Sri Lanka, this study also includes the comparative analysis of technology usage in teaching and learning at selected regional centres.FindingsThe findings indicate that the majority of students have access to technology through mobile phones and are aware of blended learning. Even though they prefer to integrate blended learning with learning law, they do not prefer learning entirely online. Social media and mobile applications are the most preferred modes of blended learning by students. It is also acknowledged that the internal staff has knowledge and access to the use of technology in teaching law while the external staff faces challenges and is in need of adequate training.Originality/valueThe original contribution of this article provides insightful guidelines not only to the OUSL of Sri Lanka but also to the institutions offering similar disciplines through ODL to understand lecturers, learners in the future integration of technology.

scholarly journals Supporting students to succeed in open and distance learning in the Open University of Sri Lanka and Universitas Terbuka Indonesia

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-35
Author(s):  
Aminudin Zuhairi ◽  
Navaratnasamy Karthikeyan ◽  
Saman Thushara Priyadarshana
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Support Services ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Student Support ◽  
Open University ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Open And Distance Learning ◽  
Instructional Design And Development

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to reveal how support services for open and distance students are designed, developed and implemented to ensure successful learning to take place, with specific references to the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) and Universitas Terbuka (UT) Indonesia. Success in distance learning is one major challenge for open universities to respond to expectations of students and stakeholders. This study focuses on the strategies of student support services in OUSL and UT, investigating related factors including instructional design and development, learning engagement and motivation, policy and strategy in reducing dropouts, use of OER/MOOCs, and quality assurance. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative study was employed involving analyses of documents; interviews and focus group discussion with senior administrators, academic staff, students; and on-site observation in locations of teaching and learning. Findings This research is exploratory in nature. Findings of the study are expected to improve our understanding of student support in distance learning, in which analysis is based on good practices, challenges and rooms for improvement of both OUSL and UT. Practical implications Findings of this study reveal practices and lessons learnt that may be useful as reference to open universities, taking into considerations the fact that each open university has been established to address specific challenges in its own unique circumstances. Originality/value This research may be adopted as baseline framework for analysis of student support for open universities. Further in-depth study is needed to understand how various aspects of student support contribute to success in open and distance learning.

A blended learning strategy: reimagining the post-Covid-19 architectural education

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Naglaa Megahed ◽  
Asmaa Hassan
Keyword(s):  
Blended Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Learning Strategy ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Delivery Mode ◽  
Instructional Models ◽  
Architecture Education ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Teaching Learning

PurposeThe present work reviews the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on architecture education (AE), with the aim of discussing the interaction and integration of technology-based models.Design/methodology/approachDifferent research methods were used to achieve the research purposes including an online survey, semistructured interviews, observations and reviewing recent literature. The study proposes a theoretical framework to investigate blended learning (BL) approaches in AE, based on the blended teaching–learning continuum, the growth of online delivery mode and technology integration and the gradual responsibility adopted for the current Covid-19 pandemic.FindingsThe study proposes a vision to reimagine post-Covid-19 education and the required BL strategy to provide a theoretical framework that integrates the instructional models required to be investigated by instructors.Research limitations/implicationsThe research findings are based on a theoretical approach not tested practically. A further detailed investigation is required. Thus, the road to reimagining the post-Covid-19 AE is still evolving.Social implicationsAs faculty members, one should take steps toward preparing BL strategies. These strategies present other alternatives to continue teaching and learning while keeping safe in any other emergency in education. In this work, an overview of BL approaches, continuum and related technological and instructional models has been shaped to propose a new vision to post-Covid-19 AE.Originality/valueThis paper responds directly to the initiated call on the pandemic's effect on traditional education by taking a pedagogical perspective. The study presents a holistic BL strategy and proposes a new theoretical and instructional model to design a suitable and balanced BL environment in AE.

scholarly journals Perception towards quality and effectiveness of social work education through open and distance learning

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bishnu Mohan Dash
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Social Work Education ◽  
Field Work ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Interview Guide ◽  
Open And Distance Learning ◽  
School Of Social Work ◽  
Work Education

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight the perception of the students towards the quality and effectiveness of social work education offered by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) through open and distance learning (ODL). Design/methodology/approach The sample size consisted of 150 students, 15 academic counsellors engaged in either teaching or development sectors, or faculty members of School of Social Work of IGNOU. The methods of data collection included interviews and content analysis. Interview schedule for students, interview guide for academic counsellors and interview guide for faculty members were used. Findings The study centres were allotted as per student’s choice. Students were satisfied with the counsellors because of their support, availability, contact, accessibility and assisting the students to clearing their doubts. The study found that the student’s attendance in counselling sessions was found to be negligible, even a large number of respondents were not aware of the ODL system. The study also shows that students face lots of problem with regard to their field work supervision and other components of field work as were also neglected. Practical implications The findings of the study are extremely relevant for formulating necessary guidelines for improving the social work education through ODL mode. The study recommends revision of course materials translated in Hindi language, holding of individual and group conferences regularly as well as proper evaluation of field work reports. Originality/value This is first such study conducted in India to examine the effectiveness of social work education through ODL.

scholarly journals Attitudes and Perceptions of Students to Open and Distance Learning in Nigeria

2006 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
David Olugbenga Ojo ◽  
Felix Kayode Olakulehin
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Single Mode ◽  
Learning System ◽  
Distance Teaching ◽  
African Region ◽  
Attitudes And Perceptions ◽  
The Face ◽  
Open And Distance Learning

In the West African Region of Africa, the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is the first full fledged university that operates in an exclusively open and distance learning (ODL) mode of education. NOUN focuses mainly on open and distance teaching and learning system, and delivers its courses materials via print in conjunction with information and communication technology (ICT), when applicable. This 'single mode' of open education is different from the integration of distance learning system into the face- to- face teaching and learning system, which is more typical of conventional Universities in Nigeria and other parts of the world. Thus, NOUN reflects a novel development in the provision of higher education in Nigeria. This study assesses the attitudes and perceptions of distance teaching and learning by students enrolled in the NOUN and of the National Teachers' Institute (NTI) compared to their experiences at conventional universities. One hundred and twenty (n = 120) randomly selected NOUN and NTI students of NOUN were the subjects of the study. The Students' Attitude and Perception Rating of Open and Distance Learning Institutions Inventory (SAPRODLII), developed by the researchers, was administered to the subjects to measure their attitudes and experiences. Results of the study showed that students generally have a positive perception and attitude towards ODL, compared to traditional forms of higher education.

The need for a transition to a distance learning format: research results

2020 ◽  
pp. 194-209
Author(s):  
Marina V. Polevaya ◽  
Elena V. Kamneva ◽  
Sergey A. Polevoy ◽  
Margarita M. Simonova ◽  
Svetlana M. Buyanova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Educational Institution ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Teaching Staff ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Teacher Student ◽  
Teachers And Students ◽  
Training Format

Relevance. The article discusses the problems of the transition of universities to a distance learning format. The transfer of universities to a remote format due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus allowed students to continue to receive training, which varied significantly due to technologies, the choice of which was determined by the current capabilities of educational institutions. The article analyzes the result of a study of the attitude and assessment of teachers and students organizing and conducting training outside the educational institution with the use of distance technologies. The purpose of the study is to identify the features of teaching and learning in a distance format in higher education during the spread of a new coronavirus infection. The objectives of the study are to identify factors that have influenced the quality of the implementation of educational programs in full in the electronic information and educational environment. The results of the study. A serious influence of the distance learning format on the quality of the teacher-student interaction was revealed (it has significantly decreased), which is undoubtedly one of the factors that reduce studentsʼ motivation to learn. For many respondents, distance learning and teaching was the first experience of a distance learning format, and therefore the attitude towards it is rather complicated. A significant scatter in the format of the classes, their completeness and content within the framework of distance learning, the low proportion of the teaching staff prepared for its implementation, and the generally low level of technical, methodological and legal support show that the majority of Russian universities are not ready to introduce distance learning. The transition to an online training format caused the majority of respondents discomfort and negative emotional experiences.

Seams remain in seamless learning

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fui Chin Hiew ◽  
Esyin Chew
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Research Report ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Learning Framework ◽  
Seamless Learning ◽  
Critical Issues ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Learning Concept

Purpose This paper aims to identify the digital gaps in seamless learning concept within the higher educational institutions (HEIs) context. Design/methodology/approach The most cited mobile-assisted seamless learning framework, recent Educause higher education research report and relevant articles have been reviewed. Findings The digital gaps among educators and students hinder the implementation of the seamless learning framework in HEIs. Practical implications The finding will inform HEIs in addressing digital gaps to ensure learning and teaching enhancement with educational technology across institutions. It will also be useful for the design and improvement of the seamless learning framework. The finding may also be useful in creating awareness among educators and students as to the benefit of educational technologies. Originality/value No previous viewpoints have been published on digital gaps in the seamless learning concept. The digital gaps among educators and students constitute one of the most critical issues in implementing technology-assisted teaching and learning design in HEIs. This paper addresses the root of the problem by examining the digital gaps among educators and students within the seamless learning framework.

scholarly journals Assessment for the Evaluation of E-Learning and Teaching by the Quality Matter Standards Post COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Hind Abdelmoneim Khogali
Keyword(s):  
Blended Learning ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Ministry Of Health ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Engineering Program ◽  
Positive Data ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
E Learning

On 18 March, the WHO announced that COVID-19 was a global pandemic, and the Ministry of Health instituted a COVID-19 lockdown. After the period of restrictions ended, blended learning was initiated at the universities. The research aims to evaluate the responses of students, teachers, and quality units in the teaching and learning process by Quality Matter standards. The survey was constructed using a Google form. The research recorded positive data in most of the Quality Matter Standards (QM) in Architecture Engineering Program applied by 95%. Some weakness points were identified 5% and are discussed in this paper. The results by (QM) St1 (2.7/3), St2 (2.6/3), St3 (2.6/3), St4 (2.6/3), St5 (2.6/3), St6 (2.5/3), St7 (2.6/3), St8 (2.7/3). General conclusions are added for teachers to be applied to e-learning education.

scholarly journals Students’ Assessment of Open Distance Learning Programmes and Services in Nigeria: A Comparative Description of Three Selected Distance Learning Institutions

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 191-208
Author(s):  
Sunday A. Itasanmi ◽  
Mathew T. Oni ◽  
Omobola O. Adelore
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Support Services ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Support Service ◽  
Technical Support ◽  
Educational Resources ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Open And Distance Learning ◽  
Descriptive Survey

This study reported students' assessment of open and distance learning programmes and services vis-à-vis teaching and learning experience, educational resources, technical support service and infrastructural facilities in ODL institutions in Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design and the participants for the study comprised of 719 students randomly drawn from three purposively selected ODL institutions in Nigeria. A semi-structured questionnaire was used as an instrument for the study. Quantitative data generated from the survey were analysed using frequency counts, percentages, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) while the qualitative data was content analysed. Result of the study showed that students enrol in open and distance learning programmes majorly as a result of the flexibility in learning. While students relatively rate their teaching & learning experience, educational resources and available infrastructural facilities in their universities good, they, however, rate technical support services provided in the ODL institutions as being poor. A comparative analysis of the students’ assessment in the three institutions revealed that there exists a statistically significant difference in teaching & learning experiences, available educational resources, technical support services and infrastructural facilities in the institutions. Based on the findiings of the study, some recommendation were made.

scholarly journals Agility in Teacher Training: Distance Learning During the Covid-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 11
Author(s):  
Yonit Nissim ◽  
Eitan Simon
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Teacher Training ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
College Of Education ◽  
Distance Teaching ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
The World ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Moment ◽  
Survey Responses

The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic forced the world to respond in new and unconventional ways. Quick thinking and unusual flexibility were required whilst operating under conditions of uncertainty and fear. This article deals with agility in the implementation of distance learning during the Covid-19 pandemic as it occurred at Ohalo College of Education with the outbreak of the epidemic in Israel in March 2020. Within 48 hours from the moment that Israel’s government announced a nation-wide lockdown, the College shifted from frontal teaching and learning to social distancing and distance teaching. The College adopted agile leadership that led to moving 700 courses to distance learning and teaching, with 150 lecturers and 1,500 students in their homes; the semester continued, but differently, in light of the lockdown and limitations ordered by the government. It is clear that such swift organization, executed with maximum flexibility, did not benefit from proper planning and was far perfect. This article offers a look at academic agility as demonstrated during the transition of a college of education to distance learning under emergency conditions. It will be examined through an analysis of survey responses from students. The goal of the survey was to assess students’ attitudes toward the implementation of this strategy.

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