A Case Study in the Measurement of Educational Efficiency in Open and Distance Learning

2006 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 391-404 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colin Tattersall ◽  
Wim Waterink ◽  
Pierre Höppener ◽  
Rob Koper
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Educational Efficiency ◽  
Open And Distance Learning

scholarly journals HOW MUCH ‘DISTANCE’ DOES LANGUAGE CREATE IN ODL MATERIALS? A BOTSWANA CASE STUDY

2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-73
Author(s):  
Mmabaledi Kefilwe Seeletso ◽  
Rinelle Evans
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Limited English Proficiency ◽  
Drop Out ◽  
Instructional Materials ◽  
Study Materials ◽  
Mixed Methods Case Study ◽  
Open And Distance Learning ◽  
Instructional Dialogue ◽  
Group Interviews

It is assumed that open and distance learning institutions develop study materials that adequately engage learners with quality content to assist their content mastery. However, distance learners continue to underperform, which raises the concern that high drop-out and failure rates may be ascribed to the study materials. This mixed-methods case study examined instructional material developed for secondary school learners studying via the open and distance learning mode. The study was informed by Sweller’s Cognitive Load Theory to evaluate the process of designing and developing instructional materials while Gorsky, Caspi and Trumper’s Theory of Instructional Dialogue was used to map interaction with and within the selected study materials. A self-designed evaluation rubric included language related criteria to gauge the accessibility of content. A questionnaire survey was undertaken with purposively identified participants: five material developers, 176 learners, and six tutors. Six semi-structured group interviews and twenty individual face-to-face interviews were conducted. Open coding and SPSS reports were used for qualitative and quantitative data analysis, respectively. Findings related to non-alignment of materials with learner profile, and the national syllabus, while inadequate proficiency in the language of instruction remained problematic. The outcomes of this study highlight the importance of well-trained material developers and focused ODL policies for quality assuring effective content design and development to accommodate diverse learners with limited English proficiency.

Instructor Readiness for Open and Distance Learning in Turkey

2022 ◽  
pp. 220-258
Author(s):  
Hurşit Cem Salar
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Distance Teaching ◽  
University Culture ◽  
Course Content ◽  
Self Development ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Open And Distance Learning ◽  
Distance Courses

The main purpose of this study is to examine the readiness of the instructors at universities in Turkey to open and distance learning (ODL) in terms of the ODL factors (distance teaching, technology, communication, and time) regarding competencies (knowledge-skills and attitudes-beliefs) and resources. A multiple case study design was employed, and 36 instructors from four different universities participated. Qualitative data were gathered through personal interviews and analyzed with descriptive analysis. Overall, the results indicate that the instructors in this research have competencies for all the ODL factors. Also, a majority of instructors has given their positive beliefs about ODL, but they all noted their concerns such as lack of interaction with the students and conveying university culture and lifestyle as the disadvantages of ODL. The study has revealed that almost every instructor has enough resources to give distance courses, whereas the problem is with lack of time for updating course content and self-development.

Using Web for Delivery of Open and Distance Learning Programmes

2013 ◽  
pp. 239-265
Author(s):  
Kumar Sunil ◽  
M. K. Salooja
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Foreign Students ◽  
Open Educational Resources ◽  
Policy Framework ◽  
Delivery Mode ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Initial Stage ◽  
Open And Distance Learning

This case study focuses on the usage of Web as a delivery mode for open and distance learning programmes in India. It describes the designing and delivering of a postgraduate level academic programme at Indira Gandhi National Open University. The university has been struggling with teething problems tied to the initial stage of acquisition of an online learning platform. It is a bit of an extensive chapter, as it documents academic and administrative policies being practiced by the largest university in the world to overcome these problems. The objective of this case study is to reflect on the evolution process and to identify conducive factors for successful delivery of online programmes. The interpretative case study methodology also facilitates distinguishing the evidence-based best practices. Access to technology and its robustness are the main constraints in delivery of education through online platforms for any developing country. The online programmes are able to attract a good number of foreign students. The institution has to concurrently put in place a policy framework covering aspects like: friendliness to the online interface; standardization of design, delivery, and assessment of the online programmes; recognition to the teachers and administrative staff involved in online programmes; and the use of open educational resources. This case study provides valuable insight for foreign universities ready to plunge into the vast higher education market in India and other developing countries without crossing political borders. It is also very helpful for universities, which are either planning or in the initial stage of acquiring online learning platforms.

scholarly journals Green curriculum: Sustainable learning in higher education

2013 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Willa Petronella Louw
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
United Nations ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Study Material ◽  
Open And Distance Learning

<p>The United Nations (UN) constituted 2005–2014 as the decade for educational sustainable development when bridges have to be built between academic institutions and their communities. In this article I will therefore do a literature search from 2005–2011 on what it means to be a sustainable university with a sustainable curriculum by looking at case studies from other higher education institutions in order to begin to give guidelines for such an endeavour in an open and distance learning (ODL) institution. Thereafter I will focus on recommendations on how to transform present study material into a green curriculum by using a qualification in Human Settlements as a case study.</p>

scholarly journals Covid-19’s Emotional Toll on Students: Experiences during Online Assessments in an Open and Distance Learning Programme

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elize du Plessis ◽  
Gert van der Westhuizen
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Learning Needs ◽  
Education Students ◽  
Emotional Challenges ◽  
Academic Activities ◽  
Online Examination ◽  
Online Assessments ◽  
Open And Distance Learning

The Covid-19 pandemic had an immense effect on teaching and learning during 2020. The fast shift to online examinations in reaction to the pandemic and subsequent lockdown underlines the significance of motivationally enriched and emotionally supportive instruction during this stressful time. It cannot be assumed that all students have the same access to online assets or to internet-equipped devices such as laptops or tablets. Not all students coped well, as an analysis of student remarks indicated in a qualitative study. The purpose of this exploratory case study was to determine what type of emotions Postgraduate Certificate in Education students experienced during their first fully online examination in order to create motivating and supportive learning environments. A total of 10 of these students from an open and distance learning university were purposefully selected to complete 14 questions related to their learning needs and, in particular, emotional challenges during the lockdown. Theoretical underpinnings include, inter alia, five motivational design principles. The results indicated that all 10 students had access to mobile phones and seven to laptops to participate in online academic activities. The emotions experienced most by the students varied from anxiousness to restlessness. The findings are discussed with reference to supporting students’ motivation and emotions in university courses during these stressful times.

scholarly journals A Comparative Case Study

2005 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 287-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Des Monk ◽  
Julie Hitchen
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Comparative Case Study ◽  
Institutional Practice ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Open And Distance Learning ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Strategic Thought

This article is concerned with the provision of open and distance learning by the higher education sectors in two countries, the UK and Finland. The central contention is that more strategic thought must be given to this issue if the potential benefits of such learning are to be maximized. The article considers in detail institutional practice in one UK university and compares it to practice in a Finnish institution to ascertain whether procedures and practices adopted in Finland might inform policies in UK universities. By way of conclusion, it is suggested that higher education institutions in both countries need to explore the importance of improved networking, develop better quality-assurance procedures and introduce changes in pedagogic practice.

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