scholarly journals Field work supervision through open and distance learning: an Indian perspective

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sayantani Guin
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Field Work ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Indigenous Theory ◽  
Open And Distance Learning ◽  
The University ◽  
E Mail

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight the method of field work supervision in BSW and MSW programmes offered through open and distance learning (ODL) at the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). The key argument of the paper will focus on the fact that despite various challenges, field work supervision through ODL provides lot of scope and flexibility to students, generating a cadre of trained social work professionals. Design/methodology/approach The paper adopts a case study approach in presenting the various methods employed for field work supervision by the University. This section will highlight the achievements in terms of developing indigenous theory course and the best practices adopted by IGNOU to train social work professionals through adequate and timely supervision in the ODL mode. Findings Field work supervision in the ODL mode poses many challenges, especially when compared to that in the conventional universities. Some of these include irregular meeting of supervisor and student, inability of students to meet supervisor due to several reasons like remote location, poor economic background, lack of leave for working professionals, etc. Research limitations/implications There is a need for developing a mechanism to regularly orient field work supervisors in supervising students in the ODL mode. It is recommended that regular field work practicum workshops be conducted for supervisors and students. Viva for field work could be made mandatory at different regional centres. Field work supervision could be enhanced through the use of technology, namely, Skype, e-mail, WhatsApp, etc. Originality/value The paper describes the various nuances of field work supervision through ODL system. It is an original work and is of great value in understanding the challenges and difficulties encountered by learners and academic counsellors throughout the process of supervision. The paper highlights important recommendations by the stakeholders themselves in mitigating the challenges faced during field work supervision through ODL.

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 Innovative assignment rubrics for ODL courses: design, implementation and impact

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-129
Author(s):  
Rames Mariapan
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Learning Outcome ◽  
Performance Expectations ◽  
Significant Drop ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Open And Distance Learning ◽  
The University ◽  
Common Understanding ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose a new standard of assignment rubrics to minimize various interpretations and confusing expectations of the assignment outcome among all stakeholders and enhance the assignment rubrics to function not only as a grading tool but also as an assignment guiding tool for self-managed learning among open and distance learning (ODL) learners. Design/methodology/approach The paper looks into the problems and issues related to assignment rubrics such as various interpretation, confusing expectations and the need to have appropriate descriptions in the rubrics in order to reflect proper learning outcome among the assignment stakeholders. To solve these issues, the paper explores the new and improved requirements which were imposed to support the new assignment rubrics for courses in the university via a self-guided manual known as Rubrics Formulation Guide. Findings Based on the feedback received from university’s lecturers, who also functioned as moderators, it was indicated that the time taken to moderate the assignment rubrics had drastically reduced and in terms of grading, the clarity of the assignment performance expectations among the learners showed improvement, whereby as compared to the previous semester, there was significant drop for the application of remarking of assignments among May 2014 semester learners. Practical implications The paper includes implications of developing innovative rubrics that enhance common understanding and consistent expectation of what the final outcome of the assignment should be. Originality/value This paper fulfills the purpose of expanding the potential of assignment rubrics which is to guide and grade.

Interdisciplinary Problem-Based Learning Practices in Higher Education

2014 ◽  
pp. 243-263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Despo Ktoridou
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Problem Based Learning ◽  
Subject Area ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Software Applications ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Student Focus ◽  
Innovation And Technology ◽  
The University ◽  
Solution Focused

More and more students in higher education are enrolling on interdisciplinary programs. This phenomenon occurs since universities are breaking the boarders of a single subject area. At the university of Nicosia, the lecturer of two interdependent courses: MGT-372 Management of Innovation and Technology and MIS-151 Business Software Applications attempted to bring together students from different disciplines to explore the two topics. More specifically, through Interdisciplinary Problem-Based Learning (IPBL), the lecturer (author) aimed to eliminate the fragmentation and the learning of isolated skills and investigate students' motivation for learning and their level of active engagement through the use of technology (Google Apps). To address the above, the study employed a case study approach, collecting qualitative data through student focus groups, online/in-class observations, and lecturers' comments. The study showed that students seemed intrigued and satisfied working on interdisciplinary tasks, shared prior and newly researched knowledge, as well as acquired an integrated viewpoint and solution-focused strategies deriving from those disciplines.

A Changed Economy with Unchanged Universities? A Contribution to the University of the Future

2010 ◽  
pp. 1723-1744
Author(s):  
Maria Manuela Cunha ◽  
Goran D. Putnik
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Graduate Education ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Central Issue ◽  
Post Graduate ◽  
Education Levels ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Open And Distance Learning ◽  
The University

Individualised open and distance learning at the universitycontinuing education and post-graduate education levels is a central issue of today. The advanced information and communication technologies

INSPIRE sustainability internships

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 452-469 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolyn Susan Hayles
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Student Body ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Life Context ◽  
The University

Purpose This paper aims to explore the outputs of an internship programme, one of a number of campus-based sustainability activities that have been introduced at the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David, to encourage student-led campus-based greening initiatives. Design/methodology/approach A case study approach was undertaken, allowing the researcher to investigate the programme in its real-life context. The researcher used multiple sources of evidence to gain as holistic a picture as possible. Findings Interns report positive changes in their behaviours towards sustainability, s well as encouraging feedback on their experiential learning, the development of their soft skills and the creation of new knowledge. Moreover, students communicated perceived benefits for their future careers. The reported outcomes reflect mutually beneficial relationships for student and institution, for example, raising the profile of campus greening activities and supporting the University’s aim to embed sustainability throughout its campus, community and culture. Research limitations/implications The researcher recognises the limitations of the research, in particular, the small sample size, which has resulted primarily in qualitative results being presented. Practical implications Feedback from previous interns will be used to shape future internships. In particular, Institute of Sustainable Practice, Innovation and Resource Effectiveness (INSPIRE) will look for opportunities to work more closely with University operations, departments, faculties and alongside University staff, both academic and support staff. Social implications Following student feedback, INSPIRE will give students opportunities for wider involvement, including an opportunity to propose their own projects to shape future internships that meet the needs of student body on campus. Originality/value Despite being one case study from one institution, the research highlights the value of such programmes for other institutions.

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.

Enhancing resource sharing with a state-of-the-art transportation system in a large open distance learning (ODL) institution in South Africa

2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (2/3) ◽  
pp. 125-130
Author(s):  
Jenny Raubenheimer
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Delivery System ◽  
Resource Sharing ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Transportation System ◽  
Information Resources ◽  
Student Body ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The University

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to investigate the enhancement of resource sharing with a state-of-the-art transportation system in a large open distance learning (ODL) institution in South Africa. The University of South Africa (UNISA) is an ODL institution, and it has the largest academic library of its kind in Africa. The University is acknowledged as one of the mega-universities of the world with a student body approaching 400 000. In addition to providing an inter-lending service to this large student body and to 3,000 staff, the UNISA Library is a net-lender within South Africa’s inter-lending and resource sharing network. The Library’s inter-lending service forms part of the request services available to all its clients and to the wider community of participating libraries. Daily, an average of 2000 requests is received for processing, retrieval and delivery. This paper provides a brief overview of how the Library’s request service is managed and will discuss the technologies used to speed up the request process. It focuses on an automated radio frequency identification (RFID) transportation system to be implemented as part of the 21st century, newly redesigned UNISA Library. To ensure the speedy availability of material on the shelves after return, this system automatically transports materials via a Paternoster book lift to the respective levels within the Library. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology used in this investigation encompassed a literature study and a study visit to a library where this automated delivery system had been implemented and information was gained from relevant service suppliers. Findings – The UNISA Library found that it is feasible to use the system in terms of the large number of books to be transported from drop-off points to the respective levels. In accordance with the investigation of the number of trolleys to be pushed daily by staff from one point to another, the installation of an automated system will allow more time for shelf maintenance staff to attend to the processing of requests for material and other important but less urgent duties. This will impact positively on the speed of delivery of requests submitted by ODL clients who cannot visit the libraries together with those submitted by local and international inter-library loan partners who depend on the UNISA Library as a net-lender for material not available in their own collections. This will impact positively on availability of material on the shelves and the speed of delivery of requests for information resources submitted by ODL clients who cannot visit the ODL libraries and inter-library loan partners, nationally and internationally, who depend on the UNISA Library as a net-lender for material not available in their own collections. Originality/value – Because rapid delivery of requested information resources has become very important to ensure just in time information, it is important to implement an internal delivery system to support the inter-lending process. This study is useful for libraries that need to deliver many physical items to a large client body.

Greening the campus intentions: a study of the University of the Aegean non-academic staff

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 520-532 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chrysanthi Bellou ◽  
Vassiliki Petreniti ◽  
Constantina Skanavis
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Active Participation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
The University ◽  
Attitudes And Behavior ◽  
E Mail ◽  
At Home

Purpose This study aims to focus on the University of Aegean’s non-academic staff’s environmental sustainability attitudes and behavior both at work and at home, their perceptions for sustainability enforcement and their active participation skills. Design/methodology/approach The research participants were the 101 non-academic staff working at the Xenia Hill campus in Lesvos island. The instrument used in this study was a questionnaire consisting of 45 questions, which was sent via e-mail during the summer of 2014. Findings The analysis of the results brings light on the environmental profile of the University’s non-academic staff on their intentions for greening their campus and the barriers that obstruct their attempts to promote sustainability at the University. Originality/value The paper provides useful insights which allow a better understanding of the role of non-academic staff’s environmental sustainability attitudes and behavior both at work and at home, their perceptions for sustainability enforcement and their active participation skills.

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