scholarly journals Trends in open and distance learning research: 2005 vs 2015

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 216-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuen Yee Wong ◽  
Jing Zeng ◽  
Chun Kit Ho
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
International Collaboration ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Macro Level ◽  
Research Articles ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cultural Aspects ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
Open And Distance Learning

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse the research trends in the field of open and distance learning (ODL) as reflected in journal articles. Design/methodology/approach It compares research articles published in 2005 and 2015. Content analysis was conducted on a total of 288 research articles published in seven peer-reviewed journals on ODL. The study covers research areas and keywords, research methodology and participant types, and author collaboration. Findings The results show that macro-level research on areas such as globalization and cultural aspects of ODL remain relatively scarce, and international collaboration appear uncommon in both 2005 and 2015. However, there was an increasing amount of international collaboration in developing macro-level research. Empirical research studies, especially those using quantitative methods, have become the dominant methodology. The data sources have also been broadened. Several new keywords which did not exist or were rarely used (e.g. massive open online courses) have become common in 2015. Originality/value The analysis offers insights for researchers into how they can develop their research effectively in the field and enhance the chances of their research outputs being accepted. Recommendations are also made for ODL researchers on the types of research that tend to be accepted for publication and will have a high potential impact in the future.

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.

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 Shiken: Past and future

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-36
Author(s):  
David Allen
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
English Language ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Research Articles ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Entrance Exams ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
Language Tests ◽  
History Of ◽  
Design And Methods

This article presents a history of Shiken since it was first published in 1997 until 2019, followed by suggestions for areas of future research in assessment to which the publication may be well suited to contribute. In the historical overview, data is presented about the following: the origins, titles, editors, and distribution; the article types; the contents of research articles and the design and methodologies they have employed. Regarding research article content, four prominent themes were identified: mass market tests, entrance exams, statistics, and validity/reliability. Regarding design and methods, research articles have tended to focus on English language tests with university students in Japan, while utilizing test and/or instrument data and quantitative methods of analysis. Recommendations for future research areas include investigations into the validity of test interpretations and uses of four-skills, vocabulary and other tests used in Japan, and language assessment literacy. Recommendations for future research design and methods include focusing more on a range of test stakeholders; various contexts, such as pre-tertiary education; and the use of qualitative and mixed methods.

Addressing the higher education for sustainable development agenda at the College of Open and Distance Learning, St. Mary’s University, Ethiopia: opportunities and challenges

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wondwosen Tamrat
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Distance Education ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Sustainability Assessment ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Development Agenda ◽  
Open And Distance Learning

Purpose This study aims to assess the extent to which sustainable development practices are prevalent at the College of Open and Distance Learning (CODL), St. Mary’s University, Ethiopia. The assessment focused on identifying the college’s inclusion of the sustainable development agenda in its policy statements, various functions and practices. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a mixed-method approach and used a case study in its design. Data were generated from a standard survey questionnaire, adopted from the unit-based sustainability assessment tool (Togo and Lotz-Sisitka, 2009), a semi-structured interview and documentary evidence. Findings The findings revealed that CODL has limited involvement in sustainability issues despite relevant policy directions set at national and institutional levels. Current engagement patterns are limited to teaching, course provision and a few areas of operations and management while a serious gap has been noted as regard the two core functional areas of research and community service which happen to be neglected. Research limitations/implications This study was based on a single CODL, albeit an institution with a long history of offering distance education in Ethiopia. Despite its contribution to an understanding of how sustainability issues are addressed in the context of Africa in general and Ethiopia in particular, the generalizability of the findings to other similar institutions is limited. Originality/value There is very little research in Africa as regard the involvement of higher education institutions in promoting the issues of sustainability in general and distance education providers in particular. In addition to addressing this gap, the study suggests the need for distance education institutions to improve their mapping strategies and respond to the greater concerns of sustainable development.

Learning Management in Massive Open Online Courses

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Tapan Kumar Basantia ◽  
Vishal Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Traditional Education ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Massive Open Online Courses ◽  
Massive Open Online ◽  
Learning Time ◽  
Open And Distance Learning ◽  
Learning Management

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) are the unconventional and latest means of education in the present society. MOOCs are the strong alternative to traditional education and latest development in the area of open and distance learning. MOOCs are the online courses which are delivered with little rigidity in place of learning, time of learning, pace of learning, etc. Learning management in MOOCs is one of the prime features of MOOCs that helps for the delivery of MOOCs. Learning management in MOOCs plays a vital role for the success of MOOCs. The stakeholders of MOOCs must be well conversant with different aspects of learning management in MOOCs for achieving the success of the MOOCs. Referring to these contexts, in the present paper, thematic discussions have been made on different aspects of learning management in MOOCs. In the paper, special emphasis in discussion is given on different components of learning management in MOOCs, learning management in different platforms of MOOCs, and issues in learning management in MOOCs.

Advancements in urban logistics toward smart, sustainable reforms in developing enabling technologies and markets

Kybernetes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vikash Sharma ◽  
Rakesh D. Raut ◽  
Usharani Hareesh Govindarajan ◽  
Balkrishna Eknath Narkhede
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Urban Ecosystem ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Research Articles ◽  
Green Technologies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
Enabling Technologies ◽  
Emerging Themes

PurposeThe research article's primary purpose is to understand the advancements in urban logistics and allied fields over time along with a consideration of its enabling technologies.Design/methodology/ApproachAn initial review is used to build a keyword vocabulary, combinations of which were then applied to the Scopus, ScienceDirect, Emerald Insights, the Web of Science (WOS), Elsevier, Taylor and Francis, Wiley, Inderscience, Springer, Google Scholar and IEEE Xplore for extracting academic publication collection. The first part includes bibliometric analysis; network analysis is done based on the finally selected 645 papers (only those articles include either of the keywords mentioned above in title, abstract, and keywords). The second part conducts a review of the existing literature review studies (only 21 literature review studies out of 645 articles). The last one discusses the advancement in the topics based on the selected research articles.FindingsThis research discussed the advancement of the urban logistics and allied field, key academic forums and key researchers. It is evident from the analysis that the research related to key emerging themes like implementing innovative concepts and sustainability; application of green technologies; data collection, visualization, monitoring and sharing; and automatic logistic systems are still in the nascent stage. However, these research areas gained momentum in the recent past.Research limitationsUrban logistics are essential and play a crucial role for such rapidly growing cities to function. Despite playing a vital role, urban ecosystem logistics is often neglected in formal urban planning. Hence, as a response to customer and business demand, private entities regularly invest in new technologies and solutions. Since such investments are toward profits, various environmental, social and economic challenges arise.Originality/valueThis research investigates the advancements in urban logistics toward smart, sustainable reforms in developing enabling technologies and markets. The obtained research articles are subjected to bibliometric, descriptive, network and content analysis to present a rundown of advancements, relationships and trends in emerging research gaps.

Adding value to education for sustainability in Africa with inquiry-based approaches in open and distance learning

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rudi Pretorius ◽  
Andrea Lombard ◽  
Anisa Khotoo
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Transformative Learning ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Global South ◽  
Education For Sustainability ◽  
Limiting Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Narrative Assessment ◽  
Open And Distance Learning

Purpose – Inquiry-based approaches can potentially enrich sustainability learning in any educational context, more so in open and distance learning (ODL – perceived as theoretically inclined) and in regions of educational need (such as the Global South, of which Africa forms part). The purpose of this paper is to map the benefits and challenges of using inquiry-based learning (IBL), with reference to ODL and the value added by IBL in terms of education for sustainability (EfS) in Africa. Design/methodology/approach – Evidence-based reflection is used to provide a narrative assessment of the experience gained with IBL in two undergraduate sustainability-focussed modules in the Department of Geography at the University of South Africa (Unisa), an ODL provider in Africa and the Global South. Findings – Consideration of enabling and limiting factors indicates that although constraints are experienced, adoption of IBL approaches holds potential as pedagogic for EfS in Africa, due to grounding of learning in theory and applied to local places/contexts. This indicates a role for IBL to change perceptions regarding the lack of practical utility of ODL. Originality/value – Implementing place-based and contextual IBL is innovative in ODL. It adds value to learning experiences and supports transformative learning, both important components of EfS and addressing a need in the African context. Practitioners will find the experience gained with implementation of IBL, coupled with possibilities associated with information and communication technologies, of value.

scholarly journals Recent trends of research in open and distance education in India

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 263-283
Author(s):  
Manjulika Srivastava ◽  
Bijayalaxmi Mishra ◽  
Dev Kant Rao ◽  
Navita Abrol ◽  
Vandana Varma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Distance Education ◽  
Systemic Review ◽  
Research Articles ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
Publication Patterns ◽  
Ode System ◽  
The World ◽  
Education In India ◽  
Field Notes

PurposeThe purpose of this paper was to analyse the research trends on the Indian Open and Distance Education (ODE) system as reflected in the articles published in the prominent journals of distance education across the world.Design/methodology/approachA study was undertaken to review the research articles on ODE in India published in 11 prominent peer-reviewed journals of distance education during the period 2010–2019. Content analysis was done to find out areas of research undertaken in the ODE of India based on a validated classification of research areas; types of research studies conducted; and authorship and publication patterns.FindingsOut of a total of 2,571 articles published in 11 selected journals, only 191 (7.42%) pertained to ODE in India. The majority of these 191 articles (68.42%) were published in Indian journals. The Indian and Asian journals together accounted for 93.55% of total articles. Globally, the share of articles on the Indian ODE system was significantly low ranging between 4.27 and a maximum of 10.77%, which was much below expectations from a country having the maximum number of ODE learners in the world. Results further revealed that 63% of the contributors to research on ODE in India were affiliated to Indira Gandhi National Open University.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitation of this study was only analysing the research articles published in journals of distance education and other types of articles, namely, book reviews, editorials, field notes and workshop reports were excluded from the analysis.Practical implicationsThe study is intended to help researchers, policymakers, and open and distance education institutions to draw a roadmap for the promotion and conduct of system-based research, which would be vital for strengthening the system.Social implicationsThe quantum of research is not proportionate to the number of faculty members working in the ODE system of India and the large number of learners that it serves, which is a matter of concern. For any system to grow its periodic systemic review is essential. The research outcomes need to be ploughed back into the system for its betterment.Originality/valueThe study is original. There is no such study undertaken till date. This study will be extremely useful to researchers, as the gaps in distance education research which are yet to be addressed, have been identified by the authors.

scholarly journals Reaching the unreached through open and distance learning in India

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deepak Paliwal
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Formal System ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Girl Child ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Open And Distance Learning

Purpose Education is the most important tool for the development of different types of faculties in human beings. It plays an important role in the overall development of the human beings, and it is generally considered as a catalyst of social change. Education always remains a territory of significance and worry for the policymakers, social researchers and the academicians. In the complex society like India, which is multi-racial, multi-lingual, multi-religious and pervaded with incalculable issues, the issues of ignorance are a major test in transit of its advancement. In this direction, open and distance learning (ODL) plays an important role in providing quality education to the learners who are unable to be a part of the formal system of education. Open and distance learning serves as a source of education for the marginalized and disadvantaged sections of the society. Open and distance learning goes for the spread of learning and securing information through distance mode including the utilization of any correspondence innovation to give chances to advanced education. Regardless of caste, creed and religion, it provides uniform education to different sections of the society. The purpose of this paper is to assess the attitude and satisfaction level of the learners towards open and distance learning. Design/methodology/approach For this study, explorative research methodology has been used, and analysis has been done on the basis of data extracted from the primary and secondary sources of information. The respondents were personally interviewed through structured interviewed schedule for the collection of primary data. In fact, the interview is an act of verbal communication for the purpose of eliciting information. In addition to intensive field work, secondary sources like records, manuscripts, survey reports and many other related studies and their findings have been used as the source of secondary information collected through respective sources. Findings ODL has been successful in realizing its objective, reaching to the unreached by spreading education in the remote and far-flung areas through its study centers located in various locations. However, there is more need of creating awareness among the people in the far-flung areas by opening more study centers as per the need and geographical location of the area. In the present era of science, technology and innovation, no major shift has been seen among the parents towards the girl child: and providing education to the girl child is not the top priority in the villages, marriage gets the first preference instead of education. However, girls are coming forward to continue their education but the problem is that of money as in the case of boy respondents. So there is a need to review the fee structure of the ODL program as per the economic conditions of the student’s family, and some provisions should be made, especially for the girl students, to motivate them to come forward to continue their education, as it will spread message among other girls who did not complete their schooling. Social implications Through this paper, it could be realized that ODL provides opportunities to those who have no access to normal schooling but want to continue their education to compete in the changing world. ODL plays an important role in the hilly regions where most of the children left or dropped out their studies, especially the girls students, due to various reasons: it may be the long distance of the school from home or poor economic condition of the family. ODL emerged as a tool in solving all the problems and reaching the unreached through its learner-friendly approach. Originality/value Open and distance learning gives uniform stage to the individuals who need to upgrade their education and also skill development. This paper finds out that majority of the learners were satisfied with the performance of the open schooling. A positive attitude towards open schooling was found among the learners. They were of the view that because of open schooling, they gained self-confidence and better status in the society. They were of the opinion that they were no longer considered as a loser and they were in a position to get something new, which may be helpful for them and their family.

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