scholarly journals Increasing Access to Higher Education Through Open and Distance Learning: Empirical Findings From Mzuzu University, Malawi

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Winner Dominic Chawinga ◽  
Paxton Andrew Zozie
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
University Education ◽  
Instructional Materials ◽  
Access To Higher Education ◽  
Transactional Distance Theory ◽  
Open And Distance Learning ◽  
Faculty Of Education ◽  
Set Up ◽  
The University

<p>Slowly but surely, open and distance learning (ODL) programmes are being regarded as one of the most practical ways that universities across the world are increasingly adopting in order to increase access to university education.  Likewise, Mzuzu University (MZUNI) set up the Centre for Open and Distance Learning (CODL) to oversee the running of these programmes in 2011. In this study, we adopted the Transactional Distance Theory (Moore, 1997) to investigate the modes of instructional systems, benefits or opportunities, and the challenges associated with the delivery of ODL programmes at MZUNI. By self-administering a questionnaire to 350 ODL students and 9 Heads of Department in the Faculty of Education whose programmes are offered through ODL, we found that instructions are mostly delivered to students through print-based instructional materials. The major benefits noted include increased access to quality higher education, affordable tuition fees, and flexibility in payment of fees. However, we established some challenges which need to be addressed by the University which include, delayed feedback of assignments and release of end of semester examination results, absence of information for courses of study, poor communication between the Centre and departments, and poor remuneration for lecturers.</p>

Quality Assurance in Open and Distance Learning

2021 ◽  
pp. 22-35
Author(s):  
Amir Manzoor
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Economies Of Scale ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Case Analysis ◽  
Access To Higher Education ◽  
Open And Distance Learning ◽  
Learning Institutions

Today, open and distance-learning universities are regarded as a groundbreaking option to expand access to higher education. Economies of scale supported by a large number of enrolments have fueled the growth of open and distance learning institutions (ODLIs) across the globe. At the same time, many have raised serious concerns about the quality of education provided by ODLIs. This chapter presents a comparative case analysis of quality assurance (QA) programs in distance education at two large open and distance learning universities in Pakistan. The study explored QA policies and their implementation in the context of management practices and structures and internal and external environmental factors.

scholarly journals The Regional Structure of Higher Education and the Role of Distance Learning

2021 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-74
Author(s):  
Melinda Krankovits ◽  
Irén Szörényiné Kukorelli
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
University Education ◽  
Full Time ◽  
University Selection ◽  
Catchment Areas ◽  
The University

Abstract In the time of the COVID-19 pandemic the importance of distance learning is being enhanced, while formal, full-time, face-to-face university education is being converted to distance learning. The study explores the role of the Universities in distance learning market and reveals the factors that influence the students’ university choice. The regional embeddedness of higher education in the Western Transdanubian region is analysed, highlighting the catchment areas of the region’s universities. The educational commuting of distance learning students to the region increases purchasing power, has a positive impact on the rental market, the labour market and can boost future settlement. Commuting, university selection and training selection behaviours of correspondence and distance training of students is examined using questionnaires. The aim is to establish whether the university selection of correspondence training students is influenced by distance and by the characteristics of the student‘s place of residence. The findings show that distance is one of the main factors during the university-selection process in the case of any kind of distance learning.

Private Universities' Participation in Open and Distance Learning for Enhanced Access to Higher Education Among Underserved in India

2018 ◽  
pp. 213-227
Author(s):  
Akhilesh Kumar Pandey ◽  
Syed Mohammad Haider Rizvi
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Private Sector ◽  
Professional Education ◽  
Private Universities ◽  
High Growth ◽  
Access To Higher Education ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Open And Distance Learning ◽  
The Government

It is now well recognised and understood that the higher education is one of the important components in accomplishing the Sustainable Development Goals of United Nations for the countries. However this important sector continues to remain a matter of concern in India primarily because of supply demand gaps, poor quality of teaching-learning, disparities in access and constraints on research & innovation. The conventional mainstream systems of education are able to serve a very small segment of the society. Alongside, new demands of education are fast emerging from the working class and who are away from the centre of activities. The scarce financial allocations from the Government are not able to meet the demand of education. Such a scenario threatens the sustained high growth of the Indian economic engine. The advent of private sector and the opening of private universities and other institutions for higher and professional education has now emerged as important factors that are, now, running sizeable number of professional degree programmes particularly management and engineering and accounts for 59% of all the tertiary enrolments in India. Despite a lot of scepticism about the role of private sector, there has been a policy thrust for private sector's participation in higher education. This paper discusses the needs of private universities and their roles in making access of higher education in masses. The authors have tried to explore the roles of vast network of private universities in expansion of open and distance learning in accordance with the issues and challenges.

An Appraisal of ODL Interventions in Terrorism Affected Kashmir Valley

2018 ◽  
pp. 212-230
Author(s):  
Nurul Hasan ◽  
Umesh Chandra Pandey
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Learning System ◽  
Access To Higher Education ◽  
Kashmir Valley ◽  
Distance Learning System ◽  
Unique Approach ◽  
Open And Distance Learning ◽  
Unemployed Youth

The Open and Distance Learning system has been able to make a positive impact in the conflict-ridden communities of Kashmir valley in India. This part of the India has long been under the influence of armed militancy which drastically affected the access to higher education. The Open and Distance Learning systems started operating in this area with a modest beginning made by Directorate of Correspondence Courses but had a limited impact. IGNOU which is the largest provider of ODL Programmes in India started developing its network in Kashmir valley in 1999 with its unique approach based on collaboration and sharing of resources. The target groups dominantly composed of unemployed youth, school drop outs, working population, rural folks, women etc has traditionally been deprived of Higher education. This chapter describes the approach of IGNOU and its impact in such conflict-ridden societies which is worth replicating in similar socioeconomic setups across the developing world.

scholarly journals ICT IN OPEN AND DISTANCE EDUCATION: A TOOL FOR LEARNER SUPPORT SERVICES AND POLICY DEVELOPMENT

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 275-284
Author(s):  
Gagan Singh ◽  
Gopal Datt
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Support Services ◽  
Institutions Of Higher Education ◽  
Learner Support ◽  
Open And Distance Learning ◽  
The University ◽  
Learning Institutions

Purpose of the study: The purpose of this study is to highlight the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in open and distance learning system of education at Uttarakhand Open University. This paper also highlights the best practices of ICT in learner support services offered by the University and areas of distinctiveness in utilizing ICT applications. Methodology: This study is a descriptive-analytical in nature and adopts a case-study approach in presenting the various ICT facilities offered by the Uttarakhand Open University at its Headquarters, Regional Centers, and Learning Support Centers. It has been carried out to examine the role of ICT in Open and Distance Learning to strengthen the learner support services and analyze the best practices of ICT offered by the University. Main Findings: The huge increase in online enrollments has been noticed from the year 2015-16 to 2019-20. Simultaneously the noticeable growth has been noted in total enrollments from urban and as well as from rural areas due to University e-services and support. Applications of this study: This study helps all the Institutions of Higher Education, especially for the Open and Distance Learning Institutions. The applications of ICT in education increase in the Gross Enrollment Ratio and also reduces the skill gap among institutions of higher education. During this study, author(s) found that the optimal utilization of ICT in Open and Distance Learning Institution, can reduce the complexity of physical data handling at headquarters and leads fast decision making towards learner support strategies, etc. Originality: This study describes the various initiatives taken by the University regarding the use of ICT to facilitate learner support services, and also strengthen the reachability of higher education to the remotest areas of the state. This study highlights recommendations for Open and Distance Learning Institutions to the optimal utilization of ICT applications.

Quality Assurance in Open and Distance Learning

2018 ◽  
pp. 195-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amir Manzoor
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Economies Of Scale ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Case Analysis ◽  
Access To Higher Education ◽  
Open And Distance Learning ◽  
Learning Institutions

Today, open and distance-learning universities are regarded as a groundbreaking option to expand access to higher education. Economies of scale supported by a large number of enrolments have fueled the growth of open and distance learning institutions (ODLIs) across the globe. At the same time, many have raised serious concerns about the quality of education provided by ODLIs. This chapter presents a comparative case analysis of quality assurance (QA) programs in distance education at two large open and distance learning universities in Pakistan. The study explored QA policies and their implementation in the context of management practices and structures and internal and external environmental factors.

scholarly journals Information needs and barriers to information sources by open and distance learners: A case of Mzuzu University, Malawi

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Winner D. Chawinga ◽  
Paxton Zozie
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Information Sources ◽  
Access To Higher Education ◽  
Teaching Resources ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Geographical Regions ◽  
Open And Distance Learning ◽  
Information Materials

Background: The Centre for Open and Distance Learning at Mzuzu University was established in 2006 with the aim to increase and broaden access to higher education to most Malawians who despite meeting entry requirements into higher education were not selected because of shortage of space on campus and other learning and teaching resources. Although Open and Distance Learning (ODL) is hyped as a practical option for making higher education available to many people as widely reported in the literature, universities need to address several issues for it to hold its ground.Objectives: The study set out to investigate information needs and barriers to information sources by ODL students by addressing three objectives, namely information needs of ODL students, information sources of ODL students and challenges that ODL students face when seeking information for their courses of study.Method: A survey questionnaire with a mix of closed-ended and open-ended questions was distributed to 350 students to find out the information sources and challenges that the ODL students face when searching for information to accomplish their academic activities.Results: According to the findings, all 258 (100%) students who answered the questionnaire need information to prepare for the end-of-semester examinations. Information sources that are used most by students include lecture notes, Internet and library books with scores of 238 (92.6%), 207 (80.5%) and 199 (77.4%), respectively.Conclusion: ODL students have limited access to information materials for accomplishing their academic activities and Mzuzu University can resolve this challenge by introducing satellite information centres in the three geographical regions of Malawi. 

scholarly journals IGNOU’s Educational Intervention for the Imprisoned

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bini Toms ◽  
V. Venugopal Reddy
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Educational Intervention ◽  
Driving Forces ◽  
Learning Needs ◽  
Jail Inmates ◽  
The Past ◽  
Open And Distance Learning ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), since the past decades, has been making conscious efforts to reach out to the unreached with its diverse, need-based and affordable, Open and Distance learning (ODL) programmes and has been experimenting with various innovative ideas and methods to cater to the diverse needs of its prospective learners. The University, realizing its mandate to reach out to the unreached, ventured into educational intervention behind bars in its attempt to empower this marginalised section of the population. This intervention caters to the learning needs of both literate and semi-literate prisoners and is aimed at reformation of under trials as well as convicted prisoners; all expenditure under this initiative being borne by the University. IGNOU’s approach, of imparting education to the imprisoned, falls in line with its vision and mission and with the objectives of democratizing higher education; which is the need of time.This paper details the operationalization aspects and status of this initiative of IGNOU. The paper tries to identify the driving forces behind this noble initiative of the University while discussing on the impact of educational intervention of the imprisoned. The paper while discussing on the special/unique skills needed by educators who act as counsellors for jail inmates, stresses on the need for training of such academic counsellors. As rightly said by Skorton and Altschuler, 2013; “Education, offers a humane and effective alternative to the discipline and punish approach, that all too often breeds only hopelessness and recidivism”.

WORK-BASED LEARNING IN HIGHER EDUCATION: EXPERIENCE AND CHALLENGES OF LEARNERS, WORKPLACES AND INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Roosipõld ◽  
Krista Loogma ◽  
Mare Kurvits ◽  
Kristina Murtazin
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
University Education ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Constructivist Learning Theory ◽  
Education Experience ◽  
Restaurant Management ◽  
The Social ◽  
The University ◽  
Social Constructivist Learning

In recent years, providing higher education in the form of work-based learning has become more important in the higher education (HE) policy and practice almost in all EU countries. Work-based learning (WBL) in HE should support the development of competences of self-guided learners and adjust the university education better to the needs of the workplace. The study is based on two pilot projects of WBL in HE in Estonia: Tourism and Restaurant Management professional HE programme and the master’s programme in Business Information Technology. The model of integrative pedagogy, based on the social-constructivist learning theory, is taken as a theoretical foundation for the study. A qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews with the target groups. The data analysis used a horizontal analysis to find cross-cutting themes and identify patterns of actions and connections. It appears, that the challenge for HE is to create better cooperation among stakeholders; the challenge for workplaces is connected with better involvement of students; the challenge for students is to take more initiative and responsibility in communication with workplaces.

A University Education

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Willetts
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Modern Society ◽  
University Education ◽  
Modern World ◽  
Controversial Issues ◽  
The Us ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The University ◽  
First Time ◽  
The Relationship

Universities have a crucial role in the modern world. In England, entrance to universities is by nation-wide competition which means English universities have an exceptional influence on schools--a striking theme of the book. This important book first investigates the university as an institution and then tracks the individual on their journey to and through university. In A University Education, David Willetts presents a compelling case for the ongoing importance of the university, both as one of the great institutions of modern society and as a transformational experience for the individual. The book also makes illuminating comparisons with higher education in other countries, especially the US and Germany. Drawing on his experience as UK Minister for Universities and Science from 2010 to 2014, the author offers a powerful account of the value of higher education and the case for more expansion. He covers controversial issues in which he was involved from access for disadvantaged students to the introduction of L9,000 fees. The final section addresses some of the big questions for the future, such as the the relationship between universities and business, especially in promoting innovation.. He argues that the two great contemporary trends of globalisation and technological innovation will both change the university significantly. This is an authoritative account of English universities setting them for the first time in their new legal and regulatory framework.

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