Lesson 2: Technologies for Open and Distance Learning

PRESENTATION BY : LWANDE OMONDI CHARLES

PROJECT LEADER (e-Learning)ICT CENTER

UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBIemail:

lwande.omondi@uonbi.ac.keCellphone: 0721315118

Website: www.uonbi.ac.ke

Recap of lesson 1

• Lesson 1 describes Open and Distance Learning as:– educational approaches that reach learners in

their locations– provide learning resources for learners– open up new opportunities for keeping up to date

no matter where or when they want to study.

Overview • Information Communication Technology has been

used to support Open and Distance learning• This concept is referred to as (electronic

Learning)eLearning• This section describes how technology can be used

to support Open and Distance Learning (OPLN)• Technologies include:

1. Audiovisual tools2. Email and WWW3. CDs and DVDs4. Video Conference5. eLearning Platforms

Video and Audio • document topics that cannot otherwise be shown• Sound recordings of historic speeches• Appropriate use of music sound effects and

speech (commentary) can increase attention and improve intelligibility

• Video, graphics and still images can show events that cannot otherwise be made visible e.g. growth process in plants, development of building under construction

• Video allow for display of events that are hard to observe

CDs and DVDs• Compact Discs and Digital Versatile Discs can

be used to make Distance Learning Content available on a local computer

• CD author ware tools like eLearning XHTML editor (eXe) can be used to make materials available in a portable media

• These can be used where internet access is a problem where a distance learning student reads the content on a local computer

Video Conferencing• Electronic meeting where people in

geographically different locations can see and hear one another, present documents and take part in meetings as if they were all in the same location

• Conducting conference between two or more participants at different sites by using telecommunication networks to transmit video and data both ways

• Telepresence - connected although located in different place and synchronous (same time)

• Can reduce travel costs, reduce geographical isolation to a distance learner

Electronic mail• Exchange of computer stored messages over the

communications network• Mailing list servers allow administrator to create a

list of email addresses and attach to a single email address

• All messages that are emailed to the list are redistributed to all learners who are subscribers

• Important for internal amongst learners registered for a given course

• Online tutors can also use this to communicate with learners

Electronic mail• Exchange of computer stored messages over

the communications network• Mailing list servers allow administrator to

create a list of email addresses and attach to a single email address

• All messages that are emailed to the list are redistributed to all subscribers

• Important for training because they allow trainer/tutor to guide discussion and keep messages focused on discussion among groups of learners

Electronic learning platforms• Integrated electronic digital environments

where learning activity takes place• Applications used to deliver learning content

and facilitation of learning process• Also called virtual learning environments• They can be used to electronically connect

learners and training departments whether at the same location or dispersed over wider area

Electronic learning platforms…

• Examples include–Chisimba (avoir.org)–Moodle (moodle.org)–webCT–dekeos

Conclusion • The world is moving away from traditional

closed to open learning• The choice of delivery method must be

appropriate• Decision maker needs to:– Ensure subject matter can be effectively

communicated using WWW– Ensure there are enough potential users to justify

implementation of technology– The method provides mode of instruction that is

easier, faster, cheaper and more engaging