Principles of Open and Distance Learning

Workshop Day 1Session II

What is ODL?

Open and distance learning (ODL) combines two forms of education - open and distance - that focus on expanding access to learning.

ODL is characterized by two factors: its philosophy and its use of technology.

Most ODL systems have a philosophy that aims to:

remove barriers to education; and allow learners to study what they want, when they want and where they want.

In short, ODL is about increasing educational access and increasing educational choice.

ODL & Technology

ODL systems typically use technology to mediate learning, e.g. printed workbooks, radio, audio cassettes, and the web

Examples:1. Correspondence courses where learners study for professional

qualifications and degrees. 2. Interactive radio instruction in primary schools, where classroom-

based students learn from studio-based teachers. 3. Open learning systems using workbooks, study centres and online

conferencing to enable working adults to gain school-leaving credentials.

4. Web-based courses used to update technical staff in the workplace. 5. Distance learning courses to upgrade classroom teachers without

their having to leave their classrooms.

ODL materials are applicable in:

Levelling of the ‘playing ground’;

Accessibility;

Affordability;

Continued development;

Social stability (e.g. brain drain and cultural denigration).

Benefits of ODL

Face-to-face ODL

Better? More personal;

Face-to-face interaction with a teacher

Teleconferencing/videoconferencing allows for personal interaction;

Caters for different learning styles;

The introvert may be more involved because they can type without fear of intimidation;

Breaks the barriers of learning;

More variety in the learning experience.

Location Limited to participants in the setting

Open and distance learning provides a broader scope

Facilitator/teacher

Physically present - hence more control

Not physically present;

Can minimize student distractions

Setting Normally confined to one location;

Pace determined my lecturer

Allows for more independent learning;

Learner-oriented - ability to work at own pace;

Asynchronous, allowing learners to participate and complete material in accordance with their daily commitments

1. Does the term reflect merely the combination of Open Learning and Distance Learning?

2. What unique quality does this combination suggest?

3. Is this type of learning different from the traditional type of learning in your environment?

Questions on ODL

Acknowledgement

Sections of this presentation were sourced and/or adapted from the Commonwealth of Learning (VUSSC/Professional Development) under the Creative Commons Attribution Share-Alike License.