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Open and Distance Learning

(ODL) Programme

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Introduction

  • Open and distance (ODL) learning is one of the most popular learning method, especially after COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Today, digital learning has emerged as an incredibly effective way to learn.
  • This is a revolutionary way of education.
  • The popularity ODL learning has risen significantly due to its flexibility in time, delivery and location

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ODL Learning Approaches

Synchronous

    • ‘Live’ (virtual) sessions where learners participate at the same time
    • Video conferencing, group chats, or webinars

Asynchronous

    • learning takes place on a more individual basis
    • Self reading, revision, individual assignment

Guided learning

    • Synchronous - One hour per week – this is not lecture but more of a summary and discussion of the topic

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    • Asynchronous - Activities on the learning management system (LMS) platform - Canvas

Unguided independent

    • This is the largest portion of the learning mode – more than 50% of the total learning time
    • Learners read course materials, do exercise on their own, participate in online discussion, etc.
    • Combination of graded and non-graded deliverables

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Learner’s Responsibilities in ODL

Self Discipline

Respect others

Work hard

Discipline and time management are very crucial

Need to know how to learn, how to initiate and to reflect on the learning as well as how to use time management skills effectively

Participate actively in the discussions

Post questions or queries about the course or topics

Online platforms are the virtual ‘classroom’

Follow the same etiquettes just like the traditional face to face. For instance, raise your hand when you want to say something during the online session

Be punctual for any virtual appointment, meeting or discussion

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Learner’s Responsibilities in ODL

Schedule

Timelines

Announcement

  • Study the learning materials progressively according to the lesson and the schedule
  • Learners should complete studying the materials on their own before the start of the next lesson
  • Keep ourselves informed and updated with any announcement and notification made available to them
  • Try to complete the assignments early.
  • Online learners have full-time jobs. We may have job commitments when the assignments are due
  • Always be awared on the deadlines

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ODL Learning Strategies

  • Consistent engagement with instructors, course materials and course mates
    • Important for online learners to make a coordinated effort to engage with the course in as many ways as possible
    • Go to the online platforms as regularly as possible (at least three (3) times per week)
    • Where applicable, join and be active in the online conversation group (e.g., WhatsApp, WeChat, etc.)

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    • Prepare for technical glitches
      • Prepare ahead of time before the online session
      • Download course materials in advance, if possible
      • Don’t wait until the last minute to submit graded course deliverables (e.g., assignment, quiz, etc.)
      • Have a dependable backup plan in mind for potential issue related to the Internet connection

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      • Create a specific learning space – i.e., a conducive online learning environment
        • Find a space at home where you can learn effectively - have access to a quiet place to study without distractions from things like entertainment, family members or roommates
        • Neat it up with photos or drawings like motivational posters

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ODL Learning Strategies

  • Set aside time for course works
    • Very important to make space on your calendar for studying, completing assignments and any other course requirements
    • Create a realistic, daily schedule of when you plan to study and do revision
    • Most important piece is building and be consistent with the online learning routine

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    • Break up tasks into smaller chunks
      • Course materials and schedules can be intimidating
      • Adhering to the schedules will make larger projects feeling more manageable – don’t procrastinate

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        • Develop decent computer skills
          • Equip with reasonably good computer skills to make studying online easier and more efficient
          • E.g., able to create and edit documents, find online information and resources quickly, familiarity with the graphical user interface (GUI) and menus of the software, etc.

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Challenges of ODL

  • Inability to focus on screens for long period of time
    • To stay focus on the screen for long periods of time

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  • Internet connectivity
    • Might experience poor connection from time to time

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  • It may be impersonal
    • Lack of human relationships behind computer screens

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  • It requires self-discipline
  • Self motivation and high discipline to complete the whole programme

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- Rapidly changing technology

  • Learning need to learn the new technology quickly

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Remember why we choose ODL

- Accessibility Of time And place

    • Learners can attend sessions from any location of their choice
    • Online sessions can be recorded, archived, and shared for future reference
    • Resources are available from anywhere and at any time.

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- Suits a variety Of learning styles

    • Every learner has a different learning journey and a different learning style
    • Some learners are visual learners, audiovisual, acoustic, or kinesthetics
    • Wide range of online learning resources available

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- Its flexibility

    • Online learning allows learners to adjust their own pace to study
    • Online Learners are given the freedom to personally build their own learning schedule
    • Through online discussion boards and chat rooms, learners are able to interact with everyone online

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“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”

-Theodore Roosevelt-

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