The Open Learning, Distance Education and e-Learning System: An Introduction | Dr. Primo Garcia

Summary

This video script delves into the structure and management of open and distance e-learning (ODL) systems in universities. It outlines the key subsystems: course design and development, course delivery, instruction, student support, and management. The script emphasizes the importance of strategic planning, technology integration, and quality assurance to ensure a sustainable and effective ODL experience for geographically dispersed learners.

Takeaways

• 🏫 Open and Distance e-Learning (ODL) systems are structured differently from traditional universities due to the geographical and temporal separation of learners and teachers.
• 🌐 ODL can be implemented through various organizational structures such as single mode institutions, dual mode, consortia, or individual teachers.
• 📚 The course design subsystem involves learner analysis, task analysis, lesson structuring, and designing assessments to align with learning outcomes.
• 🛠️ Course materials can be developed using an 'unbundled' approach, where specialists contribute to different aspects of material development, or a 'bundled' approach, where a single academic editor oversees the process.
• 📘 Course materials can be self-contained, similar to textbooks, or come in the form of course packages with study guides and additional resources.
• 🌐 Delivery systems for ODL courses depend on the target learners, cost, technology availability, and the institution's mission and vision, and can include print, online, or a learning management system (LMS).
• 👨‍🏫 The role of teachers in ODL shifts from content providers to facilitators of learning, requiring skills in instructional design, technology use, and student motivation.
• 👥 Large enrollments in ODL courses may necessitate the unbundling of teaching tasks, with the hiring of tutors or markers to assist with instruction.
• 💼 Student support services are crucial in ODL and can include tutoring, counseling, library services, tech support, and administrative assistance.
• 🔍 Management's role in ODL involves needs assessment, resource allocation, personnel recruitment and training, monitoring and evaluation, and establishing a quality assurance system.

Q & A

What is an open and distance e-learning (ODEL) system?

An ODEL system refers to an educational setup where learning occurs outside a traditional classroom setting, often due to geographical or time separation between learners and teachers. It includes unique practices and subsystems tailored to facilitate learning at a distance.

How does the organizational structure of ODEL differ from a conventional university?

While ODEL systems are not wildly different from conventional universities, they have unique subsystems and practices due to the time and geographical differences between learners and teachers. This often leads to a more flexible and technology-enhanced approach to education.

What are the different organizational structures through which ODEL can be implemented?

ODEL can be implemented through single mode institutions, dual mode institutions, consortia, and individual teachers. Single mode focuses solely on ODEL, dual mode offers a mix of traditional and ODEL, consortia involve multiple universities sharing resources, and individual teachers may integrate online learning into their courses.

What are the key subsystems that make up the ODEL system?

The ODEL system consists of the course design subsystem, course delivery subsystem, instruction subsystem, student support subsystem, and management subsystem. Each plays a crucial role in the strategic management and delivery of distance education.

What is involved in the course design and development subsystem?

The course design and development subsystem includes learner analysis, task analysis, lesson structuring, and designing assessments. It also involves determining how to organize the development of learning materials, which can be done through an unbundled or bundled approach.

How do self-contained course materials differ from course packages?

Self-contained course materials are akin to textbooks with lessons contained in one material, while course packages are collections of readily accessible learning resources assembled by the course author with a study guide for learners.

What are the various delivery systems available for ODEL courses?

Delivery systems for ODEL courses include print materials, online platforms, and learning management systems (LMS). The choice of system depends on target learners, cost, technology availability, and the institution's mission and vision.

What is the role of a teacher in the ODEL system?

In the ODEL system, teachers act as facilitators of learning rather than mere content providers. They prepare and present learning materials, advise students, monitor progress, assess outcomes, provide feedback, and manage the learning environment.

How can large class sizes be managed in the ODEL system?

Large class sizes in ODEL can be managed by unbundling the teaching tasks, similar to course development, where tutors or test markers are hired to assist teachers. Institutions must decide on the teaching roles, staffing, and compensation for large enrollments.

What are the essential student support services in ODEL?

Essential student support services in ODEL include tutoring, counseling, library services, tech support, administrative assistance, and the organization of study or learning centers. These services ensure a successful learning experience at a distance.

What strategies can be used to ensure the financial viability of ODEL programs?

Strategies for ensuring financial viability include pre-testing materials, using electronic formats for easier revision, leveraging open educational resources, sharing costs with publishers or authors, and using a mix of technologies to balance equipment and labor costs.

Why is quality assurance important in ODEL, and what are some common areas of focus?

Quality assurance is crucial in ODEL to maintain stakeholder trust and ensure program effectiveness. Common areas of focus include course design, instructional materials, student support services, and the overall learning experience.