You are here:

Access and Success in Learning: Technologies for Scaling Up Open and Distance Learning Programme in the Institute of Distance Learning, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
ARTICLE

,

Optimizing Learning with Digital Readers Volume ISSN 1548-6613

Full Text

Abstract

ODL (Open and Distance Learning) has come to stay. In recent years, there has been some extra-ordinary increasing international interest in it and Ghana is no exception. Currently, new ways of providing education are inevitable and ODL provides an effective alternate way. It represents approaches that focus on opening access to education and learning, freeing learners from the constraints of time and place and offering flexible learning opportunities to individuals/group. To the distant learner, ODL means increased access and flexibility and the combination of work and education. Many countries are trying to use ODL as a strategy for opening access to education. Inadequate infrastructure and professional competence in ODL serve as barriers. The study was designed to examine how learners can gain access to and success in learning. Again, it sought to ascertain some technologies which could be used to improve existing conditions at the IDL (Institute of Distance Learning), KNUST. The questionnaire was administered to 200 students and 20 facilitators. Stratified sampling was employed. The facilitators were interviewed. Lessons learnt include the fact that ODL will be an important element of future education and training. The emergent picture was that even though students use some computers, it could be extended to embrace other technologies, such as video conferencing, phone counseling and writing examinations on line so as to curtail any cultural and social barriers. It is worth noting that information could support the quality/variety of existing educational structures which enhance and consolidate capacity. Hopefully, usage of electronic information technologies in ODL would enhance retrieval/storage and distribution of information. It would also increase facilitation/communication among learners, facilitators and stakeholders in providing lifelong education. (Contains 2 tables.)

Citation

Essel, R. & Owusu-Boateng, W. (2010). Access and Success in Learning: Technologies for Scaling Up Open and Distance Learning Programme in the Institute of Distance Learning, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana. Optimizing Learning with Digital Readers. Retrieved December 6, 2019 from .

This record was imported from ERIC on April 15, 2013. [Original Record]

ERIC is sponsored by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) of the U.S. Department of Education.

Copyright for this record is held by the content creator. For more details see ERIC's copyright policy.

References

View References & Citations Map
  1. Apple Classrooms of Tomorrow. (1992). Advanced Technology Group, Apple Computer, Inc. In J.H. Sandholz, C. Ringstaff, & D.C. Dwyer (Eds.), Classroom management: Teaching in high-tech environments: First-fourth year findings (classroom management research summary #10). C.A.: Cupertino. TECHNOLOGIES FOR SCALING UP OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAMME 429 G8 (Group of 8 nations of France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK USA, Canada and Russia.) Education Ministers’ Meeting. (2000). Report of G8 Education Ministers’ Meeting& Forum. Tokyo, April, 2000 Chairman’s Summary. Retrieved June 20, 2010, from http://www.monbu.go.jp/g8/eng/ehl.htm
  2. Ljosa, E. (1992). Distance education in a modern society. Open Learning, 7.
  3. Lockwood, F. (1995). (Ed.). Open and distance learning today (pp. 14-30). London: Routeledge.
  4. Passig, D., & Levin, H. (2000). Gender differences of favored multimedia learning interfaces. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 16, 64-71.
  5. Perraton, H. (1995). A practical agenda for theorists of distance education (pp.12-56). London: Routeledge.
  6. Robson, C. (2002). Real world research (pp. 34-85). Oxford: Blackwell.
  7. Rumble, G. (1989) The management of distance learning systems. Fundamentals of Educational Planning, 43. Paris: UNESCO/IIEP.
  8. Sherry, L., & Morse, R.A. (1995). An assessment of training needs in the use of distance education for instruction. International Journal of Telecommunications, 1(1), 5-22.
  9. Trenamen, J.M. (1967). Communication and comprehension (pp. 22-32). London: Longmans.
  10. UNESCO. (1997). Open and distance learning, prospects and policy considerations (pp. 4-24).

These references have been extracted automatically and may have some errors. Signed in users can suggest corrections to these mistakes.

Suggest Corrections to References

Links