The support students require to successfully engage in open distance learning programs

By: NilukshiL

 

Open distance learning is a system where the students and the lecturers don’t need to be present at the same location for education to take place. This method of study removes barriers related to time, distance, costs related to travel etc. But on the other hand; this method requires an initial investment in the hardware equipment needed for the set-up and a strong internet connection. On a more personal note; it also requires a lot of self-motivation from the students who engage in this format of learning to make it a success.  

 

The type of support students need to successfully engage in open distance learning programs is given below:   

 

Setting SMART goals

The targets set by the teachers should be achievable as to not demotivate a student; as open distance learning will require some additional time for a student to connect with the study material and with the lecturer for any clarifications.

 

Touch points

Online seminars, online classes, discussion forums should be conducted on a period basis to engage with students and to assess their progress continuously is essential. This engagement can even be face-to-face at times by creating successful hybrid open distance study programs.  

 

Incentives for Online distance learners

Hard copy study material is not generally provided for open distance learners; hence either they are expected to take printouts themselves or to use e-copies of the study material. This in reality reduces the cost to the institute therefore; it’s an ideal situation if this cost benefit is transferred to the student in encouragement of the program.

 

Tech support

Students will need technical support to resolve breakdowns, connectivity issues, slow connectivity related download or live-streaming issues. Hence technical support staff should be provided and with connectivity at all times.

 

Student retention

Distance mode of learning is one key area where there can be a lot of drop-outs due to lack of one-on-one connectivity with the students. Any signs of drop-out is not easily visible to the lecturer and hence timely action to avoid same can be difficult. Given this situation it’s important for the institute or the lecturers to actively identify any such signs and make timely interventions.    

 

 

References

ProLiteracy. (2024, January 17). “Strategies to engage students in distance learning”.   

https://www.proliteracy.org/news/5-strategies-to-engage-students-in-distance-learning/

 

Zuhairi, A., Karthikeyan, N., & Priyadarshana, S., (2019, December 10). “Supporting students to succeed in open and distance learning in the Open University of Sri Lanka and Universitas Terbuka Indonesia”. Asian Association of Open University Journal. Vol 15-1. Emerald Insight. https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/aaouj-09-2019-0038/full/html