Lesson 2: Technologies for Open and Distance Learning

1. Lesson 2: Technologies for Open and Distance Learning PRESENTATION BY : LWANDE OMONDI CHARLES PROJECT LEADER (e-Learning) ICT CENTER UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI email: lwande.omondi@uonbi.ac.ke Cellphone: 0721315118 Website: www.uonbi.ac.ke

2. Recap of lesson 1 • Lesson 1 describes Open and Distance Learning as: • educational approaches that reach learners in their locations • provide learning resources for learners • open up new opportunities for keeping up to date no matter where or when they want to study.

3. Overview • Information Communication Technology has been used to support Open and Distance learning • This concept is referred to as (electronic Learning)eLearning • This section describes how technology can be used to support Open and Distance Learning (OPLN) • Technologies include: • Audiovisual tools • Email and WWW • CDs and DVDs • Video Conference • eLearning Platforms

4. Video and Audio • document topics that cannot otherwise be shown • Sound recordings of historic speeches • Appropriate use of music sound effects and speech (commentary) can increase attention and improve intelligibility • Video, graphics and still images can show events that cannot otherwise be made visible e.g. growth process in plants, development of building under construction • Video allow for display of events that are hard to observe

5. CDs and DVDs • Compact Discs and Digital Versatile Discs can be used to make Distance Learning Content available on a local computer • CD author ware tools like eLearning XHTML editor (eXe) can be used to make materials available in a portable media • These can be used where internet access is a problem where a distance learning student reads the content on a local computer

6. Video Conferencing • Electronic meeting where people in geographically different locations can see and hear one another, present documents and take part in meetings as if they were all in the same location • Conducting conference between two or more participants at different sites by using telecommunication networks to transmit video and data both ways • Telepresence - connected although located in different place and synchronous (same time) • Can reduce travel costs, reduce geographical isolation to a distance learner

7. Electronic mail • Exchangeof computer stored messages over the communications network • Mailing list servers allow administrator to create a list of email addresses and attach to a single email address • All messages that are emailed to the list are redistributed to all learners who are subscribers • Important for internal amongst learners registered for a given course • Online tutors can also use this to communicate with learners

8. Electronic mail • Exchange of computer stored messages over the communications network • Mailing list servers allow administrator to create a list of email addresses and attach to a single email address • All messages that are emailed to the list are redistributed to all subscribers • Important for training because they allow trainer/tutor to guide discussion and keep messages focused on discussion among groups of learners

9. Electronic learning platforms • Integrated electronic digital environments where learning activity takes place • Applications used to deliver learning content and facilitation of learning process • Also called virtual learning environments • They can be used to electronically connect learners and training departments whether at the same location or dispersed over wider area

10. Electronic learning platforms… • Examples include • Chisimba (avoir.org) • Moodle (moodle.org) • webCT • dekeos

11. Conclusion • The world is moving away from traditional closed to open learning • The choice of delivery method must be appropriate • Decision maker needs to: • Ensure subject matter can be effectively communicated using WWW • Ensure there are enough potential users to justify implementation of technology • The method provides mode of instruction that is easier, faster, cheaper and more engaging