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GST107

A Study Guide For The Distance Learner

  • DE&GS
  • 100 level
  • 2 credit units
  • 132 pages
  • 16 units

This course introduces distance learners to effective study techniques for academic success. It explores the history and characteristics of open and distance learning (ODL) systems. Key topics include study skills such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course also covers assessment methods in ODL and the importance of learner support services. It aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an ODL environment.

About this course

Difficulty
Beginner
Study hours
50 hours
Maths
None
Content
Theoretical
Practical work
No
How it is assessed
  • Assignments
  • Tutor Marked Assessments
  • Computer Based Assessments
  • Discussion Forums
  • Final Examination

One paragraph, so you can see how it reads

GST107 · Unit 1 History of the Open and Distance Learning System

5.0 Summary To recap what you have learned in this unit, click on the video below or copy the link and paste on a web browser. The video is a summary of what you have read in this unit. You could also click on the audio version and listen. You can also download them and play offline.

What you should be able to do

  1. Define and differentiate between open learning and distance learning.
  2. Identify and apply effective study skills for distance learners.
  3. Understand and utilize various assessment methods in ODL.
  4. Recognize and access available learner support services.
  5. Develop effective strategies for exam preparation and time management.

What it prepares you for

Careers
  • Educational Administrator
  • Instructional Designer
  • Distance Learning Coordinator
  • Training Manager
Where it is applied
  • Education
  • Training and Development
  • E-learning
  • Human Resources

Where it gets hard

The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.

  • Module 2: Study Skills for the Distance Learner

    Unit 3: Reading

    Understanding and applying the SQ3R method requires consistent practice and self-discipline.

  • Module 3: Assessment and Evaluation Modes in Open And Distance Learning (ODL)

    Unit 1: Overview of Assessment in ODL

    Requires understanding of various assessment theories and their practical application in ODL.

A suggested way through it

Suggested

13 weeks, about 39 hours in total. Yours will differ.

  1. Week 1Module 1: Introduction to the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) System
    • Unit 1: History of the Open and Distance Learning System · 3 hours

      Define open and distance learning.. Identify the various stages of distance education.. Differentiate between distance learning and open learning.. Comment on the role of technology in distance learning..

  2. Week 2Module 1: Introduction to the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) System
    • Unit 2: Characteristics of the Open and Distance Learning System · 3 hours

      List the characteristics of open and distance learning.. Discuss the characteristics of open and distance learning.. Compare open and distance learning with conventional system.. Evaluate the concept of openness..

  3. Week 3Module 1: Introduction to the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) System
    • Unit 3: Teaching and Learning in the Open and Distance Learning System · 3 hours

      Define learning environment.. Navigate any given learning environment.. Identify the roles of the teacher in the open and distance learning.. Identify functions of a learner in the open and distance learning.. Demonstrate the skills required as an open and distance learner..

  4. Week 4Module 2: Study Skills for the Distance Learner
    • Unit 1: Listening · 3 hours

      List the importance of listening as a study skill.. Identify strategies that will enhance effective listening.. Define listening.. Explain types of listening.. Distinguish between listening and hearing.. Identify the type of listening that could be applied to various speaking situations.. Identify factors that may influence the effectiveness of your listening.. List the characteristics of a good listener.. Identify the barriers to effective listening.. Demonstrate the skills of listening in acquiring new knowledge..

  5. Week 5Module 2: Study Skills for the Distance Learner
    • Unit 2: Speaking · 3 hours

      Discuss the concept of speaking as an essential skill.. Apply the components of speaking to your own speech.. Organize and express your ideas through speaking.. Enumerate what it takes to be an effective speaker.. List the different types of speaking skills encountered in the course.. Identify the challenges that might be encountered while speaking..

  6. Week 6Module 2: Study Skills for the Distance Learner
    • Unit 3: Reading · 3 hours

      List the importance of reading as a study skill.. Identify various purposes for reading.. Distinguish between study, reading and recreational reading.. Mention and explore some of the advantages of reading.. Identify and adopt a reading strategy.. List the components of reading.. Identify bad reading habits and how to overcome them.. Demonstrate good reading habit towards passing your examinations..

  7. Week 7Module 2: Study Skills for the Distance Learner
    • Unit 4: Writing · 3 hours

      Learnt the basic steps in acquiring writing skills.. Demonstrated the skills in writing.. Differentiated the types of writing.. Demonstrated the skills of note taking, drawing outlines, revising and presenting a final draft..

  8. Week 8Module 2: Study Skills for the Distance Learner
    • Unit 5: Study Strategies · 3 hours

      Identified the types of learning strategies.. Distinguished between different learning strategies.. Identified types of learners.. Demonstrated different studying strategies..

  9. Week 9Module 3: Assessment and Evaluation Modes in Open And Distance Learning (ODL)
    • Unit 1: Overview of Assessment in ODL · 3 hours

      Explain assessment and evaluation in the context of open and distance learning.. Appreciate the purposes for which assessment is carried out among undergraduate learners.. Acknowledge different types of assessment.. Explain the principles that guide you in the process of selecting, developing and using meaningful assessment..

  10. Week 10Module 3: Assessment and Evaluation Modes in Open And Distance Learning (ODL)
    • Unit 2: Instructional-Based Assessment Modes · 3 hours

      Gained the skills in utilizing self-assessment to improve understanding of concepts of study.. Applied the principles behind tutor/computer marked assignments to prepare adequately for examination.. Compared modes of tutor-marked in open and distance learning universities in Africa..

  11. Week 11Module 3: Assessment and Evaluation Modes in Open And Distance Learning (ODL)
    • Unit 3: Semester Examination · 3 hours

      Explain the structure of examination being conducted in NOUN.. Utilise the skills for preparing for semester examination.. Employ relevant competencies in writing examination papers.. Demonstrate the skills for coping with examination anxieties that often weaken the students' concentration when writing an examination..

  12. Week 12Module 3: Assessment and Evaluation Modes in Open And Distance Learning (ODL)
    • Unit 4: Assessment of Non-Examinable Courses · 3 hours

      Arrange the components of research project reports according to format laid down by each department.. Acquire competence in undertaking students industrial work experience in the area of course of study.. Differentiate between SIWES and practicum and how these are assessed.. Appraise the point of focus in teaching practice and practical activities.

  13. Week 13Module 4: Learners' Support Services
    • Unit 1: Definition and Purposes of Learners' Support Services · 3 hours

      Define learners' support service.. Identify activities that can be designated as learner’ support service.. Describe the various purposes of learners' support services.. Differentiate between the various purposes of learners' support services..

Preparing for the exam

What to do
  • Create a study schedule and stick to it, allocating specific times for each unit.
  • Practice active reading techniques, such as summarizing each section in your own words.
  • Participate actively in online discussion forums to clarify concepts and exchange ideas with peers.
  • Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and Computer-Based Assessments (CBAs) to identify areas of weakness.
  • Focus on understanding key concepts and theories rather than rote memorization.
  • Use mnemonic devices to remember important definitions and principles.
  • Practice answering past examination questions to get familiar with the exam format and time constraints.

Questions students ask about this course

What is GST107 about?

This course introduces distance learners to effective study techniques for academic success. It explores the history and characteristics of open and distance learning (ODL) systems. Key topics include study skills such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course also covers assessment methods in ODL and the importance of learner support services. It aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an ODL environment.

How many units does GST107 have?

GST107, A Study Guide For The Distance Learner, has 16 units across 4 modules, over 132 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.

How many credit units is GST107?

GST107 carries 2 credit units, at 100 level in DE&GS.

Is GST107 hard?

GST107 is rated beginner level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical work.

How long does GST107 take to study?

About 50 hours of study, spread across its 16 units.

How is GST107 assessed?

GST107 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assessments, Computer Based Assessments, Discussion Forums and Final Examination.

What can I do with GST107?

Educational Administrator, Instructional Designer, Distance Learning Coordinator and Training Manager.

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