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GST807DE&GS2 Unitsintermediate

A Study Guide For The Distance Learner

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

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208h
Study Time
13
Weeks
16h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Distance LearningStudy SkillsAssessmentLearner SupportOpen Education

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

History of Open and Distance Learning

2

Characteristics of ODL Systems

3

Study Skills: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing

4

Assessment and Evaluation in ODL

5

Learner Support Services

6

Effective Study Strategies

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (5 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Computer Based Tests

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Discussion Forums

Team-based learning and peer interaction

Group Work

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Education Administrator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Distance Learning Coordinator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Instructional Designer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Training Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Academic Counselor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

EducationTraining and DevelopmentE-LearningHuman ResourcesEducational Consulting

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Introduction to the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) System

4h

Unit 1: History of the Open and Distance Learning System

4 study 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.
Week
2

Module 1: Introduction to the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) System

4h

Unit 2: Characteristics of the Open and Distance Learning System

4 study 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.
Week
3

Module 1: Introduction to the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) System

4h

Unit 3: Teaching and Learning in the Open and Distance Learning System

4 study 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.
Week
4

Module 2: Study Skills for the Distance Learner

4h

Unit 1: Listening

4 study 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.
Week
5

Module 2: Study Skills for the Distance Learner

4h

Unit 2: Speaking

4 study 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.
Week
6

Module 2: Study Skills for the Distance Learner

4h

Unit 3: Reading

4 study 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.
Week
7

Module 2: Study Skills for the Distance Learner

4h

Unit 4: Writing

4 study 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.
Week
8

Module 2: Study Skills for the Distance Learner

4h

Unit 5: Study Strategies

4 study hours
  • •Identified the types of learning strategies.
  • •Distinguished between different learning strategies.
  • •Identified types of learners.
  • •Demonstrated different studying strategies.
Week
9

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

4h

Unit 1: Overview of Assessment in ODL

4 study 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.
Week
10

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

4h

Unit 2: Instructional-Based Assessment Modes

4 study 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.
Week
11

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

4h

Unit 3: Semester Examination

4 study 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.
Week
12

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

4h

Unit 4: Assessment of Non-Examinable Courses

4 study 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
Week
13

Module 4: Learners' Support Services

16h

Unit 1: Definition and Purposes of Learners' Support Services

4 study 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.

Unit 2: Types of Learners' Support Services

4 study hours
  • •List the various classes of learners' support.
  • •Classify given list of activities to their respective class.
  • •Identify various activities under each class of support services.

Unit 3: Sources of Learners' Support Services

4 study hours
  • •Determine the role of study centres in providing learners' support services.
  • •Listed the activities in the study centre that can be designated as support service.
  • •Identified other units of the university that provides support for learners.
  • •Discussed the activities of other units in the university that are support oriented

Unit 4: Benefits of Learners' Support Services

4 study hours
  • •List the benefits of learners' support services.
  • •Write briefly on each of the benefits.
  • •Evaluate if they have benefitted from this course on learners' support.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create a study schedule that allocates specific time slots for each unit, focusing on more challenging units during peak concentration times.

2

Develop concept maps linking key concepts from different modules to reinforce understanding of interconnected topics.

3

Practice answering past examination questions under timed conditions to improve speed and accuracy.

4

Form study groups to discuss and clarify complex concepts, and to test each other's knowledge.

5

Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and Computer Based Tests (CBTs) to identify areas needing further study.

6

Prioritize understanding of core concepts over rote memorization, focusing on application and critical thinking.

7

Utilize available online resources, such as videos and audio summaries, to reinforce learning and address knowledge gaps.