A Study Guide For The Distance Learner

1. Explain the history and evolution of open and distance learning systems.
2. Identify and apply effective study skills for distance learners.
3. Describe various assessment and evaluation methods used in ODL.
4. Recognize and utilize learner support services available in ODL.
5. Develop effective strategies for test preparation and time management.
6. Demonstrate effective communication skills in an ODL environment.

13 weeks, about 64 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 · 4 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 · 4 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 · 4 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 · 4 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 · 4 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 · 4 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 · 4 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 · 4 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 · 4 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 · 4 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 · 4 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 · 4 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 · 4 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 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 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 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..