LEARNER SUPPORT SERVICES IN DISTANCE LEARNING

1. Define learner support services in Open and Distance Learning.
2. Explain the reasons for providing support to learners in ODL.
3. Identify and apply relevant learning theories to support services in ODL.
4. Describe the characteristics of distance learners and their impact on learning.
5. Utilize technology to mediate support for learners in ODL.
6. Identify key personnel involved in learner support services and their roles.
7. Explain the importance of student information systems in ODL.

13 weeks, about 14 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1:

   • Unit 1: Meaning of learner support services in Open and Distance Learning · 1 hour

     Define learner support services in ODL.. Identify provisions in ODL that constitute support for learners.. Discuss the importance of understanding learner support services for academic success..

2. Week 2Module 1:

   • Unit 2: Reasons for providing support to learners · 1 hour

     Discuss the flexibility of ODL and its impact on learners.. Identify study-related, time-related, institutional, and personal barriers faced by distance learners.. Explain the importance of personal support, welfare support, and communication in ODL..

3. Week 3Module 1:

   • Unit 3: Theories of learning for learner support services · 1 hour

     Identify different learning theories related to support services in ODL.. Explain how sensory stimulation theory, reinforcement theory, and cognitive-Gestalt approaches can be applied to support learners.. Discuss the importance of considering individual differences among learners in educational programs..

4. Week 4Module 1:

   • Unit 4: Characteristics of distance learners · 1 hour

     Identify the age range, work status, and prior learning experiences of distance learners.. Discuss the characteristics of self-directedness, experience, and self-motivation among ODL learners.. Explain the instructional needs and styles of adult learners in distance education..

5. Week 5Module 1:

   • Unit 5: Learning styles and Orientations · 1 hour

     State the meaning of learning style and learning orientation.. List and explain different learning styles, including activists, reflectors, theorists, and pragmatists.. Discuss the importance of considering individual learning styles and orientations in ODL..

6. Week 6Module 2:

   • Unit 1: Important elements in learner support services · 1 hour

     Identify the key elements of ODL support services, including identity, interpersonal interaction, time/place of study, and duration for completion of study.. Explain how each key element constitutes support for learners in ODL.. Discuss the importance of individualization and interpersonal interaction in ODL support systems..

7. Week 7Module 2:

   • Unit 2: Role of study materials in providing support to learners · 1 hour

     State the meaning of study material in ODL.. Describe how study materials can be written to break the challenge of isolation in distance education.. Mention how a study material is different from a textbook..

8. Week 8Module 2:

   • Unit 3: Counselling/Tutoring support services · 1 hour

     Explain the term counseling in Open and Distance Learning.. Mention examples of services that can be rendered through counseling support.. State qualities of a good counselor and how online counseling differs from face-to-face counseling..

9. Week 9Module 2:

   • Unit 4: Technology mediated support services · 1 hour

     Mention reasons why technology support is needed in the education service delivery system of distance learning.. Enumerate examples of technologies that can be used to support learners in ODL.. State challenges of using technology to support learners in ODL institutions..

10. Week 10Module 2:

    • Unit 5: Interaction through assignments · 1 hour

      Mention reasons for giving assignments to learners in distance education.. List and explain major types of tutor comments.. Enumerate ways by which assignments can be used to encourage learning..

11. Week 11Module 3:

    • Unit 1: Personnel in learner support services · 1 hour

      Enumerate personnel involved in providing support to distance learners.. Identify specific types of support which they render.. Mention cases of specialties in personnel support services..

12. Week 12Module 3:

    • Unit 2: Capacity building for support service providers · 1 hour

      Enumerate areas that require capacity building for support service providers in ODL.. Identify steps that can be undertaken by an ODL institution to build capacity for its learner support service providers.. State how sharing of experiences can be utilized as a tool for building capacity among support service providers in an ODL institution..

13. Week 13Module 3:

    • Unit 3: Student information systems in ODL · 1 hour

      Mention functions of student information systems in Open and Distance Learning institutions.. Identify types of records that can be kept in the student information system.. Mention ways by which records in the student information system can be utilized to offer support to learners in distance education..

    • Unit 4: Research in learner support services · 1 hour

      Mention activities that are involved in ODL research.. Identify areas needing research in ODL learner support service.. Define research in relation to learner support and provide a rationale for doing research in learner support..