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Developing a Research Agenda for Resilient Systems and Innovative Practices in ODeL: Findings from a National Study
No full textThe Covid-19 pandemic exposed significant weaknesses in education systems globally, with many African countries, including Nigeria, struggling to respond swiftly to its impact. In Nigeria, the challenge was compounded by ongoing insurgency and insecurity, leading to extended school closures. To mitigate these disruptions, educational institutions adopted emergency remote teaching and learning methods, indirectly highlighting the potential of open, distance, and eLearning (ODeL). However, these initiatives often lacked proper ODeL design and pedagogical components. In response to these issues, a National Research Fund project, sponsored by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) titled "Setting an Agenda for Research into Open, Distance, and eLearning in the Global South: Nigeria as a Case Study" was initiated. The project aimed to identify gaps, high-priority areas, and research trends in ODeL to inform policy and guide practices amidst numerous challenges. This study aimed to investigate priority areas within ODeL that deserve more research attention and to offer insights into how this research could contribute to more resilient educational systems and promote innovative practices. The study employed a mixed-method approach, starting with an online survey of randomly selected 382 ODeL practitioners from Nigerian higher education institutions, followed by in-depth interviews with 26 purposefully selected ODeL experts. The findings revealed a consensus on key research areas, including learner support, technology, and instructional delivery. The study identified emerging research priorities specific to the African context. Addressing these key areas could significantly contribute to developing resilient education systems and promoting innovative educational practices in Nigeria and beyond
Solomon Islands 2021-24: Country Report
No full textThe report provides an overview of key COL activities and programmes in 2021-2024
Microlearning and Learning Performance in Higher Education: A Post-Test Control Group Study
No full textThis study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of microlearning in higher education. The sample consisted of first-year MBA students, and a post-test control group design was used to assess the effectiveness of a microlearning module. The results indicated that the use of microlearning was significantly related to learning performance and participants' reactions to the module. Moreover, the microlearning group scored significantly higher than the control group. The findings suggest that microlearning has the potential to improve learning outcomes and enhance participant engagement. However, the study has certain limitations, and future research is needed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the optimal design and delivery of microlearning modules. The study supports the use of microlearning in higher education as an effective instructional strategy
Exploring Offline e-Learning for Resilience: A Case Study
No full textThere are too few teachers and schools to meet the need for quality universal basic education. Therefore, alternative approaches to education provision need to be explored, such as open and distance learning methods and development and provision of curriculum-based Open Educational Resources (OER). However, distribution of printed materials is increasingly costly, and distribution of digital resources remains a challenge in areas with little or no connectivity. This case study explores the potential of using offline strategies to share digital OER. It suggests it is possible to provide access to digital learning resources even in the most remote areas by using appropriate technology, like the Commonwealth of Learning’s Aptus device
Tanzania 2021-24: Country Report
No full textThe report provides an overview of key COL activities and programmes in 2021-2024
Climate Change Education for Teachers
No full textThe urgency of climate change, marked by human-driven global warming, rising sea levels, and extreme weather, calls for widespread educational reform. The 2022 IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) report underscores the critical need for climate change education that enables teachers, students, and communities to understand and address these impacts. Globally, teachers are tasked with embedding climate knowledge and actionable insights into curricula, yet often lack sufficient resources and support. Innovative, localised approaches are essential, allowing teachers to connect climate impacts with students’ own communities and foster individual responsibility. Consequently, the Commonwealth of Learning proposes a six-course diploma programme on climate change education for teachers, with modules at various stages of completion. Grounded in constructivist pedagogy, this programme builds capacities for pre- and in-service teachers. Licensed under Creative Commons-Attribution-ShareAlike, it aims to nurture a community-oriented perspective that emphasises ecological justice and community resilience. Through this approach, teachers and students can engage meaningfully in climate action, transforming awareness into impactful, community-driven responses. The programme can be adapted to suit different institutional contexts
Students’ Critical Thinking Skills Using an E-Module Based on Problem-Based Learning Combined with Socratic Dialogue
No full textThis study aimed at testing the effectiveness of an e-module based on Problem-Based Learning combined with Socratic Dialogue on the topic of environmental change in improving school students' critical thinking skills. This research was a quasi-experimental study and used a non-randomised control group, pre-test/post-test design. The sampling technique was cluster random sampling. The sample in this study was two experimental classes (n = 72) and two control classes (n = 72). The data collection instruments included multiple-choice tests and a questionnaire. The test results were analysed using the t-test and the N-gain score test. The results showed significant difference in students' critical thinking skills between the experimental and control classes. Students who used the e-module showed better critical thinking skills. Students who used the e-module showed a greater increase in critical thinking skills after the learning process, compared to students who did not use the e-module. Thus, it can be concluded that the e-module based on PBL combined with Socratic Dialogue effectively improved students' critical thinking skills
Book Review: Critical digital pedagogy in higher education
No full text“Critical Digital Pedagogy in Higher Education,” edited by Suzan Köseoğlu, George Veletsianos, and Chris Rowell, is a seminal work that addresses the pressing need for a pedagogical shift in higher education. Rooted in the digital landscape, the book critiques traditional power structures and advocates for a learner-centred approach that resonates with students’ socio-cultural contexts. Drawing inspiration from Paulo Freire’s “Pedagogy of the Oppressed,” the editors present a contemplative framework that challenges educational norms and promotes critical consciousness, shared learning experiences, and a nurturing online environment.
The volume stands out for its collaborative nature, incorporating diverse expert voices to explore themes like care ethics, Indigenous knowledge, and the pervasive influence of digital tools. This approach not only enriches the discourse on digital pedagogy but also encourages the practical application of theory in contemporary teaching and learning. The book is a valuable resource for a wide audience, seeking to foster meaningful engagement and transform higher education in the post-Covid-19 era
AI in Open Education
No full textProfessor Peter Scott, President and CEO of COL, delivered a virtual keynote address on 24 September 2024 at a University of Ghana conference on the theme “Embracing the Future: The Emergence of AI and its Impact on Open Distance and E-learning.
Low-connectivity Educational Technology: A Case Study of Supporting Learning during Covid-19 via SMS with ‘Keep Kenya Learning’
No full textThe use of Short Messaging Service (SMS) for education has grown in recent years, drawing particular attention to supporting school-level learners, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This renewed interest has prompted questions about how this form of educational technology could be used in the longer term. However, despite being used in many Covid-19 responses, there are few documented examples of innovative applications in this field during the pandemic, which represents a gap in the literature. As a medium for education, SMS offers potential benefits such as being cost-effective and having positive impacts on learning. In this paper, we present a case study of an educational programme rapidly implemented during the pandemic as part of the ‘Keep Kenya Learning’ program, to support learners remotely in terms of literacy, numeracy, and social and emotional learning topics. Through the case study, we describe the innovative process used to rapidly develop content for SMS, and draw upon usage statistics, quiz scores and user feedback to gain insights into its implementation with learners and caregivers in Kenya. The case study demonstrated that educational television content can be effectively adapted to mobile delivery. Furthermore, we present practical reflections on the development and implementation of SMS educational technology which will help inform future initiatives. These include considering timing in relation to school terms when planning a supporting intervention, and designing content in a modular way to allow flexibility for learners in navigating through courses