NEWS:
14 Apr, 2016
We will enroll the first cohort of students by June, 2016. Advertisements will be out this month
Q.Briefly describe what is this LUANAR’s Open and Distance Learning (ODL) about?A. Open and Distance Learning (ODL) at LUANAR is a new mode of delivery of its programmes which removes the barrier of space, distance and time, whereby learners shall be facilitated to embrace self-learning using modules and online resources from anywhere and at any time. It is a flexible and an inclusive education mode that opens up to all those who meet minimum entry criteria as set by LUANAR and the National Council for Higher Education. It is therefore, a more learner centered approach to learning.
Q. What has necessitated the introduction of this programme in the first place?
A. LUANAR has introduced ODL to widen access and allow enrollment for those who would not access higher education in Agriculture and Natural Resources due to limited class space and time constraints. The demand has been estimated through stakeholder engagement and assessments conducted over the past decade. Furthermore, ODL will promote efficient use of the University’s resources which is ideal for our economy.
Q. Is this a temporary measure or it will be deeply imbedded in LUANAR’s academic programming for ages to come?
A. ODL is here to stay as it was already incorporated in LUANAR’s Strategic Plan (2012-2017). Adoption of ODL is also in line with the Government policy and the National Education Sector Plan (NESP) which advocate for widening access.
Q. LUANAR recently introduced City Campuses. How different is this from ODL?
A. As pointed out earlier, ODL is different in that the learners will be separated by distance and time from the lecturers. The learners will only go through orientation during the first 1 or 2 weeks of the semester, and will continue at their homes and work places through self study using well designed ODL modules. This blended mode of learning will ensure that people who are busy working, at home or in business, both men and women, and those with disabilities, are afforded the opportunity to study towards their desired degree. You can see, therefore, that ODL will be more flexible and inclusive. On the contrary, the City Campus is a replica of what happens at Bunda or Natural Resource College, where students are enrolled on full-time basis.
Q. What are the programmes to be offered under this?
A. We will start with four programmes namely: BSc in Agribusiness Management, BSc in Agricultural Economics, BSc in Extension and BSc in Agricultural Innovations. However, more programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate level as well as tailor made demand-driven short courses will be delivered through ODL in the short and medium term. We will initially target mature entry learners, who will enroll in year 2 of study, but will eventually open up for generic year one candidates.
Q.When do you roll out?
A. We will enroll the first cohort of students by June, 2016. Advertisements will be out early April.
Q. What structures have you put in place to ensure smooth, effective and sustainable ODL Programmes?
A. LUANAR has established an ODL Directorate which is responsible for coordination. The directorate works hand in hand with faculties and departments, which have been trained on ODL material development, tutoring, counselling, as well as other student support services. We have also established satellite centers in Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu, which will be equipped with learning materials and facilities such as computer labs for access to online resources, video and teleconferencing and there will be staff in those centers. Furthermore, LUANAR is working with several stakeholders including universities and other institutions to allow our ODL students access learning resources through their libraries and telecenters.
Q. One of the challenges that seem to come with such programmes is that of standards in academic excellence as institutions always fall for a compromise in their pursuit of financial rewards coming from the ‘outreach’ programmes. How best is LUANAR prepared to guard herself against such a common ‘trap’?
A. ODL students shall be recruited based on pre-requisites stipulated for each programme and in line with the university’s admissions criteria while promoting flexibility and inclusiveness. The same curriculum used for face-to-face has also been adopted in ODL. Therefore, all learning resources, such as modules, have been developed by subject specialists using the same syllabi used in conventional mode. Furthermore, the assessment criteria shall also be as in face-to-face. Modules are designed in a way that they are self-explanatory and easy to follow, to effectively facilitate self-learning. Practical sessions will also be conducted during the middle of the semester when learners will come to the satellites for a short time. Plagiarism checks shall be secured especially where online learning management systems, including Moodle, shall be used. ODL Quality Assurance Committee, Technical Working Group, as well as LUANAR disciplinary policies are also in place to ensure quality delivery of programmes. Therefore, the qualification earned through ODL will be the same as that earned through face-to-face hopefully even better, as it promotes a reading culture.
Q. Does the University have existing structures from where to host such hubs or it plans to construct new ones altogether? And where will they be?
A. LUANAR will construct an ODL hub at Bunda Campus, and a multi-story building in Area 47, with support from the World Bank and Malawi Government, which will act as the satellite center in Lilongwe. Currently we are renting the MTL buildings in Blantyre and Mzuzu which will act as satellite centers. However, in the long term, we will acquire land and build our own structures across the country and open more centers depending on growth and demand.
Feel free to contact the following for more information:
The ODL Coordinator on 0111550228 or 0111605874, Email: odl@bunda.luanar.mw
Or the University Registrar on 01277220, Email: ur@bunda.luanar.mw
Written By: Patricia Nkhoma
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