Blended support: The case of SCTE@NWU and OLG

Idilette van DeventerLecturer: Ed Law and Management

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Scope of paper Introduction Theory of distance learning

ODL characteristics and types Defining Open Distance Learning/Education (ODL) Challenges and opportunities for blended support

The case of SCTE@NWU and OLG Issues and implications

The SCTE’s ODL-Model Building bridges at the frontiers of education

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Theory of ODL / DE ODL characteristics and types

The general characteristics of ODL Distinguishing the types of ODL

Defining Open Distance LearningBy definition, then, distance education is a set of

transactions among students and instructors [and service providers] who are located in different places

Theoretical constructs Transactional distance Interaction, control and social context

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Challenges and opportunities Challenges in implementing DE in Africa

African HEI are facing several challenges: There is an enormous challenge in training a cadre of highly qualified

professionals to fuel development and address the challenges confronting the continent

Technological constraints Lack of a trained cadre of professionals Absence of clearly defined national DE policies Access to connectivity Other constraints

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The case of SCTE@NWU+OLG

Challenges relevant to SCTE SCTE and OLG contractual

responsibilities SCTE and OLG student support and

interaction The business model of SCTE and OLG

An international evaluation of SCTE@NWU and OLG’s ODL provision

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The SCTE’s Blended-Model• Learning at a distance• Interactional opportunities

On site interactionStandard communication media InternetMobi-site (not yet fully operational)

• Contact opportunities 32 Contact centres in South Africa (3Xper module) 6 Contact centres in Namibia4 Vacation school sessions

South African Contact centres

Namibian Contact Centres

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Building bridges at the frontiers

A personal reflection on the value-added dimension of SCTE@NWU mode

Interaction and contact opportunities in rural areas Circumstance (good and bad) of learners Confronted with own privilege and one-dimensional

perception of teaching in SA and Namibia Building bridges at the frontiers of education

The amazing opportunities

The oh so nice and “lekker”!

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Personal detail

Idilette van DeventerLecturer: Education Law and Management

Faculty of Education SciencesSchool of Continuing Teacher Education

Tel: +27 (0)18 299 4590 / Fax: +27 (0)18 299 4558Cell: +27 (0)82 411 3315

E-mail: Idilette.vanDeventer@nwu.ac.zaWeb: www.nwu.ac.za