OBJECTIVES:

By the end of this unit, you should be able

To:-

1. Explain the background and set-up of WOU.

2. Explain the objectives of setting up WOU.
3. Describe the characteristic of traditional learners.
4. Describe the characteristic of open distance learners.
5. Explain the benefits of ODL.
6. Make a comparison between distance and traditional
learning.
7. Explain the mental attitudes which an ODL student should
have.
8. Apply the various modes of learning for ODLers.
1. Most WOU students are working adults.
2. So equip yourself with the necessary skills to be
successful in your studies.
3. In this section, we provide you with the
background, set-up and organisational structure
of WOU.
4. This is to familiarise you with the University.
Objectives:
By the end of this section, you should be able
to:
1. Describe the background and set-up of WOU
2. Explain the set-up of WOU.
3. Illustrate using a chart the organisation
structure of WOU.
You will be introduced to the background
and set-up of WOU.
Pay attention to the academic services
and support you get as a student at
WOU.
1. Proposal was first announced by YB Dato
Seri Dr. Lim Keng Yaik- national president
of PGRM in 1999.
2. An education foundation was formed in
2000 – WEF.
3. In 2002, WEF commissioned a group of
ODL experts.
4. The 8 member expert group was headed
by VC of WOU,
Dato’ Prof. Emeritus G. Dhanarajan.
5. In 2005, WEF was issued a letter of
invitation by Ministry of Higher Education
to establish an open U college.
6. Pioneer staff began operations in Menara
BHL, Pg.
7. Gound breaking in Jan 2006 at
Homestead,Pg.
8. WEF set up a Board of Directors, the
authority-in-charge of charting the direction
and monitoring the WOU, appointment of
VC,chairman and members of the Council.
9. The board endorses the appointment of
VC nominated by the Council.
The Council consists of :
1. Public sector: YB Dato Seri Dr. Lim Keng Yaik-MEWC,M’sia and
President of PGRM.
2. Academic community: Dato’Prof. Emeritus Gajaraj Dhanarajan-
VC,CEO(designate) of WEF, Former President and CEO of The
Commonwealth of Learning and former CEO.
3. Dato’ Dr. Sharom Ahmat – CEO WEF, former Deputy VC of USM
and Permanent Academic Advisor of University of Brunei
Darulsalam.
3.1 Dato’ Prof. Emeritus Sham Sani – former VC of UKM.
4. Dr. Wong Poh Kam – Director of the Entrepreneurship Centre and
Associate Prof. at the Business School of the NUS.
5. Civic and Community Organsations
Datuk Dr. M. Jegathesan Deputy President of the Olympic Council
of Malaysia and Adjunct Prof. at UM and UPM.
6. Commercial and industrial sectors
Dato’ Chet Singh- Director of IOI Industries Bhd and
former GM of thePDC
7. Dato’ Dr. Freezailah bin Che Yom – former Ex.
Director of the International Tropical Timber
Organisation and Chairman of the MTCC.
8. Dato’ Dr. Tan Tat Wai- Group MD of Southern Steel
BHD and VP of the Harvard Club of Malaysia.
9. Dr. R. Thillainathan – Ex. Director and CEO of ASLI
The other authorities in the U are the Senate,
Management Board, Schools, Institutes and
Academics.
The Senate is the academic body of the U-
responsible for:-
a. Planning
b. developing
c. reviewing
d. regulating programmes
e. regulates exams
WOU also has an International Advisory Board. Its
founding members are:-
1. Prof. Dr. Abdul W. Khan – Asst. Director General of
UNESCO
2. Ms. Shona Butterfield – Member of the Tertiary
Education Commission of NZ.
3. Dr. Paul Cappon – President and CEO of the Canadian
Council of learning
4. Prof. Brenda Gourley – VC of the Open U of UK
5. Dr. David Woodhouse – Ex. Director of the Australian
Universities Quality Agency.
6. Mr. John Yip – former Director General of Education in
Singapore
Activity 2.1
Now to check if you have understood what we have discussed so
far, can you outline the role of WEF.
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________

You have just read about the pioneering people involved in the
WOU project. Amongst them is a Prof. Emeritus. What do you
understand by the term Prof. Emeritus and what does the title
confer upon the person ?
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
Draw a chart of the organisational structure of WOU. Your
chart should include all the authorities that make up the U.
To help you to start, the highest authority has been drawn
for you.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Note: You do not have to memorise this chart.

Wawasan Education
Foundation
(Board of Directors
The objective of setting up WOU
 provides a second chance to pursue a post
secondary and tertiary education qualification without
leaving your job.
 help you to succeed by being competitive in the job
market.
 become a productive member of the community
 preparing you for lifelong learning.
 providing at reasonable cost a tertiary education for
working adults.
Printed Course Materials
a. Designed course materials for all units- 5 units and
within each unit, several sections.
There are 2 types of course materials:-
i) Course materials
ii) course guides
Course materials are based on the syllabus approved
by LAN (Lembaga Akreditasi Negara)
Academic services provided by WOU
 a comprehensive package of learning
support
 the main source of info is still the
printed material
b. Course Guide –
 to assist students in understanding the textbook.
 provides additional explanation,exercises and self-
assessment questions
WOU course materials are quite informal in style,
interactive and students are involved via
exercises,questions and self tests.
Other form of course materials – tapes and videos
Activity 2.2
Do you still remember the learning materials that you
used in school?
How different are they from the materials in WOU ?
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
 self-learning materials
 computer laboratories
 learning resources at RO
 digital library
 face to face tutorials
 telephone counselling services
 Internet-based support
 4 ROs throughout Malaysia
 located strategically in offices or buildings
 provide administrative and academic support
 do registration
 pay fees
 get advice and guidance- choice of course
 get info – financial assistance
 collect face-to-face tutorial timetable
 get reference materials-internet, printed/video/
audio materials.
 may conduct tests, exams and online continuous
assessments.
 a good venue to organise discussions/get
together with course mates and also 1st point
 tutor is main contact with WOU
tutor facilitate your learning process.
make learning process smoother and less
lonely.
give you advice and guidance on study
problems
help you build-up your study skills.
help you increase your self-confidence.

Eventually you become an efficient independent

learner.
 courses are credit based.
one credit = 40 hours ( studying, tutorial,TMAs and
self-test)
WOU – 21-week semester (there are 2 semesters
with a 5 wk break)
42 weeks of study (52 – 42 = 10 weeks free time)
REASONS:-
can push you to work harder
a good motivation tool
is another learning occasion
provides feedback to both the student and the
institution
used to determine the achievement of intended
learning outcomes
serve as a quality assurance mechanism
 Final grades = continuous assessment +
final examination
Continuous Assessment = coursework = 3
TMAs( short tests, quizzes, projects, lab
sessions or assignments)
Final exam = end of every semester
1. Take out your calendar and your Student
Handbook. Mark on your calendar the first
day of your first semester. Mark also the last
day of this semester. Indicate when the mid
semester break is. If you do not have the
calendar for the following year, just mark for
this year. You can continue marking when
you get your calendar next year.
2. Refer to the Student Handbook. Mark all the dates
for the tutorial sessions. Check to see if these
dates clash with any of your important activities.
All the tutorials will be held on weekends only.
The tutorials should be given priority over other
activities. This is because you only have a limited
number of tutorials.
3. For each course that you are taking this
semester, check the weightage or
percentage contributed by the
continuous assessment by the
continuous assessment and the final
examination to the overall grade. Is it
the same for each course?
Now, you should have a better understanding
of WOU in relation to your role and
responsibilities as a student here. Its
background, objectives, as well as the
academic organisation and structure were
Explained in this section and we also looked
at the support services that you will receive
as a student here.
Objectives:
By the end of this section, you should be able
to:
1. Describe the characteristics of traditional
learning.
2. Explain the characteristics of open and
distance learning.
3. Differentiate between traditional and distance
learning.
4. Identify the attitudinal changes essential for
successful distance learning.
Think : “How did you learn when you were a student in school?
We………………….
 go to school
 cycled to school
 walked to school
 took a bus to school
School =
 a place where learning occurs.
 has a physical presence
 several buildings in a compound
 studied in classroom that has tables, chairs and blackboard.
 Teacher standing in front of class.
 Teaches by talking and explaining.
 Uses board to write.
 Reads from the board or textbooks.
 Instruct you to do exercises.
 Sets the time.
 Warns you to complete your work.
 Gives you homework
 Reprimands you and caution you not to make noise.
 Tells you to pay attention.
 Apart from teacher you meet your classmates –
5 hrs
 200 days in a year.
 Have plenty of time to do school work and
homework
 Meet your schoolmates to compare notes and
discuss
 You sometimes help your friends in school
work.
 Traditional learning is teacher centred.
 Depend on teacher to instruct.
 Teaching and learning process occurs in school.
 We have to be physically present there.
 Teaching and learning happens at the same time.
 We learn as the teacher teaches in real time.
 expensive – building = brick and mortar system, students at
school-double sessions
 teacher oriented & teacher dependent
 students not proactive – busy listening & taking notes
 teacher sets the pace or learning – to complete syllabus
 an elitist education system – favours better social economic
families- poor children do not go to school & some schools faraway
 schooling is designed only for children –start at age 7
The traditional learning system has a few
weaknesses:
o Expensive to build school
o Teacher dependent
o Teacher oriented
o Fixed years of instruction
o Elitist education system
o For children only
In your opinion, do you think the traditional school
system still discriminates against those from the
lower social economic status ?
Give reasons to support your view.
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
1. Open = available to anyone irrespective of age,
qualification,ethnic group.
2. Distance = you study away from academic institution.
3. Time = the teaching & learning activities are separated.
4. Teaching activites = preparation of course materials
5. Learning activities = studying the materials at home 7
completing assignments.
6. In both the geographical and spatial sense, ODL =
‘distanced’
• The British Open University (England)
• The University of South Africa (South Africa)
• Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University
(Thailand)
• Athabasca University (Canada)
• Indira Gandhi National Open University (India)
• Open University Malaysia (Malaysia)
 the system of learning accessible to all
 learning not necessarily in the presence of teacher
 learning not necessarily take place at the same time as teaching.
 WOU thru’ ODL provides an opportunity to all working and wish
to further education.
 approach to learning is flexible-how,when,where,when etc
 the students are in command
 human touch still maintained via F2F tutorial
 2 main types of separation – spatial & time dimensions.
 some use synchronous mode of instruction.
 requires all students and instructors present
simultaneously/together at the same time.
 How ?
 Via technology – classroom learning, internet chats,
teleconferencing & web conferencing.
 Advantage ?
 The interaction is done in “real time” & immediately
Difficulty?
 when working adults are not free at the same time
 does not require simultaneous participation of students &
instructors e.g. email
 students do not meet at the same time.
 students choose own time frame & interact with the learning
materials, other students & instructors on own schedules.
 more flexible than synchronous instruction.
 self-paced & self-managed learning.
 allows multiple learning levels & schedules.
 Other examples are email, listserves, audiocassette courses,
videotaped courses, correspondence courses & WWW-based
courses.
@ separation of teacher & learner – time, place or both
@ self-managed learning – independent
@ synchronous & asynchronous learning- T & L take place
at the same time or different times.
@ unlimited access to course – 24/7/52
@ “just in time” and on-demand learning- digital learning
deliver knowledge when and where a student needs it
@ institutional accreditation- certified by some institution or
agency
@ use of mixed –media courseware – print, radio, TV
broadcasts, video and audio cassettes,computer-based
learning and telecommunications.
@ two-way communication – allows
Based on what we have discussed so far, can you fill in the table
below with at least 6 differnces between ODL and traditional
students at a tertiary institution (e.g. a university). The first one has
been done for you.
Traditional Student ODL Student
Attends lectures at the time Studies the course materials at a
set by the institution/lecture. time of his/her choice.
1. Responsible – studying thru’ ODL comes with great
responsibility and employers recognise this
2. Dedicated – ODLers = goal oriented & lifelong
learners
3. Possess multitasking skills- ODLers are full-time or
part-time working adults who juggle job, coursework
and family responsibilities
4. Motivated – ODLers = motivated self-starters and
thrive on challenge
5. Forward thinkers – ODLers are innovative &
creative.
1. Good time management
2. Tutor to guide and advise you.
3. Students learnt independently or work in a team.
4. Be more resourceful in finding solutions or initiate calls to
tutor for help.
5. Become more selective and focused in learning to master
new info.
The following is part of a speech of a speech by the Minister of Human
Resources at a function organised by the Malaysian Employers Federation
(MEF). Several problems pertaining to graduates especially local graduates
are highlighted in the speech. As an ODLer and an employee, what do you
think your edge will be over the other local graduates? Write down your
responses in the space provided.
“The private sector requirements on skills competency as highlighted
earlier on is further supported by Bank Negara Malaysia survey on
Employability of Graduates conducted in July 2002 which disclosed that a
major problem is the mismatch of skills as most of the respondents
considered that a significant proportions of graduates did not meet the
skill needs of industries and the problem was more acute for local
graduates. Thus, the private sector gave more preference to employ foreign
graduates rather than local graduates.
As Malaysia needs to enhance its competitiveness in globalised market,
employees are required to acquire knowledge and skills needed for their
present jobs and to develop different skills in order to multitasking duties.
MEF proposed that the curriculum of courses taught by educational
institutions either in private or public sector should prepare the local
graduates to acquire knowledge and skills required by the private sector
thus making them more employable.”
Are you ready to become a distance learner?
Two simple tests are provided here to judge your readiness to become a
distance learner.
Test A
Below are statements that described some of the important characteristics of self-
directed learners. Such learners have a certain degree of autonomy that predisposes
them to be successful in a variety of learning contexts, including distance learning or
distance education. DEARS is a non-scientific instrument that is intended to provide
general guideline for those considering courses or even a degree via education
means any form of instructional delivery that does not involve continuous teacher
student interaction in a F2F classroom setting. By assessing yourself on the DEARS
statements, you will get an idea of your predisposition and temperament for a
successul distance education experience. Rate each statement according to the
scale below. And please be as honest as possible!
1. - Never
2. - Very frequently
3. - Sometimes
4. - Frequently
5. - Always
_______ 1. I take responsibilty for my own learning.
________2. I am regarded by my peers as a self-starter.
________3. I can stay on task without constant feedback about my performance.
________4. I am a person who is curious about many things.
________5. I often figure out novel ways to solve problems.
________6. I enjoy helping others who have learning needs.
________7. Once I have goals or a set of objectives, I can determine what I
need to do to reach them.
________8. I recognise and know how to use feedback about progress on a
learning task that I have undertaken.
________9. I am good at visualising how things would be when they are the
way I want them to be.
________10. I am good at logistics. I can determine what is needed and devise
a plan for getting it.
________11. I believe that knowledge is largely constructed by the
learner, and that teachers are more facilitators of learning
than dispensers of information.
________12. I understand how I learn best and often think of ways I
can improve.
________13. I know what I believe but I am open to other
opinions that may be contrary to my beliefs.
________14. I enjoy learning that is both interesting and challenging,
and I am motivated in such situations to go beyond the
minimum requirements.
________15. I am able to translate learning objectives that reflect
my own personal style of learning.

________Total
The total scores are explained below. The maximum score you can get is 75.
Obviously, the higher the number, the higher your potential to benefit from
your WOU experience.

55-57 You should have no difficulty with distance education courses. You have a
pronounced sense of autonomy and self-direction. These are important
qualities that will make it easier for you to cope with WOU courses.

45-54 You will probably do well in a distance education course. However, you need
to remind yourself that you have to be focused and to stay on task.

30-34 Well, if your score falls within this range, studying through distance
education will be a challenge. You are more inclined to the traditional
learning environment. You will miss the classroom interaction context a great
deal. However, you can still make it by being aware of the ODL system and
quickly et yourself into this new mode of learning.
29 and I hope your score does not fall within this range. Distance education is
below probably not a good idea for you! Don’t give up!! I would like encourage you
to take the challenge and make sincere and real hard efforts to succeed.
In this section , you learnt about the
characteristics of traditional and distance
learning. By understanding the differences
between traditional and distance learning, you
will be more aware of the attitudinal and
mental changes that you need make in order to
become a successful open distance learner.
Objectives
By the end of this section, you should
be able to:
1.Understand constructivism and oDL.
2.Identify the four learning modes of
ODL.
3.Apply the four learning modes in
your studies.
• You are an independent learner now.
• WOU is a dedicated distance education institution.
• WOU successfully design and implement ways to make
your learning easier and smoother.
• You need to know about constructivist learning philosophy
and how it relates to you as ODLer.
• Constructivist philosophy is based on the concept of
human beings being seekers and builders of knowledge.
• ODL offers the widest chance to practise the ideas behind
Constructivism-widely accepted learning philosophy in ODLing.
 By reflecting on our experiences we build our own understanding of the
world we live in.
 We generate our own “metaphors”, “rules” and “mental models”
 Learning is thus making adjustments to our mental models to include all
these new “experiences”.
 Learning is an active process which cannot be imposed on a person.
 Learning is active mental work, not passive reception of teaching.
 Use of technologies in ODL provide an ideal environment for infusing
the constructivism principles.
 Use of computer mediated communication and computer-supported work,
offer the field of ODL alternative ways of learning.
 Constructivism encourages active, collaborative, and responsible learners.
 WOU LMS – WawasanLearn is an example of constructivists practices
 The search engines like Google, Yahoo!, where you search and construct your
your own personal view about a concept or a specific topic of study.
 It is a student-centred approach where students take charge of their learning
experiences.
 Teachers are knowledge experts.
 Students are challenged to produce reality based products such as oral
presentations or projects papers.
 Students have opportunity to discuss and question each other’s understanding
and explain their own perspectives.
 It encourages collaboration between teachers and students where learning and
instruction are shared.
Constructivist checklist
This checklist serves as a simple measure of some of the ways in which
the constructivist characteristics are present in your assignments, projects,
activities and ultimately in your learning environment. The observation
should provide insights into the ways in which constructivist philosophy
translate into practice in oDL settings. The checklist should only be applied
to assignments, projects, activities which are presented to you online. It
may not always be possible to observe all of the characteristics. Certain
projects may emphasise fewer characteristics depending on the content
and the group of students. So, do not worry if not all the characteristics are
present in the assignments, projects, activities.
Refer to page 31
There are 4 major modes:
1. Self-learning
2. F2F learning
3. Group learning
4. Online learning
1. Spending time reading course materials on your own.
2. Make decisions on when, what, how and where to study.
3. Wrong decision = problems and not accomplishing anything at
the end of semester.
4. Course materials = print-based, video and audio materials,CD-
ROM and streaming video systems.
5. Also other materials from RO or public library and WOU DL.
6. Additional reading materials = textbooks, journal articles and
specimen examination questions.
7. There is a summary to every of the 5 units.
1. Look through all the course materials which you have
received. Make a list of all of them. Write down briefly
what each course material is about.

No. Title of Course What is it about

Materials
2. Did you receive any other form of course
materials other than the printed one?
What are the non printed course materials you
received?
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
________________
1. In ODL you study independently at own time and
place.
2. The tutor is not a content provider.
3. Tutor has a facilitative role.
4. Tutors are the key interface between WOU and your
understanding of the course materials.
5. Tutor provides personal touch and academic support
via tutorials, assignment marking and feedback,
telephone tutoring and online support at LMS.
6. The most important is F2F tutorial sessions.
7. Tutorials – 5 sessions = 10 hours. Enough ?????
8. All students are encouraged to attend tutorials.
9. The tutorial sessions are for you to:-
a. Interact with the tutor.
b. Hand in your assignments.
c. Sit for short tests or lab classes.
d. Interact with other students of the course.
10. Participate actively in tutorial class.
11. Share your knowledge and understanding with others.
12. Major activities at tutorial = completion of TMAs.(3)
13. TMAs can be essay, short test, short project, research
proposals or presentations.
14. TMA 1 is normally due on the 2nd tutorial
15. Tutor will return TMA 1 on 3rd tutorial with grade and
comments.
16. Work of tutors:-
i. facilitate your learning process
ii. Highlight the most important points via explanation
examples and personal experiences.
iii. Provide alternative interpretations
iv. Help solve individual problems.
17. In a nutshell tutors provide a personalised learning
experience.
18. TMAs = effective personalised learning tools.
19. Via TMAs tutors can:-
a. Comment on your understanding of the course content.
b. Point out weaknesses, highlight areas or topics you should
pay more attention or need further clarification.
c. Refer you back to specific sections of the study units and/or
make any further suggestions.
Tutorials No. 1 2 3 4 5

Meeting by week number at the 1st 5th 9th 13th 17th

latest:
Submission of student TMAs at the TMA1 TMA2 TMA3
latest:
Return of marked TMAs by tutor TMA1 TMA2 TMA3

Above is summary of the schedule for tutorials.

Refer to your Student Handbook. Write down all the dates for your
tutorials sessions in the table below.

No Tutorial Sessions schedule Dates

1. Tutorial 1 1st Week
2. Tutorial 2 2nd Week
3. Tutorial 3 3rd Week
4. Tutorial 4 4th Week
5. Tutorial 5 5th Week
Tutorial time table
Note: Exact dates of tutorial may vary. Please check with ROs.
Before tutorials:
 Read thru’ the course materials provided.
 Mark important points in materials.
 Find out more about topics you are reading.
 Make a note on those parts of the topic you do not
understand.
 Write down questions you want to ask tutor.
 Jot in notebook.
 Listen attentively
 Take part in discussions
 Clarify aspects you do not understand with
tutor.
 Ask tutor questions jotted down earlier.
 Take note work you need to do.
 Spend time looking thru’ your course materials after
tutorials.
 think broadly, integrate ideas and concepts, see
connections between these.
 Read further on area you do not understand.
 Make notes on your course materials.
 Try above suggestions for your coming tutorials.
One of the main sources of online learning at WOU = LMS
Learning management system (LMS)
• complements and supports the students’ course materials
• specially created to facilitate learning.
• a web-based learning platform.
• allows you to interact, communicate and learn from tutor and
coursemates.
i. Send/receive emails.
ii. A place where tutor can hold online discussion/conference with
a group of students on delayed time (asynchronous conference)
iii. A place where tutor and students discuss a topic in real time via
web-based chat and other forums (synchronous conferencing)
iv. 3 major tools provided:
a. Communicate and collaborate your learning.
b. Share resources and info
c. Access course materials and references
1. Communicate and collaborate your learning:
You do not:-
a. go to school
b. see you course mates
c. see tutor everyday
Who do you turn to when you have problems?
LMS provides 3 channels to communicate with coursemates and tutors.
a. Electronic mails (email)
 Very popular nowadays
 Useful for communications and learning
 Fast and convenience
 Can exchange notes and reading materials
 Big problem???? = VIRUS!!!!
 Update anti-virus software
 With WawasanLearn you are given a free email account
 2 most common free web emails are – i. Hotmail ii. Yahoo mail
 Check you email account regularly
b. Online discussions
 LMS is an asynchronous type of delivery system
 You do not need to be online at the same time as
your friend or tutor.
 Usually tutor give you a topic for discussion
 Or you may post a question
 May do it after work or before bed or lunch break
1. You should have acquired some knowledge of the LMS now.
How do you think it can help you with your learning?
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

2. You would like to ask your tutor about the exam format for the course
“Learning Skills for University Studies”. How can the LMS help you to
do it?
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
 via Internet and WawasanLearn
 Digital Library
 If you do not have computer, visit cybercafe
 Share info you find related to courses and you will be loaded with info.
 sharing of info is an important aspect of learning.
 This is so because you are busy.
 It is easy to share via WawasanLearn
 Common method = use email by LMS
 If materials lengthy attach.
 inform coursemates via online forums.
 Form informal study groups
 Take telephone nos. of those interested to form group.
 Exchange telephone nos. and email
 Many advantages ;- 1. motivate to study better
2. brainstorm new ideas or materials
3. emotional and academic support
4. share problems
5. discuss assignments or tutorial tasks
6. won’t be lonely
1. As an ODL student you need to change your modes of learning
2. 4 modes of learning are:-
i. self-managed
ii. F2F learning
iii. Online learning
iv. Group learning
3. Constructivist learning philosophy
Unit 2 is very important
• explains everything you need to know about WOU
• background and organisational structure-academic
structure
• types of assessments
• people who provide the necessary support
• Difference between traditional and DL systems
• Different modes of learning
The open distance learning system is different from
traditional learning. Describe the change in the
learning modes you have to adopt as an open and
distance learner.
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Open distance learning is a relatively new concept
in Malaysia. However this education system is a
gaining more popularity as its unique
characteristics are appealing and suitable for many
people. What are the distinct features of the ODL
system? Discuss six (6) of these features to
illustrate why more people are turning to the ODL
system to pursue their education. (30 marks)
You have studied about the major modes of learning
under the ODL system. Based on your experience as
an open distance learner, choose one(1) mode of
learning which you have found to be important.
Provide five (5) reasons why this mode of learning is
important and effective. Support your answer with
personal and relevant examples.
(40 marks)
One of your coursemates, Jeffri, thinks
that assessments and examinations are
a waste of time. However, you believe
that examinations are essential
especially in a formal education system.
Justify your stand by explaining the
importance of assessments to Jeffri.
(30 marks)