College of Education Hosts Workshop on open and Distance Learning

11 Jul, 2018by skdagudetse

A group photograph

The College of Education has hosted a workshop on open and distance learning, organized by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) and the Regional Training and Research Institute for Distance and Open Learning at the National Open University of Nigeria (RETRIDOL/NOUN).

Open and Distance Learning (ODL) is a philosophy of learning centered on flexibility and access to instructions in order to increase availability of educational opportunities for all. The workshop was designed to train participants to do further training in ODL.

Delivering the welcome address, Prof. Michael Tagoe, Acting Provost of the College of Education, noted that global statistics show that enrolment in higher education is very low in Africa, while generally, developed countries have about fifty percent (50%) of their populations in higher education. He challenged participants to fully participate in the activities during the workshop and help promote enrolment in higher education in West Africa through ODL.

Prof Michael Tagoe speaking at the workshop

Delivering the introductory address, Professor Patrick Eya, the Director for RETRIDOL/NOUN noted that the main objective of the workshop was to deepen participants’ knowledge of ODL concepts and to empower them to apply these concepts to fit and augment access for distance learners. The expected outcome was for participants to acquire knowledge and skills needed to train constituents at their home institutions in the practice of ODL.

Professor Patrick Eya, Director for RETRIDOL/NOUN

Dr. Clifford Amini (right), a resource person

The main resource persons of the workshop, Dr. Clifford Amini and Dr. Olugbenga Ojo discussed topics including Fundamentals of ODL, Justification for ODL in Nigeria and Ghana, the Development and Relevance of Distance Learning Centres, Planning for a Distance Learning Centre, Quality Assurance in ODL and Resourcing Distance Learning Centres.

Professor Olivia Kwapong, Head of Department, Adult Education and Human Resource Studies made a presentation on “The Distance Education Landscape and Contemporary Issues in ODL in Ghana”. She urged participants to see education not just as a tool and a privilege but also as a right for every citizen. Professor Kwapong emphasized that any level of education can be attained through ODL and urged policymakers in the West African sub-region to make education more accessible to all.