Strategies for Ensuring Quality in Open and Distance Learning

• Main Authors: Mansor Fadzil, Tengku Amina Munira Tengku Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Published: 2008
• Subjects: LC5201 Education extension. Adult education. Continuing education
• Online Access: http://library.oum.edu.my/repository/163/1/strategies_for_ensuring.pdf; http://library.oum.edu.my/repository/163/
• Institution: Open University Malaysia

The quality of higher education provided by Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institutions has been considered to be lower than that of conventional universities. This is possibly due to the “part time” nature of ODL, the modes of teaching and learning, as well as the image of open universities as giving a “second chance” education to working adults. However, Open University Malaysia (OUM) believes that this perception of lower quality can be addressed through proper deployment of key strategies. In the context of OUM, the strategies include (a) adequate preparation for prospective learners;(b) quality learning materials; (c) quality tutors; (d) quality assessment methods; (e) quality support services; (f) embracing appropriate technologies; and (g) capacity building. This paper will introduce OUM as a relatively young ODL institution and discuss in detail the said strategies. OUM believes that confronting this issue of quality is important to ensure that educational services and consequently, the graduates of ODL institutions are on par with traditional institutions. (Author's abstract)