Okebukola lists steps to transform distance learning
Pro-Chancellor of Crawford University, Igbesa, Prof Peter Okebukola has underscored the importance of capacity building of lecturers as one of the factors for the transformation of a Distance Learning Institute (DLI).
While delivering a lecture titled: The changing Landscape of Open and Distance Learning and the Impact of Emerging Technologies at the 2013 Public Lecture of the Distance Learning Institute, University of Lagos (UNILAGE) which took place in the main auditorium, Okebukola said the workers should be trained to develop Open Education Resources (OERs), set up and manage online courses, and digitalise course materials.
He also said training in video recording and video streaming of lessons, online testing, implementing Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), security and copyright issues in OER and MOOCs and online student support are equally important.
After training, Okebukola said the institute needs to install the necessary infrastructure for developing OERs and delivering MOOCs.
Okebukola said distance learning is relatively flexible in its delivery and communication patterns as well as the use of various technologies to support learning.
He said it is aimed at doing away with those days when teachers and students had to be physically in the same place for learning to take place.
Speaking about the future of Open Distance Learning (ODL) Okebukola quoted Granthan’s ”Five future technology that will share our classrooms”, which includes biometrics, augmented reality glasses and multi-touch surfaces and other technologies that will completely change the learning space.
“Biometrics is the technology used to recognise humans based on specific physical or behavioural traits. In the future, this technology will help intelligent software completely understand the physical and emotional state of students learning in the classroom, home or work place. Course materials presented to students can be altered on the fly and will be perfectly tailored to individual needs based on biometric signals from students.
“Physical traits such as facial expression, heart rate, skin moisture and even odour can be used to create detailed reports on students understanding and performance, behavioural signs such as typing rhythm, gait voices can let teachers know when students are in need of additional assistance as well as help them understand what teaching techniques work best for individual students,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the Director DLI, UNILAG, Prof Funke Lawal, said the institute has produced course materials which the full time lecturers in the university have certified to be great development in their work. “The course materials purposely produced for DLI students are now being used in the regular classrooms. Course writers and users have confessed that these materials are helping their students to master their courses, improve substantially in difficult subjects and earn higher grades.
The materials have relieved the lecturers from pressure and made their work easy.”
She urged the university management to multiply this benefit in all the units of the university saying that she will be happy to serve the university in the production of print course materials.
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