Expanding quality distance provision in an integrated post- schooling system Kethamonie Naidoo NADEOSA Conference - 24 June 2014 University of Pretoria

BACKGROUND CHE accreditation & re-accreditation Trends Focus on quality, appropriateness & relevance Distance higher education programmes in the digital era (CHE/SAIDE) –Accreditation criteria –A good practice guide Conceptual models and tools

ACCREDITATION CRITERIA (1) 1Programme design 2Student Recruitment, Admission & Selection 3&4Staffing 5Teaching and Learning Strategy 6Assessment 7Library Services 8Programme Administrative Services 9Postgraduate Policies, Procedures & Regulations 10Programme Coordination

ACCREDITATION CRITERIA (2) 11 Academic Development 12 Teaching and Learning Interactions 13 Student Assessment Practices 14 Assessment System 15 Coordination of WIL 16 Delivery of Postgraduate Programmes 17 Student Retention and Throughput 18 Employability and Recognition 19 Programme Evaluation

QUALITY FOCUS Input, Process & Output Criteria Minimum Standards Change of Mode & Site of Delivery Re-accreditation Concerns & Complaints Courtesy Visits Site Visits Withdrawal of Accreditation

A CONTINUUM GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION OF STUDENTS & LECTURERS Face-to-Face (F2F)Mixed Mode Distance On Campus Off Campus

EXTENT OF ICT SUPPORT OFF- LINE ON-LINE No Digital support Digitally supported Internet supported Internet dependent Fully On-line

PRINCIPLES: HE Learning and Teaching Outcomes and graduate attributes Student centred learning Active learning Interactive learning Experiential learning - WIL Scaffolding

QUALITY, RELEVANCE & APPROPRIATENESS Standards – Qualification type, NQF level and level descriptors HR needs + articulation pathways CAT and RPL Technology Library and learning resources

Infrastructure WIL Student supportStaffing Recruitment, admission & selection Pedagogy PROGRAMME DESIGN Learning materials Library services

QUALITY DISTANCE EDUCATION Context Coherence of programme design Outcomes, NQF level and standards Student support Textbooks, learning guide and library resources Geographic location Class size and pedagogy

CONCERNS Over-reliance on consultants Terminology confusion, eg., DE & ODL Satellite campuses vs. Tuition centres Collaborations Dropouts & low pass rates

Needs, Purposes Intended learning outcomes Ideas, Planning processe s Needs, Purposes Intended learning outcomes Ideas, Planning processe s Revision Review Revision Review Draft → Pilot → Implement Evaluate, Reflect Revise Evaluate, Reflect Revise Cyclical course development and review Project management Team building Resourcing and budgeting The iterative nature of learning resource development

ANDERSON’S MODEL FOR ON-LINE LEARNING

CONCLUSION DISTANCE EDUCATION will result in: Improved access to post-school education Increased flexible and open learning Exciting, creative and innovative use of technology It should not result in: Poor quality education Inferior infrastructure and resource provision Exploitation of students