1. Open Learning Centres An overview based on Western Cape experience

2. PROGRESS TO DATE

3. Overall objectives of OLC’s Engender a culture of lifelong learning Ensure greater accessibility to learning opportunities Promote the notion of anywhere anytime learning By using a combination of different modes of delivery Provides a flexible environment for learning Learner centred learning where the learner takes the initiative

4. Specific objectives of OLC’s Makes academic resources available to communities Provides flexible modes of delivery Provides for blended learning technology Provides for self-directed learning Provides resources (internet, databases and library) Provides access to learning in remote and rural areas

5. Open Learning Centres Access Issues Distribution: Objective to have OLC’s at every campus Deep rural campuses and over-subscribed inner urban campuses prioritised (open access) Utilisation: Time-tabled for all students (blended learning) Extended hours and days (weekends, holidays, early morning and at night) Management: Deputy Principal innovation, OLC manager and Blended learning manager

6. OLC services Typical services include PLATO – Tuition in English, Maths, Life Skills etc – Pathways Management system (individualised curriculum) CAP testing PROGRAMMES MEDIA CENTRE COPYING FACILITIES INFO CENTRE IT SERVICES PLATO ADMIN

7. OLC programmes – E-Learning (e.g. ICDL) – Blended Learning – Media Centre for reference/research – on an offline library facilities which include videos, DVD’s e-books and text books – Copying facilities (including faxing, binding, laminating and printing – fees are applicable) – Learner support and guidance is based at the OLC and works in tandem with PACE careers programme – Internet Café (fee based) – OLC services are available to the whole community and not only registered students

8. OLC reporting ElementStatusRemarks Installation of computersFully installed and operational Installation of Internet CafeFully installedWill be operational after 23 rd February Thin Client ServerConfigured and operational Antivirus Software, Network Control, WebCt.l Client Plug-in still to be configured Procurement of books, magazines etcComplete Installation of smart card system and access control Work in progressSchedule for final completion mid February 2006 Installation of Library Edupals Cataloguing software. Installation CompleteTraining of staff work in progress. Access Control & Smartcard systemsWill be installed on 23 rd February Server and OLC Website80% completeTo be flighted on launch day 15 th March 2006 College OLC Operational PlanWork in Progress PROGRESS TO DATE

9. The Open Learning Centre concept Irwin Hearn 22 April 2005

10. Conclusion – OLC’s are not an option – they are a given – Traditional approaches to taking education and training to the population are not sustainable – As a methodology for providing education they are rapidly becoming defunct as people are learning more through their phones than they do in the classroom – The way forward is teaching thousands of students through scheduled visits to a single OLC. – It is cheaper to buy students notepads than building campuses for billions.

12. THANK YOU