Open Learning Centres An overview based on Western Cape experience.
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Transcript of Open Learning Centres An overview based on Western Cape experience.
Open Learning Centres
An overview based on Western Cape experience
OPEN LEARNING CENTRE
CRAWFORD
PROGRESS REPORT no 3
14th FEBRUARY 2006
PROGRESS TO DATE
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
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
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
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
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
OLC reportingElement Status RemarksInstallation of computers Fully installed and
operational
Installation of Internet Cafe Fully installed Will be operational after 23rd February
Thin Client Server Configured and operational
Antivirus Software, Network Control, WebCt.l
Client Plug-in still to be configured
Procurement of books, magazines etc Complete
Installation of smart card system and access control
Work in progress Schedule for final completion mid February 2006
Installation of Library Edupals Cataloguing software.
Installation Complete Training of staff work in progress.
Access Control & Smartcard systems Will be installed on 23rd February
Server and OLC Website 80% complete To be flighted on launch day 15th March 2006
College OLC Operational Plan Work in Progress
•PROGRESS TO DATE
The Open Learning Centre concept• Irwin Hearn 22 April 2005
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.
THANK YOU