01. Research & Publications

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Open Access
Addressing the Learning Needs of Out-of-School Children and Youths through the Expansion of Open Schooling
(2020-12) Mays, Tony; Singh, Rajiv Kumar
At any one time, about 300 million children of school going age are not in school. Experience indicates that when schooling is disrupted, whether by a pandemic, a natural disaster or other reasons, not all children return to the classroom. In addition, most countries have growing numbers of young people who have not completed schooling, or not well enough to progress, and who find themselves neither in employment nor in further education and training. Open schooling can create learning opportunities for those not in school, those who left school and those who are in school but not learning effectively. // There is no single model for open schooling provision which might offer a complementary or alternative curriculum, or both. However, all models can benefit from greater use of open educational resources; open, distance and flexible methods and open educational practices. In this way it is possible to address issues of access, quality and affordability in a sustainable way. // Addressing the Learning Needs of Out-of-School Children and Youths through the Expansion of Open Schooling makes a case for open schooling to be an integral part of future-looking education systems that will be more resilient to changing contexts and needs. // The nine chapters in Part A of the book explore the need for and nature of open schooling as well as cross-cutting issues related to curriculum, open educational resources, technology enabled learning, monitoring and evaluation, finance, open and distance learning methods and open educational practices, as well as gender and policy. The first four chapters in Part B then explore open schooling practice in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the Pacific. In the final chapter, the editors summarise the key issues which policy and practice need to address. // This book offers guidelines and examples that will be of use to teachers, managers, policy-makers and education leaders interested to ensure that the education system meets the needs of all children and youths.
Open Access
Adoption and Utilisation of Workplace E-Learning Practices in the Public Sector Organisations: A Systematic Review
(2023-11-17) Serema, Marguerite Margie; Shihomeka, Sadrag Panduleni; Shalyefu, Rakel Kavena; Panda, Santosh
The e-learning concept is increasingly receiving attention in education but there seems to be inadequate guidance in developing a formal programme for implementing e-learning, especially in the public sector. Hence, this study focuses on aggregating information on the adoption and utilisation of e-learning in the public sector and attempting the development of a conceptual model for understanding workplace e-learning implementation. A systematic search of the literature was conducted to collect all the literature addressing the adoption and utilisation of e-learning in the public sector. This review brought to light key factors that influence the adoption and utilisation of e-learning amongst public sector employees, including attitude, satisfaction, behaviour intention, continuance intention, or behaviour to use e-learning. The adoption and utilisation of e-learning in the public sector requires a carefully thought-through and evidence-based approach, especially the development of the e-learning programme.
Open Access
An Analysis of Heutagogical Practices through Mobile Device Usage in a Teacher Training Programme in Malawi
(2020-07-20) Chimpololo, Andrew
This paper analyses the mediation of heutagogical practices using mobile devices in a teacher training programme in Malawi. Existing literature suggests that the use of mobile devices facilitates the development of heutagogy, an educational approach characterised by interdependent learning, double- and triple-loop learning and participation in communities of practice. The study draws on three major heutagogical principles for its theoretical foundation. It adopts the case study method, and uses questionnaire, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and personal diaries for data collection. Mobile phone ownership is almost universal at the college and most of the student-teachers possess at least one Internet-enabled device. Despite laptop ownership and institutional access to computers being low, a relatively high number of student-teachers frequently use computers in their studies to complement mobile phones. Regarding heutagogical practices, few student-teachers claim to engage in interdependent learning as well as double- and triple-loop learning. Conversely, most of them tend to participate in communities of practice, particularly those involving students only. In addition, few student-teachers hold the intention to use their devices in their own teaching.
Open Access
Analysis of ICT Competencies Among Distance Learning Students in selected Study Centres of the National Open University of Nigeria
(2020-03-20) Amini, Moses; Oluyide, Oluwaseun
The research evaluated the ICT competencies of Distance learning students of the National Open University of Nigeria, as a pre-requisite for their effectiveness in a computer-based learning environment. 186 students (66 males and 120 females) responded to the questionnaire: Learners’ Competency in the use of ICT (LC in CT), which was adopted from the UNESCO Competency Standard (2008). Results show that distance learning students of the National Open University of Nigeria show competencies in the use of ICT to deepen knowledge. However, only a few can use technology and ICT to create knowledge. This is despite many of the students showing a high level of literacy in computer and technology. The result of hypotheses shows that students’ qualification influences their competency in ICT but their gender never affects ICT competency. The research recommends the strengthening of General Studies (GST) course in computer and technology.
Open Access
Assessing E-Learning Readiness at the Kenya Technical Teachers College
(2014) Okinda, Robert A
The purpose of this survey was to assess the level of e-learning readiness at the Kenya Technical Teachers College (KTTC). This was part of an institution-wide strategy to guide the adoption and implementation of e-learning at KTTC. The main objectives of the survey were, to: assess the level of e-learning readiness by establishing a baseline aggregative index; and, recommend activities to improve the readiness that facilitate effective deployment of e-learning technologies in teaching, learning and research. Various models used for measuring e-readiness within the ADDIE model of instructional design were reviewed. Engholms’ model for assessing e-learning readiness provided the conceptual foundation for the survey and informed its objectives and methodology. A survey was used to capture the respondents’ perception of the level of e-learning readiness along five dimensions adapted from Engholm using a five-point Likert scale. Samples were collected based on quantitative and qualitative methods using self-administered questionnaires and interviews.
Open Access
An Assessment of Computer and ICT Skills at Botswana Open University: Implications of ICT in Business Subjects
(2022-03-19) Hamaluba, Tommie; Panda, Santosh
This paper presents a study that focused on assessing computer and ICT skills of business subjects’ learners at Botswana Open University (BOU). The study explored the levels of computer skills; existence of ICT skills and perception of business subject learners on the adoption and use of ICT skills for teaching and learning. A sample size of 223 participants from BOU’s five regions was studied and data was collected quantitatively using survey questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. The results showed that most of the respondents had average ability to navigate on the e-learning school platforms (E-library, portals, websites, etc.) and average awareness of the business learning software and applications; they were familiar with most MS package elements, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher. They were familiar with the use of emails, social sites and blogs as well as internet searching and browsing. Results also showed that the respondents understood the basic functions of computer hardware. The study also revealed that respondents needed improvement in the use of ICT tools for learning their business subjects, and that the improvement of the use of ICT tools would enhance their understanding of the subject matter. Respondents cited poor internet connectivity and unreliable power supply, as well as slow internet connectivity, as some of the reasons for their poor ICT skills in teaching and learning ICTs.
Open Access
Assessment of Tutors’ Level of ICT Competencies in Teaching in Teacher Education in Tanzania
(2022-11-21) Lubuva, Elisei Emili; Ndibalema, Placidius; Mbwambo, Esther; Panda, Santosh
This study assessed tutors’ level of ICT competencies and factors that influenced application of ICT-pedagogical competencies in teaching in two Teachers’ Colleges. It adopted the level of ICT competencies from the UNESCO ICT-Competence Framework for Teachers. A self-rating questionnaire was used to collect numeric data involving 70 tutors. Two Focus group Interviews involving eight (8) participants in each college among the 70 respondents were used to collect qualitative data. Mean scores and independent sample t-test were used to compare respondents’ level of ICT competencies. Standard multiple regression was used to evaluate the contribution of factors in predicting ICT-pedagogical competencies. The findings revealed that knowledge acquisition was high, which signifies confidence in basic ICT skills. Knowledge deepening was low, which signifies low application of ICT-pedagogical competencies in teaching across subjects. Regression results revealed that practice had a positive unique influence in predicting tutors’ competencies in knowledge deepening. These findings suggest that tutors need more hands-on training in applying ICT-pedagogical competencies in their classroom practice.
Open Access
Barriers to the Quality of Emergency Online Pedagogies in Higher Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study from the University of Namibia
(2021-11-19) Kadhila, Ngepathimo; Nyambe, John; Panda, Santosh
Using the TIPEC framework, this study undertook a critical literature analysis, and student survey to explore challenges experienced by higher education institutions during emergency online pedagogies because of disruptions from the COVID-19 outbreak. The study revealed that most higher education institutions are still grappling with getting technicalities in place such as reliable network connectivity, IT capacity, clear navigation to learning content, timetabling, and session scheduling, and reliable hardware and software required to access online learning platforms to keep teaching and learning afloat. However, little attention is placed on the provision of quality online learning. Therefore, there is a need to move towards enabling epistemological access through the use of online tools in a pedagogically sound and inclusive manner to enable students to develop critical thinking skills. The current quality assurance practices also need to transform to effectively respond to the learning needs of the new normal. Students also need to be equipped with skills that will empower them to effectively use the online system.
Open Access
Baseline Study for Distance Technical and Professional Education in Mozambique
(2015-07) Romiszowski, Alexander
This baseline study has been undertaken to describe and analyse the current situation with respect to TVET, in order to evaluate the needs and the viability of employing open and distance Learning (ODL), and in particular eLearning in a flexible and blended approach. The main focus of the study is directed to that part of the system that is under the responsibility of the National Directorate for Technical and Professional Education (DINET) – namely the pre-tertiary level public-sector TVET institutions. These institutions are classified into three levels, equivalent to the subdivisions of the general education system: elementary, basic and medium, the last being equivalent to high school – the 11th and 12th grades. Elementary level courses are offered in 36 technical schools, 28 offer basic level courses and 19 offer courses at the medium level, a total of 85.
Open Access
Baseline Study on Technology-Enabled Learning at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute
(2023-07) Rampersad, R D; Chadeea, T K
his report presents the findings of a baseline survey conducted at the Mahatma Gandhi Institute, Mauritius to strengthen implementation of technology-enabled learning (TEL). The majority teachers and students have access to smartphone. The campus has Wi-Fi, but there is need of higher bandwidth to support blended learning. There is limited preparedness for TEL at the institutional level. While the basic IT skills are there, both students and teachers need advance training to use technologies effectively for teaching and learning. The study provides a baseline for comparing progress of technology integration in teaching in future.
Open Access
Baseline Study on Technology-Enabled Learning at the University of Kabianga
(2023-08) Kamonjo, Florence W; Ngatia, David; Tabot, Benedicta; Onsare, Paul
This report presents the findings of a baseline study conducted at the University of Kabianga (UoK), Kenya. The study’s aim was to establish the status of access to and use of information and communication technologies (ICT) for teaching and learning at UoK. The baseline study established that UoK’s institutional preparedness status can be represented as ‘emerging preparedness.’ UoK provides Internet access to both instructors and learners in some areas of the university. However, learners felt they should have Internet access in more places, including their hostels, to improve the TEL experience. Learners had positive perceptions about using technology in their learning, but they indicated the need for greater bandwidth and for more desktop computers to be available in non-ICT courses. The study also established that lecturers have positive attitudes towards the use of TEL. However, they have concerns about a lack of faculty training on TEL and a lack of time to develop courses for delivery using technology.
Open Access
A Baseline Study on Technology-Enabled Learning in the African and Mediterranean Countries of the Commonwealth: Report
(2015-09) Isaacs, Shafika
The study reports the findings of a desk review derived from Internet-based searches on the status of technology-enabled learning (TEL) in the African and Mediterranean countries of the Commonwealth in June 2015. Wherever possible, practitioners and policy makers from each country were consulted through informal discussions, either via email or face to face during the process of preparation of the report. While it provides an illustrative snapshot of the status of TEL, it cannot claim to be a comprehensive review of investments and progress in TEL at institutional, national and regional levels as the findings are based largely from information gathered through Internet searches. Each country reports present the findings systematically covering: basic information about the country, national policies, systems and programmes, ICT access and use, major nation and institutional initiatives on use of ICTs in education, open educational resources, and prospects and challenges. A detailed list of initiatives and policies are listed in an appendix with links to the sources.
Open Access
Baseline Study on the Current State of Open and Distance Learning in Cameroon
(2016-03) Ndongfack, Michael N
Meeting in Mauritius in May 2014, COL Focal Points from Africa and the Mediterranean Regions reviewed the state of ODL in their respective countries and proceeded to map out their strategic plans for 2015–2018. The report from Cameroon demonstrated that although the country is making some progress in the domain of ODL, it lacks an ODL policy framework, a national body to manage distance education and expertise in the field of ODL. To address the issues raised, it was important to establish the baseline situation. The general objective of this study was to establish the current situation of ODL in Cameroon.
Open Access
Baseline Study on the Status of Open and Distance Learning in Rwanda
(2016-07) Mukama, Evode
The purpose of the study was to gather current baseline data on the status of open, distance and eLearning (ODeL) in Rwanda. This data is vital to the planning of projects and initiatives that support the use of ODeL in the country. Having a deep and clear picture of the current developments is also critical for the success of engagement by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), and will ensure that the proposed projects are conceptualised based on an accurate picture of the country context and what is available.
Open Access
Baseline–Endline Report: Preventing Child, Early and Forced Marriage (CEFM) through Open, Distance and Technology- Based Education in Bangladesh, Mozambique, Pakistan and Tanzania
(2019-08) Smith, Kristina
This report explores the results of the Baseline-Endline study conducted throughout the project to capture its long-term impacts, and was conceptualised through the Performance Measurement Framework (PMF). Surveys were created to measure changes in attitudes and behaviours from before and after participation in the project among the women and girls, employers, community members and organisational partners. This report unpacks the results of these surveys and draws on supporting qualitative data, drawn from open-ended questions, case studies and partner reports, to highlight changes that occurred during the project.
Open Access
Benchmarking of Technology-Enabled Learning at Kibabii University
(2023-04) Uys, Philip
This report presents the findings of the TEL benchmarking carried out at the Kibabii University (KIBU) during March -April 2023. It provides an overview of the methodology, the validated self-study report and an action plan developed by the KIBU team.
Open Access
Benefits and Challenges of OER for Higher Education Institutions
(2010) Hodgkinson-Williams, Cheryl
Paper commissioned by the Commonwealth of Learning for workshop discussions at the Open Educational Resources (OER) Workshop for Heads of Commonwealth Universities, Cape Town, South Africa, 28 April 2010, and workshop discussions at the Open Educational Resources (OER) Workshop for Quality Assurance Agencies, Windhoek, Namibia, 3 May 2010.
Open Access
Best Practices in Open and Distance Education: Case Studies from Commonwealth Countries
(2021) Panigrahi, Manas Ranjan; Mishra, Sudarshan
The diversity of population with respect to age, qualifi cations, locality and social and economic status cannot be addressed through a single and traditional mode of education. Secondly, growing need for continuous upgradation of knowledge and skills and technological advances mean that traditional ways of organising education and learning systems need to be augmented with innovative, fl exible and technology-driven methods, so as to universalise education as a fundamental right of all people. It is well accepted that Open and Distance Learning is an indispensable part of mainstream education both in developed and developing countries due to widespread use of web-based multimedia technologies. It has become a powerful force for social and economic development. // During the last two decades, many institutions have undergone profound changes in their organisational structures, governance and modes of operation. ICT has been used in every sphere of institutional and teaching learning activities. Traditional universities are transforming themselves to dual mode universities and providing students with the best possible learning resources. More and more open universities and dual mode institutions are being established across the world.
Open Access
Blended Course Experience at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology
(2021-04) Abeka, Silvance O.; Dwada, Dorothy
This is the report of a survey conducted at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) to evaluate the implementation of technology-enabled learning. The research was conducted among students and lecturers on courses that were offered in a blended mode. The courses were developed and facilitated by 20 lecturers who had been trained as champions for the implementation of blended learning. Each of the 20 champions was required to set up their blended courses on the eJOOUST platform, which had been customised from Moodle. The blended courses were taught throughout the September–December 2019 semester, and the survey was undertaken in January 2020, after the students had completed their blended courses.
Open Access
Blended Course Experience at Kibabii University
(2022-10) Nambiro , Alice Wechuli; Ikoha, Anselemo Peters
Blended Course Experience at Kibabii University reports on a study conducted to evaluate the implementation of technology-enabled learning. A student survey was carried out in 20 courses that were being offered in the blended mode during the July–September and October–December semesters of 2021. The research involved both students and lecturers. The study collected data using questionnaires for students and interviews with lecturers. Most of the student survey questions were closed-ended, with one open-ended question, while the lecturer survey interviews consisted entirely of open-ended questions. // The study findings are intended to propel the implementation of blended learning in Kibabii University and other Kenyan universities.

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