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Teacher Education via Open and Distance Learning at The Open University of Sri Lanka: A Transformational Journey
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Abstract
This monograph explores the evolution and impact of teacher education programs and practices implemented through the open and distance learning (ODL) mode at the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL). Since its inception in 1980, OUSL has implemented teacher education programs through ODL, which have continuously expanded and extended in many ways. The aim of the current study was to review the development of teacher education provided via ODL at OUSL from 1980 to 2023, with a view to identifying the key trends, changes in pedagogical approaches, impact of technological integrations, good practices, and areas for future development. Through a comprehensive review of literature, which revealed the multi-dimensional nature of providing teacher education through the ODL mode, a conceptual framework grounded in theoretical and empirical literature related to ODL practices in teacher education was developed. It provided a foundation for understanding the complexities and discovering the affordances of implementing teacher education programs in an ODL context.
Employing a documentary research approach, the study critically examined a range of relevant articles published during the period from 1980 to 2023. This was complemented by semi-structured interviews conducted with a group of fourteen participants comprising former and current academic staff members of the Faculty of Education selected through purposive sampling. The investigation resulted in a comprehensive narrative of the transformational journey of propagating teacher education via ODL at OUSL over four decades, focusing on the historical development mainly in relation to pedagogical advancements and technological integrations.
While unveiling the distinctive features, successes, challenges, trends, and impacts, it provides useful insights on future directions for effective teacher education via ODL in similar contexts.
Country
Sri Lanka
Region
Asia
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Date
2024
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Publisher
Commonwealth of Learning (COL)