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Open Distance and Flexible Learning for Resilience in Higher Education - Tonga National University as a Case Study
Abstract
Amidst pandemic, tsunamis and volcano, and unsustainable economic dependence on donors and remittances, Tonga continues to grapple with the resilience of its education systems. Open Distance and Flexible Learning (ODFL) has emerged as a lifeline for ensuring educational continuity. Our paper explores how ODFL enhances resilience in the higher education sector using Tonga National University as a case study. It explores stakeholders’ perceptions, current ODFL initiatives and practices, challenges and opportunities for strengthening its educational systems and processes. It employs a mixed-methods approach comprising survey and desktop documentary analysis and/or institutional data analysis as well as authors’ reflection from two workshops. Coupled with the demographic, focus areas include ‘perception of ODFL, ‘institutional readiness and support’, ‘technology and infrastructure’ and ‘future perspectives. The paper will present best practices and evaluate the role of ODFL highlighting context-appropriate practices and strategies for education actors in Tonga to enhance education system resilience. It will contribute to the broader discourse as well as inform educators, institutions, policy makers, donors and commonwealth governments on adaptive learning models in the region.
PCF11 Sub-Theme: Sustaining Communities of Learning and Practice in Innovative Open Education
Paper ID: 3097
Country
Tonga
Region
Pacific
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PDF
Adobe PDF, 892.18 KB
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Date
2025-09
Author
ORCID
Corporate Author
Editor
Publisher
Commonwealth of Learning (COL)