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THE OPEN UNIVERSITY OF TANZANIA

FACULTY OF EDUCATION

DEPARTMENT OF ADULT AND DISTANCE EDUCATION

Master of Open and Distance Learning [MED ODL]

TERM PAPERS FOR ALL COURSES AND MODES OF DELIVERY

2014/2015 Note:

Attempt only one Question from each course.

Write an essay of between 3000 and 3500 words - observe the

rules and regulations for academic writings which are APA Style.

Your essay should preferably be clearly divided into sub-headings

such as abstract, introduction, substantive sub-headings, and

references.

ODL 601: ODL 601: PRINCIPLES OF OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING

1. Learner autonomy and self directedness are important for successfulness in open and distance learning. Discuss this assertion.

2. With reference to any distance learning institution familiar to you, assess the rationale for adopting open and distance learning as a model of education delivery.

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ODL 602: Instructional Design and Development of Open and Distance Learning Materials

1. There are various types of ODL instructional materials. Identify two and explain how they are developed, used and appropriately stored.

2. There are various things that an instructional designer considers. Identify three and explain why these are important in designing instructional materials for ODL learners.

*************************** ODL 603: MEDIA AND TECHNOLOGY IN ODL

1. Critically describe your vision of ODL in the perspective of

accelerating or advancement of contemporary Information Communication Technologies (ICTs).

2. Currently there is a move towards online learning. With concrete

examples, discuss this move in relation to the context of your country.

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ODL 604: RESEARCH AND EVALUATION IN OPEN AND DISTANCE

LEARNING

1. Discuss the following philosophical underpinning research a. Phenomenology b. Grounded theory c. Ethnography d. Case study e. Choose one and explain the research design and methods

that you will use to collect data. Provide reasons for the design and the methods selected.

2. Discuss the following concepts in research a. Population b. Sample c. Why do researchers prefer sampled population, rather than

population when doing research?

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ODL 605: OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING POLICY AND

MANAGEMENT

1. Policy is considered to be important in social practice such as education. With concrete examples, discuss three importance of open and distance learning policy in a country of your choice.

2. There are various models of policy formulation, including:

a. Rational model

b. Incremental Model

c. Elite Model

d. Phenomenological Model

e. The Problem-solving Model

Choose two models and explain how they are used in the development of ODL policy.

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ODL 606: Global and Regional Issues in Open and Distance Learning

1. ODL has been considered as important in contributing to socio-

economic development of a country. Discuss this assertion.

2. ODL mode of teaching has been considered as more cost effective

that conventional mode. Discuss.

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ODL 607: TEACHING AND LEARNING IN OPEN AND DISTANCE

LEARNING 1. Unlike in conventional mode of teaching and learning, teaching in

ODL mode considers the learner as self-instructed, motivated and

independent. Discuss this assertion.

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2. Of recent, scholars have ascertained the importance of modern

technologies in improving teaching and learning. Write a

convincing academic essay explaining how modern technologies

can improve teaching and learning in ODL.

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