ODL for Life Long Learning: Insiders’ Perspective

Abstract

ODL provides the learners more access to higher education
with its flexible approach, wider choice of courses, qualitative
instructional methods and cost effectiveness. The advent of ICT has
added the e-learning aspect to ODL as well. The open and distance
system has reached a phase wherein it is important to look inwards,
to understand the system comprehensively for its growth and
development. This introspection of the system can be done more
appropriately by the members who are making use of the system.
Therefore, an attempt has been made to study the practitioners’
perspective on (i) the role of open and distance learning (ODL) in
higher education; (ii) the role of ICT in ODL, and (iii) online education
MOOCs. A questionnaire developed by the researchers and validated
by experts was used for this study. The questionnaire was
administered online to 700 practitioners. However, only 274
practitioners responded to the questionnaire. The responses obtained
have been analyzed and discussed.