Involving students in designing Open Distance Learning Programmes: A case of Adult Education

Quality Assurance article

Abstract

Globally, open distance learning (ODL) in higher education is receiving positive attention in internal and external quality assurance procedures and practices. The purpose of this paper is to focus on learner involvement in developing programmes in the Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) department of the University of South Africa (Unisa) as a case study. Unisa is currently evaluating and revising programmes to ensure that quality is maintained. The study reported in this paper was a typical case study using a qualitative research approach. This was an exploratory research project where lecturers were interviewed.  The paper used Community of Inquiry as a theoretical framework to collect and analyse data.  The involvement of students enhances quality teaching and learning in ODL. Academics need to listen to student’s voices and accord them value. Practitioners should be encouraged to develop modules alongside student input. Students are regarded as important stakeholders in universities. The curriculum should be responsive to the socio-economic issues of society. Research involving students in designing open distance learning programmes has not been adequately studied in adult education. In this paper, I argue that involving students in designing programmes will strengthen the quality of the programme. The case study will add value to the existing literature of student involvement in designing quality programmes in adult education.