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7 Keys Required For Success in Open and Distance Learning

Today I would be sharing 7 keys that will help you as a distance learner to come out in flying colours.  If you take these simple keys serious,  i assure you, you will find distance learning interesting.

1. Collaboration: [/b]Technically and ideologically, open and distance learning system isolates teachers and students. Most students study alone at the comfort of their homes. But for you to make it easily in open and distance learning, you need to collaborate with other students of your chosen course. This helps you keep up with current information and trends. You can connect with course mates through WhatsApp groups and other platforms to share ideas and reading planes etc.



2. [b]Stay Motivated: Due to the absence of the physical presence of teachers in distance learning, keeping up with learning tasks and staying motivated could be difficult. Therefore to successfully keep up with reading plans and schedules you have to stay motivated. It is also important to connect with other course mates, forming alliance with peers in discussion groups as this is also an effective way of staying motivated.


3. Getting accustomed to Technology: Open and distance learning is technologically driven, so for you to keep up, you must have the ability to adapt to modern technologies like basic computing and internet facilities. Classes, assignments are being carried out with the help of technology. Since this is what is obtainable in the distance learning system, you have to develop yourself to meet up with the trend even if it means taking some course in computer technology, how to use the internet and some video conferencing apps. Like in National Open University where I am also a student, Zoom is the major platform generally used for our classes and discussions. But the problem with it, is that most students don’t know how this platform works. In one of our recent classes that I attended, the class was so noisy to a point that I couldn’t hear the facilitator due to the interference coming from the students’ mics. By right their mics supposed to have been muted while the tutor is speaking, then would have had proper communication.


4. Discipline: This is one of the key factor for students in open and distance learning. Now, because lecturers are not actively and physically present to monitor your performance and seriousness, therefore self-discipline, self-initiative, self-monitoring and self-management is left for you to regulate. For you to actually make it, you must initiate, manage and monitor your class activities, reading and assignments with discipline by sticking to your schedule.


5. Active participation: As a student, you must participate actively in all the demands of the course as directed by the facilitator. Despite the fact that there are some limitations when it comes to active participation. But you must try the best you can to participate in discussion forums, make comments, respond to questions etc. Participation gives you an insight to the topic being discussed.


6. Effective Communication: Being good at communication is essential as a distance learner since the major avenue that you have to express your learning and understanding of concepts is through communication with others in discussion groups/forums and chat rooms. You must learn to be an effective communicator. You must learn how to debate ideas, negotiate meaning demonstrate openness to multiple perspectives. Another issue when it comes to effective communication is being able to handle and control the platform for clarity during classes. Like Zoom used for classes. Students should understand how it works. Like I said in number four, one person is supposed to speak at a time while other mics are muted for clarity and less interference. Questions should be dropped in the chat room and should be read out by the instructor. Following these simple steps will aid proper and effective communication.


7. [b]Reflective Skill: [/b]This is the ability to apply frequent assessment of one’s learning process and outcome. You have to develop a learning skill that can help you keep up with the curriculum. This could be in form of an online blog, dairies etc. Reflective skill helps you discover your strength and weakness and work on improving them`