Open Learning Centres

An overview based on Western Cape experience

OPEN LEARNING CENTRE

CRAWFORD

PROGRESS REPORT no 3

14th FEBRUARY 2006

PROGRESS TO DATE

Overall objectives of OLC’s

• Engender a culture of lifelong learning• Ensure greater accessibility to learning

opportunities• Promote the notion of anywhere anytime learning• By using a combination of different modes of

delivery• Provides a flexible environment for learning• Learner centred learning where the learner takes

the initiative

Specific objectives of OLC’s

• Makes academic resources available to communities

• Provides flexible modes of delivery• Provides for blended learning technology• Provides for self-directed learning• Provides resources (internet, databases and

library)• Provides access to learning in remote and rural

areas

Open Learning Centres Access Issues

• Distribution:• Objective to have OLC’s at every campus• Deep rural campuses and over-subscribed inner urban campuses

prioritised (open access)

• Utilisation:• Time-tabled for all students (blended learning)• Extended hours and days (weekends, holidays, early

morning and at night)• Management:

• Deputy Principal innovation, OLC manager and Blended learning manager

OLC services

• Typical services include• PLATO

– Tuition in English, Maths, Life Skills etc– Pathways Management system (individualised curriculum)

• CAP testing• PROGRAMMES• MEDIA CENTRE• COPYING FACILITIES• INFO CENTRE• IT SERVICES• PLATO ADMIN

OLC programmes

– E-Learning (e.g. ICDL)– Blended Learning– Media Centre for reference/research – on an offline library

facilities which include videos, DVD’s e-books and text books– Copying facilities (including faxing, binding, laminating and

printing – fees are applicable)– Learner support and guidance is based at the OLC and works

in tandem with PACE careers programme– Internet Café (fee based) – OLC services are available to the whole community and not

only registered students

OLC reportingElement Status RemarksInstallation of computers Fully installed and

operational

Installation of Internet Cafe Fully installed Will be operational after 23rd February

Thin Client Server Configured and operational

Antivirus Software, Network Control, WebCt.l

Client Plug-in still to be configured

Procurement of books, magazines etc Complete

Installation of smart card system and access control

Work in progress Schedule for final completion mid February 2006

Installation of Library Edupals Cataloguing software.

Installation Complete Training of staff work in progress.

Access Control & Smartcard systems Will be installed on 23rd February

Server and OLC Website 80% complete To be flighted on launch day 15th March 2006

College OLC Operational Plan Work in Progress

•PROGRESS TO DATE

The Open Learning Centre concept• Irwin Hearn 22 April 2005

Conclusion

– OLC’s are not an option – they are a given– Traditional approaches to taking education and training to

the population are not sustainable– As a methodology for providing education they are rapidly

becoming defunct as people are learning more through their phones than they do in the classroom

– The way forward is teaching thousands of students through scheduled visits to a single OLC.

– It is cheaper to buy students notepads than building campuses for billions.

THANK YOU