ODL

Question 1

What are the flexible aspects of the Open Distance Learning (ODL) system? Explain

any FIVE (5) advantages an open distance learner has with regards to time and

convenience in the ODL system. Provide specific examples in your answer.

(50 marks)

Open learning distance is actually anybody can study no matter where you are leaving and you have to manage your own time. The flexible aspect are over what, when, where, at what pace, and how you learn. You can tailor your own timetable to fit in with your lifestyle. In terms of the use of technology, you decide the technology that best suits your style of learning and circumstances since distance education commonly exploits facilities of educational technology.

Self managed learning where learner have to be independent and organize

their own learning. Learner’s who are working need to find their own time to study. All information is located in open learning system where it is accessible anywhere by log in to WOU website. For an example if you are working from 9am – 6pm then you will need to study after that or during your lunch time. Learners will have their own flexible time to study and complete assignments .

Furthermore, learners have unlimited access to course materials which is available 24 hours and 365 days in the website. Learners do not need to worry as all materials are up to date and can be seen in the website. If learner is travelling to Europe and wont be around for 2 months then leaner can just go into the website forum to get update and study from Europe. This will so convenience for the learner. With this particular system we actually save paper and the environment.

Separation of teacher and learner in time or place. Learners do not need to attend classes as if they are working at that particular time or busy with their life. Learners will need to just go online and they will be able to catch up whatever  they have missed. For an example Mr. Paul is busy with his daughter’s wedding and not able to attend class , he just need to find some time after the wedding and log in to the website. Mr. Paul will be able to get all the information on what the tutor has though on that day.

Another advantages is asynchronous learning where teaching and learning may

take place simultaneously or at different times. Asynchronous instruction does not require student and tutor to be at the same place or time during the class. That’s the reason we ODL where students can interact with their tutor through other technology such as email, WOU forum and many more. This can actually allow you to take your time and pace to study.

Lastly the advantage is two way communication where allows leaner’s and tutors to interact as distinguished from the passive receipt of broadcast signals. Communication can be synchronous or asynchronous. Leaner’s and students can communicate with ODL system even though the learner is not around. For an example if leaner is in Thailand and there is class during the time , leaner can actually communicate with tutors with the system given by WOU which is ODL.

Learner will not miss out important things and still get all the information through the system.

Question 2

Studying involves learning and remembering information. Discuss any FIVE (5)

strategies we can use to enhance our memory and remember what we have read?

Elaborate your answer with relevant examples.

(50 marks)

TMA 1_1

Memory is the retention of, and ability to recall information that have been encoded, stored, and retrieved. Example such as personal details, good and bad memory. Memory is also divided to afew section like short term memory , long term memory and sensory memory.

Firstly , I would make the material that I am studying meaningful. I will actually read a sentences first time and understand the meaning of the sentences. I will not remember when I read the first time. What I will do? I will actually relate the sentences to other information that relates to my personal life. For an example the word GOAL. A personal or organizational desired end-point in some sort of assumed development. Many people endeavor to reach goals within a finite time by setting a deadline. If you want to be a manager in the bank . What you need is a degree in banking and finance and also experience working in the bank . By studying this course in WOU you can actually reach your goal because when you have a degree , you will also have job experience . Both of  this can make a lot of difference in your personal life and work place. This will take abit more of your time but it is worth it because at the end of the topic you will know what you have just learned and it is in your memory.

Secondly , we should use imagination and pictures. When your reading and you want to memories the meaning we should try to relate to a picture or try to imagine. This way actually makes us memories things better because if you are eating and there is nobody around you can actually just imagine pictures that relates to your studies. For an example the term ‘fidelity’ which means being faithful or loyal. To remember the word you can relate it to your relationship with your husband or wife. This will definitely make you for fun to study.

Thirdly, study actively . studying doesn’t mean you have just reading only but you have to know the information on what you are reading. Explain the information out load to yourself using your own words and also explaining the information a few times to yourself using your own examples. For an example you’re a reading an articles which consists of 1000 words. Read it full first and then try to understand it. Ones you have done that , put it into your own words and read it loudly to yourself. This will make you understand yourself.

Fourthly, spread your study accordingly. The reason you study to get a degree for yourself. Remember that you will have to study and at every end of the semester there will be examination. Most people love to study last minute one or two days before the exam. You will be cramming your head so much. So what we have to do? Spread means segregate your studies over a week or days depending on the quantity amount. For an example you have 3 topics to study which each topic consists of 20 pages. The total number of pages needed to be read is 60 days. Spread it for 6 days where each day you can read 10 pages. Every day when we are going to read the next 10 pages just revise whatever we have read yesterday. This will allow you to understand what you have read yesterday and we will remember. Learning and remembering requires a great deal of time and effort.

Lastly, study regularly . study regularly means studying over a period of time during the semester. Not only just studying before assignment or exam but regularly so that our mind is always updated and remember what we have study. For an example, if you are reading your notes you should highlight words or important information because it makes you remember better . its good if you do this because before exam you can actually go through the highlighted words and you will directly know what you have read. It is important also to put dates on the left of the notes that you have read so that you can remember better.then what you need to do is read the summary of the topic. You have to actually go through your notes frequently so that you remember better and you will be well prepared for your exams.