Description

In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, Open, Distance, and E-Learning (ODEL) programs are revolutionizing education by providing unprecedented access to quality learning opportunities. These innovative programs break down geographical barriers, allowing learners from diverse backgrounds and locations to access a wide range of educational resources and engage in meaningful learning experiences. ODEL programs offer flexibility, affordability, and convenience, making education more accessible to individuals who may face challenges in traditional classroom settings. By leveraging technology, ODEL programs can deliver personalized learning experiences, cater to diverse learning styles, and foster collaboration among learners from around the world. This book provides a comprehensive guide for institutions seeking to establish and successfully operate ODEL programs. It covers a wide range of topics essential for ODEL implementation, including pedagogical approaches, technological infrastructure, team building, policy development, instructor training, curriculum design, student preparation, assessment strategies, academic integrity, quality assurance, benchmarking, internal needs assessment, research in an e-learning environment, community engagement, accessibility, and accreditation. By providing insights into these critical areas, the book offers practical insights and guidance to help institutions create high-quality ODEL programs that meet the needs of learners and contribute to educational excellence. Whether you’re an educational institution, administrator, faculty member, or simply interested in the future of education, this book provides invaluable insights and practical guidance to help you revolutionize the way you reach and teach students.

Dr. Moses M. Thiga is a seasoned Senior Lecturer in Information Technology at Kabarak University and an active member of the Distance, Open and E-learning Practitioners Association of East Africa (DOLPA-EA). He brings a unique blend of academic expertise and firsthand experience to the field of e-learning. His journey began in 2010 when he pursued a fully online Master’s degree from Liverpool University Online. This immersive experience ignited his passion for the potential of online learning, its rigor, and the quality educational offerings it could deliver. Driven by this passion, Dr. Thiga pioneered the use of a personal learning management system in his classes between 2015 and 2020. This foray into blended learning not only benefited him but also empowered his students. It further solidified his belief in the transformative power of e-learning. Recognizing his dedication, Dr. Thiga was appointed to the taskforce for the re-establishment of e-learning at Kabarak University in 2019. His leadership culminated in his appointment as Director of e-Learning in February 2020, a position he held until June 2024. Dr. Thiga’s tenure coincided with the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. He rose to the occasion, providing crucial leadership and expertise that enabled Kabarak University to navigate the crisis through a successful transition to online learning. His accomplishments during this period include: developing comprehensive e-learning policies, procedures, and guidelines; leading capacity-building initiatives for administrative staff, faculty, and students in e-learning; overseeing technology acquisition and setup; and establishing a robust user support team and support processes. Furthermore, in 2022, Dr. Thiga spearheaded the successful accreditation of Kabarak University Online, paving the way for a future with an expanded range of fully online programs. Dr. Thiga’s academic credentials are equally impressive. He holds a B.Sc. in Computer Science, an M.Sc. in Statistics (both from Egerton University), an M.Sc. in Information Systems Management from Liverpool University, and a Ph.D. in Information Systems from Kabarak University.