{"id":13276,"date":"2024-05-13T09:24:22","date_gmt":"2024-05-13T13:24:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pacificopencourses.col.org\/modfl\/?page_id=13276"},"modified":"2024-05-13T09:24:22","modified_gmt":"2024-05-13T13:24:22","slug":"about","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/pacificopencourses.col.org\/modfl\/startup\/about\/","title":{"rendered":"About"},"content":{"rendered":"
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This section provides information about the Pacific Partnership for Open, Distance and Flexible Learning, and the Mainstreaming Open Distance and Flexible Learning<\/b> (MODFL) online course.\n<\/p>\n

About the Pacific Partnership for Open, Distance and Flexible Learning<\/span><\/h2>\n

Partnership for Open, Distance and Flexible Learning<\/a> (ODFL) in the Pacific is a 5-year project (2020 \u2013 2025) funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade to support enhancing capacity and efficiency of education sectors in the Pacific through greater use of innovative delivery mechanisms and technology.\n<\/p>\n

The Commonwealth of Learning (COL<\/a>), together with the Pacific Centre for Flexible and Open Learning for Development (PACFOLD<\/a>) are implementing the initiative.\n<\/p>\n

About the MODFL online course<\/span><\/h2>\n

Mainstreaming Open Distance and Flexible Learning<\/i> (MODFL) was developed by Saide [1]<\/a> for the Pacific Partnership for Open, Distance and Flexible Learning.\n<\/p>\n

Summary<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Learning outcome<\/h2>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t
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On successful completion of this short course learners will have an understanding of Open Distance Learning, its evolution and the underpinning theories.\n<\/p>\n

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\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Course code<\/b>\n<\/td>\nMODFL\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Duration<\/b>\n<\/td>\n4 weeks\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Workload<\/b>\n<\/td>\n5 – 6 hours per week\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Certification<\/b>\n<\/td>\nCertificate of Participation\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Badges<\/b>\n<\/td>\nCourse Completion Badge\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
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Introduction<\/span><\/h3>\n
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This course is aimed at enhancing the capacity of senior education officials in Pacific Island countries to mainstream Open, Distance and Flexible Learning (ODFL). Due to increasing demand of education and the prevalence of educational technology, many countries are moving towards mainstreaming ODFL to meet demand. The experience of COVID-19 pandemic has also demonstrated that ODFL provides more resilient forms of schooling than a conventional face-to-face mode of delivery. In the Pacific Island countries in particular, natural disasters like volcanic ash and tsunamis are common occurrences that pose challenges to normal school programmes. ODFL has great potential to sustain learning under such difficult conditions. Because of the limited investment needed in building physical structures and putting in place campus facilities for use by students, ODFL tends to be more cost effective than conventional face to face schooling. This means ODFL can provide greater access.\n<\/p>\n

While Open, Distance, and Flexible Learning (ODFL) have demonstrated considerable success over time, there’s a continued need to elevate its integration into mainstream education. Particularly in regions where ODFL is still emerging, such as the Pacific Island countries, efforts are focused on strengthening its presence and ensuring its parity with traditional face-to-face teaching methods. The Commonwealth of Learning (COL) recognizes this imperative and is actively investing in bolstering capacity to facilitate the seamless incorporation of ODFL into educational frameworks across the Pacific Island region. This involves initiatives aimed at fostering comprehensive understanding and widespread adoption of ODFL practices, aligning with broader educational objectives and priorities in the region.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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What will I learn?<\/span><\/h3>\n
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In this short online course you will:\n<\/p>\n