{"id":13342,"date":"2024-05-13T09:24:43","date_gmt":"2024-05-13T13:24:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pacificopencourses.col.org\/modfl\/?page_id=13342"},"modified":"2024-05-13T09:24:43","modified_gmt":"2024-05-13T13:24:43","slug":"role-of-open-schooling-in-addressing-access-challenges","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/pacificopencourses.col.org\/modfl\/learning-challenges\/unit-two-understanding-odl\/role-of-open-schooling-in-addressing-access-challenges\/","title":{"rendered":"Role of open schooling in addressing access challenges"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Open schooling is the provision of schooling (teaching and learning) opportunities making use of open, distance and innovative e-Learning methods which do not necessarily require teachers and learners to be in the same place at the same time. It refers to the physical separation of the school level learner from the teacher, and the use of unconventional teaching methodologies and information and communications technologies (ICTs) to bridge the separation and provide education and training, (COL, 2023)18<\/sup> .\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Traditionally, open schools have been popular for providing alternative opportunities for young people to complete their school education. These are people who, for one reason or another are not able to participate in a traditional physical school. The open school model is underpinned by the principle that if the child cannot go to school, the school should come to the child. Open schooling is a cost-effective means of reaching learners who would otherwise not have the opportunity, (Kanwar,(2020)19<\/sup>\n<\/p>\n

Although they mostly address the challenge of access to schooling, open schools offer a diverse curriculum which also includes vocational and skills training courses. These courses are attractive to out-of-school youths and adolescents who need to gain skills and competencies for employment purposes. Due to the flexibility of delivery, many young people are able to participate in the courses.\n<\/p>\n

But quality of learning matters<\/b>\n<\/p>\n

If open schools are to be attractive, they should not replicate the same problems that traditional schools are shunned for. For example, studies have revealed that some of the challenges that impede equal access in the Pacific Island countries include:\n<\/p>\n