From Unit 1 we can see the need for an overarching ODFL policy which will guide practice in the whole education system. However, we know that most participants in this course are classroom-based teachers in conventional face to face schools and that you are interested in exploring ODFL further based on your experiences of using other approaches during the pandemic. So, in this unit we will focus on exploring governance and management differences between traditional face-to-face schools compared to open schools. To learn more about open schools see: Commonwealth of Learning (COL). Though it is flexible and open, ODFL needs to be structured to facilitate the achievement of desired educational goals. Equally important is sound governance and management of such a system.

Learning outcomes

By end of this unit, you will be able to:

1. explain the facilitative role of a school governing body in the provision of ODFL;
2. suggest appropriate governance structures for ODFL in your country or institution;
3. identify people who should be included in governing bodies of ODFL institutions in your country; and
4. identify strengths and weaknesses in the governance and administrative structures of ODFL institutions in your context.