THE OPEN UNIVERSITY OF TANZANIA

FACULTY OF EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT OF ADULT AND DISTANCE EDUCATION
Master of Open and Distance Learning [MED ODL]

TERM PAPERS FOR ALL COURSES AND MODES OF DELIVERY

2014/2015
Note:
Attempt only one Question from each course.
Write an essay of between 3000 and 3500 words - observe the
rules and regulations for academic writings which are APA Style.
Your essay should preferably be clearly divided into sub-headings
such as abstract, introduction, substantive sub-headings, and
references.

ODL 601: ODL 601: PRINCIPLES OF OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING

1. Learner autonomy and self directedness are important for
successfulness in open and distance learning. Discuss this
assertion.
2. With reference to any distance learning institution familiar to you,
assess the rationale for adopting open and distance learning as a
model of education delivery.

***************************

ODL 602: Instructional Design and Development of Open and

Distance Learning Materials
1.

There are various types of ODL instructional materials. Identify two and
explain how they are developed, used and appropriately stored.

2.

There are various things that an instructional designer considers. Identify

three and explain why these are important in designing instructional
materials for ODL learners.
***************************

ODL 603: MEDIA AND TECHNOLOGY IN ODL

1.

Critically describe your vision of ODL in the perspective of

accelerating or advancement of contemporary Information
Communication Technologies (ICTs).

2. Currently there is a move towards online learning. With concrete

examples, discuss this move in relation to the context of your
country.
***************************
ODL 604: RESEARCH AND EVALUATION IN OPEN AND DISTANCE
LEARNING
1. Discuss the following philosophical underpinning research

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Phenomenology
Grounded theory
Ethnography
Case study
Choose one and explain the research design and methods
that you will use to collect data. Provide reasons for the
design and the methods selected.

2. Discuss the following concepts in research

a. Population
b. Sample
c. Why do researchers prefer sampled population, rather than
population when doing research?

***************************
ODL 605: OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING POLICY AND
MANAGEMENT

1. Policy is considered to be important in social practice such as

education. With concrete examples, discuss three importance of
open and distance learning policy in a country of your choice.
2. There are various models of policy formulation, including:
a. Rational model
b. Incremental Model
c. Elite Model
d. Phenomenological Model
e. The Problem-solving Model
Choose two models and explain how they are used in the
development of ODL policy.
***************************
ODL 606: Global and Regional Issues in Open and Distance
Learning
1. ODL has been considered as important in contributing to socioeconomic development of a country. Discuss this assertion.
2. ODL mode of teaching has been considered as more cost effective
that conventional mode. Discuss.
***************************

ODL 607: TEACHING AND LEARNING IN OPEN AND DISTANCE

LEARNING
1. Unlike in conventional mode of teaching and learning, teaching in
ODL mode considers the learner as self-instructed, motivated and
independent. Discuss this assertion.
3

2. Of recent, scholars have ascertained the importance of modern

technologies in improving teaching and learning.

Write a

convincing academic essay explaining how modern technologies

can improve teaching and learning in ODL.
***************************