Introduction
Open Distance and eLearning course delivery is predominantly different for face to face course delivery. ODeL course delivery creates an environment where most of the learners access their materials anytime anywhere. This section introduces you to the various ways of accessing course ware, tutorial, tutorial support, conducting your course work as well as examination and graduation.
Accessing to Course-ware
The courseware in Open Distance and eLearning programmes is presented in various modes including; Learning Management System (LMS), print, and other portable devices.
Learning Management System
The primary mode of access to study modules will be the Learning Management System (LMS). The LMS is an interactive self-learning platform that will enable you access study materials anywhere anytime. The LMS is accessible through the e-Learning portal of the University of Nairobi. The portal enable you to register for courses as well as access course materials. The portal is available on https://eclass.uonbi.ac.ke/. The portal has steps for registering for a course unit as well as steps for accessing course materials to guide you in navigation through the portal.
Steps for registering for a course unit
i.Login using student portal username and password
ii.Select enrol for a course
iii. Select category e.g PhD (Doctorate students), Graduate (Postgraduate Students) or Undergraduate (Bachelors and Diplomas)
iv.Select academic program
v.Register for course Units under your academic programs by selecting icon next to the course title (a student must register for each course unit)
To be a successful ODeL learner, one has to develop and execute good study habits which include; frequent visit to the e-learning multimedia portal at least daily; dedicating at least 8 hours per week for each unit a student has registered for; frequent communication with the instructors and fellow online learners. This can be done from the Multimedia Portal via Skype, Multimedia Forum chats, WhatsApp chats and group emails.
Learners who have a strong sense of self-awareness and good study habits usually have better strategies for understanding new information and are typically more successful in approaching ODeL Learning environment.
Self-discipline is key. This feature is seen in a learners’ ability to stay current with class assignments, participation on a regular basis through online discussions on the forums created by instructors in the Multi-media portal. Learners should adhere to due datelines for term papers and continuous assessment tests which are issued by the online instructors.
Portable devices
Although the primary access to courseware is the multimedia portal, the study module may also be accessed via portable devices such as flashcards. This a new approach to courseware delivery, the courseware will be packaged in portable devices for offline access and future reference. This move is a paradigm shift from the traditional print and is designed to enable access course materials anytime anywhere including using mobile devices.
Print Modules
The print modules are being faced out. You may however, access some of the study modules already in print. The module is organized in Lectures: Each lecture has the following components:
Lecture outline - Brief introduction of one or two paragraphs which says what is covered by the lecture.
Learning outcomes - Tasks; to evaluate your own progress, gain satisfaction when you have achieved the stated learning.
The lectures are presented interactively to facilitate active learning, that is; in-text questions and activities. References and materials for further reading are also provided. Ensure that you read the materials for further reading provided at the end of each lecture.
Note: The primary mode of course delivery in ODeL is the Learning Management System- Any other mode is complementary.
Tutorials
Learners undertaking their studies on the blendedlearning approach will undertake face-to-face tutorials as follows:
Introduction Tuition
Introduction tuition will be conducted in the beginning of every semester. During the introduction tuition session you will be oriented to the semester requirements for completion of each course. You will also be introduced to the course content, issued with the assignments and study materials where applicable. The session will also present you with an opportunity forface-to-face interaction with the tutors.
Continuation Tuition
The continuation tuition will take place during the semester and as per the departmental schedule. The dates of the tuition will be specified at the departmental level and will have been issued to you during the orientation. The session will entails face-to-face tutorial support, group discussions, feedback from tutors, submission of assignments, learner-learner interaction. The session will also present you with an opportunity for face-to-face interaction with the tutors.
Revision Tuition
The revision tuition will be conducted towards the end of the semester and before the exams. The dates of the tuition will be specified at the departmental level and will have been issued to you during the orientation. The purpose of the revision session is to enable you revise for examinations, attend face-to-face tutorial support, receive feedback on assignments, participate in discussions and in depth content clarification.
Course work
All the students undertaking their studies under the ODeL mode of study will be expected to complete course work within the stipulated timelines. The course work will vary from one course to another. You will however be subjected to the University of Nairobi regulations. The course work will constitute but will not be limited to:
· Take away assignments
· Continuous Assessment Tests
· Group work
· Practical work and Field work (for selected programmes)
Note: It is important for you to ensure that you receive your assignment and submit within the deadline as specified.
Practical Work
For student undertaking their studies in programmes where practical sessions, clinical session or laboratory work is a requirements, arrangements are made to enable you conduct your practical sessions. The specific guidelines for the practical session will vary from programme to programme and will be provided by your department.
Examination processing and Graduation
The University of Nairobi assesses its students using tests and examinations. These tests and examinations are used to determine the progression of students from one level to another until they finally satisfy the Board of Examiners and Senate for the conferment of degrees and award of diplomas and certificates. The examinations are also used to evaluate whether the student has learnt what was taught.
The University of Nairobi examination guidelines shall apply for all students undertaking their studies under the ODeL mode of study. Institute, Faculty, School or departmental specific regulations shall apply. The following are key areas you need to know:
i. Rules and Regulations
Examinations are very important component of a students’ academic life and students are expected to familiarize themselves with examination rules and regulations in the courses they have chosen and that they have fulfilled all the examination requirements in each semester.
ii. Registration
At the start of each semester (within the first three weeks) every student must register for courses and the examinations that they are due to take during that semester. It is important that you get the right information from their respective faculties on the examinations they are expected to take in each semester.
iii. Attendance
Students should note that they are required to attend all courses they are registered in and to take the requisite continuous assessment tests in those courses in order to be allowed to sit the end of semester examinations.
iv. Problems
A student who experiences a problem, writing which is likely to affect his/her examination performance (i.e. sickness, bereavement etc.) must report before sitting the examinations such problems in writing to the Chairman of the Department offering the courses the student is taking and to the Dean of the Faculty. Any problem that is reported after the examination results are known will not be admissible for examination appeals.
v. Examination Cards
Every student who is registered for university examinations will be issued with an examination card by their respective faculty. This card must be produced at each examination sitting.
vi. Lateness
· Lateness to examination venues will not be tolerated and no student will be allowed to enter an examination 30 minutes after the start of an examination, and also no student will be allowed to leave the examination room during the last 30 minutes of the examination.
· Students are advised to ensure that at no time do they carry unauthorized materials such as notes, books, handbags, mobile phones etc. into the examination rooms.
vii. Cheating
Any student caught cheating in examination e.g. by copying, having or making reference to unauthorized materials, communicating to other students verbally or through other means will be expelled from the University, and shall not be eligible for admission to any other programmes of the university.
viii. Answer Books
Student must not take examination answer books from the examination rooms.
ix. Examination Results
Provisional examination results may be obtained from the respective office of the Dean of Faculty.
x. Academic Transcripts
Academic Transcripts are available at the end of each academic year and are issued on application by the Academic Registrar.
