OUSL Distance Education Postgraduate Diploma launch

COLOMBO: The Open University of Sri Lanka will launch a Postgraduate Diploma Programme in Distance Education.

According to Open University sources, This is mainly targeted at academic as well as other categories of staff members of the Open University, and other Universities and other tertiary educational institutions who are either offering or contemplating programmes/courses in the dual mode.

This will undoubtedly be a rare opportunity for the fulfilment of a felt need in the field of education and staff development in Sri Lanka.

Distance education is a mode of delivery that is fast gaining ground all over the world. Institutional education is becoming inadequate to provide education and training to the vast numbers increasing year by year not only in Sri Lanka but the world over.

At the same time learning and training is no more limited to the younger generation. Adults of all ages and with all commitments, especially those who are employed, are seeking further education and training.

Several Universities and professional organizations in Sri Lanka, recognizing this need, are already engaged in developing programmes in the Distance mode in addition to the traditional contiguous mode.

The development and delivery of Distance Education programmes needs an understanding of the philosophy of distance education and also expertise in applying skills needed for development of instructional material ranging from to multi-media and online learning.

To be effective, the institutions need to have material and human resources needed for effective delivery, and for learner support.

The PGDE Programme will focus on developing a repertoire of knowledge and skills covering the areas of philosophy of distance education, development of programme including e-learning, educational technology, management, research and evaluation and learner support.