Learning for Development from within and beyond the Reef: Early implementations of Open Distance Learning and Use of Open Educational Resources (OER) for the Teaching of English in a Small Island State

Authors

  • Emma Kruse Va’ai National University of Samoa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56059/jl4d.v3i3.171

Keywords:

Learning, Development, Teacher Development, Open Educational Resources, Primary School Teachers

Abstract

The following article examines the beginnings of open distance learning and use of OER by the National University of Samoa Faculty of Education to address an identified national need for more teachers and to improve their quality.  It highlights related challenges in the training of teachers and how different and new modes of learning are not always immediately acceptable and effective for the learners. It also discusses different perceptions related to ODL and OER and the need for policy developments at national and institutional levels for an integrated approach that can lead to sustainability.

References

Altbach, P.G. (2014) MOOCS as Neo-colonialism: Who controls knowledge? International Higher Education, 75, 5-7

Bertram, C. (2006) Exploring teachers’ reading competences: a South African case study. Open Learning: the Journal of Open, Distance and e-learning, 21,5-18

Elley, W.B., & Manghubai, F. (1983). The effect of reading on second language learning. Reading Research Quarterly, 19/1, 53-67

Glennie, J., Harley, K., Butcher, N. & van Wyk, T. (2012). Open Educational Resources and Change in Higher Education: Reflections from Practice, Vancouver: Commonwealth of Learning.

Perryman, L-A., Hemmings-Buckler, A. & Seal, T. (2014) Learning from TESS-India’s Approach to OER Localisation Across Multiple Indian States. Journal of Interactive Media in Education, Retrieved from http://jime.open.ac.uk/articles/10.5334/jime.af/

Tone- Schuster,L., Ah Hoy-Wright, I.,Vaafusuaga, M., Kolone-Collins, S., Pausisi, A.S., & Lauina, K. (2015). A Glimpse into the Teaching and development of English Literacy Skills at Primary Schools in Samoa. Unpublished paper presentation at South Pacific Association for Commonwealth Literature and Language Studies (SPACLALS), National University of Samoa, Apia.

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Published

2016-11-10

How to Cite

Va’ai, E. K. (2016). Learning for Development from within and beyond the Reef: Early implementations of Open Distance Learning and Use of Open Educational Resources (OER) for the Teaching of English in a Small Island State. Journal of Learning for Development, 3(3). https://doi.org/10.56059/jl4d.v3i3.171

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 3 (2016): Issue 3

Section

Invited Articles

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Received 2016-10-18
Accepted 2016-10-18
Published 2016-11-10