Parallel session 5B:Distance Education and Open Learning

1. ADEA 2008 Biennale on Education in Africa Beyond Primary Education: Challenges and Approaches to Expanding Learning Opportunities in Africa Parallel session 5B:Distance Education and Open Learning Review of the use of ODL systems in the provision of post-primary education in Africa” Presenter: Ephraim Mhlanga Beyond Primary Education: Challenges of and Approaches to Expanding Learning Opportunities in AfricaAssociation for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA)Biennale 2008 on Post-Primary Education

2. ADEA 2008 Biennale on Education in Africa Beyond Primary Education: Challenges and Approaches to Expanding Learning Opportunities in Africa Problem statement Opportunities ODL offers in addressing the attendant problems of access, equity, and quality at post-primary level in Africa? • What are the: a. experiences of Africa regarding ODL? b. challenges of post-primary educational provision on the continent? c. opportunities for addressing the challenges through ODL? • Objective of the research: To explore, through examples of good practice, the potential for increasing secondary school access through ODL and the challenges involved. Beyond Primary Education: Challenges of and Approaches to Expanding Learning Opportunities in AfricaAssociation for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA)Biennale 2008 on Post-Primary Education

3. ADEA 2008 Biennale on Education in Africa Beyond Primary Education: Challenges and Approaches to Expanding Learning Opportunities in Africa Research methodology • Reviewed cases of ODL in different countries in Africa (SSA) • Approach used: - Desktop research - Reports on cases - Interviews Beyond Primary Education: Challenges of and Approaches to Expanding Learning Opportunities in AfricaAssociation for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA)Biennale 2008 on Post-Primary Education

4. ADEA 2008 Biennale on Education in Africa Beyond Primary Education: Challenges and Approaches to Expanding Learning Opportunities in Africa Main results: a. Approach: implemented differently in different contexts b. Target group: - large nos. 25 292 NAMCOL in 2004 & 21000 BOCODL by 2005. - Youth of above school-going age. - Female students outnumber males c. Achievements: - curriculum articulation - high pass rates - governance d. Challenges: - investment in ICTs - young learners at JSC level Beyond Primary Education: Challenges of and Approaches to Expanding Learning Opportunities in AfricaAssociation for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA)Biennale 2008 on Post-Primary Education

5. ADEA 2008 Biennale on Education in Africa Beyond Primary Education: Challenges and Approaches to Expanding Learning Opportunities in Africa Trends & Main lessons learned • Trend: - ODL gaining increasing importance as strategy for augmenting conventional system. - Quality and affordability remain key challenges to be addressed. • Lessons learned: - Need for alternative routes to attain secondary education qualifications. Beyond Primary Education: Challenges of and Approaches to Expanding Learning Opportunities in AfricaAssociation for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA)Biennale 2008 on Post-Primary Education

6. Lessons learned (cont’d.) - NAMCOL & BOCODOL demonstrate that ODL can offer quality post-primary education. - Government commitment - access & quality. - Collaboration, partnerships and sharing within & between countries helps avoid unnecessary and costly duplication. - ODL and the age of learners. - ODL and the marginalized groups. - Curricula relevance and articulation with conventional system. Beyond Primary Education: Challenges of and Approaches to Expanding Learning Opportunities in AfricaAssociation for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA)Biennale 2008 on Post-Primary Education

7. ADEA 2008 Biennale on Education in Africa Beyond Primary Education: Challenges and Approaches to Expanding Learning Opportunities in Africa Conclusions: Main messages • Need for governments to plan, regulate, & support ODL as alternative, not inferior, route. To be done through appropriate policies encouraging collaboration & sharing within & between countries quality provision. • Need for developing appropriate funding models to ensure sustainability of innovations. Beyond Primary Education: Challenges of and Approaches to Expanding Learning Opportunities in AfricaAssociation for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA)Biennale 2008 on Post-Primary Education