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Advancing Equity and Access to Higher Education Through Open and Distance Learning

609657-EPP-1-2019-1-FI-EPPKA2-CBHE-JP2019Capacity Building in higher educationfinalized
Countries: FI|MY|ID|PH|IE · Grant: €993,207

Project summary

The aim of the project is to promote equity and access to higher education in Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines through the use of inclusive instructional design (ID) and learning analytics (LA) in online and blended learning, especially in the context of Open and Distance Learning (ODL). The objectives are to build capacity in inclusive ID and LA, improve students’ learning engagement, active learning and study skills with the help of ID and LA based interventions, improve pedagogical and technical accessibility of digital learning materials, and use LA for more effective, personalised support for distance learners.In all three Partner countries, improving access to quality higher education is a priority. ODL is seen as a viable way of doing this, as it gives access to students with diverse backgrounds, for instance students in remote areas, mature age students and working students. However, access is only the starting point: the students also need to be able to successfully complete their studies. To ensure better equity and student retention, issues such as pedagogical and technical inclusion, accessible digital materials, and personalised support must be considered. In the project, inclusive instructional design methods and learning analytics solutions are utilised to address these issues.Pilot interventions addressing specific local needs related to the project scope are developed at each Partner HEI. This is supported by authentic capacity building activities and ongoing online support throughout the design, development, implementation and evaluation of the pilots. The outcomes of the project will be tried and tested recommendations and guidelines for using inclusive ID and LA for promoting equity and access to higher education. The results will be disseminated both regionally and more widely in the ASEAN region through multiple channels, including an international conference and a Handbook which will be published online with a Creative Commons license.

Objectives

Project objectives included 1) building the capacity of teaching, technical and learning desing staff in Partner HEIs in inclusive instructional design and learning analytics; 2) improving pedagogical and technical accessibility of online and blended learning pathways, materials, and environments; and 3) develop ways to support distance learners' learning needs in a more effective and personalized way.

Background

The aim of the project was to promote equity and access to higher education through the use of inclusive instructional design and learning analytics in Open and Distance Learning. The aim was to build pedagogical, technical and learning design capacity of partners to better cater for growing number of students in the remote regions and students with diverse backgrounds, including mature age students, working students, first-in-family students, students with learning difficulties.

Final report summary

<< Background >> The aim of the project was to promote equity and access to higher education through the use of inclusive instructional design and learning analytics in Open and Distance Learning. The aim was to build pedagogical, technical and learning design capacity of partners to better cater for growing number of students in the remote regions and students with diverse backgrounds, including mature age students, working students, first-in-family students, students with learning difficulties. << Objectives >> Project objectives included 1) building the capacity of teaching, technical and learning desing staff in Partner HEIs in inclusive instructional design and learning analytics; 2) improving pedagogical and technical accessibility of online and blended learning pathways, materials, and environments; and 3) develop ways to support distance learners' learning needs in a more effective and personalized way. << Implementation >> The project was implemented following the ADDIE learning design model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation). Each Partner HEI implemented a local pilot intervention addressing one or more general BUKA objectives. These were supported by capacity building activities focussing on instructional design, learning analytics and distance learning technologies, ongoing peer mentoring, online resources, and collegial support and knowledge sharing throughout the project. << Results >> The overall results of the project are tried and tested recommendations and guidelines for using inclusive ID and LA for promoting equity and access to higher education and the dissemination of the results of the project both regionally and more widely in the ASEAN region through multiple channels, including an international conference and a Handbook which will be published online with a Creative Commons licence.

Project partners (8)