OPEN AND DISTANCE e-LEARNING (ODeL)

OPEN AND DISTANCE e-LEARNING (ODeL) The Director Distance Education, Dr Kallie de Beer, is currently researching the various aspects of ODEL. Traditional concepts of distance education have changed forever with the integration of educational technologies such as e-learning, Open Education Resources (OERS) and co-operative education models (work integrated learning etcetera). ODeL is a philosophy for modern learning and teaching and not a method on its own. For example, the following compilation of keywords in computer searches will assist you to find the modern educational concepts on *openness, *transparency, *accessibility, *flexibility, *vertical and horizontal articulation, * learner mobility, *Recognition of Prior Learning *cost effectiveness, *financial support *free counselling services *academic support and *library and information services with online support systems. Subsequently our Unit for Academic Development has to keep abreast with research development in ODEL and established a research capacity network for academe of our institution to share along with the following initiatives:  CUT is a founder member of the National Association for Distance and Open Learning of South Africa (NADEOSA);  CUT is invited to submit research papers at the International Organisation For Distance- and Open Education (IODOE);  CUT is a founder member of the African Council for Distance Education (ACDE);  CUT has a substantial list of members of the South African Association for Research Development in Higher Education (SAARDHE);  CUT is a member of the Higher Education Learning and Teaching Association of Southern Africa (HELTASA);  CUT members play a leading role in the South African Association for Co-operative Education (SASCE); and  CUT participates in online conferences of UNESCO and of the Commonwealth of Open Learning (COL).