PROFILE
The IODL collaborates closely with existing departments of the University for the Integration of Flexible and Blended Learning (FaB) methods in campus-based programmes. The IODL’s partnership with the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) in recent times has enabled the University to improve on its drive-in flexible learning. In addition, the introduction of FaB methods is expected to boost the delivery of campus and off-campus based programmes at the university by providing access to teaching and learning in different formats; electronic and print to students. Thus, the mandate of IODL is to provide an opportunity for working professionals and business executives to learn at a time, place or pace which satisfies their circumstances and requirements.
The IODL organises workshops and sponsors lecturers periodically to develop their capacities to design and deliver courses using FaB methods in close collaboration with departments that run evening and weekend programmes. Support is also given to students by IODL through the user support unit to adopt FaB learning effectively.
The Institute has five divisions:
- Distance Learning Programme
- Parallel Programme
- International Professional Programmes
- Non-Tertiary Programmes
- Informal programmes
Programmes
The IODL administers programmes in the areas of Business, Engineering, Applied Science, Built and Natural Environment:
- Certificate
- Diploma
- Higher National Diploma (HND)
- Bachelor of Technology and
- International Professional Programmes
Sessions:
The Institute runs sessions in the following mode:
- Evening
- Weekend
- Distance (in the of process establishing 2 satellite campuses)
Pedagogy:
Adopted the flexible and blended (FaB) approach
- The use of Virtual classroom for online teaching and learning
- The use of video, audio and audio-visual materials for off-line learning.
- In the process of developing Interactive course modules for distance students
Staffing:
The strength of the staff consists of the following:
- Director
- HoD Informal Sector
- HoD (Flexible Skills)
- Administrator
- Accountant
- Coordinator (Weekend Session)
- Coordinator (ILO)
- Coordinator (International Professional Programmes)
- Examination Officers (Weekend)
- Senior Administrative Assistant
The Institute currently has five National Service persons.
Collaboration:
The Institute became a partner in INVEST Africa of COL in 2010
The Institute is in the process of establishing collaborations with other institutions that are into open, distance, and online learning both local and international.
Research Focus
The institute will conduct research on tracer study of KTU graduates
Major activities undertaken during the year:
Two Lecturers participated in a sustainable Development Workshop in Kenya in June, 2018.
The IODL facilitated workshops on open, online, and flexible learning in May, 2018.
- The Staff of IODL participated and presented papers during the 10th International Applied Research Conference held in July 2018.
- Organised training/refresher sessions for facilitators and students on the use of the online platform
- The IODL continues to empower artisans with skills and knowledge to manage their businesses.
- The Institute also organised a workshop for DPA Students.
- Lecturers participated in the Flexible Skills Development (FSD) course during the year under review.
Intended Actions in the 2018/2019 Academic Year
- Plans are far advanced to start a satellite campus at Mount Mary College of Education at Somanya. All documentation is completed. The Institute is still awaiting final approval by the Governing Council of the University.
- Students would be admitted for the BSc Public Administration programme in collaboration with the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), subject to the Council’s approval.
- Eight Hundred and Forty-Eight (848) artisans were registered for training in October 2018 at Nsawam and Asamankese.
- The Institute will collaborate with the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovations Development to organise practical skill training seminars for the Weekend Session.