Developing Quality Learning Materials for Effective Teaching and Learning in an ODL environment: Making the jump from print modules to online modules

Abstract

This paper highlights the need to develop quality learning materials for effective teaching and learning in an online and distance learning (ODL) environment. This is especially important today as ODL institutions mushroom and compete on an increasingly global platform. While this has helped to widen access to education, it also means that more attention needs to be paid to the quality of teaching and learning materials if ODL institutions wish to continue attracting learners, reduce attrition rate and stay relevant. Attempts must be made to come up with good learning material which can offer ODL learners a fulfilling and enriching learning experience. At Open University Malaysia, a number of e-learning initiatives have been launched towards this end. One of these is the online, hypertext-linked or html modules. The first phase of this project has already been implemented. The rationale for this latest e-learning initiative is outlined. The paper also comes up with a taxonomy of best practice beliefs which identify the characteristics html modules should have if they are to be truly effective. It is hoped that this will provide some sort of benchmark, or standards, for html modules to strive for, as well as a set of criteria for a formative evaluation of the modules. Ultimately, this may provide guidelines for improving html modules and useful pointers for fine tuning this e-learning initiative in the future.