Learner Support Systems & Services

Explore strategies to enhance distance learning with insights on learner support systems, cognitive skills, study techniques, and effective use of media and technology.

Learner Support Systems & Services

1 Learner Support- A Systems Approach

  1. Open and Distance Learning System
  2. Course Materials
  3. Media and Technology
  4. Learner Support Services (LSS)
  5. Relationship between LSS and Other Components of ODLS
  6. Theoretical Framework of Learning vis-à-vis LSS
  7. Factors Determining the Nature and Functions of LSS

2 Learner Support- Some Basic Issues

  1. Significance of Learner Support Services
  2. Need for Learner Support Services
  3. Support Services at Various Stages
  4. Major Considerations for Provision of Learner Support Services
  5. Support Services for Disabled Learners

3 Support Services- Institutional Arrangements and Models

  1. Evolution of Learner Support
  2. Models of Learner Support
  3. Institutional Arrangements for Learner Support
  4. Role of Headquarters, Regional Centres, and Study Centres

4 Developing a Self-directed Learner

  1. Nature of Open Learning
  2. Characteristics of Distance Learners
  3. Self-directed Learning
  4. Role of Learner Support Services in Promoting SDL
  5. Role of Technology for Promoting SDL

5 Cognitive Skills

  1. What are Cognitive Skills?
  2. Components of Cognitive Skills
  3. Cognitive Skills and Distance Learning
  4. Bloom’s Taxonomy
  5. Mind Mapping and Concept Mapping

6 Study Skills

  1. Need and Importance of Study Skills
  2. Study Skills: Building Good Habits
  3. Effective Listening
  4. Effective Reading
  5. Effective Writing
  6. Communication Skills
  7. Improving Vocabulary and Identifying Learning Style
  8. Study Skills and Distance Teaching/Learning
  9. Time Management

7 Reading and Writing Skills

  1. The Reading Process
  2. Stages of Reading
  3. Developing Reading Skills
  4. The Writing Process
  5. Developing Different Types of Writing Skills
  6. Enhancing Reading and Writing by Using Technology

8 Problem Solving Skills

  1. Approaching a Problem
  2. Managing Stress
  3. Time Management
  4. Confidence Building in Learners

9 Counselling

  1. Supporting Learners Through Counselling
  2. Theories of Counselling
  3. Importance of Counselling
  4. When is Counselling Needed?
  5. Counselling During the Course
  6. Post-completion Counselling

10 Tutoring

  1. Role of a Tutor in ODL
  2. Attributes of an Ideal Tutor
  3. Types of Tutoring
  4. Importance of Tutoring in Distance Education
  5. Supporting Learners Through Tutoring
  6. Implementing a Tutoring Programme
  7. Training of the Tutors

11 Media and Technology in Counselling and Tutoring

  1. Using Media and Technology for Counselling and Tutoring
  2. Role of Print Medium in Counselling and Tutoring
  3. Role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Counselling and Tutoring
  4. Web Support in Counselling and Tutoring
  5. Podcasting

12 Organising Counselling and Tutoring Services

  1. Planning Counselling and Tutoring Services
  2. Identification and Appointment of Academic Counsellors
  3. Orientation and Training of Academic Counsellors
  4. Scheduling of Counselling and Tutoring Sessions
  5. Need Based Counselling

13 Learners’ Assessment in Distance Education

  1. Types of Assessment in Distance Education
  2. Marking and Grading
  3. Alternative Assessment Methods
  4. Challenges in Assessment
  5. Future of Assessment in Distance Education

14 Tutor Comments

  1. Identifying a Distance Tutor
  2. Significance of Tutor Comments
  3. Types of Tutor Comments

15 Tutoring Through Correspondence

  1. Distance Teaching: Tasks and Problems
  2. Teaching Through Distance as ‘Two-way Communication’
  3. Distance Teaching: A Four Step Process
  4. Teaching Through Technological Medium

16 Supplemental Interaction

  1. Discussion on the Biases of a Conventional Teacher: A Justification
  2. Significance of Supplemental Interaction
  3. Supplemental Interaction: Offering Additional Support to Learners
  4. Supplemental Interaction through E-mail Tools

17 Learners’ Expectations in Distance Education

  1. Who is a Distance Learner?
  2. Learners’ Expectations
  3. Distance Education in General
  4. Study Materials
  5. Academic Counselling

18 Management of Support Services

  1. Support Services: Management Issues
  2. Data Management
  3. Quality Assurance in Learner Support
  4. Learner Charters
  5. Management of Finance

19 Monitoring Learners’ Progress

  1. Attrition: Conceptual Analysis
  2. Factors Contributing to Distance Learner’s Achievement (Success)
  3. Measures to Reduce Attrition
  4. Types of Attrition
  5. Student Tracking Methods

20 Library and Information Services to Distance Learners

  1. Library and Information Needs of Distance Learners
  2. Using Libraries
  3. Using Internet
  4. Acknowledging and Referencing
  5. Types of Library and Information Services for Distance Learners
  6. Guidelines for Library Services to Distance Learners