Creating Learning Materials for Open and Distance Learning: A Handbook for Authors & Instructional Designers

By Richard Freeman

This comprehensive handbook is for anyone who plans and writes learning materials for use in open and distance learning (ODL). The three main target audiences are teachers, instructional designers and writers. This handbook focuses on instructional design, providing both a high level overview, a discussion of key issues and the opportunity for the reader to develop their skills and knowledge in the instructional design of ODL materials.

This is the third in a developing series of handbooks for practitioners of ODL. The previous two titles focus on planning and implementing ODL and tutoring in ODL. In developing the series, COL seeks to address the need for accessible and practical training materials for professional development in ODL. All three handbooks are fully available at no cost online.  

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Strategies for Sustainable Open and Distance Learning

Andrea Hope and Patrick Guiton, Editors
November 2005, 181 pages

COL, in association with the British academic publisher RoutledgeFalmer Press, has released the sixth volume in its World Review of Distance Education and Open Learning book series. Strategies for Sustainable Open and Distance Learning examines the nature of sustainability in order to provide a guide to successful implementation of open and distance learning (ODL). The book draws heavily on case studies by experienced field practitioners and seeks to use their individual and collective experience to inform analysis of some of the factors that foster adaptability and sustainability of ODL operations. The full text of each of the 18 case studies and information about ordering the book are available at online.

Strategies for Sustainable Open and Distance Learning is also available, while quantities last, through COL at a 25% discount. For orders from developing Commonwealth countries, shipping charges will be waived. Orders must be accompanied by a pre-payment of CDN $30 (or equivalent US funds) plus shipping, if applicable, or charged to VISA or MasterCard accounts. Orders should be sent to COL's distribution agents: Government Publication Services, Queen's Printer, Attn. COL Customer Service, PO Box 9452 Stn Prov Govt, Victoria, BC  V8W 9V7 Canada; tel: 250.387.6409 (toll-free in North America: 800.663.6105); fax: 250.387.1120; e-mail:
QPPublications@gems5.gov.bc.ca. Order online at: www.publications.gov.bc.ca.

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Resource Material for Multi-grade Teaching

The Commonwealth Secretariat, in collaboration with the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA), has released a publication geared towards assisting teachers in applying educational techniques at a multi-grade level. The seven-module resource guide was designed as part of a wider effort to assist countries to achieve universal primary education by 2015. It focuses on using limited resources and teaching staff to provide good quality education in a multi-grade setting.

The content focuses on what multi-grade teaching is, why it is needed, its characteristic features, and its advantages and challenges. The modules are presented in an accessible, hands-on interactive format, providing support for both pre-service trainees and in-service teachers. They outline case study formats and exercises for teachers to follow while working in a multi-grade environment.

This title can be purchased online at
www.thecommonwealth.org/publications