The Planning and the Methodology in an open / distance learning system

Abstract

A methodology to set and carry out a S. E. A. D. (System of open and distance education) is a structural and sequenced ensemble of actions to realize. The methodologies accomplish a double function: fust they serve to set-up, plan and organize a new S. E. A. D. , and secondly, they serve to evaluate and abready existing S. E. A. D. There could be a third hnction which would be the transformation of an abready existing educational system in a S. E. A. D. These methodologies are usually expressed by means a normative model which constitute the theoretical conjunction of all the components, anticipating the reality which desires to be constructed, ensuring the accomplishment of the functions of the components. For example: the P. A. L. S. methodology of the Open University and the normative model for the courses of U. N. A. in Venezuela. A S. E. A. D. translates or incarnate the policy of the institution which promotes it, depending on the educational policy of the country; moreover, a S. E. A. D. , besider possessing a remdial characteristic, of correction and supplemental, the reason for its existence can be found in its own self, since it is the instrument which, within the focus of permanent education, uies to open an acces to knowledge to a great number of persons. The determination of the convenience of restoring a S. E. A. D. is underlined by the arisal of certain defects in the whole educational system, as for example, the incrcased number of subjects without any opportunity in knowledge area, or, lack of teacheis in determined areas, etc. These deficiencies of the whole system are converted into decisive elements for the creation of a S. E. A. D. However, the prograrnming of a S. E. A. D. requires a series of conditions which could be trasnportation system, communication media system, the availability of the teaching force trained in the technics of openldistance education, among others . The policy of the means decide uthe instructional materials for a S. E. A. D. nad can be choose between tow alternatives: - a principal means which is usually a printed text acconpanied by complementary means; - or when subordination disappears and a differentiated equality among the means arises. Finally, the policy of the means decides the communication structure (T. V. , centers, etc. ) Having established the aims and the means of a S . E. A . D. , it is necessary to indicate the population where it has to operate. The information is obtained through a survey applied on said potential population from which a ubirds eyeview~o f the user is obtained. For its side, the policy of institution fmes the “profile of the graduate” which is the totality of all the desired characteristies to be possessed at the end of the courses. The organizational structure of a S . E. A. D. can be centered in various models: I . The approach of the systems which organizes the “input-process-output” scheme. 2. The structural approach which organizes basing on the areas and functions. 3. The approach for projects which create and ad boc structure of great autonomy . On the basis of these approaches or combinating them, one procceds in giving and organizational structure to S. E. A. D.