Integrating work-based learning into open distance learning in higher education – examining the prospects in a developing context from a student perspective

ABSTRACT

There is growing demand for access to higher education (HE) in developing countries in the midst of limited resources. Open and distance education (ODL) has become a pivotal component of HE; many developing countries have developed their own models of ODL that are consistent with their national contexts. Research has shown that many developing countries are using ODL as one of the means to boost participation rates and to reduce cost in HE delivery. However, to what extent can this alternative be used strategically beyond the access argument to make HE more pragmatic, especially strongly linked to the workplace needs of students who are mostly in employment whilst maintaining the criticality required at such a level? Based on students’ perspective in Ghana, this paper uses the concept of Work Based Learning as one of the evolving ‘models’ of HE delivery to explore how it could be relevant in making ODL in a developing context more pragmatic and tailored towards students’ needs at the workplace.

KEYWORDS:

• Open distance learning
• work-based learning
• developing country
• higher education

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Abdulai Abukari

Dr Abdulai Abukari is an Associate Professor in Education Policy, Leadership and Management. He has worked as a full-time academic at the Institute for Work-Based Learning, Middlesex University, for over 10 years. His primary research focus is Comparative and International Education (Policy, Leadership and Management), teacher education and Workplace Learning. Current research focuses on comparative studies of UAE, developed and developing contexts, with particular emphasis on teacher education and service roles of contemporary higher education institutions and how institutions respond to demands of contemporary society and the so-called emerging knowledge society especially through new approaches to education policy, curriculum development, learning and assessment and quality assurance.

Bawa Kuyini Ahmed

Dr Bawa Kuyini Ahmed is Associate Professor in the Social Work Department, United Arab Emirates University. He is a professional social worker and a professional teacher. Having completed his PhD at the University of Melbourne, Australia, he was engaged as full-time faculty at the University of New England, Australia from 2008 to 2016. He previously practised social work in Norway and Australia and also runs a small Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) in his native Ghana.