Module 2

Digital Literacy for Lifelong Learning

Module Objectives:
At the end of the module, you should be able to:
1. Explain what lifelong learning is and why it is important
2. Search and sign up for online courses
3. Acquire the skills needed for online learning
Continuing education or what others now call lifelong learning (LLL) has become
a necessity whether for the purpose of staying competitive in ones profession or
even a change in career. Unfortunately, the conventional system of formal
education is so restrictive in terms of fixed class schedules and the required
physical attendance to class sessions.
Your digital literacy would enable you to participate in online courses and be a
lifelong learner.
I. What is Lifelong Learning?
Lifelong learning is a process wherein an individual
continuously acquires knowledge, values and skills he/she
needs for work or employment and to be productive
member of his/her community.
The fast changing technologies significantly affect the way we work, study,
play and the other aspects of our lives including commerce.
Have you experienced going to an internet caf to do your
research for your assignments or lessons? Have you
experienced buying from sulit.com (OLX)? or
ayosdito.ph? or even book your plane ticket?
I am sure many of you have, at one time or
another (or even now), played online! DOTA,
candy crush, etc. Of course, I am sure, I can count in my one
hand if there are still among you who dont have a Facebook
account. Our social life has become more active as we can
now both within the confine of our geographical and virtual
environments.

do it

Because of these changes, work, home and community environments also

change and being productive would require that one knows how to use these
modern technologies as productive tools.




There are several reasons why individuals engage in lifelong learning. These
are:

Personal fulfillment
Active citizenship
Social inclusion
Employability/adaptability

Let us focus on the last two objectives as they are the context of this this module.
______________________________________________________________
Activity 1. I Want to be a Lifelong Learner
What is your dream job? Or what other skills do you still want to
learn? (It could be a set of new skills or an enhancement of your
existing skills).
Search the Internet for the qualifications required for your dream job.
List the gaps between the qualifications required by the job and your
current qualifications. If no gaps exist, identify areas that you need to
improve/enhance and which will increase your chances of getting that
job. Be guided by the matrix below:
My Dream
Job

Qualifications
for the Job

My current
qualifications

Gaps/Skills
Which Need
Improvement

Note: For students, the gaps/skills which need enhancement can be

further studies.
______________________________________________________________
I. Online Learning Opportunities
The modern Information and Communication Technologies
(ICTs) also made education ubiquitous or available anytime
you want, anyplace you may be, to anyone whatever is the
circumstance, and using any machine and any connection.

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In addition, the current trend of opening education, which is being participated
in by many universities and organizations, has made lifelong learning possible
and easy.
There are many open universities whose courses cater to those who cannot
be physically present. This also means that you have the option of getting
education or learning not only from the educational institutions within your
vicinity.
One blogger on squidoo.com lists his top 10 distance learning universities in
the world (http://www.squidoo.com/top-10-distance-learning-universities-inthe-world) which from his perspective includes only those institutions whose
programmes are accredited and are not necessarily an open mega
university.
The author further defines being accredited to mean
their degree or informal course offerings went through a rigorous
review process to ensure that only the best quality and relevant tuition is
offered by highly qualified staff members.
______________________________________________________________
My top 10 distance learning universities in the world
(http://www.squidoo.com/top-10-distance-learning-universities-inthe-world)
1 United Kingdom Open University
Founded in 1969, and with approximately 250 000
students worldwide, the UK Open University, whose academic
faculties and research centres are based in Milton Keynes, United
Kingdom, offers more than 250 undergraduate and postgraduate
qualifications of a high standard. They are well-known for their open
qualifications where students can choose what they want to study.
Depending on their specific career needs, students can build their own,
tailor-made qualifications. This University has an excellent tutor
programme in place to assist their students with their studies.
2 Open University of Catalonia
The Open University of Catalonia in Spain was only founded in 1994 but
already boasts somewhat 60 876 students. They offer more than 1000
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degree programmes up to doctoral level in three different Schools,
including Open Programmes. They have a large international student base
and refer to themselves as an online university with 3 385 virtual
classrooms. They have different kinds of online assessments for
international students but a final examination on site in Spain for some
(although only few) syllabi is compulsory. Study material is available in
printed, web or CD-ROM format.
3 Indira Gandhi National Open University
Founded in 1985, the Indira Gandhi National Open University offers 310
degree programmes in arts, science, commerce, social sciences and
information technology through 21 Schools. It is the biggest university in
the world with more than four million students in India as well as 36 other
countries. They have a well established infrastructure to cope with the
large number of students, for example about 36 000 academic
counsellors, 67 regional centres, about 3000 learner support centres and
67 overseas centres. The University has 420 faculty members and
academic staff. This university is considered to be the world leader in
distance education.

4 University of the Philippines Open University

Also relatively youngStudies,
compared
andtoManagement
other institutions,
and Development
the UniversityStudies.
of the Philippines Open U
It offers qualifications ranging from undergraduate to
doctoral and non-formal courses to students in the
Philippines and abroad. Students can write their final
examinations either face-to-face, at official learning centres or online.
5 University of South Africa (Unisa)
With more than 250 000 students, Unisa has campuses in Pretoria and
Florida, Johannesburg, South Africa and numerous contact centers
abroad. It also has mega university status. The University was founded in
1873 and in 2004 merged with Technikon Southern Africa to form the new
Unisa. It offers internationally recognised qualifications ranging from
undergraduate to doctoral studies as well as informal courses in six
Colleges. These Colleges include Agriculture and Environmental,
Economic and Management Sciences, Law, Education, Human Sciences
and Graduate Studies. Students receive tuition via correspondence, an

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online teaching platform (myUnisa), face-to-face classes, satellite classes
and video conferencing. The University has well established learning
centres throughout the world, including a tutor system to assist its
students.
6 Open University of the Netherlands
The Open University of the Netherlands was founded in 1984. Students
can study academic programmes or select from almost 300 modular
courses. Students have the option to either register for a full-length degree
programme or for modular courses, meaning they can register for two
modules only if they wish. Programmes in Law, Management, Computer
Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Cultural Sciences, Learning Sciences
and Psychology are offered. Various short programmes are also offered.
This University's best offerings are available in Dutch only, although
English courses are increasingly being introduced. Examinations are
written at one of the University's study or support centres.
7 Open University of Hong Kong
First known as the Open Learning Institute of Hong Kong, the Open
University of Hong Kong was established in 1989 but renamed in 1997 to
reflect its current academic standing. It at present has 16 000 students,
aged between 22 to 35. It offers programmes in the School of Arts and
Social Sciences, Lee Shau Kee School of Business and Administration,
School of Education and Languages, School of Science and Technology
and the Li Ka Shing Institute for Professional and Continuing Education.
The University offers more than 100 postgraduate, degree, associate
degree and sub-degree programmes to its students, striving to provide
only high quality tuition.
8 Thomson Rivers University Open Learning
Thomson Rivers University Open Learning (TRU-OL) is a division of
Thomson Rivers University that provides its students with flexibility and
access to online distance learning. Its Kamloops campus is situated in
British Columbia, Canada. It has 20 000 registrations and offers some 55
degrees, diploma and certificate programmes in printed, online or webbased formats according to students' own individual needs. Students have
access to almost 300 TRU distance courses and 34 language courses.

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Consortium institutions also deliver 250 courses providing both diversity
and excellence to its various distance education offerings.
9 The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand
First known as the Technical Correspondence School which opened its
doors in 1946 and renamed the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand in
1990, this institution provides courses complying with the highest
standards throughout the country as well as abroad. All its qualifications
meet industry standards because of the industry's involvement in the
development of most courses. More than 100 qualifications and 1200
courses are offered and include from technical and vocational training to
higher professional and continuing education. It uses proven models for
distance learning which includes providing student support, designing of
course material and quality control.
10 Bangladesh Open University
The Bangladesh Open University was founded in 1992 after researching a
new mode of education for many years. It uses technology and electronic
devices to reach its students thereby providing much needed flexibility to
students who do not wish to study through the conventional education
system. By becoming a lifelong learner these students are equipped with
high quality knowledge to empower them in life. It already has more than 2
million students and offers both formal and non-formal programmes
through six different Schools.
______________________________________________________________
Specific for the Philippines, aside from the University of the
Philippines Open University (UPOU) (www.upou.edu.ph),
there are 16 other universities offering their programs via the
distance education mode of instructional delivery. Except for
the UP Open University, the other universities are not 100%
online and may still require students physical presence in
their campus at certain times of the school term. Most of these universities
offer degree programs (bachelors masters, and doctoral). UPOU also offers
non-formal courses like:

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New Enterprise Planning

(http://fmds.upou.edu.ph/index.php/academics/cep?id=75)
Personal Enterpreneurial Development
(http://fmds.upou.edu.ph/index.php/academics/cep?id=78)
Introduction to Electronic Commerce
(http://fmds.upou.edu.ph/index.php/academics/cep?id=61)
Simplified Accounting for Non Entrepreneurs
http://fmds.upou.edu.ph/index.php/academics/cep?id=84

Still in the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority or TESDA

(http://www.tesda.gov.ph/) offers technical courses both in the online and
residential modes of instruction. The online courses are offered under the
eTESDA and include the following:

Information Technology
o Computer Hardware Servicing
o Basic Computer Operation
o Game Programming NCIII
Tourism
o Room Attendant Servicing
o Guest Room Attendant Servicing
o Bus Boy Servicing
o Valet Servicing
o Waiter Servicing
Electronics
o Cellphone Servicing

What is good about TESDA is that their certification for these courses is
recognized not only in the Philippines but in other countries as well.
Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
Openness in education resulted in many organizations offering online courses
for free. They are also known as Massive
Open Online Courses or MOOCs. Since
they are massive, these courses can have
enrollment ranging from 150 to hundreds
of thousands. They are open because
learners can sign up for these courses for
free. And they are online which requires
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learners to have certain level of digital literacy. A Statement of Accomplishment
(SOA) is usually given to those who were able to complete the course
requirements.
To know more about MOOCs, view the video on
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eW3gMGqcZQc
The top three MOOCs providers are Coursera (https://www.coursera.org/), edX
(https://www.edx.org/) and Udacity (https://www.udacity.com/). A comparison of
these MOOCs providers can be found in http://www.skilledup.com/blog/the-bestmooc-provider-a-review-of-coursera-udacity-and-edx/.
The UP Open University (UPOU) offered its first MOOC Mobile Apps

Development Using Android Platform

(http://fics.upou.edu.ph/aral/login/index.php). You need to create an account to
be able to sign up for the course. The UPOU is also offering as MOOCs courses
that will provide interested individuals with knowledge and skills that will help
qualify them for the Business Process Management (or BPO) industry.

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___________________________________________________________
Activity 2. Online Courses for Me
Instructions:
1.
Access the distance education universities listed
above. List three universities with courses (degree or non-degree)
which would be useful in upgrading your knowledge and skills and
which will help you get your DREAM JOB.
Be guided by the matrix below:
University/Institution
1.

Course
1.
2.
3.
1.
2.
3.
1.
2,
3.

2.
3.

2.

Link to the Course

Access the sites of the top three MOOCs providers. Sign up in one
of the courses which you think you need to get employed or
enhance your skills.
Be guided by the matrix below:
MOOC Provider
1.

Course Title and

Schedule
1.

2.

1.

3.

1.

Course Description

__________________________________________

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Later, you may want to try other online courses offered by other providers.
Read below just to guide you on how you will select online courses for your
lifelong learning.
______________________________________________________________

Do your homework first before studying via

distance learning
http://www.squidoo.com/top-10-things-study-via-distancelearning
To study via distance learning is a decision that should not be made without due
consideration. It is not the easiest way to obtain a qualification but due to many
students' circumstances, distance learning provides a good alternative and more
flexible way to study. As with any other large expenses, prospective distance
learning students should also do their homework to find the best distance
learning university for their own unique circumstances and needs. It takes real
commitment but there are also other pitfalls that should be best avoided.
Below are my top 10 facts that you need to investigate when you want to study
via distance learning.
Select a distance learning university of good reputation
To further your studies is a decision that could change your life forever. You
should therefore carefully consider all the available options and base your
decision where to further your studies on facts. There are literally hundreds of
distance learning universities worldwide which will make your decision even more
difficult. I compiled a list of my recommended top 10 distance learning
universities to make your selection easier or to use as a starting point.
Read about what other students have to say
Although the distance learning university might have a good reputation in terms
of its qualifications offered, other aspects such as service delivery might be more
dubious. A good way of finding out just how good a university's service delivery
is, is to search for forums where current or former students voice their opinions
about the university. Nothing beats real reviews from real students.

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Ensure that the qualification offered will also be recogni[z]ed in your own
country
Not all qualifications are recognized worldwide. Base your decision where to
further your studies on whether the qualification will be recognized in your own
country. If you want to further your studies to find a better job in your own
country, your first consideration should be whether the qualification will be
recognized by prospective or current employers.
Be aware that the context of the syllabus might not be relevant to your own
country
Many of the case studies used in a syllabus or the context of learning units might
not be applicable to your own country. It could be a wise step to also enquire
about the contents of particular subjects to ensure that you will not be exposed to
a syllabus that would be irrelevant to your own experience or requirements. If the
content of a syllabus is more generic and not context specific, you will be more
likely to benefit from the qualification.
Accredited is better
If you study through an accredited distance learning university, you are ensured
of high quality and peer reviewed content. There are also many good
unaccredited universities, or universities that are in the process of obtaining
accreditation. It is, however, always better to ensure that your qualification will be
worth the money that you will be spending on it. To further your studies is very
expensive, and you should not waste your money on a qualification that might
not even be up to standard in terms of industry standards.
Get some information about the delivery mode
What will be the delivery mode of the qualification? Will I have contact with fellow
students? Is there an online student platform where you could engage with
lecturers and fellow students? Will your study material be mailed to you or would
you only be able to download the material? Are there any satellite broadcasts or
video conferences where students from abroad will be able to attend? What other
media will be used to communicate with students? These are all valid questions
that you should ask yourself when considering a qualification through a distance
learning university.

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What are the qualifications of my future lecturers?
Find out what the credentials of your future lecturers are. Are they well qualified?
Do they have qualifications relevant to the field? Where did they obtain their
qualifications? A syllabus is just as good as the lecturers who will teach it. Well
informed lecturers who furthered their own studies will be able to update the
contents of the syllabus according to latest theories and trends in the field.
It requires a lot of discipline to study distance learning
To study through distance learning is a long and lonesome path. Most students
are also working full time, have families and need to fit in their studies after
hours. You will need a lot of discipline to submit any assignments on time and to
study for examinations. You will often become discouraged. Ask yourself if you
really have the discipline to complete the qualification and whether a residential
university might not be better.
Some qualifications might require you to attend classes or write exams in
their countries
Unless you have the means, ensure that all examinations could also be written in
your own country or that there are no compulsory classes to attend. Not all
distance learning universities have learning centres all over the world and require
you to write the examinations in their countries. Some business related or
psychology qualifications have compulsory workshops which students need to
attend. If so, will you be able to afford the additional travel expenses?
Hidden costs
Make sure that there are no hidden costs to study through the university. Many
distance learning universities, for example, charge a foreign levy payment to
cover the costs of mail delivery and other expenses. Ask for a detailed quotation
to complete your qualification and do not only rely on the information on the
institution's website.
Spending some time researching a distance learning university according to the
above recommended list might take some time but also spare you many
unexpected surprises.

_________________________________________

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References:
Lifelong Learning Council of Queensland. About Lifelong Learning available at
http://www.llcq.org/01_cms/details.asp?ID=12

https://www.facebook.com/SupportforParents
http://www.squidoo.com/top-10-distance-learning-universities-in-the-world
https://www.facebook.com/SupportforParents
http://www.squidoo.com/top-10-distance-learning-universities-in-the-world
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eW3gMGqcZQc
http://www.skilledup.com/blog/the-best-mooc-provider-a-review-of-courseraudacity-and-edx/.

http://www.squidoo.com/top-10-things-study-via-distance-learning

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