ODL students receive the same content, tasks and examinations as on-campus students.

Some full-time lectures are broadcast through the Internet, but most lectures are pre-recorded and can be accessed through eFundi.

Examinations are written at the NWU examination centres and marked by NWU academic staff or by markers approved and appointed by NWU.

Students have two examination opportunities per module during a study period, and all modules can be written at each opportunity.

Students must complete their studies between a minimum and maximum time period as determined by the university.

Lectures are presented by NWU academic staff.

NWU’s ODL programmes are based on the following principles:.

Students use a computer and the Internet to access and download lectures, complete and submit assignments and tests through NWU’s learning management system called eFundi.

Open distance learning combines the principles of e-learning, learner-centeredness, flexibility, accessibility, the recognition of prior learning (RPL) and active learner support.

“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” - William Butler Yeats What is open distance learning (ODL)?

With the support of lecturers and facilitators, students can study and hold a full-time job. The NWU’s Unit for Open Distance Learning offers a unique study alternative, one in which the student determines the place, time and tempo of learning.

Students are enrolled at NWU and upon successful completion of their studies earn a fully accredited degree or diploma from NWU.

The UODL has a service level agreement with Docenda to use the facilities of Docenda. The NWU’s Unit for Open Distance Learning (UODL) delivers distance programmes on behalf of its faculties at a number of learning support centres in Southern Africa. It makes available financial support, distance learning facilities and additional learning support at any location where the student has access to a computer and the Internet. Who we are and what we do 'The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts.' - C S Lewisĭocenda is a non-profit company that was registered in October 2014. Graduate and diploma studies in Theology and Education are presently offered and successful students can go on to enrol in NWU’s post-graduate programmes. Docenda provides a distance-learning infrastructure as well as financial assistance to deserving students, and in so doing we enable them to obtain a degree from the North-West University (NWU). Many adult learners, specifically people from poorer communities, are unable to afford or attend full-time university programmes.

Docenda’s primary objective is to bring the benefits of a university education to within reach of the student.

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