In Robinson’s article “Innovation in open and distance learning”, Open and Distance Learning (ODL) is discussed and it is explained that many organisations are beginning to use ODL as part of their organisational strategy. Robinson (2001) reports on the difficulties encountered by organisations and lists these difficulties under four categories:
1 – Resources Available
ODL initiatives fail: when an organisation is under resourced in terms of financial and human; when the cost structure and finding needs are not well understood; and when the scale of the project is too small to be financially viable.
2 – Organisational Aspects
ODL initiatives fail: when staff within an organisation are not given adequate work time to complete the course or rewards/incentives; when internal ODL coordination and ODL policy initiatives are weak; when ODL centres are
3 – Human Resource capacity
ODL initiatives fail when staff lack adequate knowledge of ODL
4 – Use of Technology
ODL problems arise when there is insufficient expertise and technical support available for staff.
