Using Social Networks to Assist Learners in Open Schooling in Trinidad and Tobago

Date
2010-11Abstract
At present the National Open School of Trinidad and Tobago (NOSTT) operates many centres in several parts of Trinidad and Tobago. From its inception in 2007, the author has been a part of NOSTT in two different areas – first as a Mentor/tutor of Mathematics and more recently as a Learner Support Officer for central schools in Trinidad. Every August NOSTT begins a new cycle of registration for new learners in all its centres. The classes which follow are well populated and then as the weeks and months progress and the lives of learner’s change, the class sizes begin to decrease. The reasons for this are based on several factors, such as work related activities and responsibilities, domestic and social challenges and environmental situatedness. It is because of this reason that using a social network, like Facebook, was conceptualized to harness instruction, whereby all who wanted to continue can be catered for. The two major subjects of Mathematics and English Language were chosen as these groups were the hardest hit by the dropout ratio, they are also the largest classes. NOSTT has been struggling with its mandate to have a blended learning approach and create an Open and Distance Learning environment (ODL), but to date has only managed face-to-face classes. It is hoped that this paper will begin that transformation and showcase the need and importance of ODL as a necessary facet of Open Schools to its clientele in Trinidad and Tobago.
Collections
Metadata
Show full item recordRelated Items
Showing items related by title, author, creator and subject.
-
The Obstruction of OER Development, Adaptation, and Utilization of the National Open School of Trinidad and Tobago 2010-2013
Warner, Steve C (2013-11)The National Open School of Trinidad and Tobago (NOSTT) has been at the forefront in promoting OER development, adaptation and utilization for its learners from its inception in the early 21st century; with the assistance ... -
Access and success of distance learners through ICTs at School of Distance Learning and Continuing Education (SDLCE), Kakatiya University
Rajalingam, P; Chandraiah, Esampally (2010-11)Open and Distance Learning (ODL) represents an approach that focuses opening access to education and training through ICTs. The benefits of ODL are freeing learners from the constraints of time and place and offering ... -
From the pigeon’s coo to Twitter’s tweet: An overview of communication messages through Online Social Networks (OSNs) in Open Distance Learning (ODL) with a special focus on Facebook
Mrinal, Sohoraye; Meera, Gungea (2013-11)The unprecedented rise of online social networks (OSNs) has completely erased the notion of pigeon as conveyors of messages which was widespread 2000 years ago. Indeed, the history of communication and its evolution have ... -
Demonstrating the Quality of Learner’s Experience and Engagement: Issues in Constructing Effective Evaluation Approaches on the English in Action Project, Bangladesh
Kirkwood, Adrian; Rae, Jan (2010-11)The purpose of the DfID English in Action Project (EIA) currently running in Bangladesh is to ‘increase significantly the number of people able to communicate in English, to levels that enable them to participate fully in ... -
Blended Learning Approach to Training School Counselors: A Case Study of COL-NCERT Collaborative Programme
Phalachandra, Bhandigadi (2010-11)There has been a great demand for Guidance and Counselling services in schools to facilitate better academic performance, adjustment and career development among students so as to provide quality education to students. In ...