About LUANAR ODL
Introduction
The Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) is now offering some of its programmes through the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode. This is a response to increased demand for higher education in Malawi, in line with the University’s strategic objective which is to widen access to its programmes.
Through ODL, LUANAR is providing chances to the working class and secondary school leavers who would otherwise not find space or time for full time conventional education an opportunity to combine work, business, home life and study without excluding the prospect of resuming advanced university level studies.
Studying through ODL is advantageous in that it reduces cost of education resulting from averted costs associated with teaching space, accommodation and non-academic functions. It also increases enrollment and efficient use of personnel remotely.
Other advantages of ODL include multiple entries and exits where students work at their own pace while maintaining university standards; no limitations in terms of age, gender, physical ability and status of aspiring students. You work and earn a living while you study and earn your desired degree. It is learning on the go!
ODL Directorate
The Open and Distance Learning Directorate, as provided for in the LUANAR ACT and Statues, shall coordinate development and implementation of ODL programmes in liaison with departments, faculties and management.
Vision
The directorate aims to be a center of excellence in open and distance learning in agriculture, rural development and natural resources
Mission
The directorate endeavours to provide equitable access to quality university education through sustainable open and distance learning innovations.
Core Values
The Directorate is driven by the following core values:
Openness, Integrity, Collaboration, Innovation and Excellence
Derivery Approach
The ODL programmes will be delivered using the blended model where residential sessions and distance study will be used. The residential sessions orient students on the philosophy and implementation model of ODLas well as provide an opportunity for the students to better appreciate their course contents and other forms of electronic and non-electronic forms of delivery. During the first year of the programme, when teaching and learning infrastructure is being constructed, programmes will be delivered through correspondence using printed materials, face-to-face and partial e-learning pathways. From the second year, the programme will operate using modern e-learning facilities in all centres that will be completed within twelve months.
The study programmes will start with one week orientation at Bunda Campus and in the Satellite Centers followed by fourteen weeks of home-study and one week of examinations in each semester. Examinations will be held at Bunda Campus and in the Satellite Centers.