Assessment of challenges in developing self-instructional course materials at the National Open University of Nigeria
The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) is Nigeria’s only university dedicated to providing education through the use of distance instructional methods. So far, however, the lack of availability and poor distribution of course materials, which underpin instructional delivery at NOUN, continue to be hindrances to achieving the university’s vision and mission. There are delays and difficulties in developing and distributing materials to students and Study Centres. Many pioneer students cannot graduate because of this challenge. This paper examines the process of developing self-instructional course materials at NOUN. It reflects on the challenges associated with the quantity, quality, and timely production of course materials, labelled “the hills, the wills, and the skills” obstacles. The paper concludes that there is a need for better professional development in order to provide efficient ODL delivery.
Open and Distance Learning in the Developing World
1. Introduction: Golden Goose or Ugly Duckling Evidence 2. Nonformal Education: The Light That Never Shone 3. Schooling: The Door is Ajar 4. Teachers: Educating the Largest Profession 5. Higher Education: Beyond the Courtyard Wall 6. Crossborder Enrolment: Virtually Wandering Scholars Explanation 7. Costs: What the Figures Say 8. Technology: After Gutenberg and Turing 9. Globalisation: And Culture Follows Trade 10. Political Economy: Who Benefits, Who Pays? Evaluation 11. Legitimacy: A Problem or a Solution
The potential vorticity flux through the Yucatan Channel and the Loop Current in the Gulf of Mexico
Two‐year‐long time series of current and density structure measurements across the Yucatan Channel's main section allow the calculation of the time‐dependent potential vorticity flux between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, which is characterized by alternating periods of positive (cyclonic) and negative (anti‐cyclonic) vorticity influx. Periods of negative cumulative vorticity influx are related to the Loop Current extending into the Gulf of Mexico, whereas periods of positive cumulative vorticity influx relate to a Loop Current retraction, sometimes coincident with the shedding of an anti‐cyclonic eddy.