Open Learning Policy Framework for Post-School Education and Training

11 Apr 2017
Department of Higher Education and Training logo
Department of Higher Education and Training logo
11 Apr 2017

The Department of Higher Education and Training has published the Open Learning Policy Framework for Post-School Education and Training for comment. "Following the policy directives presented in Chapter 7 of the White Paper for Post-School Education and Training, this policy framework sets out the strategic intent of the DHET in steering the PSET system towards increasing access and improving quality cost-effectively through open learning. The scope of this policy is national; it is aimed at the entire PSET system, including universities, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges and community education and training (CET) colleges, as well as skills providers, but not at the schooling sector. It also covers, where appropriate, private providers.

"The purpose of the policy framework is to provide a framework for, and to direct, the implementation of open learning in the PSET system as outlined in the 2014 White Paper for Post School-Education and Training. The policy framework aims to: i. provide a framework for building a shared, common PSET system, making extensive use of open learning approaches and distance education methodologies; ii. set out guiding principles and specific objectives for the implementation of open learning in the PSET system that will guide the decision-making and activities of government, PSET institutions, the staff that work in them and the learners learning in the PSET system; iii. provide a high level strategy for implementing open learning approaches in the PSET system in a structured, integrated manner; iv. identify instruments and mechanisms for steering the PSET system towards increasing access and quality through the incremental adoption of open learning approaches and through appropriate monitoring, evaluation and quality assurance; and v. provide a framework for co-operation and collaboration among the DHET, institutions and skills providers to implement open learning approaches in an organised and systematic way."