PROGRAM STRUCTURE AND COMMUNICATION MECHANISM FOR ONLINE DISTANCE LEARNING (ODL) IN A POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMME

Abstract Substantial growth was seen in Open Distance Learning (ODL), and the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the expansion of online learning across all levels of education. The preferences on the program structure and communication mechanism and fundamentals of quality of education received are not widely documented. Considering the vacuum, the study aims to explore the potential of offering a postgraduate Doctor of Philosophy program through an open distance learning (ODL) module. The study primarily explores program structure preferences and communication mechanisms to meet the needs and expectations of prospective students. The quantitative-based research, using an online questionnaire survey technique as the main research strategy, was conducted between January and February 2023 and gathered feedback from 163 respondents representing potential and recently graduated PhD students, academia, and education agencies. The findings indicate that responders largely acknowledge mixed-mode programs, blended delivery methods that combine online classes with conventional face-to-face teaching mechanisms, and synchronous online teaching. Hence, they should be widely used in establishing new postgraduate programmes. The ODL programs will offer flexibility in scheduling and pace, allowing students to balance their studies with personal and professional responsibilities.