Model for free and open university courseware
ICT10
A Framework for Implementation of Free and Open University Courseware in Kenya.
Patrick Kinoti*, Adrian Kamotho Njenga*
*Lecturer, Kenya Methodist University
Corresponding email: Patrick.Kinoti@kemu.ac.ke
Abstract
Free and Open University Courseware (FOCW) refers to university course materials which may include lecture notes, presentation videos, syllabi and course outlines that are shared for free on the web. The concept of free sharing of university courseware is continuously gaining popularity especially in developed countries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that encourage or/and discourage uptake of free and open university courseware and what needs to be done to encourage the implementation. Towards achieving this goal, the study proposes a framework which is guided by previous models developed by early open courseware theorists. A survey was conducted on three public universities based on the framework. Data was collected mainly through questionnaires administered to students, lecturers and university administrators. Interview and observation techniques were also used .In total 630 questionnaires were distributed to the three public universities 522 valid responses were received. The findings show that sustainability of the project, motivation of faculty and dealing with copyright are significant factors that tend to influence implementation of FOCW in Kenya and provide a generic framework for addressing the issues.
Keywords: Open, courseware,
Introduction
Free and Open University Courseware (FOCW) has been adopted in various models such as OCW(Open courseware), MOOC (Massive Open Online Courses) and other university open initiatives. The Free and Open University courseware initiative has gained popularity in developed countries such as USA, UK, China and Japan. However, universities in Africa and other emerging economies have not been enthusiastic about it. The primary characteristics of FOCW are that courses
A Framework for Implementation of Free and Open University Courseware in Kenya.
Patrick Kinoti*, Adrian Kamotho Njenga*
*Lecturer, Kenya Methodist University
Corresponding email: Patrick.Kinoti@kemu.ac.ke
Abstract
Free and Open University Courseware (FOCW) refers to university course materials which may include lecture notes, presentation videos, syllabi and course outlines that are shared for free on the web. The concept of free sharing of university courseware is continuously gaining popularity especially in developed countries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors that encourage or/and discourage uptake of free and open university courseware and what needs to be done to encourage the implementation. Towards achieving this goal, the study proposes a framework which is guided by previous models developed by early open courseware theorists. A survey was conducted on three public universities based on the framework. Data was collected mainly through questionnaires administered to students, lecturers and university administrators. Interview and observation techniques were also used .In total 630 questionnaires were distributed to the three public universities 522 valid responses were received. The findings show that sustainability of the project, motivation of faculty and dealing with copyright are significant factors that tend to influence implementation of FOCW in Kenya and provide a generic framework for addressing the issues.
Keywords: Open, courseware,
Introduction
Free and Open University Courseware (FOCW) has been adopted in various models such as OCW(Open courseware), MOOC (Massive Open Online Courses) and other university open initiatives. The Free and Open University courseware initiative has gained popularity in developed countries such as USA, UK, China and Japan. However, universities in Africa and other emerging economies have not been enthusiastic about it. The primary characteristics of FOCW are that courses