About us

Vision
The vision of the Tuition and Facilitation of Learning Portfolio is to become the Leader in best practice on optimizing the access, learning experience, retention and throughput of learners.

Mission
Considering that the portfolio includes a diverse combination of functions with a complex network of internal and external relations - including providing and acquiring services – its purpose can be described as follows:
“ The  development, integration and alignment of relevant functions to establish, develop and deliver effective learning development and learning facilitation products and services to academics and learners, as well as general support services (e.g. ICT support) to other functions in the institution, to optimize access, retention and throughput of learners. 
In terms of its operations, effective reciprocal relations ensure that services are acquired from, and provided to other functions to support internal operations, thus facilitating access  to the institution and its services in a manner that will promote effective learning and enhance retention and throughput:”

Definition of Tuition and Facilitation of Learning
The term tuition and facilitation of learning means the range of activities which complement the mass-produced materials which make up the most well-known elements in Open and Distance Learning (ODL).   It is, of course, true that printed course units, television and radio programmes, computer programmes etc., which replace the lecture as a means of delivery, and offer so much both in terms of  social and geographical access, and in terms of cost-effectiveness, support students in central ways.  But the elements of ODL which are commonly referred to as student support are made up of tutoring, whether face-to-face, by correspondence, telephone or electronically; counseling; the organization of study centers; interactive teaching through TV and radio, and other activities.  These activities have as key conceptual components the notion of supporting the individual learning of the student whether alone or in groups, while in contrast the mass-produced elements are identical for all learners

Tuition and Facilitation of Learning Model
Learner Support is a multi-dimensional process including all aspects of the Learner’s engagement with the institution. The challenge towards facilitating  a reasonable chance for success implies that based on the profile, support needs and intended learning relevant activities and interventions be made at the right time.

The diagram (PDF) and model illustrates the critical aspects to be addressed as well as the options in terms of interventions and Information Technology support.