Promoting Quality in the implementation of ODL in Zambia through the Higher Education Authority
The Higher Education Authority (HEA) has embarked on a project that will promote quality in the implementation of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in Zambia.
The 12-month long project is being conducted with the financial support of the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) and aims to promote and implement ODL through empowering Higher Education Institution (HEI) regarding ODL and, thereby, also promoting access through openness and improve capacity for students.
The project is also intended to improve internal quality assurance systems in higher education for ODL learning programmes.
Since HEA began its activities in 2015, it has faced a number of challenges in relation to ODL learning programmes. Among these include inadequate capacity in HEIs to develop curricula for ODL learning programmes, none-existence of ODL policies and standards, and inadequate facilities to support ODL and blended modes of teaching and learning.
Therefore, the support from COL for this project is critical to the development of ODL policies and standards in Zambia’s higher education subsector.
The project was flagged off by a two-day Capacity Building Workshop on ODL and Open Education Resources for Higher Education Stakeholders in Zambia which was hosted by HEA on 9th and 10th October, 2023, at Neelkanth Sarovar Premiere in Lusaka. The Workshop was facilitated by Dr. Jako Olivier, Adviser: Higher Education at COL.
The Capacity Building Workshop included participants from HEA, Africa Research University, Chalimbana University, Chreso University, Copperbelt University, DMI-St. Eugene University, Eden University, Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ), Kwame Nkrumah University, Lusaka Apex Medical University, Mukuba University, Northrise University, Unicaf University Zambia, University of Lusaka, Zambian Open University, and ZCAS University.
Dr. Olivier interacts with one of the groups into which the Capacity Building Participants were segregated for better engagement. 
Dr. Olivier interacts with another group. 
HEA Acting Director-General, Dr. Martin Mushumba, speaks during the Capacity Building Workshop. 
Dr. Orleans Mfune, HEA Manager – Standards, Research and Institutional Audits, was Director of Ceremony. 
Mr. Denny Nsokolo (2-R), HEA’s Senior Standards and Research Officer, presents on behalf of his group.
