HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The Directorate of Distance Education and Open Learning (DDEOL) previously known as Centre for Lifelong Education (CLLE) was established as a Department under the Institute of Consultancy, Applied Research and Extension Studies (ICARES) in December, 1990.  Its main functions then were to run short courses, seminars, and conferences.

The need was felt for it to be autonomous due to the increasing demand for University education by the wider membership of the society.  The Centre became an independent Department in January 2001 and has significantly developed offering courses ranging from Certificate to degree level programmes.

The Directorate which assumed its new name in August 2009 also engages in a variety of programmes that include seminars and workshops besides offering academic programmes through part-time face-to-face programmes and distance learning programmes as well as through affiliation of selected colleges.

WHO WE ARE
The Copperbelt University – Directorate of Distance Education and Open Learning (DDEOL) is one of the leading institutions offering Bachelors programmes through Blended – distance education mode in Zambia. Since its establishment in 2009, the Directorate has been offering high-quality programmes- that are tailored made and demanded by the industry and the community. When you choose to study with us, be assured that you will acquire same competences and skills within the same duration as in face-to-face mode or evening mode. In collaboration with all Schools in the University, the Directorate ensures that quality comes first to achieve the learning outcomes in each Programme. Be assured that you will be taught by highly qualified and experienced lecturers. Our programmes are accredited by the Higher Education Authority and follow the Zambia Qualifications Authority framework. This means that our programmes are respected and internationally recognized.
Our teaching model at DDEOL allows students to acquire new skills which enable them study while working. The Directorate provides students with study material with practical learning experience including industrial case study, presentations, online and face-to-face interaction, discussions and many more. Academic programmes are offered through e-learning and distance mode with the component of residential school. In addition, some of the programmes, particularly the diploma programmes are offered through affiliated colleges. The Directorate also partners with industry to offer seminars, workshops and short courses that are made to enhance skills for problem solving and increased productivity.

MISSION

  • To provide quality education that is accessible to the nationally dispersed clients.
OBJECTIVES: 
  • Providing overall oversight for ODeL programme management and pedagogical support in the provision of all learner support services
  • Developing and delivering ODeL programmes in consultation with the Schools, industry and key stakeholders
  • Providing systematic continuing ODeL professional development training programmes and support to all staff who participates in the delivery of ODeL programmes and services
  • Ensuring that all staff involved in the design and development of self-study material are provided with adequate training and technical support in pedagogical strategies used in designing and developing distance learning materials
  • Providing systematic continuing ODeL professional development training programmes and support to all staff who participates in the delivery of ODeL programmes and services
  • To Identify and recommend for appointment of resource persons to participate in the delivery of ODeL programmes and services
  • Providing leadership in the development of highly interactive e-Learning materials and other electronic resources
  • Coordinating the provision of all ODeL programmes in all DDEOL learning centers and monitoring pedagogic quality. Quality assuring the production of high quality ODeL materials that are available to diverse groups of learners using a variety of instructional media
  • Assessing and determining resource needs for the provision of quality ODeL, including staffing, technology, library, skills, etc.
  • Managing the budget for the development, acquisition, and delivery of all ODeL programmes and services