Is ODL a cheaper option for expanding the higher education system in South Africa?

Abstract

The South African higher education sector is confronted by a number of challenges to effectively contribute to the social and economic development of the country. Key among these is the continuation of gender, class, racial and other inequalities with regard to access and success and the system’s inability to meet the demand and needs of the economy and society as a whole. Transitional contact universities are already adopting new modes of delivery used within an open and distance learning (ODL) context. This acknowledges that the distinction between different modes of operation and delivery models is becoming increasing blurred. This will require universities to rethink and reshape their institutional identities and cost structures. This paper illuminates the different cost drives for ODL and its consequences on the unit cost of education. The paper concludes by questioning the sustainability of higher education within a funding model that retains ODL as a cheaper option than the traditional forms of education.