THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAM IN OPEN AND DISTANCE EDUCATION LEARNING

Abstract

Universitas Terbuka (UT) is a university that implements open and distance learning (ODL) that reaches students
from all over Indonesia and abroad. As a university that has an extraordinary mandate from the government to provide
affordable higher education for all Indonesians, UT organizes various educational programs, including continuing
education program. Continuing education program is a non-degree program offered to a wider community who want
to improve their professional skills. It is developed in accordance with the real needs of national development. To
improve UT's continuing education program, it is necessary to evaluate the program. This study aims to analyse the
characteristics and processes of managing the continuing education program at UT and to evaluate the certificate
program at UT. This study was designed as mixed methods research that combines quantitative and qualitative data
to draw conclusions. A quantitative survey was conducted on participants and graduates, lecturers, and staff at
regional offices. Meanwhile, interviews were conducted with several officials related to the continuing education
program. The quantitative survey succeeded in obtaining data from 131 participants with questions divided into
motivation to participate in the program, application of information technology systems, public relations models,
interaction, learning achievement, and evaluation. In addition, a survey was also conducted on continuing education
program organizers and lecturers with questions covering the application of information technology systems,
resources, public relations models, interaction, learning achievement, and evaluation. One important result of this
study showed that motivation of participants in participating this program are because they feel this program is
important, there is internal encouragement, and they believe that this program is useful and are committed to showing
the best performance. Other results also showed that in general, the participants felt satisfied with the program. In
terms of program implementation, several improvements are needed including policies, information technology,
public relations, resources, follow-up, evaluation and satisfaction. As for lecturers, they need to be involved in policy
formulation so they can play a role and give positive input in the development and implementation of the programs.