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The concept of andragogy was made popular by Malcolm Knowles in the 1970s. Knowles' ideas stemmed from the belief that teaching and learning approaches for adults should be fundamentally different from those for children and are based on the belief that the more mature a learner becomes, the more self-directed the learner will be in his or her own learning. The andragogical approach is a holistic, learner-centered model comprised of the following six principles: Learner's need to know:Adult learners want to decide what will be learned, and when and how it will be learned. Self-concept of the learner:Adult learners want to plan and direct their learning. Prior experience of the learner:Adult learners have a wide range of past experiences to draw from in understanding and applying what they learn. Readiness to learn:Adult learners want to understand the relevance of what they are learning to them and to their environment. Orientation to learning:Adult learners prefer a problem-centered approach to learning. Motivation to learn: Adult learners are internally, rather than externally, motivated to learn (Knowles, Swanson, & Holton, 2011, p. 3)

The face of higher education has changed because of online learning and the successful distance teaching of open universities globally.  The University of South Africa (UNISA) is one of the mega distance learning institutions in the world and the largest distance education provider on the African continent.  UNISA is infamous for research and innovation and its institutions are committed to provide leadership in innovation and excellence in open distance learning (ODL) research.  The UNISA open distance learning programs is a dedicated system and it entails a student-centered approach that gives students flexibility and choice over how they learn.  It also provides extensive student support systems and comprehensively offers both vocational and academic programs, many of which have received international accreditation.  Accordingly, the UNSIA website provides an explanation of the administration and governance policy and statements that focus on ways to deliver distance learning "supported open learning.  Technology strategy board tackles barriers and supports business-led innovation for its students and citizens.   In addition, the UNISA has an extensive geographical footprint giving their students recognition and employability in many countries in the world.  Organized into five colleges, discipline areas in which UNISA has high levels of research competency such as: Science, Engineering and Technology (excluding Medicine), Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Economics and Management Sciences, Human Sciences and Law.  The USNIA put into place structures fit for the purpose of research enablement integral and it is committed to the generation and liberation of resources for research.  The unique nature of this service derives from a strong commitment to basic, strategic and applied research, in keeping with the university's identity both as a comprehensive institution and as a leader in certain niche research areas. 

This organization identified in distance education technological practices examined. The mission/business plan and operational plan factors in facilitating institutional goals and mandates addressed in an attempt to prepare for this assignment.  Key goals cited in a way that demonstrates distance education technology seen by the institution as furthering its goals.  The main reason why this particular approach was taken because it showcase an institution of higher learning, state reasons for its existence, speculates on what the main reason might be based on its relationship to student-centered access to online learning. In addition, it helps analyze the institution within the context of open single mode organizations, the technologies identified and usefulness furthering its aims to accelerate economic developments, stimulates and supports business-led innovation across business, academia and, reducing risk, creating partnerships, and promoting collaboration, knowledge exchange and open innovation. In the late 1960's, the face of higher education has changed because of online learning and the successful distance teaching of open university globally.  The Open University, founded on the belief that communications technology could bring high quality degree-level learning to people, who had not had the opportunity to attend traditional campus universities.  Accordingly, the Open University (OU) provides a website,( http://www.ou.com) explaining the administration and governance policy and statements that focus on ways to deliver distance learning "supported open learning".  The supported open learning system means that students can work wherever they choose, in their own homes, workplace or at a library or study at designated locations and plan their study around their other commitments.  The Open University (OU) is a learning institution committed to the openness of many of their television and radio programs supported by free Internet activities and print. Â