How do open universities divide course design teaching and grading among different workers?

Open universities, particularly those operating as "mega-universities," utilize a specialized division of labor to manage large-scale distance learning. Rather than a single instructor handling all aspects of a course, the model separates the creation of academic content from the delivery of student support.

• Course Design: Academic materials are centrally organized and prepared by a distinguished faculty. These materials, which historically relied on printed texts and televised lectures, now incorporate digital resources distributed via the web.12
• Teaching and Grading: The responsibility for direct student interaction and assessment is delegated to a system of local tutors. These tutors provide "supported open learning" by:1
  • Addressing student queries via telephone, mail, or email.1
  • Conducting local face-to-face classes or discussion sessions.1
  • Managing the grading of student assignments.1

This structure allows the institution to maintain high-quality, centralized course design while ensuring that students receive individualized academic guidance and feedback through their assigned tutors.1