Reconsidering Open and Distance Learning in the Developing World: Meeting Students' Learning Needs

by Kember; David

• ISBN13: 9780415401395
• ISBN10: 0415401399
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2007-08-06
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

Distance learning is now more prevalent in the developing world than ever before. This book reconsiders the suitability and success of established modes of distance learning for current contexts in the developing world. It examines what adaptations are necessary to suit shifting needs including: the move from elite to mass higher education increased emphasis on knowledge base economies greater demand for lifelong learning and professional development the effects of technical and societal changes demand for post-secondary education. Drawing upon research into students conceptions of, and approaches to learning, this critical analysis of the state of open and flexible learning examines the characteristics, needs and learning approaches of students, considering whether or not current provision is successful, what changes are necessary, and, crucially, how student retention can be improved.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Modes of Learning in Post-Secondary Education

Adult Education

Open Learning

Distance Education

Flexible Learning

E-Learning

Major Themes in Student Learning

Approaches to Learning

Contextual Influences on Approaches to Learning

Maturity and Approaches to Learning

Teachers' Beliefs about Teaching

Students' Beliefs about Teaching Learning and Knowledge

Development of Capabilities for Lifelong Learning

The Relationship between Student Learning and Models of Retention

Open Learning

Open AccessThe Roots of Open Education in Adult Education

Open Entry as a Philosophy

Has Advantage Been Taken?Higher Degrees for Professional Development

Experiment with Open Learning for Adolescents

Need for Open Entry in Developing Countries

Entry to University: East versus West

Characteristics of those Denied Entry

Completion Rates

Other Elements of Openness

Freedom of Location

Freedom of Time

Freedom to Choose Courses

Adult Learning

Pedagogy and AndragogyAndragogy as a Concept

Autonomy of Adult Learners

Developing Autonomy

Open Universities Expect Andragogy but Schools Teach Pedagogy

Students' Conceptions of Teaching and Learning

Influence of Schools on Conceptions of Learning

Conceptions of Good Teaching as a Function of Conceptions of Learning

Changing Conceptions of Teaching and Learning

Distance Education

The UKOU Model: How Appropriate is it for the Developing World?

UKOU Model of Distance Education

Learning Assumption of the Model

Mis-Matches between Assumptions and Conceptions of Learning

Analogy to Learning to Swim

Outcomes of the Mis-Matches

Dual Mode: The Separation of the Modes

Face-to-Face and Distance Learning

Equivalent but Separate

The US Model: Transmissive Teaching by Another Medium

North American Model of Distance Education

Conceptions of Teaching

Effect of Didactic Teaching on Learning Outcomes

The Loneliness of the Distance LearnerThe Effectiveness of Peer Learning

Peer Learning in Confucian-Heritage Societies

Effect of Open Course Choice on Peer Learning

Flexible and e-Learning

E-LearningCourse Management Systems

Value of Communication Function for Distance Education

On Campus: A Technology in Search of an Educational Function

E-Learning

Virtual Universities

Flexible Learning: But How Flexible?Flexible Learning: What Does it Really Mean?Could Flexible Learning Help Learners Develop Autonomy?

ConclusionNeed for Research into Student Learning

Need to Adapt Systems to Context

The Influence of Conceptions

Need for Developing Leaner Autonomy

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