COMNET-IT '95

WORKSHOP REPORT CHAPTER 7

Innovations in Computer Networks and Communications for Education and Training

 

7.0 Introduction

7.1 IT in support of Training and Education

7.2 Distance and Open Learning and IT

7.3 Virtual colleges and libraries

Introduction

While it is agreed that training should be based upon needs, the proliferation of existing projects, many of them highly successful, around the world offers models and examples which might be emulated. Several speakers outlined these experiences.

Professor Patrick Hall described electronic networking in distance education as experienced by the Open University in the United Kingdom. He outlined the difficulties which are encountered when networks are overlaid on conventional education. Then he looked at the current use of electronic support in the programmes of the OU. Finally, he outlined the new OU initiative - the World Learning Network. (Hall, 1995)

Mr. Stewart Bishop described the IT situation in Barbados and the key 1991 policy statement which exempted from taxes and duties any computer equipment imported into Barbados. This has led to a greater adoption of IT. Since 1993, the National Informatics Advisory Committee and the Information Society of Barbados have played key roles in the integration of IT into national economic endeavours. Telecommunications, education and training are key elements in the IT Strategic Plan of Barbados. A number of innovative projects to introduce IT into the education system were described. (Bishop, 1995)

Canada's SchoolNet project was described by Mr. Duncan Bailey. SchoolNet, among other things, is facilitating the connection of 16,500 schools and 3,400 libraries to the Internet. He outlined some of the services to be made available on SchoolNet and its partnership model. He described the potential of international co-operation for the Project. (Bailey, 1995)

Mr. John Gilbert, speaking on behalf of the Commonwealth of Learning outlined the history and mandate of COL. Its technology objectives include access to educational technology, networking support, technology collaboration and technology training. He outlined some of COL's projects and suggested some areas for co-operation between COL and COMNET-IT. (COL, 1995)

Many of the highly innovative projects now being implemented are demonstrating new ways to deliver training. Three manifestations of this phenomena offer opportunities for Commonwealth countries. These can be roughly categorised as IT in support of the education system itself, including administration and teaching; applications of IT to learning at a distance and the emergence of brand new "virtual" institutions and supporting structures (such as libraries).

7.1 IT in support of Training and Education

Participants felt that IT has a high potential in delivering education and training, but it should not be overdone. The criteria in developing countries is very different from that in the developed world. IT can deliver the educational materials, and possibly help with drill and practice, but should not be thought of as substituting for teachers. Where labour plentiful, the role of IT may be to provide materials to support teaching and classroom skills.

Teachers should be the focal point of bringing technology change in the education system. Exposure to emerging IT based pedagogy, constant updating of awareness of technology should be done through teacher training programs and summer schools.

Training about IT must include training using IT and as part of that training the idea should be conveyed that computers and networks are a training venue in and of themselves.

It was concluded that:

The potential of IT in enhancing the quality of delivery of general education at school levels has not been fully recognised. Emerging interactive technologies like goupware, networking, multi media can alter the way education is delivered. There is a need to sensitise educational planners to this potential through workshops, training programs and bulletin boards. International agencies , such as the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Commonwealth of Learning can contribute by sponsoring such programmes.

7.2 Distance Learning through new Information Technology.

Several examples of distance learning were discussed at the workshop (e.g. the Open University and UWIDITE), and their potential was addressed. Most distance learning projects still rely heavily on print materials, although there is a long history of the use of radio and audio cassettes. There is an increasing use of video and television, and telematics has great potential.

IT is a useful tool which can help to bring training opportunities to those who may be otherwise inaccessible to educational services. Its use should be planned carefully, and it needs to be integrated with the broader educational system. Educational content and skilled teachers are critical elements in any distance learning initiative.

Educators and policy-makers will be well advised to become aware of the potential of IT for learning at a distance as new services, such as global satellite TV may soon make such services available anywhere in the world.

7.3 Virtual Colleges and Libraries

There are an increasing number of courses, from university level to basic skills training, which are being offered over the Internet. These are a precursor of future educational and training services which will be highly distributed and have a minimal core facility. These "virtual" institutions will draw from around the world for both their course materials, teachers and students. They differ from both "traditional" training, and from distance learning (with its connotation of "extension"). The key to these virtual institutions will be the use of agreed common standards and accreditation, and complex partnering arrangements for the sharing of courseware and software (and its attendant problems of copyright). A "cousin" to the virtual institutions will be virtual libraries, which again are already being modelled on the Internet. Widely distributed data bases, information and specialised studies promise to be a rich resource for students, researchers and the general public. It may be useful to COMNET-IT to track the development of these initiatives and to assess how Commonwealth countries can share in them.