Towards A Commonwealth Of Learning

Report of the Expert Group on Commonwealth Co-operation in Distance Education and Open Learning that proposes the creation of a University of the Commonwealth for co-operation in distance education, itself working closely with, and forging an effective partnership between, a wide variety of institutions through the Commonwealth. The Group shows not only how technologies could be harnessed on a Commonwealth-wide basis, but how teaching materials could be pooled and shared to become a Commonwealth-wide resource, freeing individual learners throughout the Commonwealth from the constraints of distance and the need to study at a present place or time.

Profiles the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), an international organization dedicated to improving education and widening access to education through the utilization of distance education techniques and associated communications technologies. Provides detailed information on COL's history, mission, strategic outlook, programs, publications, WWW linkages, and news releases.

This well-organized book emphasizes the various aspects of science education, viz. the use of computers in science education, software programs, the Internet, e-Learning, multimedia, concept mapping, and action research. It introduces students to the latest trends in the methods of teaching. The book also strives to foster science education through non-formal approaches, such as distance education with special reference to commonwealth of learning model, or academic games. What distinguishes this text is its emphasis on making the teachers understand that learning students’ psychology is the prerequisite for the success of any education programme. Keeping this view in mind, the text explains the well-known theories of learning of Piaget, Ausubel, Bruner and Gagne—which are closely related to science teaching. Primarily intended as a text for the undergraduate students (degree and diploma) of Education (B.Ed. and D.Ed.), this could serve as a source book for in-service teachers and science educators. In addition, curriculum developers and policy makers working in the field of science education having an abiding faith in moulding youngsters to face the challenges of 21st century should find this book useful and stimulating. KEY FEATURES : Lays emphasis on inculcating values or the development of scientific temper in students. Cites a number of examples related to teaching methods from both urban and rural areas to illustrate the concepts discussed in the text.

Policy for Open and Distance Learning considers the questions that planners and policy makers in open and distance learning need to address at any level of education. Starting by analysing the range of purposes for which open and distance learning is used, the book places the issues in context and examines experience in both the public and private sector. As well as discussing in detail new agenda set by new information and communication technologies, the book covers: * Inputs * Processes * Outcomes. The editors, Hilary Perraton and Helen Lentell, have drawn together an international team of contributors who have examined the varied roles of the new technologies as well as low-technology approaches to open and distance learning throughout the world. This book will be invaluable to policy makers in education and those planning or managing open and distance learning programmes. It will also be of interest to students and teachers of education and anyone concerned with comparative education.

As new digital forms of formal and informal learning proliferate, there is an increasing need to better understand how people in different regions of the world are implementing massive open online courses (MOOCs) and other forms of open educational resources (OERs). Educators, researchers, politicians, and numerous other stakeholders want to grasp what the outcomes of these initiatives are and how they can be improved. Ongoing e-learning developments related to both technology and pedagogy have pushed institutions and organizations to grapple with issues of accreditation, credentialing, quality standards, innovative assessment, and learner motivation and attrition, among other areas of concern. In response, MOOCs and Open Education Around the World explores and illuminates unique implementations of MOOCs and open education across regions and nations. The book also focuses on the various opportunities as well as the dilemmas presented in this rapidly evolving age of technology-enabled learning. What are the different delivery formats, interaction possibilities, assessment schemes, and business models? What are the key controversies or issues that must be discussed and addressed? This edited collection explains MOOCs and open education trends and issues in a variety of contexts, shares key research findings, and provides practical suggestions and recommendations for the near future.

Shridath "Sonny" Ramphal looks back at the fifteen years he spent as the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. He shares glimpses of conflicts, discussions, and characters such as Uganda's tyrant, Idi Amin, and the enlightened spirits of others like Germany's Willy Brandt and Nelson Mandela — all of whom Ramphal encountered in his global life.

Published in association with the Commonwealth of Learning Open and distance learning has expanded dramatically in recent years across the world, across the spectrum of subject areas, and across educational levels. This book takes a detailed look at the state of the art of open and distance learning in higher education, and presents a fascinating picture of a world and its educational culture in transition. This edited collection contains authoritative analyses of key issues together with current accounts of practice in each region of the world. It includes *open and distance learning in relation to internationalisation, lifelong learning and flexible learning *costs of distance education *the impact of telecommunications *applications of open and distance learning in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania. It draws together experts in the field from all over the world, and has a truly international perspective on the phenomenon of open and distance learning. Its unparalleled breadth of coverage makes it an indispensable work of reference for experts and newcomers alike.