Enhancing Learning Opportunities Through Development of Open and Distance Education in Africa

Demographic Transition ◽

World Trade ◽

Tertiary Education ◽

Effective Means ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Learning Institutions

Africa's success in today's information-based world economy will require an accelerated demographic transition to a flexible, educated, and healthy workforce. An analysis presented in the World Bank's “Can Africa Claim the 21st Century?” states that African economies will need to replace reliance on natural resources with skilled labour in order to halt the erosion of its share in world trade and to achieve a reduction in poverty (World Bank, 2001). Tilak (2009) submits that only between 6 and 7% of those qualified to obtain tertiary education do get placement in African universities. As a result of this shortage of places in African universities, many qualified candidates turned their search towards open and distance learning institutions. The growth of information and communication technologies has facilitated the expansion of open and distance mode of education. On the African Continent where resources are scarce and higher education provision is poor, ODL has been accepted as a viable, cost effective means of expanding provision without costly outlay in infrastructure.

Enhancing Learning Opportunities Through Development of Open and Distance Education in Africa

African Studies ◽

10.4018/978-1-7998-3019-1.ch024 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 448-466

Author(s):

Suresh Kumar Pande

Keyword(s):

Demographic Transition ◽

World Trade ◽

Tertiary Education ◽

Effective Means ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Learning Institutions

The use of information and communication technology in supervising open and distance learning PhD students

Ukrainian Journal of Educational Studies and Information Technology ◽

10.32919/uesit.2019.03.04 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (3) ◽

pp. 32-41

Author(s):

Promise Zvavahera ◽

Fine Masimba

Keyword(s):

Higher Education ◽

Distance Learning ◽

Information And Communication Technology ◽

Communication Technology ◽

Tertiary Education ◽

Open And Distance Learning

Even though open and distance learning (ODL) using Information and Communication Technologies can be applied across disciplines and at various levels, this paper focuses on the supervision of PhD students studying through the Open and Distance Learning mode of education using Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). Taking into account the fact that higher education institutions are always striving to increase the quality of supervision and throughput of doctoral programmes, the study highlights how Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can mitigate these challenges. The study was carried out in 10 Zimbabwean universities to evaluate the levels of preparedness of universities, supervisors and PhD students in using information and communication technology during their studies. Purposive sampling was used focusing on PhD students studying through ODL, local universities offering PhD programmes experienced, PhD supervisors, the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education officials and officials from the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development. Students, universities and supervisors were not fully prepared to do their work using ICTs due to various reasons. Some of the reasons given were that some universities did not have the required infrastructure and facilities in place. Some of the supervisors and students lacked basic computer skills and this affected the quality of supervision and slowness in giving feedback. The lack of internet availability and poor connectivity were also cited as challenges especially with the prevailing load shedding. The study recommends universities to invest in ICTs infrastructure since higher education transcends geographical boundaries.

Utilization of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) Tools for Sharing of Agricultural Related Information in Osun State: Implications for Rural Information Needs

Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension Economics & Sociology ◽

10.9734/ajaees/2020/v38i930402 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Saheed Ige Adetunbi ◽

A. T. Kareem ◽

B. A. Oyebamiji

Keyword(s):

Regression Analysis ◽

Significant Relationship ◽

Information Needs ◽

Tertiary Education ◽

Related Information ◽

Shared Information ◽

Ict Tools

The study was motivated by the need to harness technological advancement to enhance agricultural production in Osun State. The study assessed the utilization of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) tools for sharing of agricultural related information in Osun State, Nigeria. The study illustrated the socio economic characteristics of the Respondent, identified the available ICT tools for sharing of various agricultural related information, identified agricultural related information shared through various available ICT tools, measured the frequency of utilization of the identified ICT tools and assessed the severity of challenges encountered by Respondent in the utilization of ICT tools in the study area. Sixty percent of Extension Agents in each of the three zones in the study area were sampled. The data collected were examined using descriptive statistics tools while regression analysis was used to test the significant relationship between the socio-economic characteristics of Respondents and their frequency of utilization of ICT Tools for sharing of agricultural related information in the study areas. The analysis of the data was carried out with the use of SPSS version 22. The findings revealed that the average age of Respondents was 39 years; more than half of the respondent (67.1%) were male; most (81.4%) of the respondent were married; majority (68.6%) of the respondent were Christian; about (70%) of the respondent had tertiary education. The mean household size was 5 members per household; majority of the respondents belonged to one association or the other and they access the internet with their own data plan. Radio (wms 2.7) was ranked first as most available ICT tools for sharing information in the study area. Furthermore, information on availability and sources of farm inputs (wms2.3) was ranked most shared information while information on storage facilities (wms1.0) was ranked the least shared information by the Respondents. Also, the initial cost of procurement of ICT gadgets, cost of maintenance, risk of theft of gadget, and fluctuating power supply were the major challenges encountered with the use of various ICT tools. Regression analysis identified a significant relationship between selected socio-economic characteristics of the Respondents and frequency of Utilization of ICT Tools for sharing Agriculture related information. The study recommended use of Radio as medium through which agricultural related information should be shared bearing in mind its ease of access, little cost of procurement and maintenance, extent of reach and frequency of usage among the respondents. Provision of access to internet facility was recommended in order to afford respondents a limitless right to use information on the World Wide Web. Finally, alternative source of power to enable respondents recharge their ICT gadgets was recommended to make up for unreliable electricity supply.

Pasifika Tertiary Students' Use of Information and Communication Technologies

10.26686/wgtn.17000668 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Kerese Tuifaktoga Manueli

Keyword(s):

Academic Success ◽

New Zealand ◽

Tertiary Education ◽

Learning Experiences ◽

Ict Skills ◽

Development Framework ◽

Pasifika Students

<p>Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are pervasive in our daily lives. In New Zealand tertiary education institutions, the adoption of ICT is widespread. Meanwhile, Pasifika students’ participation in tertiary education has been increasing. Yet, for this group of students, academic success has been a concern to successive governments, tertiary institutions, and Pasifika peoples. ICT may offer an opportunity to improve Pasifika students’ academic achievement. The study is premised on the belief that positive learning experiences will lead to improved academic outcomes. Consequently, the study explored ways of using ICT to enhance Pasifika students’ learning experiences. Adopting an interpretivist approach, the case study investigated the ICT skills and the use of ICT for learning enhancements of a group of Pasifika students at a New Zealand institute of technology. Over a period of eighteen months, data was gathered through talanoa, participant observation, and the researcher’s reflective journal. The three method approach enabled data triangulation. Data analysis adhered to the theoretical propositions of the study. Among the key findings, is the disturbing realization that Pasifika students’ ICT skill levels were not at the level assumed by the institution. The main uses of ICT by the Pasifika students in this study were for personal communication and entertainment. The students’ use of ICT for educational purposes was limited due to the mismatch of their ICT skills and those required by the institution. Inadvertently, this has further disadvantaged the students’ learning experiences. The study concludes by offering an ICT skills development framework for use with Pasifika students. Moreover, the study proposes a number of recommendations for practice, policy, and further research.</p>

Open and Distance Learning Initiatives for Sustainable Development - Advances in Educational Technologies and Instructional Design ◽

KHETI

10.4018/978-1-5225-2621-6.ch008 ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 163-174

Author(s):

Syed Mohammad Haider Rizvi ◽

Andy Dearden

Keyword(s):

Human Development ◽

Access To Education ◽

Extension Services ◽

Remote Locations ◽

Multi Media ◽

Areas Of Interest

The advancements in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and their applications in development arenas have tremendously boosted prospects of human development. In education and agriculture domains ICTs have been applied and paid dividends. In this paper, an innovative and participatory designed ICT solution – ‘Knowledge Help Extension Technology Initiative (KHETI)' that is meant to ensure flow of agriculture information in real time to poor farmers at remote locations has been discussed. KHETI has leveraged upon the power of ICTs, particularly the multi-media mobiles phones to boost the extension services. It has features to construct, record, play and sending Short Dialogue Strips. The system and its functionalities are speeding-up communications through images and voices amongst various stakeholders and Agriculture Specialist with help of mobiles to get back responses on their queries, problems and other areas of interest. The paper has dealt in detail about KHETI and its possible extension in open and distance learning services for facilitating access to education facilities.

A Changed Economy with Unchanged Universities? A Contribution to the University of the Future

Web-Based Education ◽

10.4018/978-1-61520-963-7.ch116 ◽

2010 ◽

pp. 1723-1744

Author(s):

Maria Manuela Cunha ◽

Goran D. Putnik

Keyword(s):

Distance Learning ◽

Graduate Education ◽

Central Issue ◽

Post Graduate ◽

Education Levels ◽

The University

Individualised open and distance learning at the universitycontinuing education and post-graduate education levels is a central issue of today. The advanced information and communication technologies

Healthcare and the Effect of Technology - Advances in Healthcare Information Systems and Administration ◽

Closing the Gap

10.4018/978-1-61520-733-6.ch003 ◽

2010 ◽

pp. 38-59 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Malina Jordanova

Keyword(s):

Health Sector ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Healthcare Services ◽

World Health ◽

World Health Assembly Resolution ◽

Health Related ◽

The Cost

Brought to life by contemporary changes of our world, e-health offers enormous possibilities. In the World Health Organization’s World Health Assembly resolution on e-health, WHO has defined e-health as the cost-effective and secure use of information and communication technologies in support of health and health-related fields, including healthcare services, health surveillance, health literature, and health education (WHO, 2005). It is impossible to have a detailed view of its potential as e-health affects the entire health sector and is a viable tool to provide routine, as well as specialized, health services. It is able to improve both the access to, and the standard of, health care. The aim of the chapter is to focus on how e-health can help in closing one gap - optimizing patient care. The examples included and references provided are ready to be introduced in practice immediately. Special attention is dedicated to cost effectiveness of e-health applications.

Factors Affecting Interprofessional Collaboration when Communicating through the use of Information and Communication Technologies: A Literature Review

Journal of Research in Interprofessional Practice and Education ◽

10.22230/jripe.2017v6n2a234 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 6 (2) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Monica Graves ◽

Dr. Shelley Doucet

Keyword(s):

Literature Review ◽

Program Implementation ◽

Administrative Support ◽

Interprofessional Collaboration ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Background Information ◽

Facilitators And Barriers

Abstract Background Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are increasingly being used internationally as a cost-effective and efficient way to provide care for patients in rural and remote settings, often referred to as telemedicine. There have been various studies that have examined the effectiveness of telemedicine implementation on patient outcomes, and the factors that enable successful telemedicine program implementation. The purpose of this narrative literature review was to explore a different side of the issue, with the objective to examine the factors that affect interprofessional collaboration when communicating through the use of ICTs in telemedicine settings. Methods and Findings A total of 56 papers were included in this review. Using a narrative review design, analysis of the papers revealed several factors that act as facilitators and barriers to interprofessional collaboration when communicating through the use of ICTs. Facilitators included training and planning; ICT system supports; establishing good rapport and communication patterns; patient-centredness; willingness to adapt to and accept the technology; and key individuals providing leadership and administrative support. Barriers included technical issues; coordination and organizational challenges; and problematic relationships. Conclusions From the facilitators and barriers, recommendations have been compiled for stakeholders involved in telemedicine initiatives to consider on how to support interprofessional collaboration in telemedicine.

DIGITAL GOVERNMENT: DYNAMICS OF INTERACTION BETWEEN STATE AND RUSSIAN SOCIETY IN THE HEAT OF COVID-19

Russian Journal of Management ◽

10.29039/2409-6024-2020-8-4-111-115 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. 111-115

Author(s):

Anna Ryzhenok ◽

Ruslan Shangaraev

Keyword(s):

Effective Means ◽

Electronic Government ◽

Russian Society ◽

Digital Government ◽

The Public ◽

Key Indicator ◽

Stage Of Development ◽

Information And Communication

In the 21st century, one of the dominants of the modern stage of development of states is the elevation of the role of information and communication technologies ( the ICT), which, in turn, are actively implemented and used in the public administration system, creating new effective means of interaction between government bodies, citizens and various commercial structures. A striking example of the interaction between states and people is electronic government (E-government). Digital maturity is a key indicator of the readiness of the state and companies to implement digital solutions in their processes. At the same time, the coronavirus pandemic has already forced large companies to reconsider their strategies in favor of investments in digital technologies.

Paarungsstrategien für hochpräzise Produkte*/Pairing strategies for high-precision products - Industrie 4.0 provides opportunities to produce at low cost while meeting growing demands for product precision

wt Werkstattstechnik online ◽

10.37544/1436-4980-2016-11-12-26 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 106 (11-12) ◽

pp. 804-808

Author(s):

R. Wagner ◽

B. Häfner ◽

G. Prof. Lanza

Keyword(s):

Low Cost ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Industrie 4.0 ◽

High Quality ◽

Quality Requirements ◽

New Information ◽

Production Strategies ◽

Information And Communication

Steigende Anforderungen an die Produktqualität stellen Unternehmen vor die Herausforderung, günstige Produkte nahe der technologischen Fertigungsgrenzen zu produzieren. Die Paarung von Montagekomponenten mit angepassten Produktionsstrategien bietet in diesem Umfeld mögliche Lösungsansätze. Neue Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologien im Kontext von Industrie 4.0 eröffnen hierfür neuartige Möglichkeiten.   Companies are faced with increasing product quality requirements to manufacture high quality products close to technological limits in a cost-effective way. The pairing of assembly components provides an approach to cope with this challenge by adapted production strategies. New information and communication technologies offer novel opportunities within „Industrie 4.0“.