Browsing by Region "Pacific"

Now showing 1 - 20 of 323
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    A Changing Role for Teachers On-Line: A Case Study in Higher Education in Australia
    (1999-03) Postle, Glen; Ellerton, Nerida
    PCF1 // Over the past two years, the Faculty of Education at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ), in conjunction with the University’s Distance Education Centre, has offered a Graduate Certificate in Open and Distance Learning. This course is taught fully via the World Wide Web (WWW), with all content presentation, teacher-learner and learner-learner interactions, assignment submissions and feedback being done on-line and via email. This Graduate Certificate has now been further developed into a Masters Degree program which will be offered solely on-line. // Both programs require of students and staff a different level of interactivity from what has been the pattern in on-campus programs and traditional distance education programs previously delivered via print and other media. // This paper examines the nature of these differences and explores the complexity of the task of teaching on-line. //
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    A Multi-sense Approach to Information Reception and Knowledge Creation in Learning
    (2004-07) Nooriafshar, Mehryar
    PCF3 // For thousands of years, human beings have acquired and processed information using a number of different senses. Hence, the use of different senses for information collection, analysis and remembering is something, which our brain can relate to very well. // The process of converting the information into knowledge, referencing and utilizing it, is carried out within the personal mind-based multimedia system of the human brain. The human mind can create the most sophisticated animations and multimedia as it can select different types of thought-based “audio” and “visual” effects as well as “actors”. In other words, the human mind has access to an unlimited amount of resources for designing the thought-based multimedia systems. Unfortunately, we are not able to transfer the information and knowledge in our mind directly to other people and sources. This may become possible in the future. // This paper explores the use of innovative and technology aided teaching methods, which utilize different modes and senses for the purpose of learning enhancement. Finally, it compares the learning outcomes and preferences of a sample of internationally selected students using a multimedia system, which attempts to cross the communication barriers in learning.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    A Multimodal Education Response to the Resilience Challenge in Tonga
    (2022-09) Steen, Tangikina Moimoi; Katoanga, Tomote; Tauga, Matelita; Kaitapu, Soana; Ma'u, Taisia; Reid, Ian
    PCF10 Sub-theme: Building Resilience // Tonga is a small island nation in the Pacific. While it has been COVID free, it is susceptible to many natural disasters, such as the recent Tsunami and earthquake. Resilience is a fundamental requirement of the Tongan education system which has been partially addressed with accelerated use of technology and open, distance, and online learning, broadening access to quality education. // Supported by a grant from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), the Tonga Ministry of Education and Training (MET) partnered with Inclusiv Education, UNICEF, Save the Children Australia, and Kaltura. The MET took an evidence-based approach. Two National school closure days were trialled to evaluate the viability of multimodal teaching approaches during future school closures brought about by Covid-19 or other emergencies. // In this way Tonga has now started to build a resilient education system, addressing issues of learning loss due to school closures and increasing equitable access to technology for teaching and learning. // This paper reports on the National level educational resilience project implemented in 2021, based on the research carried out in 2020, to deliver a comprehensive multimodal and flexible approach to education, encompassing print, radio, television and online delivery. // Key learnings and future plans are also discussed. // Paper ID 8738
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    A Strategy for Reaching Students and Increasing their Motivation
    (2004-07) Kovacic, Zlatko J; Green, John Steven
    PCF3 // Recently, New Zealand government policy has placed a renewed emphasis on students completing courses, by changing the way tertiary institutions are funded. This has resulted in increased importance being placed on this aspect in the administration and teaching of the courses. According to Seidman’s retention formula for student success, early and regular tutor contact makes a significant difference in keeping students motivated and bringing them to the classroom. Nowadays communication technology by itself is not a guarantee of a successful learning experience. It is the way we use this technology, the timing of interactions and an optimal mixture of online tools that makes an impact on student persistence and retention. In this paper we are addressing these issues and providing data to show how effective our approach was.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    Access and Success: Distance Learning at Massey University and its Impact on New Zealand Society
    (2010-11-25) Maharey, Steve
    I was delighted to receive and accept the invitation from Sir John Daniel on behalf of the Commonwealth of Learning to speak at the Sixth Pan-Commonwealth Forum on Open Learning about distance learning at Massey University and its contribution to the development of New Zealand. We are celebrating fifty years of distance education at Massey this year.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    Access to ICT Infrastructure and Devices in the South Pacific
    (2022-09) Naidu, Som; Bhartu, Dhiraj; Mays, Tony
    PCF10 Sub-theme: Inspiring Innovations // The South Pacific region spreads over more than 30 million square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean. The region comprises more than a dozen island nations ranging from small volcanic islands to even smaller coral atolls. Population masses in the island nations vary from around 2,000 in Tokelau to a little more than 800,000 in the Republic of Fiji. Access to information and communications technologies and internet connectivity in the region is varied. This project involves the design and conduct of a desktop study into access to ICT infrastructure, connectivity and devices and their use by students and teachers in the Pacific. Outcomes of this study will enable COL to make informed decisions about what access and delivery technologies to employ in the Partnership for Open Distance and Flexible Learning project in the Pacific. The study will address issues of access to hardware, software, connectivity and skills, as well as examples of ways in which teachers, institutions or Ministries have found ways to address the challenges in low bandwidth/limited access environments, especially in the nine developing countries of the Commonwealth in the region. // Paper ID 3503
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    Accessing Global Information: Locating the Right Information in an Information Abundant Society
    (1999-03) Gehling, Joanna; Booker, Di
    PCF1 // Working paper presented by Joanna Gehling and Di Booker at the First Pan-Commonwealth Forum on Open Learning (PCF1) in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. //
  • Item
    Open Access
    Achieving Lifelong Learning for All: What are the possibilities?
    (2021-05-23) Kanwar, Asha
    Event Cancelled. Video presentation was to be delivered by Professor Asha Kanwar at the online Global Education Conference 2021, Experts Group for Lifelong Learning, 23 May 2021.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    Achieving Lifelong Learning in the Digital Age: the Role of Open Universities
    (2021-11-24) Kanwar, Asha
    "Achieving Lifelong Learning in the Digital Age: the role of Open Universities", virtually presented by Professor Asha Kanwar, COL President & CEO at the 2021 Lifelong Education Forum, Zhejiang Open University, China, on 24 November 2021.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    Addressing the Learning Needs of Out-of-School Children and Youths through the Expansion of Open Schooling
    (2020-12) Mays, Tony; Singh, Rajiv Kumar
    At any one time, about 300 million children of school going age are not in school. Experience indicates that when schooling is disrupted, whether by a pandemic, a natural disaster or other reasons, not all children return to the classroom. In addition, most countries have growing numbers of young people who have not completed schooling, or not well enough to progress, and who find themselves neither in employment nor in further education and training. Open schooling can create learning opportunities for those not in school, those who left school and those who are in school but not learning effectively. // There is no single model for open schooling provision which might offer a complementary or alternative curriculum, or both. However, all models can benefit from greater use of open educational resources; open, distance and flexible methods and open educational practices. In this way it is possible to address issues of access, quality and affordability in a sustainable way. // Addressing the Learning Needs of Out-of-School Children and Youths through the Expansion of Open Schooling makes a case for open schooling to be an integral part of future-looking education systems that will be more resilient to changing contexts and needs. // The nine chapters in Part A of the book explore the need for and nature of open schooling as well as cross-cutting issues related to curriculum, open educational resources, technology enabled learning, monitoring and evaluation, finance, open and distance learning methods and open educational practices, as well as gender and policy. The first four chapters in Part B then explore open schooling practice in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the Pacific. In the final chapter, the editors summarise the key issues which policy and practice need to address. // This book offers guidelines and examples that will be of use to teachers, managers, policy-makers and education leaders interested to ensure that the education system meets the needs of all children and youths.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    An Alternative Pathway for Open Learning and Skills Training through Distance Education in Papua New Guinea
    (2006-10) Paul, John
    PCF4 // National Education Department recognizes that there is a natural consensus to make education a life long need for all citizens, distance education has both opportunities and challenges to cater for traditional learners for education qualifications, professionals to upgrade knowledge and skills to the communities to acquire skills and knowledge and information. // This paper provides a unique platform for sharing and exchanging ideas in perspective of Open and Distance Learning in relation to national development needs, institutional capacities, collaboration and sharing resources, globalization and ICT enabled education and more profoundly to quality of program delivery. // Paper ID 431
  • Item
    Open Access
    Analysing the development of institutional policies for sustainability and quality of OERs with a focus on the Australian context
    (2010-11) Bossu, Carina
    Stimulated by funding from benefactors such as the Hewlett Foundation and UNESCO, the OER movement has been growing rapidly since 2001, providing educational content freely to institutions and learners across the world through the Internet. Many organizations perceive benefits both for themselves and for learners elsewhere in distributing their learning resources in this way. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) OpenCourseWare initiative (OCW), set up in 2001, makes content available freely from most of MIT’s courses and has provided the inspiration for many similar institutional projects. When the MIT OCW site was officially launched the following year, over 500 courses were available. By 2004 there were 900, and the total reached 1250 in 2005. Even more impressive were visitor numbers. By 2005, MIT’s OCW site had received more than 8.5 million visits, and visitors were growing by 56% per annum (MIT 2006). Equally significant was the speed with which the MIT OCW site demonstrated its value to the institution. In 2006, it was reported that 35% of new MIT students had based their choice of institution, in whole or in part, on their exposure to the MIT OCW site. It was also reported that 71% of MIT students using the OCW site found its content helpful or extremely helpful in their studies (MIT 2006). As expected, the MIT OCW project provided a model for other universities worldwide and saw the establishment of the OpenCourseWare Consortium (OCWC). Currently, the OCWC has over two hundred institutional members worldwide (OCW 2008). // By the end of 2006, there were signs that the OER movement had reached maturity. An important sign were developments in Europe, where alternatives to the MIT model emerged. One of these was OpenLearn, launched by the Open University (OU) in October 2006, which was intended to publish the widest possible selection of OU course materials. It was also intended to do much more: its explicit goal was to engage and support self-directed learners using the latest Web 2.0 technologies. The site would not only host user-generated content (material created by individuals and organisations outside the higher education sector), it would also provide social networking tools to empower users to build their own learning communities (Shuller 2006). By mid-2007, 560,000 individuals had visited the OpenLearn site. In a single week in June 2007, the site had 8,000 visitors from the UK, 6,000 visitors from the United States and another 4,500 from the rest of the world. More importantly, there were 19,000 registered users (Taylor 2007). By April 2008, over 4,400 OpenLearn users had become fully-fledged Open University students. This represented additional teaching income of ₤2.7 million for the institution (Gourley & Lane 2009). // These initiatives form what is now known as the open educational resource movement, which promotes “the open provision of educational resources, enabled by information and communication technologies, for consultation, use and adaptation by a community of users for non-commercial purposes” (UNESCO 2002, p. 24). While the term "open educational resources" was first adopted by UNESCO in 2002, it is in the OECD report, Giving Knowledge for Free (2007, p. 10), that the definition of OER currently most often used stands as “digitised materials offered freely and openly for educators, students and self-learners to use and reuse for teaching, learning and research”. This is the definition that will be adopted in this paper, although in the context of being aware of a wider interpretation. // Currently, many universities around the globe have launched OER projects (more than 300 universities). Millions of learners have benefited from learning through OER materials, and many educational institutions, mostly distance education providers, have obtained significant rewards in terms of enhancing their reputations, increasing student enrolment and developing innovative ways to produce distance learning materials (Wiley & Gurrell 2009). Also, OERs have contributed significantly to the proliferation of virtual communities of learning, where students, teachers and experts in their fields can discuss, make contributions and learn with each other through online collaboration (D'Antoni 2008). However, we still have much to learn about the OER movement. It is still grappling with issues such as resistance to giving away information and knowledge for “free”; at no cost and free to use and re-use. Licensing, intellectual propriety and copyright of OERs are also matters that remain ambiguous to educational institutions. In a similar fashion, many questions associated with policy development, sustainability and quality of OERs continue to be unanswered and under researched (D'Antoni 2008). In fact, according to UNESCO (D'Antoni 2008, p. 11), the above concerning matters are listed amongst the 14 priority issues that deserve attention for further development of OERs, with “awareness raising and promotion” being the first priority.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    Application of Adaptivity in Quiz Systems
    (2004-07) Kinshuk, Qingmin Cheng
    PCF3 // Web-based assessment has been a major research area in recent years, but none of the efforts have yet been directed towards providing adaptive features (either adaptivity or adaptability) for the learner. ʹAdaptivityʹ requires the system to automatically adapt to the learnersʹ current level of domain competence and other similar attributes, whereas ʹadaptabilityʹ requires the system to provide suitable interfaces by which the user can customise the system according to his/her own preferences. This research explores the potential of adaptivity in the Web-based assessment environments and develops a framework that adapts selection of questions within pre-defined contextual boundaries and tolerances and revises granularity in the presentation of questions at varying degree of complexity. // Based on the framework, an adaptive Web-based quiz system is designed and implemented for a first year course at the Massey University. The system is divided into two areas: exercise area and self assessment area. The system uses a student model to monitor and record each student’s exercise and assessment profile. Based on the individual profile, the system presents to the student the suitable exercises at appropriate level of complexity. For example, if the student selects to take an assessment, the system provides the suitable level of questions to the student, based on his or her profile. When the student submits the answers, the system analyses the results according to the marking rules defined by the quiz designer, and gives proper feedback to the student. The feedback includes the correct answers and next recommended step, e.g. system recommends the student to go to the next level if the student gets the satisfying results. Otherwise, the system recommends the user to either try the exercises again or go to revise the relevant learning material. With this system, students are able to take the individualized assessment, and know their own level of competence and the learning progress. Currently, the system is being used by about 150 students. An evaluation is underway to ascertain the effectiveness of the system. Anecdotal comments from the students at this early stage suggest that the students are finding the system as very useful and helpful.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    Application of Learning Styles Adaptivity in Mobile Learning Environments
    (2004-07) Kinshuk, Taiyu Lin
    PCF3 // Availability of advanced mobile technologies, such as high bandwidth infrastructure, wireless technologies, and handheld devices, have started to extend e-learning towards mobile learning (m-learning) (Sharples, 2000). This phenomenon fits well with the new paradigm “anytime, anywhere computing” (Lehner and Nösekabel, 2002). However, the development of m-learning is still at rather early stage and many issues have yet to be resolved. One of these issues is the potential of individualization of learning process for the learners. // This paper explores how to improve learning process by adapting course content presentation to student learning styles in multi-platform environments such as PC and PDA. A framework has been developed to comprehensively model student’s learning styles and present the appropriate subject matter, including the content, format, media type, and so on, to suit individual student. The work is based on the Felder-Silverman Learning Style Theory. The framework uses traditional web-based intelligent tutorial architecture, with two additional components: ‘learning style analysis module’ and ‘access device analysis module’. The learning style analysis module takes care of modeling student learning style and communicates with student model, whereas the access device analysis module identifies the access device profile and provides the information to tutorial module. The tutorial module creates the suitable content, based on the student model (including individual learning styles) and access device profile, and presents to the student. // Based on the framework, a prototype for the domain of PHP programming course has been developed. With this system, students are able to learning PHP programming with course content that matches their own learning style and the device used to access the content. A formative evaluation is planned to assess the student satisfaction, learning efficiency, and effectiveness of the system while providing various presentations of the same content to different users on different devices.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    APTUS Deployment in Samoa
    (2017-03-22) Mose, Mose
    Workshop presentation by Mr. Mose Mose, The National University of Samoa, for Mobile Learning Week 2017 in Paris, France, on 22 March 2017.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    At-Risk Students: An Early Intervention System
    (2022-09) Chand, Rajni; Anzeg, Afshana; Narayan, Sharishna
    PCF10 Sub-theme: Inspiring Innovations // During the Covid-19 lockdown, the University of the South Pacific (USP) had to close the Face-to-Face (F2F) delivery of lectures, tutorials and Drop-in support services at all its campuses. This included closing the Drop-in sessions at Student Learning Support (SLS) that provide additional literacy, numeracy and remedial support for students studying at USP. Given that all courses changed to online mode, contact with students was only possible using online virtual sessions such as Big Blue Button (BBB) or Zoom. Such sessions were only possible for students who had facilities and resources and could afford to study online. With Internet cafes and USP's Outreach Hubs, computer labs, and libraries closed, it further limited facilities for studying online for many. Realising major accessibility issues for the majority of its students, particularly those who needed support the most, USP formed a working group of SLS, First-Year Experience (FYEC) Coordinators, Information Technology Services (ITS), and Student Administrative Services (SAS) to design a strategy to identify and support the At-Risk Students (ARS). Moodle, the Learning Management System (LMS) used at USP, which records all students' activities became the central platform for this intervention. With SLS and FYE access to student activity and logs across the different schools at USP, the team worked on the design and implementation of an intervention system to help students isolated due to COVID-19 lockdowns. Intervention systems have been successfully used at many universities (Carroll, 2007; Burmack, 2002; Riddle, 2009; Frey & Fisher, 2008; Trilling & Fadel, 2009; Zhang, Fei, Quddau and Davis, 2014), showing a reduction in dropout and a better pass rate. The approach used at USP involved creating regular contact with the ARS studying in isolation or lockdown, supporting them through internet data plans for studying and virtual academic support sessions. The results showed an increase in these students' Moodle activity and better performance in the courses they were enrolled in. This paper discusses the planning, strategies, and results from a primary survey conducted on these ARS' performances. // Paper ID 1292
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    Australia 2015-2018: Country Report
    (2018) Commonwealth of Learning
    Summarises COL’s activities and captures what was achieved during 2015-2018 in Australia. This country report is an excerpt from the volume "COL in the Commonwealth: 2015-2018 Country Reports" .
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    Australia 2015-2021: Country Report
    (2021) Commonwealth of Learning
    COL in the Commonwealth: 2015–2021 summarises COL’s activities over the last several years, detailing its achievements in each Member State and across the Commonwealth. The report describes not only how COL has addressed country needs in education and training but also how its work supports the priorities of its development partners: Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    Balancing the Demands of Knowledge and Technology in an Open Learning Delivery Computer Assisted Learning Course in Australia
    (1999-03) Prescott, David Lochmohr; Prescott, Sim
    PCF1 // Working paper presented by David Lochmohr Prescott and Sim Prescott at the First Pan-Commonwealth Forum on Open Learning (PCF1) in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam. //