Research and Development in Distance Education – A Perspective from Pakistan

Abstract

PCF2 // This research review study outlines the developmental efforts by means of which the system of distance education and open learning are encouraged to be implemented in Pakistan for its socio-economic and educational dev elopment. In the futuristic planning of distance education, the system would widen its experiences and conceptual horizons, develop its infrastructures and human resources and fortify its methodologies, techniques and tactics to be able to meet the challenges for development. This will establish the life long distance learning by individuals and a learning society for all in preparation for the requirements and demands of rapid change that would arise as a nation moves ahead in its developments. Distance education may be seen at the crossroads of development choices whereas the educational development and research are future oriented rather than being only a medium for transmission of the past. The setting of goals for distance education becomes especially important strategy in effecting the change. The recommendations and suggestions of the COL-2002 conference will be taken into account of the current status, constraints and achievements in the global scenario of distance learning. These will constitute a framework of measure that may be incorporated in the research and developmental plan of distance and virtual education in Pakistan. //