Open and Distance Learning in the Developing World. Routledge Studies in Distance Education.

Overview & Synopsis

This book contains 10 chapters that analyze and synthesize the progress of open and distance education (ODE) in the developing world. Most chapters include case studies of programs in a variety of countries. "Introduction: Golden Goose or Ugly Duckling" briefly delineates the history of the field. "Nonformal Education: The Light That Never Shone" describes efforts to use mass media for out-of-school education. "Schooling: The Door Is Ajar" traces the use of ODE methods to expand access and improve the quality of education. The effects, outcomes, and costs of postsecondary distance education are covered in "Teachers: Educating the Largest Profession" and "Higher Education: Beyond the Courtyard Wall." The cost-effectiveness of ODE is analyzed in "Costs: What the Figures Say.""Technology: After Gutenberg and Turing" cautions that new technologies afford risks as well as benefits to the educational enterprise. "Globalisation: And Culture Follows Trade" compares the effect of international and national bodies on ODE and describes the role of the "invisible college" in the spread of innovations. "Political Economy: Who Benefits, Who Pays?" suggests that the low prestige of ODE has limited the ability of its practitioners to effect social change. "Legitimacy: A Solution or a Problem" concludes that ODE has offered more benefits than its detractors admit and can be improved to rival the quality of conventional education. The book contains a table of currency values, endnotes, and a bibliography listing 302 references. (KC)