Feasibility of Distance Education in the Philippines. Resource Paper.

Overview & Synopsis

Education is the most basic of basic needs. In the Philippines, the performance of the education sector does not fully match its potential. However, education can serve as the catalyst for resolving basic issues and creating economic development. Since high technology is the new resource of the 1990s, a new education strategy is needed. This strategy should use an open learning system and feature distance education, "an educational process in which a significant proportion of the teaching is conducted by someone removed in space and/or time from the learner." In practice, distance education usually involves radio, television, or film, correspondence studies, and tutorial sessions. The most advanced systems of distance education are open universities. It is important in distance education to maintain quality, to allow for flexibility, and to complement formal schooling. Distance education is feasible in the Philippines now since there are available resources, skilled personnel, and several models to choose from. A market exists in the Philippines for distance education. The proposed system of distance education should be called the National Open University, and it should make use of the educational mass media that are available. Distance education can make a difference in the education of women, in alleviating poverty, and in educating for environmental conservation. Education begins in the home and distance education can enhance this learning environment. (KC)