Distance Teaching: A Catalyst for Curriculum Change for Introducing Vocational Subjects.

Overview & Synopsis

Distance education offers a set of techniques through which new content can be rapidly and effectively introduced into schools. Its growing importance is due to these key factors: educational expansion, democratization of education, improving quality, and reducing costs. If distance teaching methods are to be used successfully for curriculum innovation within schools, there are at least four essential criteria for success: suitable materials, teacher orientation, access to school resources, and acceptable curriculum innovations. Three major roles for distance learning methods are to diversify the curriculum by introducing new subjects; to improve choice, by making a wider range of subjects available; and to change the content and emphasis of the curriculum by teaching traditional subjects with a more practical slant. Some examples of how distance teaching has been used for vocational or technical education at various levels are nonformal technical education in Pakistan, further education in Britain, the Open Tech program for technical education, and development of professional scientific and technical manpower in eastern Europe, the Soviet Union, Thailand, and India. (YLB)