A framework for management of distance education

Distance Education: The Foundations of Effective Practice. John R. Verduin, Jr. and Thomas A. Clark. (San Francisco: Jossey‐Bass, 1991, 279 pp., $31.95).     

Management of inclusive education in Oman: A framework for Action

Inclusive education (IE) and the special education services related to it are relatively new in Oman. Efforts to manage special/inclusive education face many challenges due to a number of culturally rooted factors. Further, empirical research on IE in Oman is scarce and there is a need to advance IE discourse based on empirically validated perspectives. This article examines how IE is managed in schools from the perspective of school leaders in order to develop a framework for action. The author conducted a preliminary qualitative inquiry into how IE is understood and managed in Key stage 1 schools in Oman. The inquiry was based on a focus group interview with a cohort of 25 school leaders who were completing a two year bachelor in educational administration, an endorsement‐like programme at Sultan Qaboos University. Findings showed a number of challenges and tensions between theory and practice, highlighted by school leaders. These challenges and tensions were analysed in order to map out strengths and difficulties. A three level prism shaped framework for action was developed based on the analysis. The framework for action could potentially serve to guide policy‐ and decision‐makers, researchers, practitioners, and is advocated to develop a model of best practice for the successful implementation and management of IE in Oman.     

Difficulties in improving medical education: A framework for analysis

This article provides a framework for analysis of the difficulties inherent in educational change. Examples are drawn from medical education to clarify the propositions. Implications for interventions are discussed briefly.     

Total quality management: Some implications for the management of distance education

Total quality management, which was initially developed as a strategic option for manufacturing industries, means adopting a philosophy of continuous improvement and of putting the customer first. However, the concept is now being widely and successfully implemented in service industries. If translated into educational terms, the philosophy is consistent with a learner‐centred approach and the pursuit of excellence, and offers a constructive and positive method for dealing with the changes occurring in the education sector. This paper examines the concept of total quality management and explores possible implications of distance education institutions adopting the approach.     

现代远程教育学习质量管理探析

现代远程教育学生学习出现问题的原因是学生学习目的不端正、考试纪律和各教学环节考核不严格;其根源是办学单位间的不良竞争。笔者认为,解决问题的对策之一是弥补管理机制的缺陷,实行办学单位与考务工作分离,由国家统一管理成人学历教育的全部考试。     

Online communication and interaction in distance higher education: A framework study of good practice

Distance education requires an instructional design approach that can lead to educational transformation. This is characterised by advanced flexibility, learner autonomy and extensive use of digital technologies to enhance learning outcomes. The main feature of such methodology is the physical distance between teaching staff, peers and educational institutions. Various technological tools are used to bridge this distance and improve communication and interaction. This article attempts to review the literature in the field, with the aim of highlighting strategies for enhancing communication and interaction in online learning environments. After discussing the theoretical framework for online communication and interaction, the authors outline the factors involved in creating well-structured, interactive and dynamic online courses and programmes for higher education students. The article explores the multi-dimensional aspects of communication in online learning environments and the differing forms of interaction involved. Using qualitative methods, the authors’ aim is to produce a framework to help tutors and instructional designers develop more effective online courses in higher education. In addition, this article may be of value to researchers and scholar-practitioners interested in communication issues, to online learning designers, and to institutional managers recruiting teaching staff for online educational courses.

     

现代远程教育管理模式研究

随着社会科技的不断进步与发展,培养全面、综合素质的人才在现代素质教育中显得尤为重要。随着网络技术的快速发展,远程教育成为一种新兴的教学模式,为学生提供良好的学习环境,达到资源的最优化。但是在现代远程教育管理中仍出现了一些问题,本文从现代远程教育的特征出发,分析了现代远程教育管理的问题,对这些问题提出了相应的措施。     

Cultivating creative mentalities: A framework for education

In so far as education has acknowledged creativity at all, it has commonly focused on ‘allowing’ rather than ‘developing’ creativity, on arts-based ‘experession’ rather than broader or deeper kinds of creativity; and on the role of techniques rather than dispositions. This paper seeks to redress the balance by arguing for a range of candidate ‘habits of mind’ that are conducive to general-purpose creativity, and focusing on some of the aspects of classroom culture that seem to be conducive to the development of these habits of mind. Two practical examples from action research projects carried out over the last four years in Cardiff are used to illustrate the potential of this approach. It is suggested that this kind of ‘gentle persuasion’ may well have greater long-term value than the kind of bolt-on reative binges that are sometimes found in primary schools.     

Cognitive task analysis for instructional design: Applications in distance education

The increasing complexity of the subjectmatters taught through distance education calls for a cognitive approach to instructional design. Cognitive task analysis‐based instructional design (CTA‐BID) is especially appropriate for distance education, which requires high‐fidelity instructional materials that teach cognitive content with little or no classroom instruction. CTA‐BID organises instructional materials around the results of a cognitive task analysis that identifies the optimal knowledge structures, mental models, strategies, and skills underlying expertise in the subject matter. CTA‐BID has produced innovative instructional programmes aimed at teaching cognitive skills, accelerating the development of expertise, and improving student performance and training efficiency. This article provides an overview of CTA‐BID and its applications in the design of instructional and testing materials for distance education. I also review recent developments in education, psychology, and instructional design that complement CTA‐BID.     

网格教育:现代远程教育的新浪潮

网格是继传统Internet、Web之后的新的网络技术,被称之为第三代互联网.传统的网络教育已无法适应信息社会对教育提出的挑战与要求,而基于网格技术的网格教育能够克服当前网络教育的局限.本文分析了网格的特点、网格教育的创新,预言网格教育必将掀起现代远程教育的新浪潮.     

A theoretical framework for productive education

having held various posts specializing in educational administration in different private institutions in California. Author of several articles dealing with the issue of productive work combined with academic study.