Leadership for Open and Flexible Learning

Universities are responding to demands to be more inclusive, accountable, entrepreneurial and self-sustaining by seeking solutions in open and flexible learning and information and communications technology (ICT). Such applications are being transformed from equity-driven and marginal in a few universities to commercially-driven and mainstream across higher education systems. Open learning and ICT have the capacity to be 'disruptive technologies', transforming the organisation, culture and practices of existing universities and leading to new forms of institution and learning networks. The authors discuss these issues and draw upon their recent study into leadership in the field to argue for transformation leadership at the institutional, departmental, and programme level and suggest an action framework for those who would lead and manage.     

Assuring quality in Asian open and distance learning

Open and distance learning (ODL) is enjoying phenomenal growth in Asian higher education, new forms of provision are being developed, new institutions are being established and there is a surge in online export and import. However, there is still need to ensure that increasing access does not result in lowering standards and to prove that ODL is at least as good as conventional education and, in many cases, more innovative, effective and efficient. The paper examines the various quality assurance approaches employed in Asian university ODL, and the values, assumptions and advantages and disadvantages of these. It concludes by suggesting what is needed to encourage and achieve a culture of quality in the field.     

Open and Dual-Mode Universities in East and South Asia

This article draws primarily upon Asian research, literature, and experience to describe the open and dualmode universities of East and South Asia. It describes their origins, admissions, development, delivery methods, and applications of technology. It discusses their successes and failures and the contributing political, social, economic, and cultural factors. It questions whether Asian distance education is best served by adopting Western models or whether there is need for the evolution of indigenous systems more firmly based upon local, vocational, social, and cultural needs. It considers faculty development and performance improvement issues and concludes by arguing for more research and evaluation to increase the institutions' standing with the governments, students, and communities they serve.