Distance learning for Developing countries

Shai Reshef: Distance Learning for Developing Countries

These quotes stick out in my mind:

"Yet, the use of Internet technology in education within developing countries can be challenging. In places with minimal infrastructure the application of this solution is not always straightforward. There are problems to consider such as the fact that many in developing countries do not have computers or individual Internet access, and if they do, it is usually not with broadband Internet. Broadband in developing countries is expensive relative to annual salaries. Many students study in Internet cafes, a good number of which do not have broadband Internet."

Further:

"Fortunately, the challenges of broadband restrictions and study in Internet cafes instead of personal computers can be overcome. Quality education can be achieved with technology and delivery modes that do not need broadband and are sensitive to public cafe studying. Using open technology such as Moodle, open educational resources that are not necessarily audio or video, peer to peer learning, and asynchronous study for anytime, anywhere learning students are enabled access to quality learning inside Internet cafes and places without broadband."

Do you have any readers who are from developing countries currently taking distance learning classes? Please share you experiences. I may have some future interest in researching this at a later date.

Thanks,

Abner

 

Hi Abner,

While I don’t have personal experience taking classes at schools in developing countries, I have researched the availability of distance education in Latin America and found that distance learning is widespread in places like Colombia, Mexico, and others. For example, Colombia’s Santo Tomás University (the oldest university in Colombia, founded in 1580) offers distance learning careers in areas such as education, business, and technology (Universidad Santo Tomás - Educación Abierta y a Distancia). Similarly, Universidad Autónoma de Mexico, founded in 1910, also offers several programs via distance learning through its open campus (Coordinación de Universidad Abierta y Educación a Distancia).

In regard to Internet infrastructure, I have been to a lot of Latin American cities where Internet access and reliability have never been a problem. Broadband access is becoming more and more available in many developing countries.

Hope this information helps.

 

Hey, good to hear from you Mundo.

Abner

 

What's going on Abner? How are things in Cali?

 

Oops - edit timed out

Originally Posted by Mundo
Hi Abner,

While I don’t have personal experience taking classes at schools in developing countries, I have researched the availability of distance education in Latin America and found that distance learning is widespread in places like Colombia, Mexico, and others. For example, Colombia’s Santo Tomás University (the oldest university in Colombia, founded in 1580) offers distance learning careers in areas such as education , business, and technology (Universidad Santo Tomás - Educación Abierta y a Distancia). Similarly, Universidad Autónoma de Mexico, founded in 1910, also offers several programs via distance learning through its open campus (Coordinación de Universidad Abierta y Educación a Distancia).

In regard to Internet infrastructure, I have been to a lot of Latin American cities where Internet access and reliability have never been a problem. Broadband access is becoming more and more available in many developing countries.

Hope this information helps.

Hey Mundo,

Good hearing from you! Thanks for your comments. They do help. I do have a couple of follow up questions though.

We will use Colombia as the example. Besides Colombia’s Santo Tomás University, are there many other distance learning options for Colombians? Also, I don't know if you have friends or associates in Colombia, but do they mostly prefer to attend a dL program from CSTU if the are in a remote area? Do they shop for other options within Columbia, or do they also shop for US based distance learning programs? I would imagine Columbia residents would get great school rates since they are residents. Are there many other schools in Columbia that offer distance learning programs. If not, would a Columbian student shop for a DL program in the US at either equal or less cost? Just wondering.

Also, in global job market, would some Colombians prefer to have a US degree for a more international resume?

Thanks Mundo

 

I am doing really well Mundo. I have a lot of exciting things coming up this year!!!!!!!!

I had my appendix cut out of me about a week and half ago. Thank GOD for medical insurance. I had to go to emergency, and I had nurses around the clock. I wonder what that would have cost? I am starting to feel great though!!!!!!!!!! I am glad they took that nasty thing out. Just a word of caution - Don't get sick in this country without medical insurance or you will be ruined.

What have you been up to?

Abner

 

This could help: CREAD

 

Glad to know you’re feeling better after the surgery. I had mine removed many moons ago at the Los Angeles County General Medical Center because of lack of insurance, and it took me many years to pay off the bill to the county. I can’t imagine how expensive it would be today.

On a more positive note, I’m doing great; in fact, I’ll be going to DC in June for the commencement ceremony for my Maters from APU, which was conferred this past February. It feels good to be done with school. As for your questions regarding Colombians approach to distance education, I would say that it pretty much parallels the US. That is, most people prefer (are familiar) with traditional education. However, nearly all major universities provide distant learning programs, which are geared towards non-traditional students (who would have sought night school in the past) and/or adult learners. My perception is that distance education is viewed in a positive light in Colombia (and other Latin American countries).

The question of whether or not Colombians would shop for a US DL program is a bit hard to answer. I’m sure they would under certain circumstances. However, you should know that school name, reputation, and prestige are all very important aspects to Colombians (and Latin Americans in general). So I would say that students would prefer, say a DL degree from Santo Tomás University over APUS, Capella, Excelsior, Thomas Edison, etc…

 

Wow!!! Thanks for the great feedback! Great job on your Masters from APU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will take your comments to heart! Have fun at the grad ceremony!!!!


Abner