The establishment of a higher education open and distance learning knowledge base for decision makers in kenya
The Following Intervention Strategies are Necessary
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- 5.2 Conclusion
4.1.4 The Following Intervention Strategies are Necessary
A knowledge base for Distance Education in Kenya would be used to support decision makers, and other stakeholders in the country. This resource would make all information pertaining to distance education easily accessible either electronically or in print. Since the Ministry of Education does not have a specific unit dealing with distance higher education, it is very difficult to get information. 5.1 Components of a Knowledge Base in Kenya Since the state of Internet connectivity in Kenya is slow compared to countries like South Africa, it is appropriate to focus on two strategies for providing access to information. Therefore, the knowledge base could comprise a web-based database, and a back-up base in print format. The following types of information could be relevant to the knowledge base:
This might focus on both private and public institutions which provide distance education. For example:
Opportunities related to various kinds of undergraduate degrees, Masters degrees and Post graduate degrees and higher diplomas. Information on course descriptions, assessment and accreditation would be provided.
Information on the choice, affordability and relevancy of different modes of delivery would be provided. For instance:
The knowledge would be required to provide information on availability of complete course materials and the format. Availability of course materials would be enhanced by information on materials available regionally, continent-wide and also internationally. This would reduce duplication of efforts and wastage of money. The knowledge base could also link to other relevant existing databases in the world. For adaptation of course materials it is useful to customize content to suit the environment, culture, target group and relevancy.
The knowledge base will include information on research on distance education. Research could include the following:
For such a database to succeed, it would have to be integrated with existing organizations and networks. For instance, the Open Learning Association of Kenya (OPLAK) and Open Learning Distance Association of East Africa (OLDEA-EA). A knowledge base would rely on Electronic database which would be created and updated by the Open Learning Association of Kenya (OPLAK). Therefore, the Open Learning Association of Kenya (OPLAK) would host the database both in electronic and print formats as a back-up. Therefore, no one single university in Kenya would claim ownership of the database, hence reduce ownership wrangles among academics. 5.2 ConclusionThis paper has provided an analysis of distance higher education in Kenya. It has attempted to highlight the institutional setting of distance education providers, information needs, tasks and challenges facing decision makers in Kenya. This paper finally tries to suggest essential components that would form a knowledge base in Kenya. References Board of Adult of Education 1971 A Report of a Research Project on the Financing of Adult Education in Kenya, Nairobi. COL, Identifying Barriers Encountered by Women in the Use of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) for Open and Distance Learning in Africa. Zanzibar, COL Hall, B. L. 1971, University Adult Education: A Time for Broadening Participation in B.L. Hall and K. Remtulla, (eds.) Adult Education and National Development, Nairobi, East African Literature Bureau. Juma, M.N. 2001, From Traditional Distance Learning to Virtual Distance Learning in Higher Education in Africa, Trends and Challenges in F.T. Tschang and T.D. Senta, (eds.) Access to Knowledge: New Information Technologies and the Emergence of the Virtual University, UNESCO/Pergamon Press. Kabwasa A. and Kaunda, M.M. (eds.) 1993 Correspondence Education in Africa, London. Routledge and Kegan Paul. Maina, M. 1976 Adult Education in Kenya in Maktaba, Vol. 3. No. 2. Mason, R. 2001 Institutional Models for Virtual Universities in F.T. Tschang and T.D. Senta (eds.) Access to Knowledge: New Information Technologies and Emergence of the Virtual University, UNESCO/Pergamon. Musa, M.B., 1994 Extension Education and the Role of University Extension Departments, International Review of Education Vol. 40. No. 2. Republic of Kenya, 1998 Presidential Working Party on Education and Manpower Training for the Next Decade and Beyond, Nairobi, Government Printer. Republic of Kenya, 1999, Totally Integrated Quality Education and Training (TIQET): Report of the Commission of Inquiry into, the Education System of Kenya, (Koech Report): Nairobi, Government Printer. Republic of Kenya, 1985, The Universities Act, 1985, Nairobi, Government Printer Republic of Kenya, 2001, The Economic Survey 2001, Nairobi, Government Printer Directory: education education -> Fall 2013 Spring 2014 Program Data: Standard 1 Exhibit 4d education -> 100 Village Primary School Music Classrooms education -> Between global market and international and regional cooperation education -> Biographies of Patriots of Color at The Battle of Bunker Hill John Ashbow Colony: Connecticut Age: 22 Race: Native American Status: Free Rank: Private Position: Rail Fence Unit: Putnam/Durkee education -> a geospatial Activity a buffer from the Storms education -> Guide to Preparedness education -> Social Sciences Teaching Unit Levels 2 6 Environmental Justice education -> I. Introduction 2 II. The Creation of Literate Environments education -> Harold j. Brody, md education -> October/November 2015 Teacher's Guide Table of Contents Download 119.91 Kb. Share with your friends:
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