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4/4/2008

OPEN UNIVERSITY OF CYPRUS. Third Ministerial Meeting of European Countries with One University “Modernization of European Universities: Challenges for Small Countries”. Universities and Lifelong Learning: e-Learning, e-University, Open Methods. 4/4/2008.

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4/4/2008

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  1. OPEN UNIVERSITY OF CYPRUS Third Ministerial Meeting of EuropeanCountries with One University“Modernization of European Universities: Challenges for Small Countries” Universities and Lifelong Learning: e-Learning, e-University, Open Methods 4/4/2008 Prof.Panos Razis Chairman of Governing Board Open University of Cyprus

  2. Contents • Introduction • Lifelong Learning and Distance Learning • Characteristics of Distance Learning Education • Cyprus Legislation for Open and Distance Education • Elements of Quality Assurance • Learning Outcomes • Conclusions Prof. Panos Razis

  3. + Introduction Propagation of Knowledge: • Oral Communication • Tradition / Myths / Poetry / Prose • Inscription on Papyrus / Copies • Paper / Printing / Books • Electronic Means / Optical-Acoustical Material • Internet / Digital Material / Databases • Teleconferences / Synchronous – Asynchronous Platforms Repetition Training Interaction / Guidance Prof. Panos Razis

  4. Lifelong and Distance Learning Lifelong Learning: The set of educational activities, actions andprocedures aiming to acquire new theoretical and/or practical knowledge, professional skills and vocational training, with the purpose to further develop the human potential during its lifetime Formal Learning Non Formal Learning Informal Learning Distance Learning: Learning procedure to acquire knowledge and skillsby distance, with the proper pedagogical methodology, aided by the best available technological tools (synchronous/asynchronous) by necessity: Lifelong Learning Distance Learning Prof. Panos Razis

  5. European Strategy Lisbon Strategy: To transform the economy of the European Union into the most dynamic and competitive in the World based on: -- knowledge society -- continuouseconomic development -- better and more work positions -- social cohesion -- respect to the environment Lifelong Learning contributes to all the above areas Revised strategy: research, education, innovation Prof. Panos Razis

  6. National Strategy for Lifelong Learning (2007-2013) Chapters: • Access and participation of all in LLL • Infrastructure and Systems of LLL • Research, Development and Promotion of LLL • Efficient Governance of LLL Categories of LLL programs: • Updating/refreshing knowledge in the field of interest • Specialization/depth in the field of interest • Acquiring knowledge in other related fields • Learning of other fields Prof. Panos Razis

  7. Target Groups Target categories for Lifelong Learning: - Sectors with multiplicative effects (ex. trainers, people involved in adult education, events organizers in professional organizations) - Professionals with well defined, special career paths - People facing integration problems to enroll in professional environments • Unemployed, persons with special needs, housewives, pensioners • Old graduates • Fields and professions with interdisciplinary approach Prof. Panos Razis

  8. Wide access of learning to the human potential • Lift social inequalities • Upgrade knowledge / increase productivity • Raise competitiveness • Interfere in important labor sectors (education, health, economy, technology) • Consolidate the use of modern technology and educational methodology • Theoretical/strategic framework of knowledge and development of skills to further professional career • Flexibility in professional (re)accession Advantages of Lifelong Learning Prof. Panos Razis

  9. •Wide Access -arsis of inequalities -providing 2nd chance SOCIAL POLICY • Studies independently from: -social conditions -mode -time -place -learning rate FLEXIBILITY Distance Learning Prof. Panos Razis

  10. • Continuous Training - social & economic development - raise of productivity LIFELONGLEARNING • Synchronous system - chat - videochat - video conference •Asynchronous system - forum - email TECHNOLOGY Distance Learning Prof. Panos Razis

  11. •Means for Promotion of Knowledge - fiber optical internet - satellite internet - CD/DVD - Educational Television - Teleconference - Printed material MEANS • Quality Assurance - depth of material (databases) - coupling education with research QUALITY Distance Learning Prof. Panos Razis

  12. Distance Learning Prof. Panos Razis

  13. Systems ofDistance Learning • System based on correspondence(outdated) • System based on educational TV (quality, not very efficient) • Multimedia system(synchronous and asynchronous) • Systems based on Internet (learning depth depends on user) • Combination of systems(blended learning mode)successful, covers the needs for all categories, ages and levels Technology • Internet, Multimedia Technology, CD-ROM / Video Cassettes, • Television – Radio, Satellite Coverage, Teleconferences, • Conventional Material, Block Teaching of Laboratories, • Exams / Thesis Defense Projects-Seminars-Group Discussions Prof. Panos Razis

  14. UNESCO • Formulation of specific and clear aims anddemonstration that they are in accordance with the goals of the Institution. • Proof that the program of study achieves the goals of the Institution, that these goals are efficient and in agreement with all the applied criteria. • Programs must meet all criteria for the academic personnel and must offer the students a structured access and interaction with the personnel. • Guarantee of supply and ready access to sufficient library, technological resources and educational material. Prof. Panos Razis

  15. Cyprus Legislation onOpen and Distance Learning ConventionalHigher Education 1.Duration of Studies 2.Teaching and Learning Process 3.Evaluation /Promotion /Graduation Open Universities, Distance Learning 4.Specially designed Programs of Studies 5. Educational process provided only by the Institution that awards the title or certificate 6.Evaluation, promotion, graduation regulated by clear and unimpeachable processes Prof. Panos Razis

  16. Quality Assurance Elements Quality Control Programs • Critical mass of personnel on the program • Educational Material • Students Support • Variety of technological infrastructure • Evaluation Report by independent organizations Students • Progress Reports • Reports by External Examiner and/or External Reader • Sample of Exams, Project Reports,Dissertationetc. Prof. Panos Razis

  17. Quality Assurance Elements Academic Part: • Duration and content of studies, teaching load, scientific aims of the program, exams under the responsibility of the administration of the program, sufficient students supportpresentations and projects, dissertation, submission of corresponding reports(sector of quality control, external evaluators) • Sufficient staffing in the program, scientific profile and proper processes for selection of academic personnel, necessary technical and other infrastructure, library and databases, collaborations, research programs • Rules and Regulations for admission, evaluation, promotion and graduation of the students Prof. Panos Razis

  18. Quality Assurance Elements Administrative Part: • Aims of the program,promotion, market research, websites, advertising material, public relations • Management and control of the program, economic restrictions, viability, funding, design of new programs, collaboration protocols • Admission system, students records, technical support,tuition, administrative support of the academic work, contacts with collaborating personnel • System evaluation, handling and sending of the educational material, preparation of new material, organization of meetings, exams, system of internal and external evaluators etc. Prof. Panos Razis

  19. Quality Assurance Indices Prof. Panos Razis

  20. Quality Assurance Indices In addition, we have to demand: High Quality Education We have to guarantee that the graduating students have reached at least the same,minimumacademic levelsin their field of studies, independently of the system followed, location, time of studies and learning rate. Learning Outcomes? Prof. Panos Razis

  21. Learning Outcomes KnowledgeSkillsAttitudes We have to analyze thoroughly the needs and extract the aims of a program, not vice-versa.The learning outcomes have to be: Observable on the “Graduate” Measurable on the“Graduate” Characterizing theActionsof the“Graduate” • To whom are the studies addressed ? • What kind of attitudes they may develop ? • What results do these attitudes bring ? Prof. Panos Razis

  22. Quality • Same courses, same material, same processes • ECTS credits • Target Groups  compatible students groups • Learning Outcomes • Measurable with indices, for higher education not to include just professional skills • Viability  Critical mass of people,market research • New programs for interested groups • Specially designed, reference programs, matching titles Critical Elements of Lifelong Learning Programs Prof. Panos Razis

  23. Conclusions • Lifelong Learningis a necessity • Serious academic, administrative and institutional support by the institution that provides the Distance Learning Programs • From the beginning, a base of rules and regulations • Measurable indices that lead to quality assurance of the programs offered. • Central element of quality assurance is beyond the structure and quality of the programs, in the Learning Outcomes of the Student • These Learning Outcomes must be recorded in measurable forms, what to Know, what he can do, how he can act Prof. Panos Razis

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