cm leung

Trends & Issuesof

Global e-Learning

Trends & Issuesof

Global e-Learning

Professor C. M. LeungVice President (Technology and Development)

The Open University of Hong Kong

9th Hong Kong Web Symposium (6 December 2003)

• Introduction: a macro perspective

• Changing landscape: trends & issues

• Some random thoughts

OutlineOutline

Integrating technology &

pedagogy

for learning in a

networked multimedia environment

with

keen local & global competitions

for diversified learning & learners

A Major ChallengeA Major Challenge

RensselaerTroy, NY

CityUHong Kong

International Distance Education

Time difference: 13 hoursDistance: 8,000 milesEarly 1997

Server PC

PictureTelPictureTel

Internet /Intranet

videoconferencing

bridge

Instructor PC

Rensselaer setupCityU setup

Equipment Setup

cost centers productivity tools competitive advantage

Evolution of Computing Technology

Evolution of Computing Technology

In

crea

sin

g

Inte

ract

ivit

y

Time

1960’s (10 – 15 years)Mainframes centralized

1980’s (5 – 8 years)Mini-Computers

distributed

2000’s (short)Internet Computing

networked(global)

1990’s (1 – 3 years)Client-Server, PCs

networked(local)

Changing Paradigm of Learning

Changing Paradigm of Learning

In

crea

sin

g

Inte

ract

ivit

y

Time

master - apprenticecentralized

individual learning distributed

learning communitynetworked(global)

collaboration / teamworknetworked(local)

technology e

- com

mer

ce e - learning

corporatizationof education

business education

ThePerfectStorm

Convergence of 3 Sectors

• Level & type of education• Public & private• Not-for-profit & for-profit (public good vs. private gain)• Political boundaries: states & countries• Time & space (virtual learning environment; online

learning programs)

Changing Educational

LandscapeI. Borderless Education

Changing Educational

LandscapeI. Borderless Education

Boundaries crossed:

private&

national

private&

international

public&

national

nat

ion

alin

tern

atio

nal

po

litic

al b

ou

nd

ary

private public

funding

non-pro

fitfo

r-pro

fit

natu

re

Educational ProvidersEducational Providers

public&

international

• Corporate universities (Microsoft Univ.)• Private & for-profit providers (U. of Phoenix)• Media & publishing businesses (Pearsons & Thompson

Learning)• Educational brokers (Scottish Knowledge)• National virtual universities (African Virtual Univ.)• International consortia (Universitas 21)• Other forms of transnational education (collaborative;

non-collaborative)

Changing Educational

Landscape

II. New Providers

Changing Educational

Landscape

II. New Providers

Info

rmat

ion

Frequency (Hz)

radiox - rayI R

- ray

NOW !

visible (50 years ago)

Information in Astronomy

Information in Astronomy

Trends

• learner-centered• lifelong learning• open standards / access• commercialization• e-business practices

Trends

• learner-centered• lifelong learning• open standards / access• commercialization• e-business practices

Issues

• common core value• quality assurance• accreditation• qualification recognition• privacy & security• intellectual property

rights

Issues

• common core value• quality assurance• accreditation• qualification recognition• privacy & security• intellectual property

rights

Trends & IssuesTrends & Issues

Some

Thoughts

on

IT &

Education

Some

Thoughts

on

IT &

Education

plateau of productivity

slope of enlightenment

trough of disillusionment

peakof inflated

expectations

technologytrigger

Vis

ibil i

ty

Time

Hype CycleHype Cycle

Listservs/Discussion Lists

Simulations (Simple)

Vis

ibil i

ty

Time

TechnologyTrigger

Trough ofDisillusionment

Peak of Inflated Expectations

Slope ofEnlightenment

Plateau ofProductivity

Virtual Classrooms (Asynchronous)

Simulations (Compute-Intensive)Online Assessment

Just-in-Time Training (CRM)

Learning Portals

Training Management

Internet 2

Tools, Groupware, Outsourcers, Back Office

Chat Rooms (Synchronous)

Virtual Libraries

Online Courses

Online Degrees

Virtual Classrooms (Synchronous)

e-Enrollment Mgmt./Reg./Billing

Wireless

Source: Gartner Group

IT Applications in Education

IT Applications in Education

• Lifelong learning (cf. software license) • Open source (e.g., Linux)• Other analogies

– units of measurement (e.g., metric system)– currency (e.g., Euro)– universal adaptor

Other Random ThoughtsOther Random Thoughts

Integrating technology &

pedagogy

for learning in a

networked multimedia environment

with

keen local & global competitions

for diversified learning & learners

A Major ChallengeA Major Challenge

Thank you !Thank you !

Explore the technical viability of

synchronous distance learning using

ISDN technology

Understand the cultural aspects of

international education

Test the feasibility of “paperless”

communications in teaching & learning

Goals of Experiment

Course Information

“Survival Skills for Research Scientists” • for graduate students in physics• from late January to mid-April, 1997• 10 weekly sessions, each 1-1/2 hours

long • classes start at 7 am in US, 8 pm in HK• 12 students from US; 20 students from HK• homework, in-class exercises, grant

proposal, oral presentation, no exams

information retrieval

technical writing

making presentations

basic research skills

Course Content

Course Logistics

In-class communications • visual and verbal --- PictureTel (30 fps)• data --- Internet using LearnLinc

Communications outside of classroom• announcements by electronic mail• homework submitted in electronic form by ftp;

graded and returned electronically by ftp• course notes distributed in printed form

Technical Requirements

Hardware• room video-

conferencing system (PictureTel)

• networked PCs with Internet

connectivity• server PC• document camera• video projectors &

screens• video tape

player/recorder

Software• LAN software

(Novell)• Windows 95• Web browser • LearnLinc I-Net• Microsoft Office• Scientific Work

Place

full

tim

ep

art

tim

ele

arn

ing

mo

de

public private

funding source

publicfull time

8 – UGCs(80% funding)

publicpart time

1 – OUHK(self-financing)

privatefull timea few

(Shue Yan)

privatepart time

many(HKMA)

Higher Education in Hong Kong

Higher Education in Hong Kong

non-localoverseas

many(Deakins)

+

traditionalclassroominstruction

computer-basedtraining

interactivedistancelearning

self-paceddistancelearning

virtu

al

clas

sroom

sam

ed

iffe

ren

t

TIM

E

same different

PLACE

onem

any

SIZE

e - learninge - learning

e - learninge - learning

e - learninge - learning

The Learning MatrixThe Learning Matrix

process

people

resource

obstacles

in

implementation

Resource and process make things possible;people make things happen.

Critical Success Factors

Balance & ConflictsBalance & Conflicts

access

quality

cost

challenges

In

implementation

Characteristics of the Web

Characteristics of the Web

Hypermedia (multimedia + hyperlinks)

Connectivity (links to other resources)

Interactivity (discussion + collaboration)

Flexibility (time + place + pace)

Changing Educational Paradigmslearner-centered, interactive, hypermedia

cooperative, customized, just-in-time

Maturity

Visibility

Trough ofDisillusionment

Slope ofEnlightenment

Plateau ofProductivity

TechnologyTrigger

Peak of Inflated

Expectations

Portals

Speech RecognitionSmart Cards

Biometrics

Digital Ink

SyntheticCharacters

Knowledge Management

WearableComputers

XML

Voice Over IP

E-CashText Mining

Jini

xDSL/Cable Modems

PDAs

3D Web

LinuxBluetooth

Data Mining

JavaLanguage

Quantum Computing

X

X

X

X

X

KeyWill reach the “plateau” in:

Less than two years

Two to five years

Five to 10 years

More than 10 years

X

The Technology Hype Cycle

The Technology Hype Cycle

Critical• breakdown of time & space• mass education• easy and interactive access

to learning resources• tools for fast search &

retrieval of information• learning on demand• learning communities

Critical• breakdown of time & space• mass education• easy and interactive access

to learning resources• tools for fast search &

retrieval of information• learning on demand• learning communities

Improvements• choice of learning style• personalized learning

materials & services• individualized tracking of

learning processes• assessments & monitoring• communications between

learners and teachers

Improvements• choice of learning style• personalized learning

materials & services• individualized tracking of

learning processes• assessments & monitoring• communications between

learners and teachers

Applications of IT in Education

Trends & Issues

pedagogylearner oriented, emphasis on interactive,

collaborative, peer, and just-in-time learning

technologyless print oriented, less classroom bound,

less labor intensive, more modular & portable

challengesdistribution, scalability, laboratory work,

integration of technology & pedagogy

Problems & Issues (I)Problems & Issues (I)

institutionallack of expertise & resources; resistance to

change; ingrained infrastructure

miscellaneous copyright issues; censorship against access academic staff: heavy workload, no incentive

pedagogicalpedagogical effectiveness not proven

not suitable for certain subjects

Problems & Issues (II)Problems & Issues (II)

technologicalbandwidth: availability, distribution

language: input method, search engine, software

socialrich vs. poor: affordability

digital divide --- have’s & have-not’s

culturallanguage barrier: most websites are in English computer illiteracy: lack basic computer skills

What is e-learning ?

It isa learning environment

for deliveringinteractive multimedia

educationusing the WWW as a

communication medium.

What is e-learning ?

It isa learning environment

for deliveringinteractive multimedia

educationusing the WWW as a

communication medium.

information

study material

communication

assessment

management

E - LearningE - Learning

Learning involves communications !

Learner

Provider

knowledge(medium)

delivery method

feedback mechanism

Learning EnvironmentLearning Environment

Teaching & Learning

wisdom

data

information

knowledge

teac

hin

g /

pe

da

go

gy

learn

ing

/ antra

go

gy

Learning is a process !

numbers graphs interpretation

cyber

digital

electronic (e)

Internet (i)

online

virtual

Web-based

education

learning

instruction

teaching

training

data information knowledge wisdom

Terminology

Balanced Scorecard

FinancialCustomer

InternalProcess

Learning&

Innovation

Developed by David Norton & Robert Kaplan in early 1990s.

(when applied to an organization)

What is the trend ?

• Shift toward Web-centric teaching/learning• Fast adoption of distance-learning

technologies by traditional universities• Commercialization of “high-profit” courses

and programs• Proliferation of online course offerings• Adoption of e-business practices

Lifelong learning: How much time or

effort ?

Learning required by a knowledge worker:• a college degree every 27 years

• 4-1/2 weeks per year• 45 minutes every work day

Astronomy,

IT

&

Managemen

t

Astronomy,

IT

&

Managemen

t

• IT is the technology associated with information handling and processing (e.g., collection or production, manipulation or organization, recording, storage, retrieval, display, interpretation, transmission, and distribution).

• IT results from the merging or convergence of three technologies:

computing, telecommunications, and microelectronics.

• UNESCO definition: IT is the scientific, technological and engineering disciplines and the management techniques used in information handling and processing, their applications, computers and their interaction with men and machines, and associated social, economic and cultural matters.

What is Information Technology ?

What is Multimedia ?

Use of a computer

to present andcombine

• text• graphics /

images• animation• sound• video

with links & tools

that let the user

• navigate• create• communica

te• collaborate

[interact]Multimedia is not mixed media !

What is NOT Multimedia ?

• mixed media

• bookshelf

• movie

• television *

• no computer to provide interactivity

• no links to indicate structure & dimension

• no navigational tools to decide course of action

• cannot create and contribute one’s ideas

* You can navigate a TV by switching channels.

About the OUHK

Facts & Figures

• Kowloon, Hong Kong • established in 1989 (OLI)• university status in 1997• self-financing, non-profit• open & distance learning• open to anyone >17 years of age (working adults)• over 22,000 students• average student age: 33• 520 staff + 1300 pt tutors• about 120 academic staff• annual budget: HK$500M

Facts & Figures

• Kowloon, Hong Kong • established in 1989 (OLI)• university status in 1997• self-financing, non-profit• open & distance learning• open to anyone >17 years of age (working adults)• over 22,000 students• average student age: 33• 520 staff + 1300 pt tutors• about 120 academic staff• annual budget: HK$500M

Academic Program

• 4 Schools• Science & Technology• Business & Admin.• Arts & Social Sciences• Education & Languages

• LiPACE (continuing & professional)

• CRIDAL (research)• 110 sub-degree & degree

programs• 380 credit-bearing courses• No face-to-face instruction

Academic Program

• 4 Schools• Science & Technology• Business & Admin.• Arts & Social Sciences• Education & Languages

• LiPACE (continuing & professional)

• CRIDAL (research)• 110 sub-degree & degree

programs• 380 credit-bearing courses• No face-to-face instruction

To create an environment and culture

in which appropriate technologies can be

effectively deployed to support and

enhance all OUHK activities, both in

learning and support for our students

and in administration for our staff.

To create an environment and culture

in which appropriate technologies can be

effectively deployed to support and

enhance all OUHK activities, both in

learning and support for our students

and in administration for our staff.

Use IT to enhance interaction, promote communication, or facilitate operations.

Vision of IT Development

studentlearning

environment

studentsupportservices

staffsupport &IT training

externalrelations

Take a holistic approach !

Period: 3 years (2000-03)

Budget: HK$100M

Over 70 projects/tasks

IT Development PlanIT Development Plan

Measure of SuccessMeasure of Success

efficiency effectiveness

quality ofexperience

You cannot manage or improve what you do not measure.

Take a holistic approach !

Criterion for Effective Use

To what extent has the new technology been deployed to

perform tasks that cannot be accomplished with the

old one ?[If you can still go backward, you have not really succeeded in moving forward.]

Examples: electronic presentation vs. transparencies motion picture vs. live stage performance

Some Final

Thoughts

Some Final

Thoughts

Some Other Thoughts

• Serendipity and human networking• Order-of-magnitude estimates to

decision-making• Research vs. administration

– solve own problems vs. others’ problems– deal with inanimate objects vs. people– wreck your brain vs. your guts

Thank you !Thank you !

Questions ?Questions ?

Agricultural Age

Industrial Age

Information Age

Knowledge Age

Incr

easi

ng

C

om

ple

xity

Time

Evolution of Economic Growth

Evolution of Economic Growth

Outline

• Higher Education Trends in Hong Kong

• OUHK’s Strategies in Hong Kong

• Higher Education Trends in Mainland China

• OUHK’s Strategies in Mainland China

• IT development at the OUHK

publishinformation, advertizing, marketing

interactforms, registration, games

transactqueries, payments, funds transfer

collaborate (process)workflow, fulfillment, settlement

Incr

easi

ng

F

un

ctio

nal

ity

Time or Maturity

Evolving Web Functionality

RTE: enterprise that compete by using up-to-date information to progressively remove delays in managing and executing its critical business processes.

RTE: enterprise that compete by using up-to-date information to progressively remove delays in managing and executing its critical business processes.

Real-Time Enterprise (RTE)

Time is money !

Objective: do business faster and smarter.

OUHK Mission & Vision

• Mission– To make higher education available to adults, principally through a

system of open access and distance education• Key Values

– believe in open access of HE to all those aspiring to it, regardless of previous qualification, gender or race

– provide a variety of courses to meet lifelong learning needs– strive for excellence in teaching, scholarship, research and

public service– provide sustainable courses & programs affordable to students– use appropriate ICT to support learning

• Vision– Strive to be a leader among universities providing learning

opportunities by open and distance education, and to excel as a provider of HE in general

Commitment (what separates excellence from mediocrity)

Communication (secret to success; pass it on)

Cooperation (problems becomes opportunities)

Courage (taking a chance in spite of our fears)

Critical Success Factors

Creativity (the best way to predict the future is to create it)

Change into something greater than we already are !

diamond

color

cut

costclarity

carat

• No. of providers:– 150 educational institutions (UK, Australia,…)– 40 professional bodies

• Qualifications offered:– degrees: bachelor, master & doctoral– professional memberships

• Programs: 645 total– 327 registered (via HK Council for Academic

Accreditation)– 318 exempted (via local institutions)

Non-local HE Providers

Trends & Challenges

pedagogylearner oriented, emphasis on interactive,

collaborative, peer, and just-in-time learning

technologyless print oriented, less classroom bound,

less labor intensive, more modular & portable

challengesdistribution, scalability, laboratory work,

integration of technology & pedagogy

New

: in

tera

ctiv

e le

arni

ng

Tra

ditio

nal:

broa

dcas

t le

arni

ng

learner-centeredteacher-centered

teacher as facilitatorteacher as transmitter

construction, discoveryinstruction

learning how to learnabsorbing materials

hypermedia learninglinear, sequential

cooperative learningindividual work

interdisciplinaryspecialized, disciplinary

just-in-time learningstable content

customizedone-size-fits-all

continuous, life-longone-time learning

Changing Paradigm for Learning

Governance of Public Universities

• Education and Manpower Bureau (EMB)– funded: 7 universities & 1 institute

• (HKU, CUHK, HKUST, CityU, PolyU, Baptist U, Lingnan U, HKIEd)

– self-financing: OUHK• Five advisors

– Education Commission– University Grants Committee (UGC)– Research Grants Council (RGC)– HK Council for Academic Accreditation (HKCAA)– Vocational Training Council (VTC)

1991 - 92 1996 - 97 2000 - 01Sub-degree 14,001 14,540 13,212

Undergraduate 29,199 45,965 45,645

Postgraduate 4,279 8,517 9,939

Total (FTE) 47,480 69,022 68,796

Total (headcount) 64,942 85,550 81,472

Participation rate (*) 13.0% 18.1% 16.7%

Total Grant (HK$B) $6.46 $11.64 $14.06

Cost per FTE student $136K $168K $204K

% of education expend. 33.2% 30.8% 27.2%

% of public expenditure 6.0% 5.5% 5.1%

(*) = % of age group (age 17-20) provided with FYFD places

UGC Institutions - Statistics

EC’s Reform Proposal (2000)

• Establish a lifelong learning ladder– a “diversified higher education system”

• universities• post-secondary colleges• continuing education

– characteristics• student-focused• flexible academic structure• a transferable credit unit and qualification system• diversity• multiple entry and exit points

• Move towards a four-year university system

Higher Education Trends in HK

• Education is top priority (Government pledge)• Diversified higher education sector:

– multiple entry, multiple exit– change of funding mechanism and model

• By 2010, 60% of secondary school graduates will have access to post-secondary education

• Emergence of Associate Degree • HK$5B Continuing Education Fund

Widening Access: 60% Target

100%: 9 Year Education up to S3

85%: S3 proceed to S4/5

30%: to S6/7

18% FYFD

12% FYSD

30%: post-secondary

Deg

ree 18%

First-year first-degree

Su

b-de

gree

About 12%

First-year sub-degree

About 30% Degree Higher

Diploma Associate

degree Professional

diploma

Public Private

Associate Degree• community college concept• self-financing• $1000 land, interest-free loan

as start up incentive• 2001, first year: 2400 places• 2002: > 4000 new places• almost all public universities

offer it

Associate Degree• community college concept• self-financing• $1000 land, interest-free loan

as start up incentive• 2001, first year: 2400 places• 2002: > 4000 new places• almost all public universities

offer it

Continuing Ed. Fund• total: HK$5B• up to HK$10K per applicant• degree holders not eligible• at least 500,000 to benefit• limited to 6 sectors:

China Business, Design, Language, Logistics, Tourism, Financial Services

Continuing Ed. Fund• total: HK$5B• up to HK$10K per applicant• degree holders not eligible• at least 500,000 to benefit• limited to 6 sectors:

China Business, Design, Language, Logistics, Tourism, Financial Services

Recent Government Initiatives

Rationale ImplicationEstablish a credit accumulation and transfer system

• facilitate articulation of AD recipients • enhance student mobility among

institutions

funding dictated by student enrollment ( more competition)

UGC’s Higher Education Review

Maintain dual funding system & expand role of RGC

• UGC block grant for infrastructural support; competitive project funds through RGC

• RGC as vetting agent for other sources of research funding

expanding role of of RGC to other research funding sources ( more uniform funding criteria)

UGC to conduct periodic self-audit and another HE review in 5 years

• review responsibilities & operations; adjust to changing needs

long-term existence of UGC ensured

Strategies of

the OUHK in

Hong Kong

Strategies of

the OUHK in

Hong Kong

To create an environment and culture

in which appropriate technologies can be

effectively deployed to support and

enhance all OUHK activities, both in

learning and support for our students

and in administration for our staff.

To create an environment and culture

in which appropriate technologies can be

effectively deployed to support and

enhance all OUHK activities, both in

learning and support for our students

and in administration for our staff.

Vision of IT Plan

Thank you !

Professor Chun Ming LEUNG

Vice President (Technology & Development)

The Open University of Hong Kong

30 Good Shepherd Street, Homantin

Kowloon, HONG KONG

Email: cmleung@ouhk.edu.hk