distance learning kishan
DESCRIPTION
TRANSCRIPT
Kishan S Rana/2010
Distance Learning
Options & Possiblities
Kishan S Rana/2010
Challenge
• Oakeshott (1962): diplomacy knowledge ‘exists only in practice’.
• How to develop skill sets through distance learning?
• Both cost & range of courses that in situ programs offer is the problem
• Can virtual classroom approximate the intimacy and interaction of real class?
A. Texts on Internet
• Some courses offer lecture texts on internet, with direct interaction with professor via email
• It provides basic information + guided study + supervised assignment work
• Simple to organize, needs no special software, & easiest option for MFAs
• Misses out on interaction among students, and deep exchanges
Kishan S Rana/2010
B. Self-Learning Formats
• Canada and UK use self-learning courses, ranging from ‘bilateral’ & multilateral diplomacy to maintaining staff car log-books
• Each course takes between 30 minutes to three hours to complete, at one’s own time and pace
• Huge effort goes into framing of materials, including selection of case studies, meshing them with texts
• Typically, no faculty interface provided
Kishan S Rana/2010
B. Contd.
• Especially useful for large numbers, including local staff, who need basic information
• Very good at conveying essentials, providing foundation, to which practical knowledge can be added, personal experience contextualized
• Such courses would gain if participants could pose questions to faculty or experts
Kishan S Rana/2010
C. Diplo MethodsDiplo pursues a structured learning method, with
emphasis on interaction, + community building among the participants
• ‘Hyper text’ (HT) annotations on the lecture text, permitting extensive discussion, open to full class + ‘threaded’ examination of issues
• Seminar paper writing (or other group and individual activity), which permits in depth study
• On-line discussion of each lecture, the end of its weekly cycle, again reinforcing interconnections among class + faculty
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