Press Release

 

 

The role of distance learning in the information age

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The following is a speech (English only) by the Secretary for Education and Manpower, Mr Joseph W P Wong, at the Opening Ceremony of the Standing Conference of Presidents for the International Council for Open and Distance Education at the Bank of China Lecture Theatre of Open University of Hong Kong today (Monday):

Dr Roll, the Honourable Charles Lee, Professor Tam, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

I am pleased that the Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK) is hosting this year's Standing Conference of Presidents, of the International Council of Open and Distance Education (ICDE-SCOP). May I first extend my warmest welcome to all the participants.

Distance Learning - From the Periphery to the Mainstream

Distance education has been in existence for more than a century. However, until recently, many people regarded distance education as "unconventional" and a peripheral function, or even second rate. Skeptics pointed out that the sheer distance between the teachers and the students, as well as between the students themselves, rendered teaching and learning not only inefficient but also ineffective. They said the lack of a common forum prevented any fruitful exchange.

In recent years, the pendulum seems to have swung the other way. Open and distance education providers have flourished. An increasing number of the "conventional" universities have launched programmes that adopt distance education modes to varying degrees. Enrolment has soared and will continue in the next millenium --- as a few factors are at work to make this happen.

First, technological innovation has brought the world to a new Information Age. The dramatic improvements in communications and information networks have demolished the barriers of physical distance and other "inherent" shortcomings affiliated with distance education. Gone are the days when distance education was delivered only through dull and dry, pen and paper correspondence programmes. Now, real-time web-based courses are a matter of reality on the Internet.

Secondly, the Internet has triggered a cultural change. In the past five years, the number of computers with Internet access has increased seven-fold from some 6 million to 43 million. We expect this exponential growth to continue. The boundary between distance learning and the traditional face-to-face education is becoming blurred. Teachers and students, though miles apart, can interact through video-conferencing facilities and the Internet. We can have virtual face-to-face tuition at a distance. A virtual university is no longer a fiction.

Thirdly, the advent of technologies results in a drastic fall in the costs of computer. The rapid development of more advanced information network (for instance, broad band) will reduce the costs even further. In the not too distant future, distance learning using advanced technologies could be a cheaper and more cost-effective way of learning.

Fourthly, new technology makes the world a global village. Distance learning are no longer confined within national boundaries. Increasingly, courses are offered worldwide. In Hong Kong, for instance, over five hundred non-local courses are offered. Many of them involve elements of distance learning to varying degrees.

The globalization of distance learning allows institutions to reach new audience and widens consumers' choice. Nowadays, when we walk into a supermarket, we can pick fresh oranges from California, mangoes from the Philippines and dairy products from Europe. By the same token, it is conceivable that keen learners will be able to hook up to the Net and search the best buy they can get from around the world. Educational service is an emerging area of e-commerce. To the institutions, it is both a challenge and an opportunity, challenge because of keener competition and opportunity because of a much bigger market. To the learners, there are more choices and better programmes.

So the future has never been brighter for the distance education institutions. But at the end of the day, it is quality and quality alone that determines which distance education programmes or institutions are welcome by the learners who will vote by their money or their feet. Members of the ICDE have been providing learners with unique or second opportunities of education --- irrespective of their age and previous academic background. I am sure you can all work together to upgrade the quality of the programmes.

HKSAR Government's support of OUHK

On our part, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has always been supportive of life-long learning, a theme our Chief Executive TUNG Chee-hwa reiterated, in his latest annual Policy Address delivered just last Wednesday. Over the years, we have provided more than $600 million to the OUHK. We are glad that the University, under the leadership of its President and governing Council, coupled with the concerted efforts of its staff and students, has received international acclaim. 1999 is a momentous year for the OUHK, not only because it celebrates its 10th anniversary but also because it has won two international awards, including one from the ICDE.

As part of the 1999 Policy Address, we have announced two new initiatives to support the further development of the OUHK. First, we have earmarked $50 million as a one-off grant to support the University's development of a regional learning centre. We believe that this new centre will enable the OUHK to expand and improve its services for its students. Secondly, in support of the OUHK's research efforts, we will expand the ambit of the Competitive Earmarked Research Grants, which are currently confined to eight publicly-funded tertiary institutions, to cover the OUHK, starting from next year.

Conclusion

Ladies and gentlemen, the Information Age presents enormous challenges and unimaginable opportunities. Let us rise to these challenges and seize the opportunities.

Finally, for our overseas guests, I wish you a very pleasant stay in Hong Kong. Thank you.

End/Monday, October 11, 1999

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