DOCUMENT RESUME

ED 320 548IR 014 464

TITLE Regional Resource Centre in Distance Education.Report of the Founding Seminar (Bangkok, Thailand,June 27-July 1, 1988).

INSTITUTION United Nations Educational,Scientific, and Cultural

Organization, Bangkok (Thailand). Regional Office forEducation in Asia and the Pacific.

PUB DATE 89NOTE 41p.PUB TYPE Collected Works - Conference Proceedings (021) --

Viewpoints (120) -- Reports - Descriptive (141)

EDRS PRICE MFO1 Plus Postage. PC Not Available from EDRS.DESCRIPTORS *Distance Education; Foreign Countries; HigherEducation; *Open Universities; Program Proposals;*Resource Centers

IDENTIFIERS *Asia Pacific Region; *Regional Resource Centers;UNESCO

ABSTRACT

The proceedings of the inaugural session of thisUNESCO-sponsored seminar, which reviewed new developments in highereducation in the Asia and Pacific region and formulated a proposalfor the establishment of a regional resource center for distanceeducation, are presented in four chapters. The first introduces thesem:nar's purpose, summarizes its major conclusions, and listsseminar participants. The second chapter contains the text of aproposal for the establishment of a regional resource center whichoutlines: (1) the rationale for the center; (2) its projected scope,function, organization, and structure; (3) anticipated sources ofrevenue for its support; and (4) the initiative of the AsianAssociation of Open Universities in establishing the center.Resolutions of the seminar are presented in the third chapter, andthe final chapter contains minutes of the meeting of the ExecutiveCommittee of the Asian Association of Open Universities. Appended arespeeches presented at the inaugural session and a list ofparticipants and their addresses. (GL)

Y* Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made ** from the original document.

*

iaY

oCit

Regional Co-operative Programmein Higher Education for Development

in Asia and the Pacific

U S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONOffice of Educational Research and Improvement

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORINAl IONCENTER (ERIC)

Tics document haS been reproduced asrecewed from the person or organizationoriginating d

C Minor changes have been made to improvereproducfiOn Qualdy

Points of vie* or opinions Stated in this document do not necessarily represent officialOERI position or nolicy

REGIONAL RESOURCE CENTRE

IN DISTANCE EDUCATION

(Report of the founding seminar)

VIII Ill.

"PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THISMA1 ERIAL IN MICROFICHE ONLYHAS BEEN GRANTED BY

Ekok Dhaka

TO ", HE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCESINFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) "

UNESCO Principal Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific

Bangkok, 1989

2Dr(y rtnpv At/Ail ARI r

Unesco Regional Seminar on Establishment of a Regional ResourceCentre in Distance Education, Bangkok, 27 June - 1 July 1988.

Regional resource centre in distance education; report of thefounding seminar, organized jointly by Unesco/PROAP, SukhothaiThammathirat Open University (STOU) and the Asian Associationof Open Unive. sities. Bangkok, Unesco, 1989.

39 p. (Regional Co-operative Programme in Higher Education inAsia and the Pacific)

1. DISTANCE EDUCATION RESOURCE CENTRES ASIA/

PACIFIC. 2. OPEN UNIVERSITIES REGIONAL CO-OPERATIONASIA/PACIFIC. I. Unesco. Principal Regional Office for Asia and

the Pacific. II. Title. HI. Series.

374.4 0

Regional Co-operative Programmein Higher Education for Development

in Asia and the Pacific

REGIONAL RESOURCE CENTRE

IN DISTANCE EDUCATION

(Report of the founding seminar)

°°*'.../1"""

NE NO

UNESCO Principal Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific

Bangkok, 1989

4

© UNESCO 1989

Published by theUnesco Regional Office for Education in Asia and the Pacific

P.O. Box 1425, General Post OfficeBangkok 10500, Thailand

PRINTED IN THAILAND

The designations employed and the presentation of material throughoutthe publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever onthe part of Unesco concerning the legal status ofany country, territory, cityor area or of its authorities, or concerning its frontiers or boundaries.

5

8KHF/891M/157-5D0

Table of Contents

Page

Chapter One Introduction 1

Chapter Two Proposal to Establish a Regional 5Resource Centre to Support DistanceEducation in Asia and the Pacific

Part A: Establishment of the Regional Resource 6Centre to Support Distance Educationin Asia and the Pacific

Part B: Initiative of the Asian Association 10

of Open Universities

Chapter Three Resolutions of the Seminar 15

Chapter Four Minutes of the Meeting of theExecutive Committee of the AsianAssociation of Open Universities

19

Appendix A Speeches at the Inaugural Session 23

Appendix B List of Participants 37

Chapter One

INTRODUCTION

The Regional Seminar on Establishment of a RegionalResource Centre in Distance Education was held at the SukhothaiThammathirat Open University, Nonthaburi, Thailand from 27June to 1 July 1988. The seminar was convened by UNESCO inco-operation with the Sukhothai Thammathirat Open Universityand the Asian Association of Open Universities within the frame-work provided by UNESCO's Regional Co-operative Programmein Higher Education for Development in Asia and the Pacific.

The need for the establishment of a regional resourcecentre in distance education had been stressed in various regionalworkshops and meetings. Views had been expressed that the timewas appropriate for the establishment of such a centre and thatexpertise was widely available within the distance educationcommunity in the region which could profitably be shared by all.It was logical that as a further step to cement this idea, an initialcentre should be established in one of the existing universities.

Mr. Suthee Argaslerksh, Permanent Secretary, Office ofthe Prime Minister, Thailand presided over the opening ceremony.In his opening address, Mr. Argaslerksh stressed the fact that theestablishment of the regional resource centre reflected the vaststrides made in distance education and that in keeping with theeconomic importance the Asia-Pacific area was assuming, theregion must have the educational resources to match. He furtherstated that the newly founded Asian Association of Open Univer-sities boded well for the success of a regional resource centre.

Prof. Dr. lam Chaya-Ngam, Rector of Sukhothai Tham-mathirat Open University, in his welcoming address pointed outthat the proposed regional resource centre was an evidence of theforesight and astuteness of those who were concerned with theexpansion of distance education in the region for the improvementof the economic and social quality of people in all walks of life.He assured that his university would extend its sincere willingnessto work towards a permanent and prosperous regional resource

7

Resource Centre

centre. He thanked UNESCO for its generous assistance and co-operation which had been instrumental in making the seminarpossible.

Dr. Makaminan Makagiansar, Assistant Director-Generalfor Co-ordination of UNESCO Activities in Asia and 'the Pacificand Director, UNESCO Principal Regional Office for Asia and thePacific, in his inaugural address reiterated UNESCO's deepcommitment to distance education. He thanked the SukhothaiThammathirat Open University and the Asian Association cf OpenUniversity for joining UNESCO in organizing the seminar. Hesaid that the establishment of a resource centre would furthercontribute to bringing the distance teac` , *tutions closer toeach other for mutual benefit. Howe- kagiansac cau-tioned that not all attempts to establisi. . , ..t. of this kind andmake it work effectively had proved su I. The centre,therefore, should have clear objectivewhich was realistic and of immediateThe co-operating institutions must alsL.the centre.

.. out a work planst to user institutions.

.., their full support to

Prof. Dr. Wichit Srisa-an, Permanent Secretary, Ministry ofUniversity Affairs, in his keynote address gave a brief synopsis ofthe background leading to the seminar and outlined the scope andthe functions of the proposed regional resource centre. He wasconfident that with the expertise present at the seminar and thepapers which had been previously prepared by the participants,the foundation for a regional resource centre would be laid. (Textof speechas at the inaugural session are attached as Appendix A.)

The seminar was attended by heads and senior academicsand professionals from the following universities and organiza-tions: Darling Downs Institute of Advanced Education (Australia),Indira Gandhi National Open University (India), UniversitasTerbuka (Indonesia), University of the Air (Japan), National Insti-tute of Multi-Media Education (Japan), Allama lqbal Open 'Jni-versity (Pakistan), Korea Air and Correspondence University(Republic of Korea), Open University of Sri Lanka (Sri Lanka),Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (Thailand), AsianDevelopment Bank (Philippines), UNESCO Principal RegionalOffice for Asia and the Pacific (Bangkok), University of NewEngland (Australia), Asian Institute of Technology (Thailand).(List of participants is attached as Appendix B.)

82

Introduction

Dr. lam Chaya -Ngam (Thailand) chaired the seminar. Dr.G.A. Allana (Pakistan) and Dr. L.J. Barker (Australia) acted as theVice-Chairperson and Rapporteur respectively.

The seminar reviewed new developments in higher educa-tion in the region and formulated a proposal for the establishmentof the regional resource centre in distance education. The propos-al incorporated in this report, was unanimously adopted by theparticipants of the seminar in the final session held on 1 July1988.

9

3

Chapter Two

PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A REGIONAL RESOURCECENTRE TO SUPPORT

DISTANCE EDUCATION IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC

IntroductionRepresentatives of nine distance education institutions met

at a seminar arranged by UNESCO and The Sukhothai Thamma-thirat Open University (STOU) in June 1988. As a result of thedeliberations at the seminar and the pressing need expressed atvarious regional workshops and meetings held recently byUNESCO, it was proposed that a regional centre to support theprovision of distance education at post-secondary level in theregion be established.

The proposal is presented in two parts:

PART A is intended as a submission to funding authoritiesand is therefore of a somewhat general nature. It seeks to establishthe needs and to outline the solutions. Primarily, it is intended asa basis to establish the potential impact of the Regional ResourceCentre within the region.

PART B describes the initiative of the Asian Associationof Open Universities (AAOU) adopted at this seminar. This initia-tive was developed because tne seminar participants believe thatthe matter is urgent and the needs are such that some forms ofimmediate action must be taken. In due course, it is expected thatdemonstrated success will encourage governments and other agen-cies to provide necessary support.

5 10

Resource Centre

PART A:Establishment of the Regional Resource Centre

to Support Distance Education in Asia and the Pacific

RationaleThe educational needs of the Asia-Pacific region are vast

and complex. There are no simple solutions, but in recent time thenations of the region have increasingly turned towards distanceeducation as a technique through which large numbers of students,who for various reasons, cannot be accrimmodated within theconventional system, '.7an be given access to post-secondary educa-tion. A number cf open universities have been founded in thecountries of the region, and their development has led to theestablishment of the Asian Association of Open Universities.

Further rapid expansion may be expected, and the de-mands on existing institutions will soon outstrip their individualcapacities. The heads of the AAOU institutions are of the opinionthat resources and expertise must be shared between membercountries if open university education is to be a powerful forcewithin the region. The most effective method of achieving re-source sharing and co-operation is through the establishment of aRegional Resource Centre.

Country reports submitted by participants indicate thateach country has its own unique set of h;gher education require-ments. Some of the more urgent and common ones are

1. The capacity to meet the educational demands of thepopulation that are rapidly increasing and which cannotbe serviced through existing conventional institutions.

2. The capacity to meet the education?' needs of women.

3. A requirement for the advanced level technical andscientific education necessary to support the developmentof modern economically efficient societies. Associatedwith this is the need for continuing re-education oftechnical and scientific personnel in order to ensure thattheir skills and knowledge remain current in the face oftechnological and scientific change.

4. Health education for individuals, families and communi-ties is a vital aspect of developing modern societies. Thenations of the region are continually upgrading their

it 6

Proposal

services in order to meet thf.: need for expanded healtheducation. In addition, population studies are necessaryto plan the distribution and growth of population withinthe countries of the region.

5. The techniques and processes of distance education areonly partially developed. Further extensive research isnecessary to improve the effectiveness and efficiency ofmaterials preparation and delivery. In particular, researchis necessary to assess the capabilities and teaching effi-ciency of new developments in communications technolo-gY

6. At present, the level of skills of instructors corking indistance education is not of sufficiently high standard.More training opportunities need to be provided fordistance education personnel in such fields as insruc-tional design, editorial techniques, production methods,and other areas aimed at providing high quality instruc-tional materials at minimal cost.

The scale of the operations that will be necessary are solarge that sharing of materials from well-established courses andthe co-operative development of teaching materials in new areaswill be essential. This will require the development of data collec-tion on the availability and nature of teaching materials through-out the region and a system through which this data can be readilydisseminated to the individual and participating centres. There isclearly a need to set op a Regional Resource Centre with theobjectives to meet the needs stated above.

Scope and Function of the Regional Resource CentreIt is essential that the Centre should be an active one. It

must constantly seek out information from throughout the regionand take every opportunity to disseminate such information to theparticipating centres and institutions. The Centre personnel mustpossess management, marketing and communication skills. All ofthose will be necessary to develop and maintain a programme ofvigorous communication with appropriate personnel working indistance education throughout the region.

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Resource Centre

Some specific functions will include:

Data-base F, 'cam: This will involve the establishmentand maintenance of a data-base containing information about theinstitutions, their programmes, key personnel, course offerings andavailable instructional materials.

Documentation Function: This will involve the collection ofsuitable descriptive material on texts and other printed materials,1,roadcast materials, audio-visual tapes. All materials will be classi-fied and the descriptions of their contents and application madeavailable to user members. Other services will include the provi-sion of storage of sample materials where necessary, and the trans-lation into English of such materials as may be required by theend users.

Information-communication Network: The establishmentand facilitation of a support, information and communicationnetwork between tne participating institutions. Such a networkwould have several usages but would basically be concerned withassisting rapid inter-institutional communication and with enablingthe business of the Centre to be carried out as efficiently as possi-ble.

Facilitation of Co-operative Production and Use of Dis-tance Teaching Resources: This would involve co-operative effortacross the whole spectrum of distance education activities. Somespecific examples would include: a) joint production of coursematerials; b) sharing existing teaching resources; c) adapting exist-ing teaching resources; d) sharing expertise and facilities; and e)translation of materials.

Training and Conferences: The arrangement of trainingprogrammes, conferences and similar activities for academic andtechnical personnel engaged in distance education. Areas to beincluded would be:. a) production of audio-visual materials; b) thedevelopment and use of appropriate computer-based coursewareand associated software; and c) the development of distance teach-ing techniques through the use of interactive electronic media, for.3 xample, radio, telephone and television.

Distance Education Research Function: The organization ofco-operative reseaech programmes aimed at extending knowledgeof the processes and techniques of distance education, particularlyas they apply to the Asia-Pacific region.

13

Proposal

Organization and Structure of the Regional Resource CentreThe Regional Resource Centre will function as a profes-

sional support service providing information and facilitatingmaterial exchanges throughout the region. The major activities ofthe Centre will be centered around information, training andprovision of Jervices that will permit the development of moreefficient and effecti-a distance education programmes within theregion.

't is envisaged that the FRC will in time become a formallegal entity governed by an Executive Council and located at oneof the major open universities.

In the course of its operation, the Centre will utilize theservices and facilities of its member organizations. It is not ex-pected that Centre staff will play any direct role in materialsdevelopment and production. Instead the Centre will concentrateon organization and facilitation.

FinanceRevenue for the support of the Centre and its activities

will be derived from:

a) grants from AAOU;

b)income earned from material sales and from servicesarranged;

c) contributions from Centre members in cash and/or kind;

d)contributions from appropriate funding agencies; and

e) any unilateral or multi-lateral or other funding arrange-ments that can be negotiated with specific countries.

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Resource Centre

PART B:Initiative of the Asian Association of Open Universities

IntroductionIt can be seen that the matters set out in the rationale

supporting the establishment of the Regional Resource Centre aresuch that a degree of urgency exists. The AAOU ExecutiveCommittee has therefore decided to immediately establish theRegional Resource Centre in association with The SukhothaiThammathirat Open University.

The AAOU initiative demonstrates the recognition of needand a commitment to action on the part of the major distanceeducation institutions within the region.

Organization and StructureInitially the RRC will be a body set up by a resolution of

the AAOU. "Start up" staff will be provided by STOU and will beasked to prepare a constitution and commence operations underthe general supervision of the Rector of the University. Operationswill commence by no later than July 31, 1988 in lines with theinitial activities and programmes outlined later in the document.The founding members of the Centre shall be the distance educa-tion institutions represented at this seminar.

I.D.T. 1 ACADEMICSERVICES

1 I

ORGANIZATION CHART

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

i

DIRECTOR

_I

-Information

-Documentation

-Translation

SECPRTARIAT

-Joint Production

of Course Material

-Arrangement of

Use of Course

15

MEDIA

SUPPORT

I

-Audio Material

-Video Material

-Computer Mat.

-Print Material

10

ElcAINING

i

-Planning &

Execution of

St on-Term

&Long-Tenn

Programmes

RESEARCH

1

-Data

Co IlectIon

-Surveys

Proposal

The Executive Council: When considered necessary andpracticable by the AAOU Executive Committee, an ExecutiveCouncil shall be constituted. The membership shall be:

a) AAOU Executive Committee Members;

b)one representative from UNESCO;

c) not more than three representatives from other memberinstitutions;

d)two to four representatives of donor and/or supportingagenies; and

e) the Director of the RRC as a Member Secretary.

The President of the AAOU shall be the "ex off;cio"chairman of the Executive Coureil.

'Term of Office: Three years with provision for re-no-pointment.

Quorum: Four members or one-third of the membership,whichever is greater.

Constitution and Powers: An initial task of the Councilshall be to further develop and approve the draft constitutionprepared by the Honorary Director.

StaffingThe initial staff kincluding the Director and the Secretariat)

will be provided by STOU. Additional staff will be added fromtime to time depending on the availability of funds and the levelof the workload generated by the Centre's activities.

The appointment of a permanent Director is seen as a keydecision and will significantly influence the ultimate success ofthe project. The Director should:

a) be academically qualified, preferably a Ph.D.;

b)be skilled in management, marketing and communica-tions;

111 6

Proposal

matters concerned with the Centre and its relationships with theparticular institution.

Initial Activities and ProgrammesThree initial projects have been identified:

Project One: Creation of a Distance Education Data Base and aLearning Materials Documentation File

Project Two: Planning and Organizing Appropriate TrainingActivities

Project Three: DrJelopment of a Service Provision Programme

Project One: Creation of a Distance Education Data Baseand a Learning Materials Documentation File:

It is expected that the data base would be, in effect, a'who is who" of distance education which would permit workers inthe various countries to be able to identify co-workers in institu-tions in other countries through their listings. The listing wouldinclude their area of expertise and their research and developmentinterests particularly in the field of distance education.

An integrated course directory would also be developed.The institutions would be asked to supply information aboutthemselves including the courses they have available for use byothers and under what conditions such usage would be permitted.In due course, this project would be fully computerized and madeavailable to member institutions for a fee. The information wouldbe transmitted to the institutions by means of diskettes orthrough electronic mail and other appropriate communicationtechnologies.

Project Two: Planning and Organizing Appropriate Train-ing Activities:

It is not expected that the RRC will actually conduct train-ing activities. In certain cases, participants' circumstances mightforce such a role upon the Centre, but generally, it will facilitatethe conduct of training at an institution considered most appropri-ate for the specific training needs.

137

Resource Centre

Training is required across the whole range of distanceeducation activities. Some of the more important and immediateneeds lie in the following fields: a) application of technology toeducation; b) the development and maintenance of effective out-reach networks; c) instructional design; d) graphic design; and e)editorial and presentation skills, etc. associated with the prepara-tion of printed materials.

Project Three: Development of a Service Provision Pro-gramme:

The services that could be required by institutions engagedin distance education are extensive. Some of the more importantservices are considered to be:

a) specialist communications assistance required to facilitatethe co-operative development and production arrange-ments entered into by member institutions;

b)teaching materials abstracts preparation;

c) translation and other language requirement systems;

d)the development and implementation of personnelexchange programmes between the member institutions;and

e) consultancy services provided by RRC if and when theoccasion arises.

1814

Chapter Three

RESOLUTIONS OF THE SEMINAR

1. It was resolved to adopt the report of the seminar.

2. It was resolved that the Regional Resource Centre belocated on the campus of The Sukhothai Thammathi-rat Open University, Thailand.

3. It was resolved that The Sukhothai ThammathiratOpen University be requested to provide the initialstaff and facility infrastructure.

4. It was resolved that the seminar report be forwardedto the governments of the region with the request forsupport for the project.

5. It was resolved that the seminar report be forwardedto UNESCO, ADB, and IDRC.

6. It was resolved that ADB be requested to providetechnical assistance that will enable a full scale inves-tigation and planning exercise to be mounted withrespect to the RRC and its potential to support theprovision of distance education within the region.

7. It was resolved that the annual fee structure be:

AAOU members US$1000Non-AAOU members US$2500

8. It was resolved that institutions having representativespresent at the seminar as observers be invited tobecome founding members of the RRC.

. 1915'

Resource Centre

We, the undersigned, agree to confirm the above resolu-tions as being resolutions of the Regional Seminar on Establish-ment of a Regional Resource Centre in Distance Education, heldat The Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, sponsored byUNESCO Principal Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific,between June 27 - July 1,1988.

Signatures attached at The Sukhothai Thammathirat OpenUniversity on July 1,1988.

---'''.-P2---Dr. G. A. AllanaVice-Chancellor

Al lama Iqbal Open University, Pakistan

r)-. "? V

Dr. L. J. BarkerDirector

Darling Downs Institute of Advanced Education, Australia

1.0,....... AtztA - Ao". °L....or

Dr. lam Chaya-NgamRector

Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, Thailand

Dr. Jung ulinProfessor

for Dr. Kwong Soon Chan, PresidentKorea Air and Correspondence University,

Republic of Korea

20 16

Resolutions

../Dr. Yasuo Kobayashi

Vice-Presidentfor Dr. Hideo Katsuki, President

University of The Airin collaboration with the

National Institute of Multi Media Education, Japan

Dr. G. Ram ReddyVice-Chancellor

Indira Gandhi National Open University, India

0--------1.-_Dr. Setijadi

RectorUniversitas Terbuka, Indonesia

,/.L.1Dr. D. S. Wijeyesekera

Vice-ChancellorThe Open University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka

21

17

Chapter Four

MINUTES OF THE MEETINGOF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

OF THE ASIAN ASSOCIATION OF OPEN UNIVERSITIES

The AAOU Executive Committee Meeting was held at TheSukhothai Thammathirat Open University on July 1, 1988 underthe chairmanship of the AAOU President, Dr. lam Chaya-Ngam.

Item 1 : The President's Report on the Office of the Secretariatand the Secretariat Staff

Dr. Chaya-Ngam reported that the temporary AAOUSecretariat Office had been located on the fifth floor of the Officeof Documentation and Information Building in the DevelopmentSection of STOU. Dr. Chaya-Ngam also reported that he hadappointed Dr. Siraporn Thitathan, an Assistant Rector for Devel-opent, as Officer-in-Charge, and Miss Puckpornchan Kasemsri,an academic, as AAOU Secretariat staff member.

The Committee adopted the report as presented.

Item 2 : The Secretary-General's Proposal on AAOU News Up-dating and the Next Seminar and Meeting of the General Body

1. Prof. Dr. G. Ram Reddy, AAOU Secretary-General,suggested that the news concerning the AAOU member institu-tions be published in the newsletter Never Too Far and that themember institutions should send news and information monthly tothe Officer-in-Charge.

2. Dr. Reddy proposed that the Association should hold aseminar for AAOU members so that the member institutions couldshare their experiences, problems, and directions towards futuredevelopment.

It was adopted that the title of the seminar be "Open Uni-versities of Asia : Problems and Prospects", to be held during June12-14, 1989 in Pakistan to coincide with the 1989 AAOU GeneralBody Meeting. It was also adopted that each member will pay for

1?2

Resource Centre

his own air-ticket. Prof. Dr. G. A. Allana, Vice-Chancellor ofThe Al lama lqbal Open. University stated that his university couldoffer the accommodation for the persons attending the seminarand AAOU General Body meeting. Dr. Allana was thanked forthe offer by the members present.

In addition, it was adopted to hold the next four AAOUGeneral Body meetings as follows: a) Pakistan, b) Indonesia, c)Republic of Korea, and d) Sri Lanka.

Item 3 : FinanceMembership Fees: It was adopted that the AAOU mem-

bership fee be raised to US$1,300 (one thousand three hundreddollars) beginning January I, 1989; US$1,000 (one thousand dol-lars) of which will be released to support the operational costs ofthe Distance Education Regional Resource Centre.

Dr. Chaya-Ngam reported that STOU would be responsiblefor all AAOU expenses up to July 1, 1988. After that all costswould be drawn from the A AOU membership fees.

AAOU Auditor : Dr. Chaya-Ngam reported that SGV-NaThalang & Co. Ltd. was willing to do the financial auditing serv-ice for the AAOU, possibly free of charge.

The Committee adopted the report as presented.

Honorarium: Dr. Chaya-Ngam proposed an honorarium forthe AAOU Officer-in-Charge and staff. The AAOU membersagreed that this was appropriate and left the decision to Dr.Chaya-Ngam.

Item 4 : Other BusinessMailing List: The Committee decided that the Secretariat

compare the AAOU mailing list with the UNESCO list. Further-more, each member institution was asked to examine the mailinglist and send their updated version (additions or deletions) to theAAOU Secretariat before the mailing list wo Ad be released to thepublic.

2320

Minutes of the Meeting

Information about Open Universities: The Secretariat wasasked to survey and collect detailed information about all existingopen universities in Asia and the Pacific, particularly the Univer-sity of South Pacific - Fiji, the University of Life - The Philip-pines, and The Central Radio and Television University - Peoples'Republic of China. The information will be presented to theAAOU General Body at its next meeting for consideration ofsending invitations to these institutions for future AAOU member-ship.

Exchange Programmes: Dr. Chaya-Ngam reported that inthe past, the University of the Air - Japan and the Korea Airand Correspondence University had sent a number of students tovisit STOU.

The Committee agreed that there should be exchange pro-grammes between faculty, staff, students or experts of the memberinstitutions in certain fields and that in the case of exchangeprogrammes between faculty and staff, Unesco financial supportshould be sought.

The Asian Association of Open Universities ExecutiveCommittee Meeting was adjourned at 12:00 a.m.

24

21

Appendix A

OPENiNG ADDRESS

by

Mr. Suthee Argaslerksh

It is a great pleasure to welcome all of you to thisInauguration of the Regional Seminar on Establishment of aRegional Resource Centre in Distance Education. The presence ofso many distinguished academics and representatives bodes wellfor the success of the regional resource centre which will, I amcertain, become an invaluable reference source for those interestedin distance education, and serve as a model for other centres yetto come.

It is my firm belief that distance education is a truly fairsystem for higher education if it is to serve the population as awhole and not just a small group. This is especially true in de-veloping countries where one needs only to look at the increasingnumber of studeas registering in distance learning institutions tosee the demand for higher education among the people.

The establishment of this centre reflects the vast stridesmade in distance education in Asia and the Pacific. I have nodoubt that academics worldwide will find the centre a role modelinasmuch as distance education, no matter where, is basicallysimilar in its goals and principles. Moreover, in keeping with theeconomic importance the Asia-Pacific area has assumed, we mustand will have the educational resources to match and the RegionalResource Centre will be a perfect example of such a facility. L.examining the objectives of the proposed centre, it will be seenthat the use of the latest printed materials, audio-visual equipmentand computers will ensure its effectiveness as a resource centre forthe most advanced research.

2325

Resource Centre

Boding equally well for its success is the role of the recent-ly organized Asian Association of Open Universities. With aca-demics from so many Asian Countries, each differing in itseconomic and social situation, participating in the work of thecentre, we will be ensured a wide spectrum of experience, viewsand expertise, without which the centre could not succeed inachieving its goals efficiently.

I would like to express my highest praise for the effortsof all involved in the conception and planning of the RegionalResource Centre, and congratulate you for your foresight andvision. I have only the greatest optimism for the future of thecentre.

Finally, I wish to offer my sincere thanks to UNESCO forits generous sponsorship, and to the host, Sukhothai ThammathiratOpen University, for providing the facilities, for without yourefforts and assistance, this seminar could not have taken place.

May I now take this opportunity to declare the RegionalSeminar on Establishment of a Regional Resource Centre in Dis-tance Education open.

26

24

WELCOME ADDRESS

by

Professor Dr. lam Chaya-Ngam

It is indeed a great honour and privilege tr be given theopportunity to welcome Your Excellencies, diet;ilguished partici-pants, guests and observers assembled today for the Inaugurationof the Regional Seminar on Establishment of a Regional ResourceCentre in Distance Education.

I would like to thank Mr. Suthee Argaslerksh, Dr. Makam-inan Makagiansar and Dr. Wichit Srisa-an for being able to ad-dress this distinguished audience, and to the members of thediplomatic corps who have given their time to be with us thismorning. Also, I wish to extend a special recognition toUNESCO PROAP for its generous assistance and co-operationwhich has been greatly instrumental in making this seminar possi-ble, and to the member institutions of the Asian Association ofOpen Universities who have worked so closely with UNESCOPROAP and STOU in the preparation of this significant endeavourupon which we are about to embark.

The fact that a Regional Resource Centre in DistanceEducation in Asia and the Pacific is to be initiated within the nextfew days is evidence of the foresight and astuteness of those whoare ardently concerned with the expansion of distance education inthis region for the improvement of economic and social quality ofpeople in all walks of life.

A Regional Resource Centre in Distance Education willgive academics, institutions and individuals, both inside and out-side the region, access to a centre involved in a wide range ofundertakings, including study projects, training programmes,research, seminars, workshops, and documentation of distanceeducation materials in all disciplines.

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Resource Centre

convinced that with your support and active partici-pation, this seminar will be both productive and personally re-warding. It is with keen desire that my vision of a permanent andprosperous Regional Resource Centre in Distance Education berealized, and I would like to extend, on behalf of STOU, oursincere willingness to work towards this conclusion.

May I conclude my welcoming address by assuring all theparticipants of the complete co-operation of the STOU staff anduse of our facilities during the duration of the seminar and wishall my friends from abroad a most enjoyable and pleasant stay inThailand.

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26

INAUGURAL ADDRESS

by

Dr. Makaminan Makaglansar

On behalf of the Director-General of UNESCO and on myown behalf, it is my great pleasure to join Professor lam in ex-tending you a warm welcome to this regional seminar of key per-sons on the establishment of a regional resource centre in distanceeducation. We are indeed very happy to sponsor the seminar. Thishas been possible because of the full support and co-operation ofthe Sukhothi Thammathirat Open University under the leadershipof Professor lam.

We are grateful to His Excellency Mr. Suthee Argaslerksh,Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister forkindly inaugurating this opening session as the chief guest. I mustalso express our deep thanks and appreciation to Professor WichitSrisa-an, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the University Affairswho has kindly accepted to deliver the key-note paper on themain theme of the seminar. His presence is most gratifying to allof us since his personal contribution, as a scholar and an educator,to the development of open universities and distance education isgreatly appreciated all over the world.

It is gratifying to see that the heads and senior officials ofnine leading distance teaching and open universities and a repre-sentative of the Asian Development Bank are assembled here thismorning for a week-long deliberation on the issues related to theestablishment of a regional resource centre in distance education.Their presence is indicative of their commitment to the ideals ofregional co-operation and the value it can offer in the sharing oftheir rich experiences and expertise. UNESCO is gratified tocollaborate in developing distance education with the group ofeminent personalities who are running some of the worb."- largestand most innovative distance and open higher education ems.It is amazing to note that they together currently enrol some800,000 students and provide a wide variety of courses that can

27 29

Resource Centre

range from tractor maintenance instruction for the rural farmersto masters and Ph. D. programmes in modern subjects. The totalenrolment in the countries represented at this seminar and inChina is estimated to be over 2.5 million. This alone confirmsthat distance education system is emerging as an equal partnerwith others in the provision of higher education in the region.

While distance education is not the panacea for all theproblems of higher education, it is evident that it features promi-nently in any strategy for reform in higher education in the re-gion. There are three main reasons for this. It has helped manyhigher education systems to stem the tide of enrolment pressure.If we take the example of China, approximately 40 per cent of thetotal student population are at the Central Radio and TelevisionUniversity. In Thailand, approximately eight out of every tenstudents attend the two open universities. Similarly, enrolment hasrisen significantly at the other open universities which use dis-tance teaching mode.

It leaves no doubt that distance education has been able tocreate a perceptible liberalizing impact on the higher educationsystem through its many innovative approaches. It has freed theearners from the constraints of excessive academic and adminis-

trative rigidities without having to compromise the quality ofeducation and training that are offered. It is most likely, if notinevitable that the system will gradually extend itself to the sec-ondary and junior secondary !evel where a vast number of youthsare out of the formal school system and that this number is steadi-ly increasing.

Distance education has proved to be less expensive becauseof its scale of operation and because the opportunity costs areminimum. As we all know, higher education is an extremely re-source intensive enterprise and its funding is under constant chal-lenge in the face of competing demands on scarce governmentresources. Given the limited budgets of the government on whichthey largely survive, they are increasingly forced either to generateadditional funds of their own or adopt new measures for cost-efficiency. Both options are difficult. The participation rate inhigher education in most countries of the region except for thePhilippines, Republic of Korea, Thailand and the industrializedcountries is still quite low. Against this background, it looks highlyimprobable, if not altogether impossible for these countries tocreate millions of additional student places in the conventionaluniversities. For example, if Pakistan is to have the same enrol-

30 28

ment ratio as that of the western world today, it will have to createnearly two million additional student places. The situation is notdifferent or better, for example, in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka , Indo-nesia and Nepal. The Pakistan example is symbolic but it illus-trates the fact that there is a glaring urgency to find suitable alter-natives to cope with the ever-rising demands in many countries.Despite the creation of new facilities, thousands of eligible studentsdo not find seats in the higher education institutions and theirnumber will steadily rise as a result of the universalization ofprimary education and of the expanding base of secondary educa-tion along with the current rate of population growth. This certain-ly calls for the distance education institutions to be forward look-ing both in their philosophy and approaches. They will have toprepare themselves for a future that could be very different.

The new development in distance education is to be exam-ined in the context of the entire higher education system. Theargument today is not about the desirability of distance education;the issue is what form it will take and in which direction it willmove. Distance teaching institutions in the region present enor-mous diversities in respect of their history, size, structure andtheir academic programmes, reflective of the cultures in whichthey exist. What is common is that virtually all of them are pub-licly funded. These diversities constitute their strength and pro-vide elements on which co-operation can be built. We are pleasedto see that co-meration among them is growing and that they arefostering a new sense of confidence and pride in the vase intellec-tual resources that are available within the region. It is now wellestablished that distance education will continue to play a criticalrole in transforming higher education, which is often criticized asbeing dysfunctional, into a more powerful instrument of socialand economic development.

UNESCO's commitment to distance education is deep asthe key words in UNESCO's higher education programme aredemocratization of opportunities equality of access and the en-hancement of quality. During the past five years the UNESCOPrincipal Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific had the oppor-tunity of working with all the universities represented at thisseminar within the framework provided by its regional programmein higher education for development in Asia and the Pacific. Overseventy leading universities and research institutions fromUNESCO's sixteen Member States have formed a network of threeconsortia around three major programme areas. The presentseminar is organized under the Consortium on Innovation.

31

Resour^e Centre

If I may mention, the programme has been instrumental inproviding a new orientation to some 500 distance educators througha series of regional and national seminars and workshops, studyvisits and attachments. It has brought out a number of publicationsincluding the six-monthly newsletter "Never Too Far" published bythe Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University. Another example ofgrowing co-operation is that a number of universities are jointlydeveloping three video programmes and a master degree course inhuman environment. We are also fortunate to get the support of theAsian Development Bank which recently organized a major region-al seminar in co-operation with the Sukhothai Thammathirat OpenUniversity and UNESCO. Through its able representative, Dr.Motilai Sharma, present amongst us today, I wish to conveyUNESCO's continued appreciation to the Asian Development Bankfor the collaboration between the Bank and the Organization. Theregional co-operation assumed a new dimension and got a newimpetus when the Asian Association of Open Universities wasfounded last year. We believe the outcome of the present seminarwill further contribute to bringing the institutions closer to eachother for mutual benefit.

The idea of a regional resource centre is not a new one.This has been raised at various fora and the founding conferenceof the Asian Association of Open Universities reiterated the needand the urgency for the establishment of such a centre. Eversince its foundation UNESCO has maintained close contacts withthe universities all over the world. As early as 1948, UNESCOinitiated and helped to organize an international conference ofuniversities followed by another conference in 1950. This led tothe formation of International Association of Universities whichserves as a world forum for universities. Again with the initiativeand assistance of UNESCO the European Centre for HigherEducation was established in 1970 and the Regional Centre forHigher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean in 1978.The International Council for Distance Education is affiliated withUNESCO as a category of a non-government organization and isplanning to have a round table dialogue with UNESCO at itsforthcoming international conference in Oslo.

We view the importance of the present seminar in the con-text of UNESCO's overall goal of promoting co-operation and inthe specific context of the needs of distance and open universitiesin the region. We believe that the proposed regional resourcecentre will prove to be of immense use to the co-operating institu-tions as it can serve as a documentation centre, a data bank, a

32 30

research library and as the initiator and venue of training activi-ties. Perhaps, it can render the greatest service in the area ofcourse and instructional materials development by way of makingavailable the existing materials and offering options for theiradaptation through mutual arrangements. This will save us, as Dr.Barker of Darling Downs Institute of Advanced Education says inhis paper, the painful process of "re-invention of the wheel" everytime and consequently reduce cost and ensure quality. The role ofthe centre as a catalyst, facilitator and initiator is important.

However, if you permit, I would like to make a small noteof caution which is that not all attempts at establishing a centre ofthe kind we have in view and making it work effectively haveproved to be successful. This then raises the question what factorsoperate to make it effective. This question is not easy to answerand the seminar will deliberate on this during the week. One cannevertheless argue that the centre must be clear in its objectiveand that it must chalk out a work plan that is realistic and ofimmedit,), interest to the user institutions and also that the co-operating institutions pledge their full support. My own view isthat let us start with a solid foundation even if the operation issmall. As for UNESCO, we assure you of our continued supportin the best manner possible and within our resource limits.

I must also take this opportunity to express Unesco's con-gratulations to the distinguished members of the first ExecutiveCommittee of the Association of the Open Universities. We arehappy that the first meeting of the committee will take placesimultaneously with this seminar. I am confident that given thesupport of this important association, the proposed regional re-source centre will be a worthy institution.

Our contemporary world is developing with great speedand thrust as evidenced by the change in human living we experi-ence from day to day. While hatred, human aggressiveness, vio-lence, terrorism and limited warfare mark to a very large extentthe relations between nations, we must also recognize that thereare many things in life which bring out the best in the humanspirit. Education being essentially a process of intellectual andmoral regeneration, it behooves on all of us to bring to the youngand to the learning community at large, values which enhancecultural vitality and human creativeness in the interest of peRca,mutual understanding and respect for each people heritage andidentity. UNESCO, as an intellectual organization is called uponto nurture the spirit of international co-operation and for this we

3? 3

Resource Centre

must keep in mind always the particular reference written in thepreamble in the UNESCO Constitution which reads:

"...since wars begins in the minds of men, it is in theminds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed;..."

I hope very much that we will keep this in mid in ourdeliberations during the days to come and I hope very much thatyour scholarly and professional contributions will, at the sametime, be a contribution to peace in the interest of the millions ofyoung children, men and women, for whom we all carry educa-tional responsibility.

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32

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

by

Professor Dr. Wichit Srisa-an

I am very honored to have been asked to give the KeroteAddress at this significant assembly of prominent administratorsand the academics who are about to begin laying the foundationsestablishing a Regional Resource Centre in Distance Education inAsia and the Pacific, a project which attests to the dedication ofthose present to institute a centre which will develop and flourishfor the educational well-being of all.

I have been very inspired during the last few years by theresponse that has been received by those involved in distanceeducation concerning the possibility of setting up a regionalresource centre, and, if I may, would like to take this time to giveyou a brief synopsis of the background leading to today's seminar.

In 1985 STOU received a letter from the Lord Perry ofWalton, Honorary Director of the International Centre for Dis-tance Learning of the United Nations Universities in the UnitedKingdom. It was this letter which fostered the commencement ofcorrespondence between Lord Perry, and members of open univer-sities in this region concerning the founding of a regional re-source centre. As many of you are aware, any institution in theworld which wishes to acquire distance-learning materials on aparticular subject may, by consulting the International Centre forDistance learning, obtain from its computerized data base, aprint-out showing where the needed materials may be located, ora computer disc may be requested which is sent to the institutionconcerned. This information may be located in any one of over400 institutions around the world.

The ICDL, in itself, is worthy of mention as it has takenthe steps to organize a system whereby we can check to see if theneeded materials are available and whether they would be suitable

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Resource Centre

for use in our respective institutions.

However, there are drawbacks to having just this onecentre for retrieving information, namely: travel expense andconsumption of time. Therefore, it was proposed that consider6-tion be made to the establishment of regional resource centreswhereby academics could easily go and examine all the differentsets of materials concurrently. It was also suggested that financialbacking might be obtained from several sources.

During the Asian Development Bank sponsored RegionalSeminar on Distance Education held at STOU from 26 Novemberto 3 December 1986, the issue of a regional resource centre wasalso widely discussed by the participants.

In November of 1987 the Asian Association of Open Uni-versities was established, and it was at the first Session of thisConference at STOU that the representative of UNESCO Princi-pal Office for Education in Asia and the Pacific stressed theimportance of establishing a regional resource centre and assuredthe AAOU members of UNESCO PROAP's assistance. At thesecond Session held in Tokyo, it was agreed upon by all AAOUmember institutions that the regional resource centre be set up forthe further development and promotion of distance education inAsia and the Pacific region.

This, then, brings us to the present and today's RegionalSeminar on Establishment of a Regional Resource Centre in Dis-tance Education. Through close co-ordination between UNESCO,which has so generously sponsored this seminar, the host, STOU,and the other distinguished participants we are now witnessingthe beginning of a new stage in the progress of distance educationin Asia and the Pacific.

The Regional Resource Centre in Distance Education, simi-lar to the International Centre for Distance Learning, will serve7..S a documentation and information centre, compiling, exchang-ing and disseminating information on distance education and serveas a centre for the promotion of research and development in dis-tance education in Asia and the Pacific. In addition, I feel thatthis aspect of the centre is most important, it will also organizetraining programmes, conferences, seminars, workshops, attach-ments and observations for AAOU members, institutions, groupsor individuals, and joint production of instructional packages andother media for such programmes to promote closer co-operation

36 34

and effective sharing of experiences among member institutions.The translation of materials into English will also be undertaken,although the documents in their original language will be storedat the centre.

It is envisioned that the Regional Resource Centre in Dis-tance Education will eventually be computerized, thus facilitatingaccess for interested persons living in areas both inside and out-side the Asia-Pacific region. This, of course, will entail muchwork, co-ordination, and co-operation among all those who willbe involved with the operations of the centre, and as it is tobecome an extension of the AAOU, all member institutions willneed to put forth all their efforts to see that the centre prospersand remains permanent.

It remains to be seen exactly in what form the RegionalResource Centre is to evolve in terms of objectives, structure,function, management, etc., but given the expertise that is to bepresent during the duration of this seminar and the papers whichwere previously prepared by the participants, I anticipate a verysuccessful conclusion to this seminar and the Foundations of aRegional Resource Centre to arise, ultimately becoming one of themost beneficial and functional institutions concerned with dis-tance education in this region.

Therefore, may I take this opportunity to thank all of theparticipants who have committed their time, endeavors and as-sistance to convene for the purpose this seminar was organized. I

am confident that your achievements over the next five days willenhance the standards which you uphold for the future of dis-tance education in the Asia-Pacific region.

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Australia

India

`ndonesia

Japan

Appendix B

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

Dr. L. J. BarkerDirectorDarling Downs Institute of AdvancedEducationPost Office Darling HeightsToowoomba, Queensland 4350

Dr. Ram ReddyVice-ChancellorIndira Gandhi National Open UniversityYMCA Cu lniral CentreJai Singh RoakNew Delhi 110001

Dr. SetijadiRectorUniversitas Terbuk4J1. Cabe, RayaPonkok Cabe, CiputatTangerang

Dr. Yasuo KobayashiVice-PresidentUniversity of the Air2 -11, WakabaChiba City, 260

Dr. Hidetoshi KatoDirectorNational Institute of Multi Media Education2 Chome, WakabaChiba-shi, 260

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Resource Centre

Korea Dr. Jung Chu lin(Republic of) Professor

Korea Air and Correspondence University169 Dongsung-dong,Chongro-ku, Secul 110

Pakistan

Sri Lanka

Thailand

Dr. G. A. AllanaVice ChancellorAl lama Iqbal Open UniversityIslamabad

Dr. D. S. WijeyesekaraVice-ChancellorThe Open University of Sri LankaP.O. Box 21Nawala, Nugegoda

Dr. Iam Chaya-NgamPresidentSukhothai Thammathirat Open UniversityBangpood, PakkredNonthaburi 11120

Asian Development Dr. Motilal SharmaBank Education Specialist

Asian Development BankP.O. Box 789Manila, Philippines

Unesco PROAP

OBSERVERS

Australia

Dr. Muhammad SelimSpecialist in Higher EducationDarakarn Building920 Sukhumwit RoadGPO Box 1425Bangkok 10500, Thailand

Mr. Ian SmallActing DirectorDepartment of External StudiesUniversity of New EnglandArmidale, N.S.W 2351

39 38

Asian Institute Dr. Nicanor C. Austriacoof Technology Director

Continuing Education CentreAsian Institute of TechnologyG.P.O. Box 2754, Bangkok 10501

Japan Mr. Hideo TokitaAssistant ChiefAcademic DepartmentUniversity of the Air2-11 Wakaba, Chiba City 260

Sukhothai Dr. Tong-in WangsotornThammathirat Associate Professor andOpen University Vice-President for Academic Affairs

Mrs. Sompit CurripituckAssociate Professor and DirectorOffice of Documentation and Information

Mrs. Nappaporn A jchariyakulAssociate Professor and ChairmanOffice of Educational Technology

Dr. Preecha Kampirapakorn, Associate Professor and Chairman

School of Educational Studies

Dr. Chaiyong BrahmawongAssociate ProfessorSchool of Educational Studies

Dr. Nikom TadangAssociate ProfessorSchool of Educational Studies

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39

Regional Co-operative Programmein Higher Education for Development

in Asia and the Pacific

41