COL publications
COL has published some new open and distance learning resources, including the first in a new series of training handbooks for open and distance learning (ODL) practitioners, that can be used for both self-study and as workshop/training programme resources.
Tutoring in open and distance learning: A handbook for tutors . Prepared by Jennifer O'Rourke
Planning and implementing open and distance learning systems: A handbook for decision makers . Prepared by Richard Freedman
Costing open and distance learning (interactive CD-ROM or web pages).
While developing the two training handbooks listed above, feedback on early drafts indicated that on some topics readers wanted more depth than an introductory series could provide. In response COL has produced an interactive CD that is designed to help in setting up new ODL programmes as well as in improving the quality of the management of existing programmes. The CD includes fully functioning spreadsheets but is not a panacea for solving problematic institutional costs! The CD-ROM was authored by Mr. Thomas Hülsmann of the Centre for Distance Education, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Germany and edited by Richard Freeman.
Practitioner Research and Evaluation Skills Training (PREST) series
. Published in collaboration with the
International Research Foundation for Open Learning (IRFOL), U.K.
The PREST training resources provide practitioners working in open and distance learning (ODL) with convenient access to basic knowledge on how to conduct research and evaluation in their everyday work. The series includes Core Modules and Handbooks, with accompanying readings/ resources, which are available (or will be available) online.
Schoolnet Toolkit :
This is a guidebook for the use of ICTs to improve the value and quality of education. Prepared jointly by the Asia and the Pacific Regional Bureau for Education (UNESCO Bangkok) and COL, it is targeted towards policy- and decision-makers in education, school managers, practitioners, teachers and principals in Southeast Asian countries.
Vocational education and training through open and distance learning.
The fifth volume in the COL/RoutledgeFalmer Press World review of distance education and open learning series (Cdn.$30.00, a 25% discount from the cover price when ordering from COL). This book follows the pattern established by earlier books in the series on higher education; basic education; teacher education and training; and policy in offering well-founded reports on the current state of good practice and guidance on effective implementation. Edited by Louise Moran and Greville Rumble.
Most of COL's publications are available online or upon request. Requests for COL publications may be sent directly to COL's distribution agents: Government Publication Services, Queen's Printer, Attn. COL Customer Service, PO Box 9452 Stn Prov Govt, Victoria, BC V8W 9V7 Canada; tel: 250.387.6409; fax: 250.387.1120; e-mail:
QPPublications@gems5.gov.bc.ca . Orders can be placed online at
www.publications.gov.bc.ca
Government agencies and institutions in developing Commonwealth countries may receive copies at no charge. Nominal charges apply to orders from developed, newly developed and non-Commonwealth countries - usually Cdn$12.00 plus shipping. These orders must be accompanied by pre-payment or charged to VISA or MasterCard accounts. Titles in the World review of distance education and open learning series are not available on a complimentary basis.
Consultants' reports
Newly released reports commissioned by COL include:
Lifelong learning for farmers (L3Farmers).
This report evidences a massive need to improve smallholders' knowledge and skills in the food production-market chain that cannot be met by conventional agricultural extension alone; but it can be met by employing open and distance learning/information and communications technologies (ICTs) and innovative extension methods. Acting on the recommendations, COL has offered to take the lead during 2004-2006 to develop a knowledge management system and collaborate with the strategic partners, in the three targeted regions, that have taken responsibility for developing an open learning network and co-ordinating and training local facilitators.
The role of transnational, private, and for-profit provision in meeting global demand for tertiary education:
Mapping, regulation and impact. This is a joint COL-UNESCO study carried out by Professor Robin Middlehurst and Mr. Steve Woodfield of the Centre for Policy and Change in Tertiary Education, University of Surrey, U.K. Five countries were selected for study - Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Jamaica, Malaysia and Senegal.
Distance education and open learning in Sub-Saharan Africa:
Criteria and conditions for quality and critical success factors and Costing distance education and open learning in Sub-Saharan Africa .
Both of these "Surveys of policy and practice" were conducted on behalf of COL by the South African Institute for Distance Education (SAIDE) as part of COL's partnership agreement with the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) Working Group on Distance Education and Open Learning. The first report identifies criteria and conditions for quality and critical success factors and the second provides a costing tool. Both reports feature case studies and follow on an early COL-SAIDE report: Distance education and open learning in Sub-Saharan Africa - A literature survey on policy and practice (2002).
Reports such as these are available from COL upon request, or through COL's web site whenever possible.
www.col.org/consultancies
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