Skip to main content

Third Pan-Commonwealth Forum on Open Learning (PCF3)

The Third Pan-Commonwealth Forum on Open Learning (PCF3) was held in Dunedin, New Zealand, from 4 – 8 July 2004, in partnership with the Distance Education Association of New Zealand (DEANZ) and the Government of New Zealand. There were 412 registered participants which included several governmental ministers, dignitaries and educationalists from 43 Commonwealth nations.

A summary description of PCF3 appears in the September 2004 edition of COL’s newsletter, Connections. An Evaluation Report: Executive Summary and Highlights is also available.

Theme

Building Learning Communities for Our Millennium: Reaching Wider Audiences Through Innovative Approaches

Sub-themes:

  1. Education: The development and delivery of technology mediated learning and teaching using open and distance learning strategies in the sectors of pre-school, primary, secondary, post-secondary, adult and tertiary education.
  2. Health: The use of open and distance learning and technology mediated strategies for the provision of training in the health, agriculture and allied professions.
  3. Local Government: The use of open and distance and technology mediated learning strategies to enhance practical knowledge and skills for the development of local government and public infrastructure.

Within each sub-theme, an emphasis on Latest developments, Best Practice, Emerging Issues and Research.

PAPERS & PRESENTATIONS

Presenters

Asa Briggs Lecture

Sir Shridath (“Sonny”) Ramphal, former Commonwealth Secretary-General (1975-1990) and former Foreign Minister of Guyana

Keynote Speakers

Mrs Shona Butterfield, TEC Commissioner

Mr Walter Erdelen, Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, UNESCO

The Honourable Mrs Ann Therese Ndong-Jatta, Secretary of State for Education, The Gambia

Professor Russell Bishop, Foundation Professor and Assistant Dean, Maori Education, School of Education, University of Waikato.

Honorary Fellows

  • Ms Janet Jenkins
  • Professor Peter E. Kinyanjui
  • Professor Badri N. Koul
  • Dr H. Ian Macdonald, O.C.
  • Professor Vasireddy Sivalinga Prasad

Winners of the Excellence in Distance Education Awards (2003-2004)

Award of Excellence for Institutional Achievement

  • The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand, New Zealand
  • University of Southern Queensland, Australia

Award of Excellence for Open and Distance Education Materials

  • Bachelor of Management in Public Policy – New Guinea Open College, University of Papua New Guinea
  • Understanding Children – Centre for Widening Participation of The Open University, UK.
  • RACEROCKS.COM – Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific

Award Recognising Distance Learning Experience

  • Ms. Swati Wankhede, Zilla Parishad Primary School, India

Forum Partners

  • Auckland University of Technology
  • British Council
  • Canadian International Development Agency
  • Commonwealth Secretariat
  • Global Knowledge Partnership
  • Ministry of Education New Zealand
  • UNESCO New Zealand

PCF3 WEBSITE ARCHIVE