关于应用开放学习和教育技术支持乡村和偏远地区学习的个案研究

Meeting the Learning Needs of Rural Communities: Case Studies in the Use of Open Learning and Associated Technologies to Support Learning in Rural and Remote Communities

开放学习(Open Learning)的模式与方法早已为人们所重视,因为它在满足生活、工作在乡村和偏远地区人们对学习的特殊需求方面具有潜力。这种潜力随着现代通讯技术、特别是与因特网(Internet)和万维网(World Wide Web)相联技术的应用而得到增强。本文概括阐述了澳大利亚昆士兰开放学习网在应用开放学习方法和现代教育技术来支持乡村和偏远地区人们学习中所扮演的角色。同时,本文还报告了两件最近的首创,再次证明了该方法与技术在支持社区为本的学习中所具有的潜力。

Open learning methods and approaches have always been valued for their potential to meet the specific learning requirements of people living and working in regional, rural and remote communities. Open learning provides ways to improve access to learning opportunities; enhance equity of provisions; and increase participation in learning. The potential of open learning methods is further enhanced through the application of technologies, especially those technologies associated with the Internet and the World Wide Web(WWW) . This paper outlines the role of the Queensland Open Learning Network (QOLN) in using open learning approaches and technologies to deliver and support learning in regional, rural and remote communities. The paper also reports on two recent initiatives which demonstrate the potential of the approaches and technologies to support community-based learning.