Capability, development, and open and distance learning

Hilary PerratonVisiting FellowInstitute of Education and London International Development Centre

Open and distance learning can be effectively used to support capability and promote development, in health as in other sectors, but will not necessarily do so.

Some data on doctors and health

Neonatal mortality per

1000

Doctors per 10,000

Other health workers per

10,000

2004 2004-7 2004-7

Europe 10 32 79

SE Asia 35 5 12

Africa 40 2 11

Some data on health by countries

GNP per capita US$

Neonatal mortality per

1000

Doctors per 10,000

Other health workers per

10,000

Primary school female

ger

2007 2004 2004-7 2004-7 1990

Poland 9,850 5 20 52 98

Sri Lanka 1,540 8 6 17 105

Argentina 6,040 10 30 8 n/a

Jamaica 3,320 10 9 17 101

Egypt 1,580 17 25 34 86

Kenya 640 34 1 12 93

India 950 39 6 13 84

Nigeria 920 47 3 17 79

Four stories

ACPO - radio school in Colombia

INADES-formation - multinational educationagency in Africa

AMREF in Kenya - Jane

Open University in Britain - Rita

All have used open and distance learning as a means towards ‘the expansion of the “capabilities” of persons to lead the kind of lives they value - and have reason to value’. (Armatya Sen)

.

Where open and distance learning can strengthen people’s capability, it can in turn promote development.

But its track record is mixed

projects have failed

completion rates have been low

we have not applied what we know about how to make it work

Six conditions for success

1 Respond to the needs and circumstances of learners (including their ability to pay)

2 Devote resources to formative research and evaluation

3 Get the instructional design rightmixed mediaface-to-face supportstudent supportwell-designed materials

4 Make sure the logistics work

5 Seek integration

6 Get political support and teach your learners how to pursue it

Open and distance learning can be effectively used to support capability and promote development but will not necessarily do so.

Responding to the six conditions will stack the odds in our favour.

Learners and politics: international courses cost several years income for the kind of overseas learners for whom they are designed.

Just what should we be doing here?

Thank you

Hilary Perraton