1. Prospects and Challenges to Promote E-Learning in Developing Countries: A Case Study of Ethiopian Higher Education Berhanu Beyene Computer Science Department University of Hamburg October 2004

2. B.Beyene : E-Learning in DCs2 Introduction  Background  ICT and Education: Think global act local  E-Learning: Opportunities vs. Challenges  Education in Ethiopia: At Crossroad  ICT : The last truck left  E-Learning : What is the problem to which e-learning is the solution  Objective

3. 30 June 2004B.Beyene : E-Learning in DCs3 Why this Topic? Status quo Country Population Language Education ICT River to cross ? ? Challenges Goal/ Destination ICT Knowledge- economy ICT-Supported Education

4. 30 June 2004B.Beyene : E-Learning in DCs4 Education in Ethiopia  Objectives  Education for all  Manpower Development  Knowledge Creation  Poverty Reduction - Ultimate goal  Type of Education  Traditional - Religion  Non-Formal  Formal  Regular  Distance and Open Learning  Life-Long Learning (continuing) The fear of God is the Beginning of Knowledge

5. 30 June 2004B.Beyene : E-Learning in DCs5 The Nonformal and Adult Education  What is Nonformal Education  Educational activity organized outside of the established formal system. There are no hierarchy, classrooms, registration, examination, etc.  Role of Nonformal  Socio-economic development  Community Skill Training Center (CSTC)  Indigenous Knowledge (Knowledge Creation)  Basic (Adult) Education  Education to All (ETA)  Alternative to Formal education for children out of school

6. 30 June 2004B.Beyene : E-Learning in DCs6 The Regular Education System  Primary School  Secondary (Comprehensive)  Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)  Tertiary (University/College)

7. 30 June 2004B.Beyene : E-Learning in DCs7 Regular Education and Training Program (Source: MOE, 1998) Higher Education Higher general Education general Education Basic Education World of WorkGrade/Level 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 TERT.TERT. SECONDARYSECONDARY PRIMARYPRIMARY Education Program Training Program Basic Vocational Training (4 Months) Junior Vocational Training (6 Months) Technical Educ. And Vocational Training (10+2) Medium Vocational Training (10+1 Life Long Learning

8. 30 June 2004B.Beyene : E-Learning in DCs8 Information Communication Technology (ICT) in Ethiopia  The Concepts ICT  Information: Knowledge  Communication: Exchange of information  Technology: Tool used to process, store, transmit information  Diffusion  As early as 1963  UN- ECA, OAU  Establishment of NICT-Center (State intervention )  Breakthrough  PCs and price of ICT  Education and Training  Application software  Email, Internet

9. 30 June 2004B.Beyene : E-Learning in DCs9 ICT in Ethiopia: leapfrogging  Market  Mainly service (manpower development, Networking, Internet, etc.)  Software and Application Development (Font, Website, DB, etc.)  Establishment of ICT-Development Authority  Establish ICT infrastructure  Design and maintain appropriate system to capture indigenous knowledge  Facilitating and directing ICT use in the country  and more

10. 30 June 2004B.Beyene : E-Learning in DCs10 Impact of ICT on Education and Culture  Culture  Awareness (Computer literacy)  Readiness (and Capacity Building)  Indigenous knowledge and Innovation  Teaching / Learning  Spread of ICT field of studies and Training  Teaching / Learning Material (Presentation)  Distance and Open Learning  Learn Material Preparation  Course Delivery

11. 30 June 2004B.Beyene : E-Learning in DCs11 E-Learning: Defintion  INSTRUCTION -- CAI, CAE  TRAINING (CBT, WBT, IBT, etc.)  Interactive Learning system  What is not E-Learning?  Substitute traditional face-to-face education system  A solution to all ills in the Education System  Not a panacea for all ills  What is E-Learning?

12. 30 June 2004B.Beyene : E-Learning in DCs12 E-Learning: Metamorphosis ? Globalizatio n Merried with Commerc e (?) Back home Experimental 1980 1960 1990 2001 CBT CAE CAI WBT 1995 E-Learning Invisible E-Learning (Web-based interactive Learning)

13. 30 June 2004B.Beyene : E-Learning in DCs13 E-Learning: Components  Learning Management Systems (LMS)  Student Registration (On-line)  Course Management  Collaboration  Content Production and Management  Authoring (Reduction) System  Content Management System  Delivery Management  Synchronous  Asynchronous  Evaluation and Accreditation

14. 30 June 2004B.Beyene : E-Learning in DCs14 Learn Management System (LMS) Administration Learning environment Authoring UserCourses Interface design CoursesCommunication Learn Objects InstructionsToolsAssignments EvaluationPersonalizationTests Repository – Data Base User Data Course Data Administration Learn Object Meta data Content Management

15. 30 June 2004B.Beyene : E-Learning in DCs15 LCMS: The Concept  Definition  Tools to assure content quality  Tools to deliver that content to the end consumers.  Tools to manage communication among participants and administer their roles  Principles  Separation of:  Structure,  content and  Presentation  Storage of Contents in a media-independent format  Aim  improved quality, fitting with the consumers need  better (re)usability and  reduced cost of production and management could be assured.

16. 30 June 2004B.Beyene : E-Learning in DCs16 LCMS: Features Content(n) Creating (New) Integrating (Available) Content(m) Consumers Utilities InputOutput Process CMS Numerous tools and processes Choice of Processing Technology Choice of Learn object Presentation and Delivery media Evaluation and deployment

17. 30 June 2004B.Beyene : E-Learning in DCs17 Software and hardware independence Software and hardware independence Support for distributed production Support for distributed production Reusability Reusability Improving the quality of the e-learning product by Improving the quality of the e-learning product by – Considering the end users during the whole life cycle, – Taking into account the existing IT systems, – Detailed requirements specifications, and – Continuous evaluation LCMS: Points to consider

18. 30 June 2004B.Beyene : E-Learning in DCs18 Process- modelling Training content and structure Process- model requirements analysis and classification Require- ments validation Requirements specification Pedagogy Content Technology Specifying the need for training Identifying and accumulating content Finding available products Identifying goals and priorities Specifying the learning content Selecting suitable methods Curriculum Finding available content Content- matrix Requirements elicitation Standards and regulations LCMS: Specification

19. 30 June 2004B.Beyene : E-Learning in DCs19 LCMS: Content Production with Ethiopic  Points to Consider  Multi-lingual (National and Local Languages)  Non-Latin script – Ethiopic (with over 450 characters)  Cultural values  Metadata with Language Preference  Learn Platform with choice of Preferred Language(s)  Integrated Online Lexica

20. 30 June 2004B.Beyene : E-Learning in DCs20 The Prospects  General Premises  Reduced Costs Education Technology: ICT-Technology, i.e. Hardware, Software, etc.  Accessibility (in quantity and quality and yet real time)  Innovative and Collaborative: Self-paced and Self-directed Learn System  Distributed (Distance never hampers from learning)  Global Influence on Education  Global pressures for more education  Exponential growth of knowledge  Cost-effective education technology “ ( The) Internet has distinctive powers to complement, reinforce, and enhance some of our most effective traditional approaches to university teaching and learning. We should embrace those capacities, not resist them.” Harvard President Neil L. Rudenstine

21. 30 June 2004B.Beyene : E-Learning in DCs21 Prospects: Factors  Extenal Factors  Technological (Global ICT)  Political (The New order and Globalization system)  Economical (Market – Material Knowledge )  Internal Factors  Emanated from External Factors  Policy Issues - ICT Capacity Building measures  The Learning Society  Awareness and Supporting Policy Issues  Capacity Building and NITC  Comparative Advantage of ICT-Supported Education

22. 30 June 2004B.Beyene : E-Learning in DCs22 General Agreement o Trade in Services (GATS) Liberalization of trade in services Liberalization of trade in services Education one of twelve service sectors Education one of twelve service sectors Five levels of education services Five levels of education services 21 of 44 countries committed to trade in HE 21 of 44 countries committed to trade in HE Request/offer stage ends 30/03/03 Request/offer stage ends 30/03/03 Negotiations close 31/01/05 Negotiations close 31/01/05

23. 30 June 2004B.Beyene : E-Learning in DCs23 Education System at Cross-road Human Resource Poverty Reduction Educatiton Challenges Knowledg e Economy ICT The Challenges

24. 30 June 2004B.Beyene : E-Learning in DCs24 Challenges: Conceptual  ICT  Information  Information Technology  Communication Technology  E-Learning  Learning (Teaching)  Training (WBT, CBT, IBT, etc.) – in enterprises  Instruction (CAI) – Traditional System  Technology Choice (depends on the concept)  Motive: Tension between two functions  Assuring continuity (i.e. passing on what is known)  Fostering creativity and change (i.e. propelling learners into the unknown) “.” “We tend to under-estimate change in the longer term and over- estimate it in the shorter term.” Gill Ringland 1998

25. 30 June 2004B.Beyene : E-Learning in DCs25 Forces Driving Change in HE Continuing growth in demand Continuing growth in demand Increased recognition of the economic returns Increased recognition of the economic returns Expanding and shifting frontiers of knowledge Expanding and shifting frontiers of knowledge Communications and information technology Communications and information technology Economic globalisation and inter- nationalisation Economic globalisation and inter- nationalisation Democratic quest for cohesion, justice and equity in social arrangements Democratic quest for cohesion, justice and equity in social arrangements

26. 30 June 2004B.Beyene : E-Learning in DCs26 Challenges: The Technology  Infrastructure  Delivery - Networking  Technical Capabilities  Overall Management of E-Learning  LMS  CMS  Platform  Technical Skill  Expertise beyond Computer Literacy  Skill needed to develop or use tools & Equipment  Teaching/Learning Knowledge

27. 30 June 2004B.Beyene : E-Learning in DCs27 Challenges: The Infrastructure  Delivery  Networking (LAN, WAN, MAN, Wireless, etc.)  Mode  Asynchronous  Synchronous  Technical Capabilities  Connection Speed and Quality  Computer Capability  Power and Phone Services  Internet Access

28. InternationalTeleport ETC’s HUB Challenges: Infrastructure – Internet Access Schools/End Consumers At what cost? Proprietors Source: ETC, with little modification

29. 30 June 2004B.Beyene : E-Learning in DCs29 Challenges: The Socio-Economical  Investments and Incentives (ROI)  Individuals  Public  Is learning rewarding?  Coordination and Collaboration  Policy Makers  Teaching Body  Learning Body

30. 30 June 2004B.Beyene : E-Learning in DCs30 Cultural and pedagogical relevance Can a global curriculum serve the needs of students in all countries? Can a global curriculum serve the needs of students in all countries? What adaptations need to be made? What adaptations need to be made? How does the level of Internet access affects the pedagogical process? How does the level of Internet access affects the pedagogical process? What are the challenges facing locally based tutors? What are the challenges facing locally based tutors?

31. 30 June 2004B.Beyene : E-Learning in DCs31 Challenges: Culture Cultural beliefs about teaching and learning have some impact on the way the Program is taught Cultural beliefs about teaching and learning have some impact on the way the Program is taught Lack of experience and understanding of how traditional instruction interfaces with web based teaching materials Lack of experience and understanding of how traditional instruction interfaces with web based teaching materials

32. 30 June 2004B.Beyene : E-Learning in DCs32 Recognition of the need for cultural adaptation  Local tutors are important in helping to make resources pedagogically and culturally relevant  Support for local tutors is vital in helping them to use and adapt global e-learning resources with students  The variations in ease and cost of access to the Internet will affect the way programmes are used and taught Challenges: Culture

33. 30 June 2004B.Beyene : E-Learning in DCs33 user-friendly, flexible, adaptable desktop reliable technical supportRecommendations

34. 30 June 2004B.Beyene : E-Learning in DCs34 consider the attitude of the learners motivated and able to handle online learningRecommendations

35. 30 June 2004B.Beyene : E-Learning in DCs35 of trust within a protected establishing an atmosphere learning environment individual learning processes have to be synchronised self-discipline and shared responsibilitiesRecommendations

36. 30 June 2004B.Beyene : E-Learning in DCs36 fix a clear time-scheduleRecommendations

37. 30 June 2004B.Beyene : E-Learning in DCs37Recommendations create a suitable learning framework recognise participants’ needs dealing with queries and giving sufficient feedback make sure that course structure, tasks, materials and support are as participant-centred as possible

38. 30 June 2004B.Beyene : E-Learning in DCs38  The Prospects  Global and Internal Factors  Comparative Advantages  The initiative ICT projects spearheaded by MCB insight a lot of promises to change this picture  Challenges The poor states of Institutional capacity; Infrastructure; Info- structure and Human Resource have denied Ethiopia from benefiting by ICT  Technological  Socio-Economic  Cultural (Public Awareness )  E-Learning in Ethiopia Summary and Conclusion

39. 30 June 2004B.Beyene : E-Learning in DCs39 Pilot Project: Promoting E-Learning in Ethiopian HE Objective Objective  Providing Multi-Lingual E-Learning Platform  Support Traditional Teach/Learn system with ICT  Promote Virtual Teach/Learn system  Target Group  Higher Education Society  Those who are unable to join Higher Education  Life-long Learning Society  Implementation  Prototyping  Testing the Prototype Evaluation and Documentation Evaluation and Documentation

40. 30 June 2004B.Beyene : E-Learning in DCs40 [Bate2001] Bates, Tony: “Fundamentals of Educational Planning: National strategic for e- learning in post-secondary education and training”, UNESCO-IIEP, Paris [Bate2001] Bates, Tony: “Fundamentals of Educational Planning: National strategic for e- learning in post-secondary education and training”, UNESCO-IIEP, Paris [ BaPo2003] Bates, Tony and Gary Poole: “Effective Teaching with Technology in Higher Education: Foundations for Success”, Jonh Wiley & Sons Inc., USA [ BaPo2003] Bates, Tony and Gary Poole: “Effective Teaching with Technology in Higher Education: Foundations for Success”, Jonh Wiley & Sons Inc., USA [Berh2003] Berhanu Beyene: “Project Proposal (Draft) -The Establishment of ICT-Center and Local Community Development Networks (LCDNs) for E-Learning and E-Healthcare in Ethiopia - Application for Japan Social Development Fund (JSDF)/Seed Fund” [Berh2003] Berhanu Beyene: “Project Proposal (Draft) -The Establishment of ICT-Center and Local Community Development Networks (LCDNs) for E-Learning and E-Healthcare in Ethiopia - Application for Japan Social Development Fund (JSDF)/Seed Fund” [EndFul2002] Enders, Jürgen and Oliver Fulton: “Higher Education in Globalising World: International Trends and Mutual Observations, A Festschfift in Honour of Ulrich” Teichler, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht 2002 [EndFul2002] Enders, Jürgen and Oliver Fulton: “Higher Education in Globalising World: International Trends and Mutual Observations, A Festschfift in Honour of Ulrich” Teichler, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht 2002 [Horton2000] Horton, William: “Designing Web-Based Training: How to teach anyone anything anywhere anytime”, John Wiley & Inc., Totonto, 2000 [Horton2000] Horton, William: “Designing Web-Based Training: How to teach anyone anything anywhere anytime”, John Wiley & Inc., Totonto, 2000 [Tekeste1996] Tekeste Nagash: “Rethinking Eduation in Ethiopia”, Nordiska Afrikainstitutet, Uppsala 1996 [Tekeste1996] Tekeste Nagash: “Rethinking Eduation in Ethiopia”, Nordiska Afrikainstitutet, Uppsala 1996 [FDRE-MOE2002] The FDRE Ministry of Education (Revised Draft): “Educaiton Sector Development Program II 2002/2003 – 2004/2005 (1995-1997 EFY):Program Action Plan”, Addis Ababa May 2002 (unpublished document) [FDRE-MOE2002] The FDRE Ministry of Education (Revised Draft): “Educaiton Sector Development Program II 2002/2003 – 2004/2005 (1995-1997 EFY):Program Action Plan”, Addis Ababa May 2002 (unpublished document) References

41. 30 June 2004B.Beyene : E-Learning in DCs41 Discussion  Comments  Q & A

42. 30 June 2004B.Beyene : E-Learning in DCs42 ***** END ***** Contact: e-mail: beyene@informatik.uni- hamburg.de beyene@informatik.uni- hamburg.debeyene@informatik.uni- hamburg.deDownload:http://berhanu.geez.org/public-docu Thank you for your attention