ICDE Asian Regional Conference




	ICDE Asian Regional Conference 3-5 November 2000 Open and Distance Learning in the New Millennium What’s New for the Learner? …a conference dedicated to the Open and Distance Learner. Host : Indira Gandhi National Open University Maidan Garhi, New Delhi India The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) cordially invites you to participate in the Asian Regional Conference of the International Council for Distance Education (ICDE) to be held in New Delhi, India from 3^rd-5^th November 2000. IGNOU not only offers academic, professional, vocational and awareness-generating programmes but is also an apex body with the express mandate of promoting and maintaining standards of open and distance learning in India. With an enrolment of over 600,000 students, the University is one of the mega-universities in the world. It is a pioneer in Open and Distance Learning in the region with state-of-the-art technology and rich expertise in a variety of disciplines. This Conference will be a major congress of scholars, policy makers, and administrators in Open and Distance Learning. Theme Open and Distance Learning in the New Millennium The theme for the ICDE Asian Regional Conference will focus on issues related to 'Learners' and 'Learning' in Open and Distance Education. Rapid technological advancements and their relevance to distance, open and flexible delivery systems have led to widespread media and technology use in Distance Education systems the world over. However, in the context of Asia and the developing nations, issues of technology need to be considered from the point of view of learners, who may have problems of access. The systems have to be culture specific and the structures of management also need to be learner-centred. The conference has been planned to discuss and deliberate on all such issues which are significant for the learners. The conference will focus on the following sub-themes through a variety of means including paper presentations, poster sessions, panel discussions, plenary talks and keynote addresses. The central focus will be on Learners, and all sub-themes would revolve around the major concern of Learning in the new Millenium. The topics listed under each sub-theme are only indicative, not prescriptive. Sub Themes Information and Communication Technologies The twentieth century witnessed major developments in the ability of machines to generate, organize and disseminate information through information and communication technologies. The advent of technology has revolutionized the way we teach and learn. However, the appropriate use of different technologies and access to them has always remained a question of debate. The following topics can be discussed under this sub-theme: Networking and Resource Sharing Interactivity in Learning Processes Appropriate Technologies and their Applications Pedagogic Aspects of Various Technologies New Developments and their Implications Individualizing Mass Learning Open and distance education is a means of democratization of higher education, and provides opportunities for learning to large sections of our society. However, the specific needs of learners in Open and Distance Learning systems remain a critical issue for curriculum developers, as the learners are a heterogeneous body with different learning needs and preferences. How do we address these varied needs and preferences with appropriate programme packages and delivery systems? The following topics shall be discussed in order to understand how to individualize mass learning: Customization of Learning Designing Flexible Learning Systems Models of Learning Technologies for Individual Learning Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) Managing Learner-Centredness Issues related to the management of Open and Distance Learning systems are crucial for the success of this industrialized form of education. All management structures and systems need to be learner-centred in their philosophy, approaches and practice. Under this sub-theme, the conference will deliberate on : Policy and Planning Structures and Governance Delivery Mechanisms Cost-effectiveness Quality: Performance Indicators and Best Practice Benchmarks (BPB) Cultural and Ideological Issues Distance and Open Learning systems facilitate the transborder flow of education and educational opportunities. Moreover, countries in the Asian region too have their own internal differences in culture. Political and religious ideologies differ from one society to another. In such a situation, globalization has forced Open and Distance Leaning systems to deliberate on cultural and ideological issues in the planning, management and delivery of educational programmes. The conference will discuss : The Language Question Cultural Issues Ethical Issues in Research related to Learners Attitudes towards Distance and Open Learning Epistemological Foundations of Open and Distance Learning Venue India Habitat Cenre, the venue for the conference, is centrally located in the city of New Delhi with modern conference facilities and accommodation arrangements for delegates. New Delhi, the capital city of India, has been a seat of mighty empires and dynasties. The face of this city and indeed its cultural landscape has changed throughout its chequered history. The monuments, tombs, citadels and palaces are all witness to its rich heritage and artistic tradition. Today, Delhi has a blend of modernity and tradition in perfect fusion. The city is cosmopolitan and visitors will see glimpses of India in all its diversity. Delhi is one of the major tourist spots in the Golden Triangle of Delhi-Agra-Jaipur. Temperature of Delhi during the conference will normally remain pleasant with 18° C (min) and 35° C (max). Call for Papers Scholars interested in participating in the conference are invited to send a 300-word abstract of their paper/poster on the theme and sub-themes related to the conference on or before 15^th May 2000. Authors will be notified of the acceptance of their paper/poster by 15^th June 2000. Authors of accepted abstracts will submit their papers/posters by 31^st August 2000 for inclusion in the pre-conference volume. Registration Fee For Indian Delegates: Rs. 1000/-(early bird-by July 31,2000) Rs. 1200 (late fee) For Delegates from other countries: US$ 250/-(early bird - byJuly 31, 2000) Rs. 275/- (late fee) The conference registration fee excludes accommodation, which is available in the conference venue and other nearby hotels, and will be booked on request. Please remit your registration fee in favour of "IGNOU, New Delhi" through Pay Order/Demand Draft, Bank Transfer. No personal cheque will be accepted. Conference Secretariat Send all your inquiries and information requests to the conference secretariat at the address given below: Ms. Anu J. Thomas Deputy Director, Vice-Chancellor's Office ICDE Asian Regional Conference Secretariat Indira Gandhi National Open University Maidan Garhi New Delhi 110 068, INDIA Email: iguddvco@ndf.vsnl.net.in Tel: 91-11- 6857068 Fax: 91-11-6865933 Reply Slip ICDE Asian Regional Conference 3-5 November 2000 Name:__________________________________ Title: Prof.¨ Dr. ¨ Ms. ¨ Mr. ¨ Organization:____________________________________ Address:________________________________________ Telephone:______________________________________ Fax: ___________________________________________ Email:__________________________________________ I wish to ¨ Present a Paper ¨ Present a Poster ¨ Participate in the conference Date:__________ Place:_________ Signature