ICT for higher education case studies from Asia and the Pacific

Published by UNESCO Bangkok Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau for Education Mom Luang Pin Malakul Centenary Building 920 Sukhumvit Road, Prakanong, Klongtoey Bangkok 10110, Thailand

© UNESCO 2011 All rights reserved

ISBN: 978-92-9223-384-6 (Print version) ISBN: 978-92-9223-385-3 (Electronic version)

The designations employed and the presentation of material throughout the publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of UNESCO concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or its authorities, or concerning its frontier or boundaries. The authors are responsible for the choice and presentation of the facts contained in this book and for the opinions expressed therein, which are not necessarily those of UNESCO and do not commit the Organization.

Copy-Editor: Clive Wing Design/Layout: Salapol Ansusinha Photo credit: © UNESCO/ S. Ansusinha Printed in Thailand

APE/11/05/040-500

Preface

Fundamental to the creation of qualified human resources is an accessible, effective and efficient higher education system, particularly when governments are counting on university graduates to be competitive in creating wealth for their country. Universities are therefore compelled to be innovative and lead by using cutting-edge technology to meet these expectations. With the support of the Japanese Funds-in-Trust, UNESCO initiated a research study on the use of ICT for higher education in the Asia and Pacific region. This publication highlights the results from case studies that investigated the use of ICT in three areas: open and distance learning; blended learning, and administration and management practices. The findings provide useful information on how these higher education institutions at various stages of development capitalize on technology to achieve their goals. Without doubt, the demands of the 21st century will pressure more higher education institutions to modernize their systems and practices. The experiences captured and insights shared in these seven case studies can be used to help universities that are developing their ICT strategies and solutions to avoid making the same mistakes and leapfrog to the next stage whenever possible. I would like to acknowledge the contribution of Mr. Chu Shiu Kee, Mr. Subramaniyam Venkatraman and the participants of a regional seminar held in July 2010 that commented on the preliminary findings of the research study. Their constructive feedback has improved the quality of this publication. Finally, I would also like to thank the authors for their contribution in enhancing the access to and quality of higher education in the region.

Gwang-Jo Kim Director UNESCO Bangkok

ICT for higher education: case studies from Asia and the Pacific

The trend towards a knowledge-based economy has emphasized the importance of universities as repositories of valuable human capital. In particular, the accelerating shift to hightechnology and information technology economy requires sustained human resource development and training. Driven by globalization and pressures to teach and train knowledgeable, skilled and competitive professionals, universities face a huge challenge in increasing access to higher education and improving the quality of higher education against the stark reality of decreasing resources.

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Content PREFACE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i Acronyms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii

ICT for higher education: case studies from Asia and the Pacific

Use of ICT for higher education: An overview of case studies from the Asia and Pacific region . . . . . . 1

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