The Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning ...

world wide web, and course author ware/publications enable creative learning opportunities to bedesign combining text, graphics, interactive lessons, hyperlinks, and international resources. Where thecost of the technology is beyond the means of the learners, governments partnering with privateindustry or utilizing minimal technology may assist in reaching rural populations.Digital Telephony, Compressed Video, and Satellites. Instruction provided exclusively throughthe medium discussed above usually separates instructor and learner psychologically as well asgeographically. Recent developments in telephony and wireless technology make it possible forinstructors and learners separated by vast distances to have real time interaction with bridge lines,which can be used for audio conferences. Compressed video can be added to voice transmission viatelephone lines, allowing instructors and students to both hear and see each other. Satellites cantransmit high quality visual and auditory signals. Although satellites are used to transmit sound andpicture in one direction, feedback and questions from students can be designed through facsimile andaudio bridge returns. Digital convergence allows for a convergence of two-way video and audio usingsatellite transmissions.Although technology plays a key role in the delivery of distance learning, educators must remainfocused on instructional outcomes and not the technology. The key to effective distance learning isfocusing on the needs of learners, the requirements of the content, and the constraints faced by theteacher and learner, before selecting a delivery system. Typically, this systematic approach will resultin a mix of media, each serving a specific purpose. The decision to use technology in a teachinglearning environment is supported by the following:1. Learners will improve their knowledge and competency development2. Access to the teaching-learning model is enhanced3. Professors improve or increase their ability to reach students4. Research and professional services are facilitated and expanded.Demand for Quality AssuranceCountries and universities in Southeast Asia are now afforded expanding opportunities toaccess knowledge and information not only within their own countries but also from programs basedin the region and from other hemispheres. In addition, pedagogical implications for distance learningimpacting the teaching and learning process has demanded that alternative service delivery modelsbe considered to ensure learner outcomes. The challenges for open and distance learning have beento dispel the fact that learning through a distance-learning format is less effective or important astraditional campus-based programs. Issues of quality control and accreditation are raised. However,the demand for access to human resource development and educational opportunities has beenexpanded by the influence of several global trends, which not only conflicts with traditional12