Global Trends in Distance and Continuing Higher Education Presentation By John F. Ebersole Associate Provost & Dean Extended Education Boston University And President University Continuing Education Association (UCEA) July 2002 Puebla, Mexico

World Population 6 Billion, 2001 EST (CIA) Age 0-14 = 30% Under 20 = near 50% Daniel’s Quote

Global Economy Workforce Training/Re-training To add 100 million FTE Adult Students Worldwide (Dolence & Norris, 1995) EU Declares 10-year Mission to “Become the Most Competitive and Dynamic Knowledge-based Economy in the World.” Lifelong Learning is core element of this strategy.

Canada “In the new, global knowledge economy of the 21st century prosperity depends on innovation, which, in turn, depends on the investments that we make in the creativity and talents of our people. We must invest not only in technology and innovation but also, in the Canadian way, to create an environment of inclusion, in which all Canadians can take advantage of their talents, their skills and their ideas.” Jean Chretian Prime Minister of Canada “Knowledge Matters” 2002

Other Countries with Learning/Education Development Strategies Brazil China India Spain Scandinavia Singapore Others

Education as “Export” $12.3 Billion Income to U.S. from International Students Commonwealth Countries (UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand) Have Government Support to Recruit Internationally Malaysia Competing with Singapore to Create Education Center of SE Asia.

“The Death of Distance” Use of Technology to Deliver Education Video Web Internet CD Rom Print Growth in Online Institutions (“virtual universities”) and Programs (1000 degree & certificate programs – U.S. only)

Trends in U.S. Distance Education Greater Use of Online Technologies More For-Profit Virtual Universities Not Source of Quick Profits Traditional Brick & Mortar Institutions have Edge Moving to “Third Generation” Production Values

Global Trends “Blended” Applications Use of Centers for Delivery Importance of Cultural Sensitivity “The importance of designing online courses from the very beginning for the global campus cannot be overemphasized, the time and cost involved will almost certainly be repaid many times over with a student body that is satisfied with the quality of their experience.” Bates, 1999

Lessons Learned Importance of Instructional Design Keep It Useful, Keep It Real, Keep It Simple U.S. News & World Report 6/24/02 Access to Technology Varies, Bandwidth Restrictions Acceptance Not Universal Learning Styles Not Always Considered

Issues Portability of Credit, Credentials Quality Increasing Regulation

The Future Lifelong Learning (CHE) an Imperative Technology Essential for Access Need for CHE Professionals Growth of Alliances and Partnerships Education = Big Business