1. 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

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

3. 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.

4. 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

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

6. 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.

7. “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)

8. 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

9. 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

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

11. Issues Portability of Credit, Credentials Quality
Increasing Regulation

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