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Template for writing theses
Extending distance learning across Asia Research teams in several Asian countries are working to improve the quality of distance education and extend its reach across the region. The Virtual University of Pakistan is coordinating the research aimed at developing good distance-learning models for Asia. In the digital age distance learning could cater to the educational and training needs of remote communities, particularly as existing colleges and universities would be hard-pressed to meet increasing demand for higher education. The populace would also be able to pursue lifelong education or “re-tooling” their skills without needing to leave workplaces or hometowns. Digital technology would provide remote communities with access to city-based teachers; moreover, online teaching materials could be constantly updated. Researchers in Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Pakistan, and the Philippines – collaborating within a network known as PANdora – are experimenting with a variety of methods, tools and software. Policymakers will use the findings, combined with a set of standards and performance indicators, to design a methodology to deliver effective formal and informal distance learning across Asia. The researchers are also exploring ways to develop and share open educational resources for lifelong learning, and adapting them to meet local needs. In Mongolia, for example, researchers are testing ways of using text messaging to instruct rural health workers in the proper handling of the Hepatitis B vaccine. In Cambodia farmers are using multimedia course material to learn about new farming techniques. Although they are studying on their own they are supported and assessed by instructors using text messaging and other digital communication technologies. For further information contact: Dr Naveed Malik Virtual University of Pakistan Email: rector@vu.edu.pk Isabelle Bourgeault-Tasse International Development Research Centre, Canada Email: ibourgeault-tasse@idrc.ca
Newly developed software will improve student writing abilities across Malaysia by helping them to organise content in literature reviews. Software that assists teachers to analyse and adapt language textbooks will also improve learning and teaching of languages. There is currently no standardised or wellestablished format for writing a good literature review and many social science academics and students find it difficult to create a novel conceptual framework or model for their research proposals. Mind mapping is a useful tool but students have difficulty organising complex content. Computer-aided mapping has therefore been suggested. Researchers at Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia, have developed integrative literature review software to assist academics and postgraduate students to write evaluations of their research. The software guides students to keep their reading systematic and organised, and the template allows identification, analysis and synthesis of concepts. The effectiveness of the software will be tested by 100 randomly chosen postgraduate students who will use it to write a review for a given topic; their work will be evaluated by invited academics. EVALUATING TEXTBOOKS: Researchers at Universiti Putra Malaysia have developed language textbook evaluation software called Retrotext-E. The present method of evaluating textbooks is visual and impressionistic or by use of a literal checklist. The new software uses a multi-aspect format, giving a greater range of options for effective evaluation of textbook language. Computerised appraisal detects word distribution patterns such as repetition and recycling, which can be illuminated to improve learning and teaching. Teachers are encouraged to continuously evaluate the text by applying the software’s simple checklist so as to provide a more accurate view of the books’ effectiveness; the results are saved for future analysis. Immediately after lessons, a qualitative evaluation (based on non-numerical data) can be conducted to enable suggestions to be adapted to enhance textbook performance. The software will assist teachers when selecting new textbooks, and the diagnosis and adaptation of textbooks currently in use will be improved. The software has been copyrighted and has won several international awards. The software is to be made accessible worldwide through the internet, which will enable teachers to access evaluation data of other teachers for the same textbook.
For further information contact: Integrative literature review software: Dr Teoh Sian Hoon Faculty of Education, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia Email: teohsian@salam.uitm.edu.my Language textbook evaluation software Assoc. Prof. Dr Jayakaran Mukundan Faculty of Educational Studies Universiti Putra Malaysia Email: jaya284@gmail.com