Using clickers on multiple sites in a distributed undergraduate medical program

Terris, B. (2009) University Uses ‘Clickers’ to Quiz Students in Multiple Location Chronicle of Higher Education, September 14

The University of British Columbia recently completed a trial of a new satellite polling system by i>clicker, which sells student-response systems. The new system allowed students on three campuses, all part of the university’s Distributed Undergraduate Medical Program, [...]

Using technology to improve the cost-effectiveness of the academy: Part 1

Is e-learning failing in higher education?

In previous blogs, I have discussed whether e-learning is failing in higher education. To answer the question, I have examined the expectations or goals for e-learning, and whether they are being achieved.

Finally, I come to the last goal or expectation: that e-learning will increase the cost-effectiveness of higher education.  I [...]

Why ICTs are mission-critical for post-secondary institutions

This is the second of three blogs that examine some basic assumptions about technology and education, based on a review of three books: ‘THE TOWER AND THE CLOUD‘, ‘CATCHING THE KNOWLEDGE WAVE‘, AND ‘THE INTEGRATION OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES IN THE UNIVERSITY‘. (Click on the titles to see the reviews).

The assumption

In this blog, I [...]

Centralised or decentralized distance education in dual mode universities?

This video interview with Tony Bates discusses the factors at play and the advantages and disadvantages of faculties being responsible for distance education, based on the experience of the University of British Columbia, which unsuccessfully moved to decentralise services in 2003.

To see the video, click Centralised DE at dual mode universities? – Quicktime 320 x 240.mov [...]

European views on the present and future of e-learning

Bekic, Z. (2009) EQUIBELT Project Newsletter, No. 6

The goal of the EQIBELT project is to find the right way to integrate e-learning into the higher education system in Croatia. It is a joint project with partners in several European countries, and is funded by the European Commission’s TEMPUS project.

In its latest newsletter, the EQIBELT team [...]