Global Outreach in Open and Distance Learning: The Internationalisation of Open University Malaysia

Anuwar Ali, (2011) Global Outreach in Open and Distance Learning: The Internationalisation of Open University Malaysia. In: International Conference and 41st Anniversary “Building Global Competences” , 28 January 2011, STIE Perbanas, Surabaya, Indonesia. (Submitted)

Preview	Text Global_outreach.pdf - Accepted Version Download (75Kb) | Preview
Preview	Slideshow Global_outreach_presentation.pdf - Accepted Version Download (1610Kb) | Preview

Abstract

The very foundation of open and distance learning (ODL) has been intrinsically linked to the creation of broader access and better opportunities in higher education. In the last several decades since the internet revolution, ODL has made tremendous strides in granting an unprecedented number of people with the opportunity to obtain a university degree. This new phenomenon has created a learning community that can interact, share and collaborate outside traditional notions of time and space; thus, helping to create and strengthen global competencies for a world that places ever greater esteem on the attainment of higher education. Central to this effort to build a global learning community is the move towards cross-border provision and internationalisation. The open and borderless nature of ODL means that open universities are free to explore internationalisation as a means to expand their operations by offering academic programmes overseas. For Malaysia’s premier ODL institution, Open University Malaysia (OUM) takes its internationalisation efforts seriously. With a delivery system and various e-learning initiatives designed to provide ease and flexibility through ODL, OUM has been able to stamp its mark as a viable educational provider in several countries such as Yemen, Bahrain, the Maldives and Ghana. OUM has also recently launched a collaboration with an educational institution in Hungary. The university has certainly come a long way since its strategic partnership with the Ministry of Higher Education in Saudi Arabia for the establishment of their National e-Learning Centre (NeLC) in Riyadh four years ago. Through these endeavours, OUM hopes to play a key role as Malaysia forges ahead in its drive towards a global educational excellence. This paper will illustrate OUM’s internationalisation efforts and examine the factors that have been vital in the success of this international outreach. This paper will also explore the various facets of ODL in reaching out to a global community. (Abstract by author)

Actions (login required)

View Item