OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING FOR HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT: PROPELLING ASIA FORWARD

Anuwar Ali, (2013) OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING FOR HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT: PROPELLING ASIA FORWARD. In: 27TH ASIAN ASSOCIATION OF OPEN UNIVERSITIES (AAOU) ANNUAL CONFERENCE, 01-03 October 2013, ALLAMA IQBAL OPEN UNIVERSITY ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN. (Submitted)

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Abstract

The mission to develop human capital capable of making a positive impact on national progress is firmly linked to higher education. Universally considered a focal element that is greatly influenced by globalisation, international competition and the rapid evolution of information and communication technology, higher education is especially crucial in Asia, where creating access for people to obtain university degrees is often mired by limited resources and facilities, especially in less developed settings. However, alternative approaches to higher education, such as that offered by open and distance learning (ODL), are now recognised as a means for a more accessible, affordable and flexible pathway towards better opportunities for university degrees and ultimately, for boosting human capital and the economy. Asia has proven true to its robust and dynamic reputation; a region that is home to some of the world’s oldest open universities, many of which were established to provide learning opportunities to working adults. Today, the Asian ODL environment continues to evolve and the ODL approach is well accepted across the region. By meeting workforce-related educational needs, these developments clearly indicate ODL’s potential to contribute to human capital development and national progress. This paper will briefly review the current ODL scene in Asia and discuss how open universities can further contribute to human capital development. This paper will also explore several key issues related to ODL and economic progress, such as lifelong learning and international collaboration, and how these will be an imperative for Asian countries to move forward in a competitive and borderless world.

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