Maximizing Technological Resources Towards Quality e-Education

Ma. Luisa Mariano
2nd National Conference on eLearning, August 2003, Manila

*Abstract only

Collaborative effort in building a community of learners is essential in a virtual environment to foster quality e-learning. Pedagogy and teaching strategies designed by the faculty in-charge affects the level of learning processes of students. A close monitoring of performance and one-to-one interactions between each student and a tutor plays a vital role in distance education system (Holmberg, 1998). It is also crucial to design courses with the use of multi-media appropriate in meeting the learning objectives since fifty years of educational research indicates that media and technology are effective in schools as tools to learn (Reeves,1998). However, a study shows that our country's preparedness to become an e-learning society is not satisfying (Trinidad, unpublished). It states that lack of adequate landline and internet connections and computers are hindrances we have to hurdle to realize success in e-learning environment. There is a need for greater use of information and communication technologies to increase student networking (Alip, unpublished). Faxes, phone lines, computers and satellites all telecommunications infrastructure that stretches around the globe to link individuals effectively and efficiently (Ferrel, 1983). However, the frustrations resulting from problems with communication between students and academic institutions are factors which distance education pive teacher, how would we respond to the challenge and address this scenario to bridge the gap in meeting the quality e-education?

This paper will present some e-learning tutorial experiences in the University of the Philippines - Open University, i.e., interactions via Integrated Virtual Leaning Environment (IVLE) discussion boards, chatting with different features, and text messaging (SMS) and how the available resources are being used to facilitate these online activities among the faculty in-charge, tutor, support staff and students. It will also illustrate pedagogy and teaching strategies in maximizing the resources in the university to promote quality e-education despite the limited income and infrastructure we have in our country.