http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/2548 2026-04-14T15:37:42Z http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/2644 Title: The Provision of Distance Education in Selected Higher Education Institutions of Japan: Benchmarking Lessons for Ethiopia Authors: Kibreab, Ermias Abstract: The main objective of this study was to look for benchmarking lessons on provision of distance education from selected higher education institutions of Japan. The Open University of Japan, Nihon University and Waseda University were selected to draw benchmarking lessons on provision of distance education for Ethiopia. A purely qualitative research involving primary and secondary data was employed to identify best practices from the selected higher education institutions of Japan. Physical visit was made at the institutions and interview was conducted. Five professors (instructors) from the Open University of Japan were selected purposively and participated in the semi-structured interview. Key-informant interview was also conducted with distance education division oficials of Nihon and Waseda Universities. Secondary data was also collected and used as a source of data for the research. The findings of the study indicated that the presence of well organized study centers to facilitate the provision of quality distance education in the institutions. Study centers have multiple functions and are places for face-to-face tutorials, examinations, academic counseling, viewing/listening broadcast lectures. Besides, they are places where library services were provided. They have put in place system for course preparation and revision. They have set maximum years that a distance teaching material will be used, after that it will be re-written. In the provision of distance education, student assessment is one area that has an impact on quality. The institutions have devised mechanisms that help to assess their students objectively and appropriately. The sampled institutions don’t apply the “Tutor Marked Assignment” but rather they use tests, quizzes, project works and final examinations to assess student’s achievement. To foster communication and cooperation among students, institutions like Nihon University have organized the student group. The sampled institutions have also devised mechanisms to collect feedback from their respective students about courses and programs of distance education and this has helped them to take corrective measures on issues raised which in turn improves quality of distance education. 2012-09-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/2642 Title: Online Education and Competence development: Why Online Education May not Provide for the Competence Development of Adult Learners? Authors: Degefa, Demoze Abstract: Online education has become the order of the day for delivering higher education by transcending temporal and spatial barriers. Despite its appropriateness in reaching distance learners, there are still issues in relation to the effectiveness of online education in developing the competence of adult learners. This paper makes a review of the literature in the area with aim of informing actors the possibilities whereby online education may fail to deliver its promise. Seen from a pedagogical point of view, the paper concludes that although online education is successful in addressing the physical distance between learners and instructors and among learners themselves, there is evidence that it has not been successful in breaking the psychological and social distance among participants. It is suggested that initial and intermittent f2f contact is arranged for; cyber literacy and related experiences of learners considered, and candid assessment of the leaning needs of online learners be made before implementing online education. 2012-09-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/2640 Title: Exploring the Potential of Cloud Computing Infrastructure in Third World Context Authors: Ayele, Luleseged Abstract: The technology landscape is rapidly evolving in cloud computing, its accessibility, scalability and effectiveness can embark socio-economic development. The paper aims at providing an analysis of cloud computing in by exploring the ICT infrastructure and the patterns of cloud system for socio-economy development in the regions. Cloud computing is very new and embryo stage in Africa, and the difusion of computing in the region is promising due to the improvement of cloud carriers and consumers participation. The challenges are fragmented cloud computing practices in the continent. The cloud computing conceptual reference model are not widely used for electronic socio-economic development activities. Therefore, the fastest economy growth countries in the region will be vibrating by the import ICT goods (import inflation) cost and market competitiveness in the global market share. This paper provides insight threats and opportunities when adopting a cloud computing for electronic socio-economic development. Systematic literature review and data analysis from international databases like World Bank and International Telecommunication Union (ITU) are a key data source. 2012-09-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/2639 Title: ANALYSIS OF FACE - TO - FACE TUTORIAL SERVICES FOR DISTANCE LEARNERS: The CASE of SMUC, CODL, ADDIS ABEBA CENTER Authors: Liramu, Denisew; Sileshi, Mikiyas 2012-09-01T00:00:00Z