Distance Education: A Spectrum of Case Studies, B. N. Koul and J. Jenkins (Eds.) Kogan Page in Association with the International Extension College, London, 1990, 253 pages. |
VOL. 6, No. 2, 81-82
This work constitutes a stimulating support for those who have a decided interest in visualizing the possible contributions of diverse educational innovations, in this case, especially through "distance education." Education planners, researchers, administrators, and professors, both at the university and other educational levels, will be able to make use of the varied and realistic visualization of distance education institutions and programs, which in different countries are clearly demonstrating the possibilities and flexibilities of this new mode.
Consequently, this is a book for specialists with well-defined interests and would not be suited for the general public, which would only want a preliminary and light introduction to distance education. Although the themes of open learning and modern technology as it relates to education are also mentioned, they are not well developed throughout the text. However, if we consider distance education as "educational technology," the numerous examples studied demonstrate its versatility in adapting to new demands and conditions in different cultural contexts, especially those in less developed countries.
This work meets its principle objectives, especially that of objectively pointing out the relationship between specific problems within each cultural context and their respective solutions through distance education. However, it would have been more enriching if the examples chosen were not all taken from the British Commonwealth, given that in other countries outside of this ambit there are also experiences worthy of major study; such is the case of Spain and other European countries, the Soviet Union, Latin America, and so on.
The treatment of each case study often had different focuses, and they were not always supported by empirical data that would have facilitated comparative study. However, this limitation is ingeniously compensated for by the Editor's comments at the beginning of each section and also at the beginning of each case study. These comments enrich the observation of important directional and cultural aspects.
The presentation, organization, and production of the book are of very good quality, which contributes to the ease of reading and study. The most important and extensive section is the one about Higher Education, which reflects the strong impact that distance education has had on this level. However, Sections Two, Three, and Four also raise the possible applications of Distance Education in Teacher Training at the Primary and especially the Secondary Levels as well as in various aspects of Non-formal Education.
This book makes a positive contribution to knowledge about significant world experiences, developed over the last years. Undoubtedly, it will be very useful for researchers and specialists of new educational forms but especially will widen the perspectives of policy makers and social planners where growing educational demands cannot be met through traditional educational systems.
Miguel Casas Armengol
Universidad Nacional Abierta
Venezuela