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E-learning initiatives that did not reach targeted goals The third book published by the Mega-trends project, E-learning initiatives that did not reach targeted goals , provides case study articles and analyses of nine prestigious European e-learning initiatives that did not reach their targeted goals.

Open educational resources (OERs) have the potential to reduce costs, improve quality, and increase access to educational opportunities. OER development and deployment is one path that could contribute to achieving education for all. The article, "Developing and Deploying OERs in Sub-Saharan Africa: Building on the Present" by Clayton Wright builds on existing information and communication technology (ICT) implementation plans in Africa and on the experiences of organizations and initiatives such as: * the African Virtual University (AVU), * OER Africa, the South African Institute of Distance Education (SAIDE), * Teacher Education in Sub Saharan Africa (TESSA) Project The author of the article present, a one view of the benefits, challenges, and steps to realize the potential of OERs in sub-Saharan Africa if they could be taken. * The article further focuses on the factors necessary for creating and sustaining a vision for OER development and deployment; * developing and distributing resources with an open license; * improving technology infrastructure and reducing the cost of Internet access; * establishing communities of educational collaborators; sustaining involvement in the OER initiative; * producing resources in interoperable and open formats; * establishing and maintaining the quality of OERs; providing local context to address national and regional needs and conditions; * informing the public about OERs; and taking the initiative to build on the knowledge, skills, and experiences of others. Wright, C. (Apr 2012). Developing and Deploying OERs in Sub-Saharan Africa: Building on the Present. International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, (v13) n2. pp. 181-220. Retrieved from: http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ983279.pdf

This organization identified in distance education technological practices examined. The mission/business plan and operational plan factors in facilitating institutional goals and mandates addressed in an attempt to prepare for this assignment.  Key goals cited in a way that demonstrates distance education technology seen by the institution as furthering its goals.  The main reason why this particular approach was taken because it showcase an institution of higher learning, state reasons for its existence, speculates on what the main reason might be based on its relationship to student-centered access to online learning. In addition, it helps analyze the institution within the context of open single mode organizations, the technologies identified and usefulness furthering its aims to accelerate economic developments, stimulates and supports business-led innovation across business, academia and, reducing risk, creating partnerships, and promoting collaboration, knowledge exchange and open innovation. In the late 1960's, the face of higher education has changed because of online learning and the successful distance teaching of open university globally.  The Open University, founded on the belief that communications technology could bring high quality degree-level learning to people, who had not had the opportunity to attend traditional campus universities.  Accordingly, the Open University (OU) provides a website,( http://www.ou.com) explaining the administration and governance policy and statements that focus on ways to deliver distance learning "supported open learning".  The supported open learning system means that students can work wherever they choose, in their own homes, workplace or at a library or study at designated locations and plan their study around their other commitments.  The Open University (OU) is a learning institution committed to the openness of many of their television and radio programs supported by free Internet activities and print. Â

Source(s) Horizon Report, EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative (ELI) Type Articles, Briefs, Papers, and Reports

Raiker, A. (2009). Transformational Learning and e-portfolios: A Pedagogy for Improving Student Experience and Achievement. International Journal Of Learning, 16(8), 313-323. Abstract Article Review:  Transformative learning occurs when an individual's understanding opens up a new vista of interconnected learning. As an individual develops, s/he is increasingly able to solve abstract problems logically and to think critically of the self and others in moral, social, emotive and judgmental terms. The individual assimilates and accommodates the reformed knowledge gained into new structures of thought, affecting esteem and efficacy. The transformation achieved results in autonomy, a necessary attribute in the current climate of world-wide change. Of course, the reformed knowledge might result in negative outcomes with the individual's sense of self being lowered with resulting dependency. A way of ensuring positive outcomes is through the structured and supported use of e-portfolios in personalized and reflective mode. This approach reflects current policies in England calling for the development of e-assessment and the embedding of personal learning and thinking skills into school, further and higher education curricula. However, the success of these initiatives determined by what happens at the point of pedagogical interaction. This paper takes as its starting point the UK's Joint Information Systems Committee's declaration that in using e-portfolios the pedagogy not the resource comes first