Higher Education Open and Distance Learning Knowledge Base
	The Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Knowledge Base project was set up to support decision makers and practitioners with ready access to information and tools that will assist them in more effective policy planning, development and management of ODL in higher education programmes. This cross-regional project focuses on quality provision of ODL in higher education.

 

International Internet Forum on the HEODLKB Project (13 March to 31 March 2006) This Internet Forum aims to share information on the HEODLKB project. Participants will have an opportunity to learn about the three regional databases and the online decision-support tool for quality assurance of distance education and to affect the future development of this initiative. For more information... Regional Knowledge Base Resources Web-based knowledge base regional resources provide storehouses of information dealing with various aspects of ODL, tailored to specific regional needs. The three regions covered are: Africa (http://www.africaodl.org) - selected readings, reports of good practice, and other information tools. A key task will be to build up the Knowledge Base with resources from Sub-Saharan Africa, as these are often difficult to locate on the Internet Asia and the Pacific (http://asiapacific-odl.oum.edu.my) – electronic documents, synthesized information and links on: legislation, policies and management, academic programmes, technology and delivery systems, international collaboration, quality assurance, and funding and loans. CIS/Baltic countries (http://www.cisbaltic-odl.org) detailed information is under development on areas such as the market demand of educational profiles and levels, consumer conditions, preferences and requirements for ODL, and languages of instruction. Inter-regional Tools Inter-Regional Decision Support Tool This tool aims to assist decision makers to make first-level assessments about the viability and quality of distance education programmes, current or planned by providing key questions for reflection. Other Resources Search the Regional Resources This service, provided courtesy of the Commonwealth of Learning Knowledge Finder, provides an advanced search query builder and knowledge management tools to prepare, present and save results. This resource is incorporated in this project thanks to links with COL. Virtual Advisory Group & Mailing Lists – A web-based Community of Practice is being created, stimulating community building, providing advice and contributing towards the enrichment and expansion of the ODL Knowledge Bases. Capacity Building - through workshops to present and enrich the prototype knowledge bases and promote inter-regional collaboration between policy makers Global partners – Coordinated by UNESCO’s Education Sector, Section for Reform, Innovation and Quality Assurance, the partners in the Higher Education Open and Distance Learning Knowledge Base are: ·The Communication/Informatics Sector, UNESCO HQ, Paris ·The International Institute of Educational Planning (IIEP), Paris ·The Institute for Information Technologies in Education(IITE) ·The UNESCO Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau for Education, Bangkok ·UNESCO Harare Partners also include: ·The South African Institute for Distance Education (SAIDE) ·The Open University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur ·The Commonwealth of Learning (COL) ---- Search all the UNESCO Higher Education Knowledge Base and Global Distance Education Network Sites and Search all the UNESCO Higher Education Knowledge Base Sites