While popularly associated with the advent of web-based technologies, DE is not a new phenomenon (Ragusa et al. 2009, 679)." The author asserts that during the nineteenth century many universities had correspondence programs. These programs remained popular for many years because they were different from more conventional learning environments. At the current time, distance education is driven by the pace of technological change and such changes are occurring globally in a manner that is rapid and complex. There are currently more than 130 countries in which institutions of higher learning provide students with distance courses (Ragusa et al. 2009). These courses often have as a foundation new information and communication technologies. The author also explains that
"In Australia, DE has particularly been embraced, at institutional and policy levels, as a means of extending higher education to rural, isolated, and often structurally disadvantaged learners (little or no access to a reliable internet source and/or library resources or even in some cases electricity). Although the physical limitations imposed by geography, particularly rural geographies, impact individual choice and availability of learning style, and thereby make DE a more attractive option to some, according to the NSW Department of Education and Training (Ragusa et al. 2009, 680),"
Indeed, in the current technology age it is vitally important that technology becomes one of the central aspects of instruction. The failure to properly utilize technology also places students at a disadvantage because they will be less prepared can his/her contemporaries from around the world. Technology has been the key to globalization in recent years and without the presence of technology any higher education goals that Australia has will end in complete failure. Students must know how to maneuver around computers if they are going to be productive in the future. Interactive technology tools such as stimulus projects for business classes require the use of computer software. This software informs managers concerning budget, marketing operations and timelines are all contained on the software. This type of learning tool is important to have because it allows students to learn and formulate opinions about business in an environment that they feel comfortable in because of the use of computers.
Implementation of Best Practices
Obviously there are many different policies that can be adopted as part of a wide ranging initiative to improve the higher education system in Australia. These policies must be carefully implemented to ensure success. According to Gray & Radloff (2010), "In higher education it has been said that 'Effective planning creates focus, direction, and energy. Most important, strategic plans can assist in building a shared commitment to a common future' (Filan & Seagren, 2003, p. 21) and a strategic plan has been shown to be an advantage in a university that sought to operate as a complex adaptive system (McMillan & Carlisle, 2007) (Gray & Radloff 2010,292)." Indeed the proper implementation of best practices policies are as important as the policies themselves.
Prior to the development of any strategy to implement best practices policies, there must be a consensus about the most important steps that need to be taken and in what order change needs to occur. This will require the cooperation and collaboration of many different experts in the field of education. Such efforts are necessary because they decrease the likelihood that implementation will fail and these efforts also increase the likelihood that the decisions made as a result of the collaboration are efficient and effective.
Recommendations
As a result of Australia's low percentage of 25- to 34-year-olds with bachelor degrees when compared to other countries, it is recommended that the Australian government establish new goals. This means by 2020 the Australian government should establish the goal of 40% of the aforementioned population attaining a bachelor's degree (Bailey, 2008). Setting such goals is an important part of reinforcing the importance of higher education in Australian society while also improving the number of university educated individuals to meet the demand for the skills they possess.
Bailey (2008) also emphasizes the dire need for scholarships. Scholarships are particularly important for groups that are underrepresented in higher education including indigenous Australians and poor Australians. In addition Bailey asserts that international students should also receive scholarships. As a result the author recommends that "the Australian Government provide up to 1,000 tuition subsidy scholarships per year for international students in higher degree by...
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