PCF5:governance reaching marginalised

SESSION RAPPORTEURS’ REPORT¹

THEME: Governance, conflict and social justice

TITLE OF SESSION: improving access: reaching Marginalised communities and people

DATE: 15 July 2008

TIME: 1100

ROOM: 801

PAPERS PRESENTED

TITLEs OF THE PAPERs : CODE NUMBER FROM PROGRAMME : MAIN AUTHORs


 * 1.Using e-learning as a strategic tool for students with disabilities : 209 :  Dr Bobby Barrett


 * 2. Exploring utilisation of TV PrintCast technology in satellite-based training of Panchayat [local self-government  members] of Karnataka : (555) : Dr Phal;achandra Bhandigadi


 * 3. Empowerment of marginalised communities: role of ODL in India (534) Dr Pushpa Chakrapani Ghanta


 * 4. Am I good enough? Mediated use of open educated resources to empower excluded communities (405) Prof Andy Lane


 * 5. mobile learning : reaching the disadvantaged  Paper 123 Ms Gomang Seratwa Ntloedib-kuswani


 * 6. distance learning and human rights education: a contribution to development (458)  Dr Hugh Starkey

KEY ISSUES THAT AROSE IN THE SESSION TO BE TAKEN FORWARD TO THEME AND PRESIDENT REPORTS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO THE CORE THEME OF ACCESS TO LEARNING FOR DEVELOPMENT:

1. Role of ODL in (a) countering negative cultural factors that limit participation in education and society(e.g empowerment of marginalised and excluded communities  in India) and in (b) promoting positive cultural  influences that support inclusion (e.g as strategic tool for learners with disabilities; in support of potential learners who lack self-confidence; through human rights education)

2. Need for action to improve access to ODL and OERs in seriously disadvantaged countries where cash is crucial (notably those at the  bottom of UN league table s, based on indices such as the Human Development Index and GDP per head)

3 Use of technology to overcome effects of distance and lack of access to Internet, including in particular the evolving benefits of mobile technology

POINTS FOR FUTURE ACTION (POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS, COMMITMENTS)

1.Action to increase support from world donor community. Should not the Forum end with powerful messages of the benefit coming from ODL and OERs, the opportunities they create for developing countries and the need for modest but significant additional resources to achieve the potential? There is particular scope for public-,voluntary-private partnerships, where donors/investors can see that their money is being well-used and will make a difference

2. Exploring and experimenting with approaches, outlined in the session, to changing culture or modifying its impact  (e.g. using e-learning as strategic tool for students with disabilities (paper 209); techniques for empowering excluded communities in India (534);  mediated use of OERs to empower learners in excluded communities (405); exercising influence through human rights  education ((458).

3. Countering effects of distance e.g through exploring  use of TVprintCast technology (paper 555); and more particularly bydeveloping use of mobile technology. Because of ubiquity of mobile phones, this is already feasible in Botswana, as part of blended learning. It supportsexploration by young people of how they can benefit from Internet and ICTs  (paper 123)