Revisiting Retro Technology to Extend Educational Opportunity to Teachers in Remote Schools

Abstract

OUM is constantly looking for new initiatives and mode of learning to enable every one to have access to education regardless of their geographical locations, cultural backgrounds and technological infrastructures. Having served the ‘pedalaman’ (remote) students OUM understands their needs and constraints when it comes to ODL. Current ODL depends largely on the more advance mode and technology to deliver content and enrich its learning and teaching processes. Its access and coverage are heavily dependent on extensive technological infrastructure available only in certain areas. In this case the availability of internet connection is crucial for the success of the ODL. Taking this constraint as a challenge to provide ‘education for all’, The Faculty of Education (FEL) has decided to search for a new mode to run its ODL to enable students in the ‘pedalaman’ to enjoy the same privileges as their colleagues in the urban and sub-urban areas. The search proposed to make new what is considered to be an ‘older’ technology; two-way radio.