The Internet enables new models. In the commercial world, for example, we have eBay, Amazon.com, and Netflix. These new models operate with a different set of rules than do traditional models. New models are emerging in higher education as well--for example, competency-based programs. In addition, courses that are being provided from outside the…

This article presents an interview with Sir John Daniel outgoing President and CEO of the Commonwealth of Learning. Sir John Daniel's term as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) ended on May 31, 2012. Readers of "Distance Education" will know of Sir John's work at the Tele-universite (Directeur des…

Explores current reforms in both mathematics and science education that emphasize the importance of learning in informal settings. Suggests that informal education must include planned and purposeful attempts to facilitate students' understanding of mathematics and science in community settings other than the local school. (Author/CCM)

Describes Enos Nuttall's contribution to educational thought and practice in Jamaica. His beliefs on education for all (but differentiated according to individual needs and capabilities) are discussed, as well as his influence on educational reform and curriculum development. (SK)

Long-term centralization of Thailand's Adult Education Division resulted in a preponderance of urban-oriented curriculum in a country that was 80 percent rural. Beginning in 1976, the World Bank-Thai government's Nonformal Education Development Project facilitated decentralization by sharply increasing rural staff, offering new career…

Paper responds to an article on a nonformal Peace Corps teacher education program that prepares teachers to teach English as a Foreign Language in central and eastern European countries, discussing various aspects of the program as important models for accomplishing the more diverse, larger, and problematic preservice education in America. (SM)

Because of the current high unemployment rate of British youth, traditional academic and vocational school educational methods are impractical for many young adults. Alternatives such as youth adult networks, evening literacy programs, cooperative theatre groups, and self-employment collectives are discussed. (JA)

Analyzes the political implications of lifelong learning and the potential of education as a change agent. Identifies education's role in social change in the Third World. Analyzes the role of vocational education from a lifelong perspective, considering both a segmentalist and a holistic approach to work and leisure. (SK)

The Nigerian Government is attempting to create a national identity and eliminate inefficient indigenous educational practices. The author argues that quick implementation of this plan to regulate indigenous private education and craft apprenticeships could aggravate the employment situation and restrict the ability of localities to meet their own…

Reassessment of conventional development conceptions and practice has raised questions about relevance of education to expanded theories of economic development. Previously accepted concepts of development have focused on increased economic productivity, and have assumed a causal connection between the existence of schools and the pace of…

Discusses the three channels for education in developing countries: schools, or the formal education system; modern nonformal education through mass media and government programs; and the traditional incidental education serving most of the people. Suggests reforms in all channels to emphasize adult and continuing education. (MF)

Suggests that a reductionist and mechanistic epistemology of present Environmental Education (EE) systems impedes the ability of EE to be an agent of environmental problem solving. Using an action research approach, presents EE as a transforming agent to enable epistemological change. (22 references) (Author/MCO)

Proposes a political sociology of adult and popular education in Latin America as a basis for a radical comparative approach. Discusses four problems associated with adult and popular education: definition, the political nature of education, quality of comparative research data, and the need for good theories. (SK)

This issue contains an editorial, "Empowering Women through Education" (Elizabeth Cruzada), and eight articles. "Women and Education" (Swarna Jayaweera) presents the status of women and girls' education in Asia vis-a-vis the goals set in the Nairobi Forward Looking Strategies. "Education Reforms and Development of Chinese…

Among the most important needs of changing economies is the need to respond to technological changes, economic restructuring, and labor market changes. Although formal vocational training schools do not usually respond well to changing economic circumstances, nonformal and proprietary or private institutions usually are highly responsive to the…