Government Planning for E-Learning

In this unit we will take a look at government planning and policy for e-learning. Clearly governments play a key role in public education (and to a lesser extent, private education) and while funding for public higher education has been on the decline in many jurisdictions, governments still wield considerable influence. This means they have the potential to influence the use of e-learning.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this unit you should be able to:

  1. Discuss the potential role that governments play in supporting the development of e-learning policies, initiatives and infrastructure.
  2. Analyze several different strategies governments can use to influence the development of e-learning
  3. Identify motivating and demotivating factors that are influencing the development of e-learning at the national and regional level.

Guiding Questions

Use the following questions to guide your thinking as you study this unit:

  1. What role, if any, should government play in policy making regarding the use of e-learning?
  2. What are the strategies available to government in implementing or supporting its e-learning policies?
  3. What is the role of the private sector in education, and how does the use of e-learning relate, if at all, to the privatization of education?

Unit Schedule

Try to work to the following schedule:

Week 10

  • Sections 5.1, 5.2
  • Unit 5 Discussion

Week 11

  • Sections 5.3, 5.4
  • Unit 5 Discussion