Open University of Hong Kong:  Decade to Excellence

A Study of  Best Practice for Distance Educators

Jayme Blume

  Learning Institute of Hong Kong (OLI) was established 1989 with 4237 students and eight courses. It has since grown to 25700 students (100,000 have graduated) with over 160 courses and more than 100 programs. "The learning community is served by four academic Schools: Arts and Social Sciences; Business and Administration; Education and Languages; and Science and Technology. In addition, the Li Ka Shing Institute of Professional and Continuing Education (LiPACE) provides short courses, tailor-made career training and overseas agency professional programmes for individuals and corporations. Other than teaching, the Centre for Research in Distance and Adult Learning provides leadership in research in response to local and regional needs."  In May 1997, the OLI was upgraded to the Open University of Hong Kong with a logo "Education for All."

 Mission

 "Since its inception in 1989 the University has striven continuously to achieve its mission of providing high quality and flexible further education opportunities for adults."

The Open University of Hong Kong dedicates itself to providing sub-degree, degree and post-graduate courses leading to awards and qualifications principally through a system of open access and distance education; thereby making higher education available to all those aspiring to it regardless of previous qualification, gender, or race.

The University, through its Council and staff, in common with other institutions of higher education in the region, commits itself to excellence in teaching, scholarship and public service.

As a self-financing, non-profit-making organization, the University is further committed to developing and supporting sustainable high-quality courses and programmes which are affordable to its students.

 Course Delivery

 Courses are delivered in either English or Chinese, or both, depending upon the subject matter.  The Open University is in its development stage in using the Internet to deliver its courses via WebCT (Appendix A). Additionally, OUHK students are provided with a comprehensive self-study pack and supplementary audio-visual and CD Rom study materials to complete each course.  Submission of assignments, return of marked assignments, discussion among tutors and students, email facilities and on line evaluation of the courses, and a number of other administrative functions can be done through electronic means (Appendix B).  The 'World of Learning' is a television broadcast every Sunday on from 8am to 11am. "It is a series of educational programmes integrated with the arts, science, social sciences, business and education degree courses currently presented at OHKU." The complete schedule can be found at OUHK website. OUHK maintains a network of self-study centers for students to study and prepare for examinations. 

 Administrative and Student Online Support

 Besides an intranet Student Handbook, the Prospectus is a comprehensive information resource duplicated online.  Here students have access to vital information on admissions, student activities, financial aid, program information, transfer of credits, 24-hr. Infoline, career center, contact numbers, international student information, and course schedules.  Furthermore, students may learn about facilities, such as the E-library, nine self-study centers and the new Island Learning Center, tutorial rooms, self-access computer labs, and open-access laboratories.

 The Multi-Contact Information Center may be accessed from OUHK's homepage via the Information link. The site provides multiple access media including Voice Over IP and gives a service pledge. Here is found the Technical Support Hotline with day and night hours year round.  The homepage also has an Intranet link, an information resource for tutors (Appendix C).   Additionally, the Information Technology Unit (ITU) is responsible for providing computer facilities and technical services, explanation of Internet Policy. The services offered by OUHK are presented in-depth at the university website.  These same services are offered in person or via the telephone. 

 Best Practice

 The process of evaluation whether OUHK measures up according to US traditional accreditation guidelines may be self-defeating, but it is a means that may shed light upon what may universally be considered best practice. In 1996 the government granted OLI self-accrediting status. But what does this mean?  OUHK tries to promote active learning in a supportive environment in ways that meet academic and logistical requirements.  In general, distance education raises unique concerns related to equality and access. Furthermore, from a student's perspective, the educational experience of earning a degree at a distance via computer technology is radically different from the experience of studying on campus. The implications of these differences must be taken into account by the institution responsible for offering technology-based degree programs--and thus by the accreditation process. If we were to address the criteria (below) from The Higher Learning Commission, we will agree that OUHK does demonstrate a standard of excellence that is further exemplified by its distinguished international awards.

         The institution has clear and publicly stated purposes consistent with its mission.

Oftentimes the President's addresses, as found on the OUHK website, connects the outside world with OUHK's goals, accomplishments and expectations for the future. The Annual Report is an exemplary presentation to discuss OUHK's long- and short-term goals.  But The Education Reform Document and its Online Forum, where the academic community are invited to assess and comment on its proposals (future development of LiPACE continuing education division, for example), allows an exceptional standard for quality assessment. Additionally, OHUK publishes an online quarterly newsletter OpenLink, where the public may review public talks via multi-media and find current university announcements. The university shares its aspirations with the world in a variety innovative ways.

         The institution has effectively organized the human, financial, and physical resources necessary to accomplish its purposes.

The university has a sound governance board and effective administration.  It has been self-financing since 1993.  The government has been instrumental in OUHK's financial stability, but also to help develop exceptional access via technology and to provide expansive resources for students.  For instance, in 1997 the government approves $50 million to develop the University into a Centre of Excellence in Distance and Adult Learning: Here a series of initiatives in five areas have been launched: "multimedia setup, language enhancement, Chinese business courses, services and research in distance and adult learning."  In March 1999 the government pledged a $50 million for its Regional Leaning Center project (presently renamed as The Li Ka Shing Institute of Professional and Continuing Education, LiPACE). These examples are but a few to help support its annual budget of $450 million.

         The institution is accomplishing its educational and other purposes.

The Educational Technology and Publishing Unit (Appendix D) takes both advisory and functional responsibilities in the planning, development and publishing of course materials and in the support for teaching and learning in the distance education mode.  One of the most outstanding resources is its E-library, which earned a 2000 Stockholm Challenge Award.

         The institution can continue to accomplish its purposes and strengthen its educational effectiveness.

This is evident in OUHK's growth of program offerings. Included are Foundations courses in language studies.  "The latest innovation includes a 24-hour automatic Computer-assisted Voice Mail OralPractice System where by language course students can practice their language skills. A prototype project utilizing the 'Natural Language Understanding' speech recognition technology has also been started."  This is quoted among many of the achievements recognized in 1999 at the International Council for Open and Distance Education award for "significant contributions to the fields of open, distance, virtual and flexible learning." 

         The institution demonstrates integrity in its practices and relationships.

This last criterion applies to the university's ability to make known its practices and policies, through its publications.  As mentioned, the handbook, prospectus, and various publications, notices and awards are evident on OUHK's website.

Appendix A:  Current WebCT (2001) course delivery profile at OUHK

  Web CT Courses                Classes       General Description

  Appendix B:  Students' relationship with Tutors: 

"You will learn in a distance learning mode by studying through the printed course material, set books and other materials sent to you, as well as from television broadcasts for some courses. However, you are not alone as you will be given tutorial support. You will be allocated a tutor who will provide comments and advice on your assignments and is available by telephone to answer your queries.

Although no lectures will be conducted, your tutor will run optional face-to-face tutorial and/or surgery sessions in the evenings or during weekends to help you with your course studies through your active participation. For some courses, there may be a need to attend compulsory day schools or laboratory sessions to perform some practical work. A number of courses now use the Internet as part of their teaching and learning strategies."

Appendix C:  Intranet Support for Tutors

Tutor Intranet is a comprehensive information resource for tutors.

                        Email Functions:  Electronic Communications Updates

                        Notice Board:  Training and Message Resource

                        Tutor Training & Information: Policies & Guidelines, Training & Development

                        Internet Services Arrangement:  Computer Policy for Tutors/Staff

                        Online Learning Environment:  Link to WebCt Database-Help (Appendix A)

                        Electronic Library:  Link to OUHK E-Library

Appendix D:  Information Technology Unit

ITU is responsible for providing computer facilities and technical services. The services of ITU at the OUHK are provided by 3 sections, namely Computer Centre, Management Information Systems and System Software. 

            The Computer Centre Section is responsible for the operations of host
computers, campus network and the support of office and instructional
microcomputers, including maintenance of microcomputer hardware for the University.

              The Management Information Systems Section is responsible for the
development and implementation of all computer-based administrative
information systems within the OUHK.

              The System Software Section is responsible for the system programming
and office automation support.