2nd PhD Colloquium
Centre for Graduate Studies, Open University Malaysia
18 – 19 July 2009
The Centre for Graduate Studies, Open University Malaysia, extends a warm welcome to all Doctor of Philosophy students, supervisors, course facilitators and programme coordinators to the 2nd PhD Colloquium. The purpose of the event is to consolidate the research efforts of facilitators, students, research supervisors and administrators as well as to provide a forum for discussion and sharing of ideas and information in relation to doctoral-level research at OUM.
Over the past six years, the Centre for Graduate Studies (CGS) has successfully conducted doctoral level courses for students of all backgrounds. It was in July 2008 that CGS held its first PhD colloquium. That event witnessed the presence of 70 students from all over Malaysia as well as a number of doctoral research supervisors and facilitators.
We hope all doctoral students registered with OUM will make a special effort to attend the colloquium on 18-19 July 2009. A number of talks and workshops will be conducted during this much-anticipated event. Experts in the field will share ideas on topics such as how to effectively conduct a literature review, how to use statistical procedures when analysing data gathered for doctoral research. There will also be a workshop on writing dissertations with clarity and focus as well as discussion on research topics within specific disciplines. Additionally, a number of students will present their proposals and preliminary findings during the qualifying examinations scheduled over the two days.
We hope all of you will attend the colloquium and be a part of the valuable knowledge sharing session with other doctoral students and experts in various field.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Govt aid extended to post-grads in private institutions - The Star
June 23, 2009 By FOONG PEK YEE
KUALA LUMPUR: Those doing Masters and Phd in all the 24 local private institutions of higher learning can now apply for Government financial aid from this month.
However, there are conditions.
An applicant must be unemployed, retrenched, without regular income or a fresh graduate.
Those doing Masters programmes will get RM10,000 and those doing PhD progammes will get RM20,000 respectively.
Prior to this, only the country’s 20 public institutions of higher learning and three local private institutions of higher learning were qualified for the aid.
The aid, part of the second economic stimulus package announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in March, would be opened to those who are below 45 (during the time of application) from now, compared to age 35 for applicants for Masters programme and 43 for PhD applicants.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Norden, in a written reply to a question from Tan Sri Ong Ka Ting (BN Kulai), as to whether the Government would extend the aid to local institutions like Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, said the applicants would also need to have a CGPA2.50 now instead of CGPA2.75 initially.
There are 10,000 places for Masters and 500 for PhD. At the Parliament lobby, Deputy Higher Education Minister Dr Hou Kok Chung said 3,377 applications for Masters and 225 for PhD had been approved until this month.
KUALA LUMPUR: Those doing Masters and Phd in all the 24 local private institutions of higher learning can now apply for Government financial aid from this month.
However, there are conditions.
An applicant must be unemployed, retrenched, without regular income or a fresh graduate.
Those doing Masters programmes will get RM10,000 and those doing PhD progammes will get RM20,000 respectively.
Prior to this, only the country’s 20 public institutions of higher learning and three local private institutions of higher learning were qualified for the aid.
The aid, part of the second economic stimulus package announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in March, would be opened to those who are below 45 (during the time of application) from now, compared to age 35 for applicants for Masters programme and 43 for PhD applicants.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Norden, in a written reply to a question from Tan Sri Ong Ka Ting (BN Kulai), as to whether the Government would extend the aid to local institutions like Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, said the applicants would also need to have a CGPA2.50 now instead of CGPA2.75 initially.
There are 10,000 places for Masters and 500 for PhD. At the Parliament lobby, Deputy Higher Education Minister Dr Hou Kok Chung said 3,377 applications for Masters and 225 for PhD had been approved until this month.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
SPM SURVEY: Survey not representative - NST
By : PROFESSOR DR NOR HAYATI OTHMAN Dean, Clinical Science Research &Chairman, Conjoint Board Pathology Universiti Sains Malaysia Kubang Kerian, Kelantan
THE results of the New Straits Times online poll on the place of English in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination ("Majority says aye" -- NST, June 10) cannot be used as a basis for discussion.
The subjects of the survey were most likely people who read your newspaper, that is, they are already conversant in English, have Internet access (most likely urban), probably were not from interest groups such as students, teachers, academics or parents.
Also, the sample size of 1,027 is only a minute fraction of the Malaysian adult population, indicating that the survey was not representative.
If the survey were to be replicated using hardcopy questionnaires, with good random sampling of the subjects, equal distribution of gender, socio-economic stratification and people from urban and rural areas, the results might be completely different.
I am not against saying "aye" to the discussion (having a pass in English for SPM). Indeed, I think that is a very good proposal. I am just questioning the conclusion that was drawn from what I think is poor statistical methodology.
I would like to add to the proposal. Other than having a pass in English, students should have a good credit in Bahasa Malaysia. We should also encourage our students to learn a third or a fourth language, like many students do in European countries.
THE results of the New Straits Times online poll on the place of English in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination ("Majority says aye" -- NST, June 10) cannot be used as a basis for discussion.
The subjects of the survey were most likely people who read your newspaper, that is, they are already conversant in English, have Internet access (most likely urban), probably were not from interest groups such as students, teachers, academics or parents.
Also, the sample size of 1,027 is only a minute fraction of the Malaysian adult population, indicating that the survey was not representative.
If the survey were to be replicated using hardcopy questionnaires, with good random sampling of the subjects, equal distribution of gender, socio-economic stratification and people from urban and rural areas, the results might be completely different.
I am not against saying "aye" to the discussion (having a pass in English for SPM). Indeed, I think that is a very good proposal. I am just questioning the conclusion that was drawn from what I think is poor statistical methodology.
I would like to add to the proposal. Other than having a pass in English, students should have a good credit in Bahasa Malaysia. We should also encourage our students to learn a third or a fourth language, like many students do in European countries.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
He's now Dr Abdul Razak Baginda - Malaysiakini
Jun 11, 09 8:00pm
Political analyst Abdul Razak Baginda has finally got his doctorate degree in international relations from Oxford University.
The man who was charged, and later acquitted, for abetment in the murder of his Mongolian lover, Altantuya Shaariibuu, has been awarded a doctorate of philosophy after a long delay due to his incarceration.
With that, he is now called Dr Abdul Razak and he plans to continue his research in international relations.
The former confidant of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak is also writing a book about his life, in particular his 22-month ordeal in Sungai Buloh prison where he was held during the trial.
Abdul Razak, 49, told Bernama that he submitted his doctorate dissertation three years ago but the university put it on hold after his arrest two months later.
“When I was acquitted and released from prison on Oct 31 last year, I wrote back to the university, they revived the whole process and early this year they told me that I had passed and been awarded the Doctorate of Philosophy (Dphil).”
Political analyst Abdul Razak Baginda has finally got his doctorate degree in international relations from Oxford University.The man who was charged, and later acquitted, for abetment in the murder of his Mongolian lover, Altantuya Shaariibuu, has been awarded a doctorate of philosophy after a long delay due to his incarceration.
With that, he is now called Dr Abdul Razak and he plans to continue his research in international relations.
The former confidant of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak is also writing a book about his life, in particular his 22-month ordeal in Sungai Buloh prison where he was held during the trial.
Abdul Razak, 49, told Bernama that he submitted his doctorate dissertation three years ago but the university put it on hold after his arrest two months later.
“When I was acquitted and released from prison on Oct 31 last year, I wrote back to the university, they revived the whole process and early this year they told me that I had passed and been awarded the Doctorate of Philosophy (Dphil).”
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Najib’s visit marks milestone in Malaysia-China friendship - Star
June 4, 2009 By CELESTE FONG
Najib conferred doctorate
BEIJING: Trust has been the key to the success of the strong ties between Malaysia and China, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
“This bond of friendship between Malaysia and China is based on the word trust. If my late father (Tun Abdul Razak Hussein) trusted the Chinese leaders (then), I have the same respect with regard to the current leaders (of China),” he said in his acceptance address after receiving an honorary doctorate in international relations from the Beijing Foreign Studies University here yesterday.
High honour: Najib receiving an honorary doctorate in international relations from Prof Hao Ping in Beijing Wednesday. — Bernama
Najib said although he was unable to accompany his father, Malaysia’s second prime minister, on the historic visit to China in 1974, he remembers vividly what his father said of that trip:
“I can work with (Prime Minister) Zhou Enlai and I have the greatest respect for him.”
Najib said what his father meant was that the relations between the two countries must be based on trust.
”If we have the trust, everything can be possible,” he said.
Pledging to take Kuala Lumpur-Beijing relations to greater heights, Najib said the present and future generations of Malaysians and the Chinese were now reaping the fruits of the labour and vision of past leaders like Razak and Zhou.
Dwelling at length on the fateful meeting 35 years ago here, Najib said it was like the Chinese saying that the journey of a thousand miles must start with the first step.
Najib believed his late father did not think of first and second steps but the thousands of miles for the future generations.
“It took courage to make that decision and it was the right decision,’’ he said, describing his late father’s move then as bold and momentous and ahead of his time.
Quoting another Chinese idiom “yin shui si yuan” (When drinking water, don’t forget the people who dug the well), Najib said he was modifying the saying to – it is the responsibility of Malaysian and Chinese leaders to dig more wells so that no well will run dry and water would flow for the well-being of both Malaysia and China.
Najib emphasised: “Let us work together and continue this journey that began 35 years ago.”
On fears expressed by certain quarters of China’s tremendous growth into becoming a global economic powerhouse, Najib said such fears were unfounded because the Chinese civilisation has always been based on friendship.
“We began as friends and the friendship between the Malay world and the Chinese world is not new. It began during the era of the Ming Dynasty when fleet commander Zheng He visited Malacca with 35,000 troops and 300 vessels.”
He said if an armada of that size had desired to capture Malacca then, it would have been achieved easily.
”However, China had no such intention. Instead, it extended a hand of friendship. Malaysia does not consider China a threat because Malaysia had many times to evaluate China over the past 600 years,” he said.
Najib also noted his official visit to the China as Malaysia’s prime minister was also “very personal” to him as the visit also coincides with the period of his late father’s historic visit to China 35 years ago and that the conferment of the honorary doctorate on him was a symbol of the closeness of the friendship between Malaysia and China.
Najib said the relations between Malaysia and China were deep-rooted and personal for him and that was the reason he brought along his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, their two children (son Nor Ashman and daughter Nooryana), his mother Tun Rahah Mohamed Noah and his brother Nazir for the official visit.
Najib also acknowledged the 60 students from China at the university who are studying Malay and the 36 students from Malaysia there who are studying Chinese.
Najib said he would also ask his youngest child Nooryanna, who is studying Chinese at Georgetown University in Washington DC, to attend this Beijing university for a month or two.
He said he felt that “if we study languages, we will understand the civilisations of both nations and when we understand both civilisations, the relations will be more cordial and tangible”.
Earlier, Prof Hao Ping, China’s vice-education minister who is the university’s president, acknowledged the Prime Minister’s contributions to the institution from the time he was the Education Minister and said that it was Najib’s fourth visit to the university.
Also present at the ceremony were Gu Xiu Lian, deputy chairman of the Standing Committee of the 10th National People’s Congress and president of the China-Asean Association, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Foreign Minister Datuk Anifah Aman, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Senator Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon as well as Malaysian business leaders and entrepreneurs.
Najib conferred doctorate
BEIJING: Trust has been the key to the success of the strong ties between Malaysia and China, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
“This bond of friendship between Malaysia and China is based on the word trust. If my late father (Tun Abdul Razak Hussein) trusted the Chinese leaders (then), I have the same respect with regard to the current leaders (of China),” he said in his acceptance address after receiving an honorary doctorate in international relations from the Beijing Foreign Studies University here yesterday.
High honour: Najib receiving an honorary doctorate in international relations from Prof Hao Ping in Beijing Wednesday. — BernamaNajib said although he was unable to accompany his father, Malaysia’s second prime minister, on the historic visit to China in 1974, he remembers vividly what his father said of that trip:
“I can work with (Prime Minister) Zhou Enlai and I have the greatest respect for him.”
Najib said what his father meant was that the relations between the two countries must be based on trust.
”If we have the trust, everything can be possible,” he said.
Pledging to take Kuala Lumpur-Beijing relations to greater heights, Najib said the present and future generations of Malaysians and the Chinese were now reaping the fruits of the labour and vision of past leaders like Razak and Zhou.
Dwelling at length on the fateful meeting 35 years ago here, Najib said it was like the Chinese saying that the journey of a thousand miles must start with the first step.
Najib believed his late father did not think of first and second steps but the thousands of miles for the future generations.
“It took courage to make that decision and it was the right decision,’’ he said, describing his late father’s move then as bold and momentous and ahead of his time.
Quoting another Chinese idiom “yin shui si yuan” (When drinking water, don’t forget the people who dug the well), Najib said he was modifying the saying to – it is the responsibility of Malaysian and Chinese leaders to dig more wells so that no well will run dry and water would flow for the well-being of both Malaysia and China.
Najib emphasised: “Let us work together and continue this journey that began 35 years ago.”
On fears expressed by certain quarters of China’s tremendous growth into becoming a global economic powerhouse, Najib said such fears were unfounded because the Chinese civilisation has always been based on friendship.
“We began as friends and the friendship between the Malay world and the Chinese world is not new. It began during the era of the Ming Dynasty when fleet commander Zheng He visited Malacca with 35,000 troops and 300 vessels.”
He said if an armada of that size had desired to capture Malacca then, it would have been achieved easily.
”However, China had no such intention. Instead, it extended a hand of friendship. Malaysia does not consider China a threat because Malaysia had many times to evaluate China over the past 600 years,” he said.
Najib also noted his official visit to the China as Malaysia’s prime minister was also “very personal” to him as the visit also coincides with the period of his late father’s historic visit to China 35 years ago and that the conferment of the honorary doctorate on him was a symbol of the closeness of the friendship between Malaysia and China.
Najib said the relations between Malaysia and China were deep-rooted and personal for him and that was the reason he brought along his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, their two children (son Nor Ashman and daughter Nooryana), his mother Tun Rahah Mohamed Noah and his brother Nazir for the official visit.
Najib also acknowledged the 60 students from China at the university who are studying Malay and the 36 students from Malaysia there who are studying Chinese.
Najib said he would also ask his youngest child Nooryanna, who is studying Chinese at Georgetown University in Washington DC, to attend this Beijing university for a month or two.
He said he felt that “if we study languages, we will understand the civilisations of both nations and when we understand both civilisations, the relations will be more cordial and tangible”.
Earlier, Prof Hao Ping, China’s vice-education minister who is the university’s president, acknowledged the Prime Minister’s contributions to the institution from the time he was the Education Minister and said that it was Najib’s fourth visit to the university.
Also present at the ceremony were Gu Xiu Lian, deputy chairman of the Standing Committee of the 10th National People’s Congress and president of the China-Asean Association, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Foreign Minister Datuk Anifah Aman, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Senator Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon as well as Malaysian business leaders and entrepreneurs.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
OUM To Host 9th International Conference On Information - Bernama
By Mohd Azhar Ibrahim
KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 (Bernama) -- Open University Malaysia (OUM), working in collaboration with the Esterhazy Karoly College, in Eger, Hungary; the Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakech, Morocco and the Delta Academy of Science in Egypt; will host the 9th International Conference on Information (ICI9) at the Legend Hotel, here from 12 to 13 August, 2009.
The world is being globalised, shrunk and brought closer in technological terms.
"Technology is integral in today's educational experience, particularly in the field of open and distance learning (ODL), where an impressive array of technologies have enabled the learning process to be conducted effectively at a time, place and pace that suit individual lifestyles, learning preferences and personal development plans," OUM Senior Vice President, Prof Dr Mansor Fadzil, told Bernama in a recent interview.
According to Prof Mansor, the theme of the conference 'Learning Innovations in Higher Education' will provide the platform for researchers and educationalists to share the latest development and innovation in teaching and learning, apart from being an avenue for networking.
"The very nature of ODL means that the boundaries to the 'field' are ever changing and evolving; a scenario that is set to continue well into the next millennium. Therefore it is incumbent upon providers of open learning to constantly innovate and explore new technologies," he said.
ICI9 is expected to attract some 150 participants comprising members of the Asian Association of Open Universities as well as learning solution providers.
NEW INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES
Teaching is the transmission of knowledge from an educator to learners.
In ODL, the conventional 'chalk and talk' academic discourse is replaced by the use of information and communication technologies that allow for interactive two-way transmission between educators and learners.
Successful ODL courses are those that are well planned, with aspects from learning outcomes to assessment, from student support to technology; being integrated and well organised.
But innovation and development in information communication technology is a double-edge sword. While they offer new possibilities for advancement in the delivery system, the same technology has also made plagiarism easier.
Thus the relationship between new technologies and ODL is often focused on issues surrounding ICT services, network reliability and other techno-educational matters. Particular attention is given to the human element that cannot be replicated by computers and technology.
ICI9 participants will cover e-learning and open learning environments, the use of mobile devices such as cellphones and MP3 players in mobile learning (mLearning), emerging technologies and their implementation in a higher education setting, and their application as a tool for effective assessment with respect to ODL.
"OUM will showcase its Learning Management System (LMS), which was developed in-house for our students, lecturers and tutors, to support the e-learning delivery," Prof Mansor said.
"We will also deliberate on OUM's mLearning experience that uses existing social network applications like Facebook, MySpace, and mobile devices like cellphone, iPod and digital camera to send materials to students," he added.
PUBLIC PERCEPTION
In the not too distant past, people held the perception that valid and valuable adult learning can only take place in the presence of an accredited and professionally qualified educator.
Skeptics argued that ODL -- which had its humble roots in correspondence courses -- lacked the open-ended dialogue then regarded as the touchstone of legitimate education.
But in this instance, being 'out of sight' does not translate into 'out of mind'. Distance learning is not the soulless and isolated activity that some might assume it to be. Invigorating forum that generates tremendous intellectual ferment can and often do take place across the Internet.
New communication technologies can accommodate the social aspect of learning. Simulated two-way communication, peer-group contact and lively discussions, which can be just as illuminating as a conventional lecture session, take place through e-mail, Facebook and chat groups.
Nothing can stop an idea whose time has come. As a force contributing to social and economic development, open and distance learning is one of the most rapidly growing fields of education and training today.
The constant change in technological innovation in communications has conclusively pushed ODL approaches to the forefront of educational practice.
Few would now argue that distance education, as practiced at OUM, matches the best that any conventional university can offer.
BIG IMPACT
Conventional ideas about education are undergoing a transformation as the concepts of ODL and lifelong learning gain popularity.
ODL is fast becoming an accepted and indispensable part of mainstream education systems in both developed and developing countries.
Millions of learners around the world have discovered that learning can happen at any time, in any place and in any setting; it is no longer necessary to be in a classroom in front of a teacher to be in a 'place of learning'.
CREATING A KNOWLEDGE-BASED SOCIETY
Open University Malaysia is jointly owned by a consortium of 11 public universities in the country.
The university offers a total of 70 disciplines ranging from diploma to doctorate programmes, all of which are accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).
Its flexible approach offers opportunities for working adults to upgrade their knowledge, competitiveness and versatility, without leaving home or the workplace.
"Since its inception in 2000, OUM has produced some 13,000 graduates. ODL is going to have a big impact in Malaysia, as more and more people realise that it is flexible and affordable yet the quality of education is not compromised in the process," Prof Mansor said.
"The challenge lies in monitoring, motivating and counselling ODL students, who are mostly working adults with the attendant family as well as social commitments; to stay true to their academic pursuits to the end," he added.
Through the projects and activities of its secretariat, OUM International, OUM has acquired a reputation for rigorous quality control.
With over 35,000 learners listed in its enrollment register, without doubt, OUM is fast becoming a name to conjure with in the field of open and distance learning and play an especially decisive role in the creation of a knowledge-based society.
Further details and update on ICI9 can be obtained at http://ici9.oum.edu.my
KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 (Bernama) -- Open University Malaysia (OUM), working in collaboration with the Esterhazy Karoly College, in Eger, Hungary; the Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakech, Morocco and the Delta Academy of Science in Egypt; will host the 9th International Conference on Information (ICI9) at the Legend Hotel, here from 12 to 13 August, 2009.
The world is being globalised, shrunk and brought closer in technological terms.
"Technology is integral in today's educational experience, particularly in the field of open and distance learning (ODL), where an impressive array of technologies have enabled the learning process to be conducted effectively at a time, place and pace that suit individual lifestyles, learning preferences and personal development plans," OUM Senior Vice President, Prof Dr Mansor Fadzil, told Bernama in a recent interview.
According to Prof Mansor, the theme of the conference 'Learning Innovations in Higher Education' will provide the platform for researchers and educationalists to share the latest development and innovation in teaching and learning, apart from being an avenue for networking."The very nature of ODL means that the boundaries to the 'field' are ever changing and evolving; a scenario that is set to continue well into the next millennium. Therefore it is incumbent upon providers of open learning to constantly innovate and explore new technologies," he said.
ICI9 is expected to attract some 150 participants comprising members of the Asian Association of Open Universities as well as learning solution providers.
NEW INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES
Teaching is the transmission of knowledge from an educator to learners.
In ODL, the conventional 'chalk and talk' academic discourse is replaced by the use of information and communication technologies that allow for interactive two-way transmission between educators and learners.
Successful ODL courses are those that are well planned, with aspects from learning outcomes to assessment, from student support to technology; being integrated and well organised.
But innovation and development in information communication technology is a double-edge sword. While they offer new possibilities for advancement in the delivery system, the same technology has also made plagiarism easier.
Thus the relationship between new technologies and ODL is often focused on issues surrounding ICT services, network reliability and other techno-educational matters. Particular attention is given to the human element that cannot be replicated by computers and technology.
ICI9 participants will cover e-learning and open learning environments, the use of mobile devices such as cellphones and MP3 players in mobile learning (mLearning), emerging technologies and their implementation in a higher education setting, and their application as a tool for effective assessment with respect to ODL.
"OUM will showcase its Learning Management System (LMS), which was developed in-house for our students, lecturers and tutors, to support the e-learning delivery," Prof Mansor said.
"We will also deliberate on OUM's mLearning experience that uses existing social network applications like Facebook, MySpace, and mobile devices like cellphone, iPod and digital camera to send materials to students," he added.
PUBLIC PERCEPTION
In the not too distant past, people held the perception that valid and valuable adult learning can only take place in the presence of an accredited and professionally qualified educator.
Skeptics argued that ODL -- which had its humble roots in correspondence courses -- lacked the open-ended dialogue then regarded as the touchstone of legitimate education.
But in this instance, being 'out of sight' does not translate into 'out of mind'. Distance learning is not the soulless and isolated activity that some might assume it to be. Invigorating forum that generates tremendous intellectual ferment can and often do take place across the Internet.
New communication technologies can accommodate the social aspect of learning. Simulated two-way communication, peer-group contact and lively discussions, which can be just as illuminating as a conventional lecture session, take place through e-mail, Facebook and chat groups.
Nothing can stop an idea whose time has come. As a force contributing to social and economic development, open and distance learning is one of the most rapidly growing fields of education and training today.
The constant change in technological innovation in communications has conclusively pushed ODL approaches to the forefront of educational practice.
Few would now argue that distance education, as practiced at OUM, matches the best that any conventional university can offer.
BIG IMPACT
Conventional ideas about education are undergoing a transformation as the concepts of ODL and lifelong learning gain popularity.
ODL is fast becoming an accepted and indispensable part of mainstream education systems in both developed and developing countries.
Millions of learners around the world have discovered that learning can happen at any time, in any place and in any setting; it is no longer necessary to be in a classroom in front of a teacher to be in a 'place of learning'.
CREATING A KNOWLEDGE-BASED SOCIETY
Open University Malaysia is jointly owned by a consortium of 11 public universities in the country.
The university offers a total of 70 disciplines ranging from diploma to doctorate programmes, all of which are accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).
Its flexible approach offers opportunities for working adults to upgrade their knowledge, competitiveness and versatility, without leaving home or the workplace.
"Since its inception in 2000, OUM has produced some 13,000 graduates. ODL is going to have a big impact in Malaysia, as more and more people realise that it is flexible and affordable yet the quality of education is not compromised in the process," Prof Mansor said.
"The challenge lies in monitoring, motivating and counselling ODL students, who are mostly working adults with the attendant family as well as social commitments; to stay true to their academic pursuits to the end," he added.
Through the projects and activities of its secretariat, OUM International, OUM has acquired a reputation for rigorous quality control.
With over 35,000 learners listed in its enrollment register, without doubt, OUM is fast becoming a name to conjure with in the field of open and distance learning and play an especially decisive role in the creation of a knowledge-based society.
Further details and update on ICI9 can be obtained at http://ici9.oum.edu.my
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
The 4th International Conference on Research and Education in Mathematics
International Conference on Research and Education in Mathematics (ICREM) is a biennial conference on all aspects of mathematical sciences, organized by the Institute for Mathematical Research, Universiti Putra Malaysia.
The present conference is the fourth in the series (jointly organized with Institute of Mathematics, Vietnam Academy of Science & Technology, Bandung Institute of Technology, Indonesia) and Malaysian Science Mathematics Society and it carries the theme of Meeting Challenges of Global Research & Education in Mathematical Sciences.
Objectives:
*To promote and encourage exchange of ideas on recent discoveries in the field of mathematics, statistics and mathematics in education.
*To provide a forum for researchers, contributors and users of mathematical knowledge to discuss the current development in mathematics.
*To identify areas of collaborative research between local and foreign researchers. All disciplines in mathematical science that include:
*Applied Mathematics and Theoretical SciencesQuantum Information Science, Wave Propagation, High Performance Computing and Scientific Computing and Applications, Mathematicals Biology and Computational, Fluid Dynamics, and Numerical Analysis
*Mathematics Education Philosophy of Mathematics and Ethnomathematics, Pedagogy in Mathematics Education, Instructional Design and Technology in Mathematics and Psychology of Teaching and Learning Mathematics
*Pure MathematicsAnalytical Methods in Number Theory, Mathematical Cryptography, Structural Theory of Algebras and Chromaticity *Statistics Computational Mathematics, Statistical Modeling and Forecasting, Computational Statistics and Inference and Reliability Analysis
Date: 21-23 October 2009
Contact person: icrem4 secretariat
Contact no: +60389468458, www.einspem.upm.edu.my/icrem4
The present conference is the fourth in the series (jointly organized with Institute of Mathematics, Vietnam Academy of Science & Technology, Bandung Institute of Technology, Indonesia) and Malaysian Science Mathematics Society and it carries the theme of Meeting Challenges of Global Research & Education in Mathematical Sciences.
Objectives:
*To promote and encourage exchange of ideas on recent discoveries in the field of mathematics, statistics and mathematics in education.
*To provide a forum for researchers, contributors and users of mathematical knowledge to discuss the current development in mathematics.
*To identify areas of collaborative research between local and foreign researchers. All disciplines in mathematical science that include:
*Applied Mathematics and Theoretical SciencesQuantum Information Science, Wave Propagation, High Performance Computing and Scientific Computing and Applications, Mathematicals Biology and Computational, Fluid Dynamics, and Numerical Analysis
*Mathematics Education Philosophy of Mathematics and Ethnomathematics, Pedagogy in Mathematics Education, Instructional Design and Technology in Mathematics and Psychology of Teaching and Learning Mathematics
*Pure MathematicsAnalytical Methods in Number Theory, Mathematical Cryptography, Structural Theory of Algebras and Chromaticity *Statistics Computational Mathematics, Statistical Modeling and Forecasting, Computational Statistics and Inference and Reliability Analysis
Date: 21-23 October 2009
Contact person: icrem4 secretariat
Contact no: +60389468458, www.einspem.upm.edu.my/icrem4
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
