Introduction
In June 2002, the Arab Open University issued the initial self-evaluation document in fulfilment of the requirements for accreditation by the UK Open University validation Services (OUVS). In several places throughout the document reference is made to scientific research:
Research and development provide regional leadership in the development and use of knowledge to promote equality of opportunity and excellence in distance education and open learning for men and women learners, and enhancing the reputation of the AOU as a university of excellence. Research aims to encourage faculty and staff members to be critical and reflective practitioners who are able to develop curricula that will be responsive to students and community needs. Research studies are directed to address issues such as:
Improving the quality of education in general and that of distance education in particular,
and ensuring access to equal opportunities in higher education to all individuals.
Improving student learning and instructional strategies and practices that last lifetime. Promoting students' academic achievement, problem solving abilities, critical thinking,
creativity and motivation for continuous learning at higher education level within the
distance education and open learning system.
Developing distance education curricula in general, and the assessment methods and
tools of student learning in a distance education setting.
Understanding the changing needs and requirements for adult competence in civic,
work and social contexts and how these requirements affect learning and future of
individuals in the Arab world.
Encouraging the conducting of basic and applied research studies on the teaching and
learning process, the economic, social and policy contexts.
The AOU encourages its faculty members to conduct research in three distinct directions:
Research in their respective subject areas of specialization.
Research addressing open and distance education theory, and practice.
Student-based and Technology -based research.
Although the first line of research is considered significant and important, research in the second and third streams, namely, those which address issues in open learning and distance education at large and in specific program-based and branch-based areas are vital lines of research in the AOU.
The research topics in the area of open learning and distance education, which the AOU is urging its academic staff to tackle include, but are not confined to:
Design and implementation of open learning platform at the AOU.
Computer-mediated communications in distance education.
Distance learning for specific developmental programs.
Cost effectiveness of open learning.
Feasibility of future programs at the AOU.
Quality assurance in open learning and distance education: methods and means
The introduction of courses/specializations in aspects of the e-world.
Role of open learning and distance education in community development.
Research in the area of corporate training and in-service training for teachers
and others.
Role of AOU in serving the community
Ethical codes in open learning and distance education.
How can employers, community organizations, cultural institutions, and institutions of
higher education collaborate on research that would shed light on the ways of knowing
and learning that characterize a diverse adult population and a changing world.
Student's admissions at the AOU branches: statistics, indicators, and analysis.
Level of preparedness of enrolled students at the AOU.
Supporting students in open and distance learning.
Successful practices and strategies for student retention in open learning programs in
general and at the AOU in particular.
Student achievement evaluation in distance education programs, means and methods.
The use of information and communications technology in routine administrative
dealings with students.
Inter-branch cultural interaction.
Effectiveness and efficiency of tutorials
How can our knowledge of the different ways that post secondary students and adults
learn, be used to help them acquire skills necessary for work, community, and
cultural life.
Instructional strategies in distance education and open learning institutions.
Technology for Open and Distance Learning topics
Electronic tutorials; their specifications, prospects and effectiveness.
Online learning; its effectiveness and role in regional (among AOU branches) and
international collaboration.
The roles of chat and instant messaging systems in open learning and distance
education.
Software evaluation criteria for use in open education.
Application of cutting-edge technology to promote open learning.
Opportunities for students to access information and communications technologies
and their implications in the students' area(s) of specialization
Thinking through the use and implications of information and communications
technologies in strategic planning and resource allocation.
Assessment of the effectiveness of e-learning in corporate training programs.
Societal effects of Virtual Learning.
How can technologies, including on-line learning opportunities, enhance both equity
and excellence in post secondary and adult education?
