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Bangkok Project
Emerging Theories and Philosophy of Distance Education Topic
 
First Speaker 
Dr. Michael Moore
Director, American Centre for the Study of Distance education
Pennsylvania State University
Dates: Oct. 12 - Oct. 26
Host Dr. Lani Gunuwardena
 
Topic Abstract:
 
In spite of claimes to the contrary, there has been very little
disciplined theorizing in the field of distance education.
We can begin our discussion with a brief exchange about what we
would want for a theory to be considered helpful.
 
Furthermore, there has been virtually no attention given to philosophy 
- why we 'do' distance education.  I do not claim expertise as a
philosopher, just an interested person in the street, but will try to 
lead a discussion on this as well as to examine our emerging theory.
 
I will begin with the questions:
What do we want in a theory?
Do we care about having a theory?
Are we looking for one theory or many theories?
What will we do with a theory?
 
Let's together list the key characteristics in a theory, then see if
we can generate these from our knowledge of literature, research and
practice in distance education.  We might go on to analyse some 
supposed
theories in light of our criteria, but the agenda can be determined by
the participants. . .



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Internet: Nancy.Petersen@p0.f23.n105.z1.fidonet.org