Introducing Distance Education in Science and Technology by offering Special Programs

Indonesia started distance education at the tertiary level in 1984 when Universitas Terbuka (the Indonesian Open Learning University) was officially opened on September 4, 1Y84 by the President of the Hepublic of Indonesia The Mathematics and Science Faculty of Universitas Terbuka ofters at present one study prograrr1 in Applied Statistics and one in Mathematics. In both study programs not any laboratory work is involved, because it is understood that laboratory work as part of a study program in distance education will imply a number of problems. Two types of special programs are being identified which seem to look prondsing in introducing study programs by distance education which include courses in science and technology with the involvement of laboratory work. One type of special programs arises from the need of upgrading a large number of employees like secondary school teachers and field consultants to farmers of the ministery of agriculture. Recently Universitas Terbuka and the Ministery of Agriculiure started to study the feasability of offering by distance education a program at the diploma level (a non-degree/program of six semesters at a conventional university) for the upgrading of field consultants to farmers of the ministery of agriculture. A preliminary study indicates that the need for facilities for laboratory work and field practice as well as manpower for tutors and instructors can be provided for. The main problem in conducting the program might be the organizing of the laboratory work and field practice. The second type of special programs is related to the demand from high school graduates for relatively short training in certain skills which might increase one's chances in getting job. Preparations are being made for studying the feasability of offering so called certificate programs. These programs will be relatively short programs of three to tive semesters. Programs in Biotechnology, Food Technology, Computer Applications and Electronics will be studied. These program might be divided ...