How Can Distributed Learning Be Used to Deliver Instuction In
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
HOW CAN DISTRIBUTED LEARNING BE USED TO DELIVER INSTUCTION IN MICROFINANCE TO NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS IN REMOTE LOCATIONS? A Plan for an Evaluation of a MicroFinance Course for the Coady International Institute By MARY KATHRYN LENORE BEGLEY B.A., University of Western Ontario, 1972 B. Ed., University of Western Ontario 1974 A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF ARTS In DISTRIBUTED LEARNING Focusing on Leadership, Learning and Technologies We accept this thesis as conforming to the required standard .................................……………..…… Faculty Supervisor, Heather Kanuka, PhD .......................................................... Faculty Supervisor, Liam Rourke, PhD .......................................................... Program Head, Judith Blanchette, Ph.D. .......................................................... Dean, Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences, James A. Bayer, Ph.D. ROYAL ROADS UNIVERSITY November 2007 © Lenore Begley, 2007 Distributed Learning and MicroFinance ii ABSTRACT This report provides a plan for evaluation of a distance delivered MicroFinance course offered by the Coady International Institute. It addresses the question: how can distributed learning be used to deliver instruction in microfinance to non governmental organizations in remote locations? To answer this question, I conducted research on a pilot course offered on-line, in the fall of 2004, to fifteen participants from twelve different countries. This research involved an extensive literature review and a series of three rounds of interviews with five key informants. The findings were used to develop a plan for evaluation of the on-line course. The results indicate sound practices in place or in development at the Coady International Institute for the delivery of on-line courses. Relatively new in the field of distributed learning, they have absorbed very important lessons and have demonstrated a scholarly and practical approach to improve practice. Distributed Learning and MicroFinance iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS There are many people whom I wish to acknowledge in the completion of this project. First, I wish to acknowledge Reverend James Mulligan, CSC, who initially guided me to the Coady Institute and its work with partners in the global south, allowing me to marry my interest in microfinance with my belief in distributed learning. I wish to thank the Coady International Institute and its staff, particularly Nanci Lee, for providing me with the opportunity to work in a real theatre of operations, with participants who were passionate and professional about the work that they did. It was inspiring to be conducting research of the kind I was presented with at the Coady Institute. The opportunity to study distributed learning, offered through distributed learning means at Royal Roads University, showed me the possibilities and the limitations of this relatively new field. I drew on my cohort at Royal Roads University for advice, both technical and professional. My connection with my fellow learners at Royal Roads University continues to be a source of insight and delight, as the knowledge network continues long after the studies have ended. With the guidance of two supervisors, Dr. Heather Kanuka and Dr. Liam Rourke, I was challenged, inspired, and guided through this project. With their expert guidance, I was able to make sense of the complexities of responsive approaches and participatory evaluation planning. Finally, I want to thank my family, particularly my husband, John Brisbois, and my friends who supported me in what seemed, at times, to be an endless pursuit. I thank them for their unfailing belief in the value of the work I was doing. Distributed Learning and MicroFinance iv TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract........................................................................................................................................... ii Acknowledgements........................................................................................................................ iii List of Tables ................................................................................................................................ vii Glossary ....................................................................................................................................... viii Chapter One: Study Background .....................................................................................................1 Introduction................................................................................................................................1 Program Evaluation ...................................................................................................................1 The Opportunity.........................................................................................................................2 Significance of the Opportunity.................................................................................................3 The Stakeholders..................................................................................................................4 Potential Causes of the Problem or Need ............................................................................4 Information Review .............................................................................................................5 Limitations of the Study.............................................................................................................6 Delimitations of the Study .........................................................................................................6 Chapter Two: Literature Review .....................................................................................................7 Community-Based MicroFinance Distance Learning Program.................................................7 MicroFinance and Micro Credit.................................................................................................8 Program Evaluation ...................................................................................................................9 Theoretical Foundation ............................................................................................................10 Distributed Learning Technologies..........................................................................................12 Potential Solutions ...................................................................................................................12 Chapter Three: Research Methodology .........................................................................................14 Theoretical Perspective............................................................................................................14 Data Collection and Analysis...................................................................................................14 Project Deliverables.................................................................................................................17 Project Participants ..................................................................................................................18 Chapter Four: Research Study Results ..........................................................................................20 Context.....................................................................................................................................20 The Pilot Distance Course .................................................................................................20 Respondent Profiles ...........................................................................................................21 Events.................................................................................................................................21 Research Findings....................................................................................................................22 Pedagogy............................................................................................................................24 Application of Learning.....................................................................................................27 Recognition of Learner Needs ...........................................................................................29 Organizational Needs.........................................................................................................33 Technological Considerations............................................................................................35 Summary of Research Findings...............................................................................................37 Distributed Learning and MicroFinance v Study Recommendations .........................................................................................................37 Pedagogy............................................................................................................................37 Application of Student Learning........................................................................................39 Recognition of Learner Needs ...........................................................................................39 Institutional Needs .............................................................................................................40 Technological Considerations............................................................................................41