Abstract

Abstract: Self-directed, self-motivated lifelong learning has become a necessity for citizens of all ages if they are to keep abreast with the political, ecological, economic, and social changes going on around us. In today’s world, already two out of three employees spend a major part of their timeprocessing information. Learning institutions throughout the world and more specifically in the Caribbean region are undergoing a number of changes and challenges due to the forces of globalization. Information and communication technologies will have a significant impact on ideas, forms,processes, methods, teaching, and management of education. This paper seeks to examine the practices in Continuing Education departments of the Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE) centres, and Adult Education Association (AEA), both of Guyana and the Continuing Education departments of the Open Campuses of Cave Hill,Barbados and the St. Augustine, Trinidad as it relates to the integration of technology in the curriculum and teaching and learning process. The sample for this qualitative study with aspects of quantitative analysis was derived from the part-time teaching staff of IDCE centres and the teaching personnel from the open campuses. Some of the key findings show that there is a difference between the level of the courses and programmes offered via distance education. In terms of face-to-face education, the technology addsa new dimension to the teaching and learning, thus providing a more student-centred environment. This research study emphasizes the need for lifelong training for Adult Educators.

Citation

JAMES-KIPPINS, W. (2012). Changing Face of Continuing Education through ICT in the Caribbean: The Case of Barbados, Guyana and Trinidad. Indian Journal of Open Learning, 21(2), 95-112. Indira Gandhi National Open University. Retrieved March 23, 2023 from https://www.learntechlib.org/p/187608/.