JEDDAH, 31 July 2003 — Internet distance learning has taken a step forward in offering relevant qualifications backed by prestigious universities. The concept of the E-University, with a local focus for the Arab world, was recently initiated in Dubai.
With many high school graduates unable to enter university, either from lack of academic performance or shortage of places, worthwhile qualifications that offer realistic job prospects might seem little more than a dream.
Such is the demand for qualifications by employers — some asking for master’s degrees as qualification for a job that requires little more than high school education — that a ready market for “non-accredited degrees” exists worldwide.
The E-University project aims to capture a largely untapped market for higher education and will address an estimated $111 billion global demand for higher education.
“E-learning will gain momentum in this region with the current shift toward increasingly knowledge-based and IT–driven economies. Corporate professionals and students are under pressure to keep up and they sense the urgency to upgrade their skills continually in order to stay competitive and relevant in a changing world economy,” said Dr. Mukesh Aghi, CEO of Universitas 21 Global, which recently launched the new project in the Arab World.
Internet based learning, which allows students of differing ability to pace their learning, is not new. Having the learning accredited by established academic institutions could allow it to carry the weight that employers look for.
Thousands of Saudi jobseekers who otherwise might not have the opportunity for further study can now access higher education, most especially in areas of business and management.
“While achievement of higher qualifications via e-learning is in line with the national aim of education,” said Aati Al-Owaibidi, Corporate Human Resources director of a major Saudi French hotel group, “it may be a few years before it gains wide acceptance.”
He pointed out the reluctance within the Arab world to do business via the Internet. “People still prefer to write checks; there is a resistance to Internet business. If we don’t trust the system yet, how will we trust the learning?”
Professor Alan Gilbert, founder of Universitas 21 Global, thinks it will be an important part of the future of higher education worldwide.
“Without high quality online solutions, many people in the developing world will be denied access to the emerging global knowledge economy. By drawing on the strength, experience and reputation of some of the oldest and most distinguished universities in the world, and exploiting the unique opportunities that the online environment provides, it is creating new learning environments, modalities, pedagogies and technologies, and offering reputable, high quality professional qualifications.”
