The Third Annual Symposium of Learning International Network The Third Annual Symposium of Learning International Network Consortium Consortium

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology The Massachusetts Institute of Technology 27th-28th October 200527th-28th October 2005

Cambridge, Massachusetts, USACambridge, Massachusetts, USA

The e-learning initiatives to reduce poverty and support The e-learning initiatives to reduce poverty and support socio-economic development in Lao PDRsocio-economic development in Lao PDR

By: Ms. Sisavanh BOUPHA By: Ms. Sisavanh BOUPHA Deputy Director General, Deputy Director General,

Department of Science and Technology Department of Science and Technology

ContentsContents

1. Introduction

2. Education and ICT

3. E-learning definition

4. Case study

5. Challenges

6. Links with economy issues

7. Future Plan

Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR)

• Capital: Vientiane

• Area: 236.800 Sq Km

• Population: 5.549.000

• Mountainous: 70%

• Language: Lao, Thai, French and English

• GDP per capita: US$ 331/an

• Economy: Agriculture based

• LaoNet the first public e-mail centre at the National Polytechnic Institute in Lao PDR in December 1994. • There is a National Growth and Poverty Eradication Strategy (NGPES). ICT becomes a priority factor for socio-economic development particularly in support of all governance activities at the central and local levels.

• Distance learning in “Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie” (AUF) in Vientiane, Lao PDR (2002).

• Project of ASEAN Virtual Institute of Science and Technology (AVIST) at STEA (2005).

The e-learning education has been recognized its importance and experimented among some of the students and professionals to upgrade their studies and knowledge.

IntroductionIntroduction

Education & Academic CommunityEducation & Academic Community

UniversitiesUniversities • National University of Laos, NUOL (Vientiane Capital)National University of Laos, NUOL (Vientiane Capital)• Souphanouvong University (North)Souphanouvong University (North)• Champassak University (South)Champassak University (South)

Colleges (10-20)Colleges (10-20)• Goverment and Public : 5 -10Goverment and Public : 5 -10• Private: 5-10Private: 5-10

Research Institutes (5-10)Research Institutes (5-10)• NAFRI National Agriculture and Forestry Institute (4 Research NAFRI National Agriculture and Forestry Institute (4 Research

Centers)Centers)• Research Institutes in the MinistriesResearch Institutes in the Ministries

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

14000

96-97 97-98 98-99 99-00 00-01

TotalQuotaExaminationS.Well fare

Years

Num

ber

of

Stu

den

tNUOL StudentsNUOL Students

(Excluded of Special/Night time course )

Schools and access to ICTSchools and access to ICT

• The San Francisco Jhai Foundation together with Schools Online and local partners is setting up the first Internet Learning Center in the rural high school of Phon Song.

• MoE plans to provide two secondary schools in each province with a computer and internet access by the year 2005.

• Not yet public primary or secondary school have access to the Internet.

Human Resource devoted to R&D (FTE)Human Resource devoted to R&D (FTE)

FTEFTE PersonPerson %%

Business EnterpriseBusiness Enterprise6868 25%25%

GovernmentGovernment128128 48%48%

Higher EducationHigher Education7272 27%27%

Private non-profitPrivate non-profit Not applicableNot applicable

TotalTotal 268268 100%100%

PopulationPopulation 5,491,0005,491,000

R&D personnel per 10,000 populationR&D personnel per 10,000 population 0.4880.488

R&D Personnel by Sector of Performance 2002R&D Personnel by Sector of Performance 2002

OCCUPATIONOCCUPATION

SECTOR OF PERFORMANCESSECTOR OF PERFORMANCES

BERDBERD GOVERDGOVERD HERDHERD PNPPNP GRAND GRAND TOTALTOTAL

Researchers/Scientists/Engineers Researchers/Scientists/Engineers (RSE)(RSE)

HeadcountHeadcountFTEFTE

59592626

1091093131

41413030

Not appl.Not appl.

2092098787

RSE with Doctor DegreeRSE with Doctor Degree HeadcountHeadcountFTEFTE

0000

15151111

19191212

34342323

TechniciansTechnicians HeadcountHeadcountFTEFTE

93933030

1881884545

1461463030

427427105105

Other Supporting staffOther Supporting staff HeadcountHeadcountFTEFTE

41411212

1951955252

1131131212

3493497676

TotalTotal HeadcountHeadcountFTEFTE

1931936868

492492128128

3003007272

985985268268

GENERALGENERAL

GERD (million Kip)GERD (million Kip) 65606560

GERD ( 1000 US$)GERD ( 1000 US$) 656656

GERD/GDP** (%)GERD/GDP** (%) 0.036 %0.036 %

Total R&D Personnel (Head count)Total R&D Personnel (Head count) 985985

Total R&D Personnel (FTE)Total R&D Personnel (FTE) 268268

National R&D Survey National R&D Survey Domestic ExpenditureDomestic Expenditure

Average Exchange Rate in 2002 (1 US$ = 10,000 kip)** GDP of LAO PDR in 2002 is 1,805 Mil. US$

SOURCE OF FUNDSSOURCE OF FUNDSSECTOR OF PERFORMANCESECTOR OF PERFORMANCE

BERDBERD GOVERDGOVERD HERDHERD PNPPNP GERDGERD

Business EnterpriseBusiness EnterpriseMil. KipMil. Kip 2,3602,360 -- --

Not applicableNot applicable

2,3602,360

1000 US$1000 US$ 236236 -- -- 236236

Direct GovernmentDirect GovernmentMil. KipMil. Kip -- 530530 -- 530530

1000 US$1000 US$ -- 5353 5353

Higher EducationHigher EducationMil. KipMil. Kip -- -- 100100 100100

1000 US$1000 US$ -- -- 1010 1010

Private Non ProfitPrivate Non ProfitMil. KipMil. Kip

Not applicableNot applicable1000 US$1000 US$

Funds from abroadFunds from abroadMil. KipMil. Kip 6060 2,8102,810 700700 Not applicableNot applicable 35703570

1000 US$1000 US$ 66 281281 7070 357357

TOTALTOTALMil. KipMil. Kip 2,4202,420 3,3403,340 800800 6,5606,560

1000 US$1000 US$ 242242 334334 8080 656656

R&D Expenditure by Source of FundR&D Expenditure by Source of Fund

3 registered ISPs: GlobeCom, Laotel and STEA.3 registered ISPs: GlobeCom, Laotel and STEA.

9.000 internet users in September 2001 (a ratio of 1.63 Internet 9.000 internet users in September 2001 (a ratio of 1.63 Internet users for every 1’000 inhabitants of Laos).users for every 1’000 inhabitants of Laos).

Internet Access Fee: US$ 0,76-1,51 per hour in November 2001 Internet Access Fee: US$ 0,76-1,51 per hour in November 2001 (Internet Cafes).(Internet Cafes).

Hi-speed Internet Leased Line available from 64 Kbps to 1024 Hi-speed Internet Leased Line available from 64 Kbps to 1024 Kbps.Kbps.

LANIC (Lao National Internet Committee) operating international LANIC (Lao National Internet Committee) operating international gateway for public administration since 2002.gateway for public administration since 2002.

Internet Situation in Lao PDRInternet Situation in Lao PDR

STEA

Internet and ISP Networking in Lao PDRInternet and ISP Networking in Lao PDR

LANIC ETL

PLANET

LAOTEL

KPL

LANEXANG

THAICOM

THAICOM

SINGNET

SUBIC

SPEEDCAST

CAT(BBK)

Fiber link

Fiber link

NUOL

IXP

Optic fiber

Wireless

Copper wire

E-learning means an approach to facilitate and enhance learning through the use of devices based on computer and communications technology.

Such devices would include personal computers, CD-ROMs, Digital Television and Mobile Phones. Communications technology enables the use of the Internet, e-mail, discussion forums, and collaborative software.

E-Learning DefinitionE-Learning Definition

E-LearningE-Learning

• E-learning is expected to be an effective learning system for enterprise, government staff, pupils and self-learners.

• Education:

1- Primary/Secondary 2- Higher education and University 3- Adult education, staff education 4- Lifelong education

ASEAN Virtual Institute of Science and Technology (AVIST)ASEAN Virtual Institute of Science and Technology (AVIST)

AVIST is an e-learning network for continuing professional development and advanced studies in science and technology with opportunities for real practice experience at participating institutes.

Three e-learning courses:

• Bioinformatics.

• Introduction to Technology and Innovation Management.

• Eco-tourism

Learners at AVIST e-learning courses can learn at their own pace, anywhere and anytime. The course contents and communication means are in English.

The web site is http://www.avist.org

Case studyCase study

Three types of registration:

Type AType A Type B-1Type B-1 Type B-2Type B-2

Registration Registration PeriodPeriod AnytimeAnytime As designed by As designed by

AVISTAVISTAs designed by As designed by

AVISTAVIST

Course durationCourse duration 12 months12 months 12 months in total12 months in total12 months in 12 months in

totaltotal

Interactions with Interactions with instructor teaminstructor team NoNo YesYes YesYes

Course Course assessmentassessment NoNo NoNo YesYes

CertificateCertificate No certificateNo certificate Certificate of Certificate of participationparticipation

Certificate of Certificate of achievementachievement

Registration feeRegistration feeIntroductoryIntroductory

Rate 1,159 BhtRate 1,159 Bht

IntroductoryIntroductory

Rate 4,359 BhtRate 4,359 Bht

IntroductoryIntroductory

Rate 5,559 BhtRate 5,559 Bht

ASEAN Virtual Institute of Science and Technology (AVIST)ASEAN Virtual Institute of Science and Technology (AVIST)

LANAVIST Content

Center

Content Flow

Permanent Learning Resources Centers at local universities/institutes

Internet CafesDial-up from homes / offices

Tertiary Content Dissemination Center

Secondary Content Dissemination Center

Secondary Content Dissemination Center

Tertiary Content Dissemination Center

Tertiary Content Dissemination Center

AVIST InfrastructureTemporary face-to-facetraining roomat partner institutions

Primary Content Dissemination Center

Satellite

Agence Universitaire de France (AUF)Agence Universitaire de France (AUF)

• The distance learning is taken place in the “Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie” (AUF) in Lao PDR since 2002. AUF will offer the scholarships for the selected excellent candidates on the distance learning.

• There are many disciplines: economy and rights, ICT and engineering science, electronic and communication, life and earth science, medical science and fundamental science (chemistry, mathematics).

• The Number of students registered in the year 2004-2005 are 86 including 12 students from Laos. • The web site called http://foad.refer.org

Lessons learnedLessons learned

• These courses are significant for the students and teachers at the university to upgrade their knowledge and skills, to keep aware of ICT technology for education and to share information with others. These do not mean that we succeeded at making significant economic change.

• The number of Lao students is very small. They are not much interested in the topic. In addition, the course is done in English and French language.

• The context might affect to the future priorities for poverty reduction. We have to examine and consider the aid projects in this sector for the linkages to the wider economy.

ChallengesChallenges

• Lack of financial resources to education. • Lack of telecommunications and public infrastructure.• A demographic and geography characteristic necessitate an understanding of the main income sources.• Poor quality of education, shortage of teachers and learning materials and curriculum inappropriate to the needs of development.• Cost fee of internet is high. High long distance call charges lead to high costs for national access.• Lack of standards in both public and private sector related to Lao script, software and hardware for LAN, WAN, and Intranet. • Lack of R&D on ICT.• Lack of coordination leading to duplication and inefficiencies of the activities.

Poverty reductionPoverty reduction

• The National Growth and Poverty Eradication Strategy is a comprehensive framework for sustainable growth and poverty eradication focus on the improvement of the poverty situation in the poorest districts. ICT has been prioritized as an important tool to enhance productivity and will help to create conditions

for support economic development.

• Create a supportive environment for intraregional trade, promote a cooperation mechanism for an knowledge based

society/economy, develop HRD and enhance institutional capacity building.

• Encourage the cooperation with private sector and international community.

Links with economic issuesLinks with economic issues

Key issues: Rural and urban development • Provide industrial structure, telecommunication services, increase level of compulsory education, improve quality of education, promote population distribution in balance between urban and rural areas for revenue distribution, develop IT and technologies for food production and distribution, medical technologies for health care and create employment. Development of agriculture, industry, trade and commercial services• Develop grass-root economy in key areas such as: agriculture, rural industry combine with IT by providing specialized technical education and strengthening SME enterprises to enhance self- sufficiency and viability of domestic economy. • Develop curriculum and learning materials for exploiting indigenous knowledge to be marketed and competitive with others. • Promote trade policies and international trade.

Labour and skills• Provide education and research in new technology areas (biotechnology, genetic engineering, new materials,…).• Improve e-learning technologies and multimedia technologies.

Balance between local and global aspects • Provide contents with balance between local and global aspects, technology transfer and self-reliance.

Links with economic issues (Cont.1)Links with economic issues (Cont.1)

E-learning for long-term sustainable economic growthE-learning for long-term sustainable economic growth

Organizations

Operations Management

Human Capital

Information Capital

R&D and innovationRegulatory and Anti-poverty

PolicyLearners Analysis

(Linkages, Culture of creativity and innovation and Competitiveness)

(Systems, Databases, Networks, Curriculum development and Technology)

Skills ValuesKnowledge

Price Quality Market opportunity

Labour, Products and Services MarketsService Certification & Accreditation

• Production Course wares• Broadcasting & Distribution

• Satisfaction• Low-Cost• Social needs

• Create new products and services• Develop research aligned with targeted growth areas

• Invest in infrastructure• ICT policy• Economic growth

• Promote FDI and trade • Education and HRD• Incentive framework• Promote public-private collaboration• IPR• Standard and security

• Productivity • Increase markets

• Create jobs•Revenue growth

Learning InstitutesEnterprises NUOLSTEA

• Improve living standard • Increase human and information capital

Future PlanFuture Plan

• Infrastructure

• Policy

• Regulation frameworks

• Research and development

• Investment

Lao National Research & Education NetworkLao National Research & Education Network

NUOLSTEA NAFRI

Other Gov. Uni. Private Colleges

Research Institutes

Proposed basic topology :

• Research and Education Community in Lao PDR

• Case of NUOL acting as an Academic ISP

Internet …China-Vietnam Thailand-Singapore-Malaysia…

(TEIN)

(A-ISP)

Research Centers

Members of Lao NREN (Estimation)Members of Lao NREN (Estimation)

Phase I :

NUOL (Main Campus), NAFRI, STEA

Phase II :

MOE, Other Faculties, Library of NUOL, National Library…

Vientiane College, Lao-American College …

Phase III :

Other Universities (Souphanouvong, Champassak University) …

Other Research Institutes or Centers (attached to the Ministry)

Thailand

Vietnam

China

Cambodia

Hanoi

Vinh

SH /

GZ

Ban

gko

k

Khornkean U.

430kmVientiane

ETL Fiber backbone &

The proposed Academic backbone to TEIN

Province

District

Phase 1 (2001)

Phase 2

Phase 3

Phase 4

(Dec. 2004)

CSC (Link to TEIN2)

CSC ports to Inter.

Other possibility ports

1. 1. CSC cable x*2.4Gbps SDHCSC cable x*2.4Gbps SDH

... -... - Shanghai Shanghai – – Hanoi Hanoi – – Vientiane Vientiane – – Bangkok Bangkok - -

Kuala LumpurKuala Lumpur – – Singapore Singapore - ...- ... 2. Satellite (not preferred)2. Satellite (not preferred) Interconnect to ThaiSARN in Thailand Interconnect to ThaiSARN in Thailand

and/or STEnet in Vietnamand/or STEnet in Vietnam Demand for bandwidth is highDemand for bandwidth is high Sustainable solution depends on costSustainable solution depends on cost

Connection to TEIN2Connection to TEIN2

Trans-Eurasia Information Network (TEIN)Trans-Eurasia Information Network (TEIN)

Comparison of methodsComparison of methods

MethodMethod System System CostCost Required Required infrastructureinfrastructure Expected userExpected user

SatelliteSatellite Live Live

InteractiveInteractive

On demandOn demand

HighHighSatellite Satellite

The InternetThe Internet

(Broadband)(Broadband)

UniversityUniversity

GovernmentGovernment

EnterpriseEnterprise

Self-learnerSelf-learnerThe InternetThe Internet ModerateModerate

MediaMediaDVDDVD

CD-ROMCD-ROMLowLow Stand-alone PCStand-alone PC

PupilPupil

Self-learnerSelf-learner

POLICYPOLICY

• Link the National Growth and Poverty Eradication Strategy to the National Socio-Economic Development Plan.• Establish an Information Superhighway Network with high speed data transmission over fiber optic cables and regional telecommunications connections to facilitate training, capacity building on human resource development and establish a National Internet Exchange Network for ISP for making the cost affordable to the users.• Promote and support the wide utilization of distance learning and e-learning as well as facilitate universal access through networking in order to ensure the enhancement of capacities and increase employability.• Develop R&D on ICT to promote distance and e-learning.• Promote digital interchange in Lao language.

POLICYPOLICY

• Promote FDI, trade, incentive frameworks, ICT policy and develop local ICT enterprise on multimedia content and electronics services.• Linking learning institutes between the public sector, private sector and enterprises for wide utilization of information.• Develop closer cooperation with international organizations in priority areas: infrastructure, IT, HRD and economic development.• Promote certification and accreditation of e-learning network at national and regional level to improve competence of human resources. • Raise an awareness of the public on the importance, benefits and advantages of e-learning for poverty reduction and support socio-economic development.• Prepare the young generation towards the universe of new technology.

Regulation frameworksRegulation frameworks

• Cyberlaws

• Cybercrime

• Cybersecurity

• E-commerce

• Information, IPR and Consumer protection

• Digital Content Management • Privacy

Research & DevelopmentResearch & Development

• Promote joint Research and Development in areas having potentials for commercial applications with the involvement of public and private sector.

• Establish a Technology Transfer Network to facilitate the pooling of information on the availability of technologies and experts with the enterprises/R&D organizations.

InvestmentInvestment

• Telecommunications and Public Infrastructure

• Human Capital

• Information Capital

ConclusionConclusion

• Not a fast moving in implementing e-learning system due to limited financial resources and human capacity.

• Get government support and encourage the involvement of private sector and local community.

• Promote the cooperation with international organizations in priorities areas through various training courses, e-learning, seminars, workshops and exchange of visits among experts.

• Focus on the solid content in service to the teaching and learning for poverty reduction and support economic development not only the enormous investment of networks and technologies.