Canadian Journal of University Continuing Education
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Is There A Future for Research in University Continuing Education?
No full textUniversity-based Continuing Education units have become primarily focused on market driven programs at a time when market demand for continuing education has attracted a great deal of competition in that field. As a consequence, much of the purpose for having CE as a specialized function within universities has been eroded. A robust research program that focussed on the way in which learning occurs within organizational contexts is suggested as an emerging area of opportunity and need. This would, in turn, have the potential to create a renewed sense of purpose for CE and strengthen universities\u27 efforts to contribute to economic and community development.Doing such research well would involve careful attention to the sometimes conflicting interests of individuals and the organizations which structure much of their lives. It would tend to build on the strengths of continuing educators, their experience with individual learners and inter-organizational partnerships and their know-how based on working within a "knowledge intensive" environment. At the same time it would address a major area of concern for almost all organizations, including businesses, government agencies and non-profits. Some specific starting points for such research are suggested
Adopting Disruptive Technologies in Traditional Universities: Continuing Education as an Incubator for Innovation
No full textA recent book by Clayton M. Christensen, Associate Professor of Business at Harvard University, discusses the sometimes devastating impact in the corporate environment of what he refers to as "disruptive technologies." Successful, well-managed firms that dominate their markets have sometimes gone into a sharp decline or even collapsed when a new technology disrupts the pattern of their market segment. Other firms, however, have handled such transitions smoothly, maintaining their position of dominance in the market by employing specific techniques to integrate the new and disruptive technology into their operations.Traditional research universities enjoy a dominant position in the higher education "market," but they are beginning to feel the impact of disruptive technologies such as distance education. They may benefit not only from an examination of the insights that Christensen has derived from his study of the impact of disruptive technologies in the corporate environment but also from a selective application of the techniques for coping with disruptive technologies that Christensen has found to be effective in the business world. Some of these techniques imply an important role for continuing education units as semi-autonomous incubators of disruptive innovation
Research on University Continuing Education: Barriers and Future Possibilities
No full textThis paper examines barriers to research on university continuing education (UCE) in terms of two groups of factors: those that inhibit adult education research generally, and those that are specific to the UCE context and adversely affect research activity in this setting. Within UCE, the mandate, culture, qualifications of staff, the nature of work, and the nature of research that is conducted make traditional approaches to research problematic. The paper suggests that acceptance of a broader conceptualization of research by university continuing educators could enhance research related to practice
Reaching and Teaching Women on the Web: The Challenge of Barriers and Bottom Lines
No full textThis paper describes the experience of a private-sector facilitator in developing and offering an online course through the Women\u27s International Electronic University. It highlights the challenges that many women face in overcoming barriers to participation in continuing education. In particular, the difficulties of balancing the demands of work, family, and educational responsibilities are noted. The paper also considers the difficulties the provider encounters when trying to balance the demands of cost-recovery with pedagogical goals
Back to the Future: Adjusting University Continuing Education Research to an Emerging Trend
No full textA major change is presently occurring in University Extension or University Continuing Education (UCE) units, from ongoing continuing education (CE) programs (certificates, etc.) to unique major projects supporting overall institutional goals and specific community needs. Given this change, the type of research traditionally associated with CE (market research, ongoing program evaluation, etc.) now needs to be at least supplemented, if not replaced, by a type of research more appropriate to the new type of activity occurring in extension/UCE units.For a number of theoretical and practical reasons, this research should consist largely of case studies of UCE programs and projects. An on-line database of these case studies could serve not only as a resource for improving practice, but also as the knowledge base underlying a graduate program offered by a consortium of UCE units. By creating a practice-based graduate program focused specifically on CE, in contrast to the broader, more theoretical programs generally offered by adult education departments, CE units can increase the amount, quality, and relevance of CE research
Classrooms with a Difference: Facilitating Learning on the Information Highway (2nd edition)
No full textThe Prairie Symposium for Research on University Continuing Education: A Report
No full textThis paper presents a summary report of The Prairie Symposium for Research on University Continuing Education (PSRUCE) held in Winnipeg, Manitoba on June 3 and 4, 1999. The SSHRC-funded symposium was attended by the Deans and faculty from four prairie universities (Alberta, Calgary, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan). The Symposium was designed to provide a forum for the four universities to assess the current state, future directions, and challenges facing research on university continuing education in Canada; and to strengthen continuing education research networks and collaboration across these universities. This report summarizes the discussion including the definition and prioritization of research issues, recommendations made for strengthening research, and concrete plans for action
