ICT to increase quality and access to education in Nepal

Project title: Enhancing access, quality and sustainability of teacher training/professional development of teachers using ICTs and distance delivery modes.

Background

The lack of quality and access to education is an urgent issue in Nepal. The geographical context with its scattered, diversified population reflects the unequal access to higher education specifically in regards to female and marginalized groups. The infrastructure is generally poor and there is a high demand and need for skilled teachers and the professional development of teachers. Online Distance Learning (ODL) might be one solution to this. 

The project

The project will upgrade and sustain the qualifications of teachers to a master degree as is the minimum requirement for teaching at the secondary level in Nepal. The project also aims at meeting the diversified needs and interests in the different locations of the program sites as there is a need for skills mainstreaming to meet the emerging technology for distance learning.

Through various project components, the project will contribute to an increased knowledge base regarding ODL in the Nepalese context, by applying different modes of delivery, and create synergies, expanded learning and knowledge development. Collaboration between the two Nepalese partner universities will in the long term perspective contribute to innovative ways of professional development between the two universities.

The project will establish a research network between the three partners on the topic of teacher education in general and online learning in particular.

Overall goal

To provide access, quality and relevance of higher education in Nepal.