Knowledge Enterprise Online

NUS leads change in APRU distance learning conference

DLI REVIEW COMMITTEE: Team leader, Mr Tommy Hor, Director of NUS Computer Centre (centre) with APRU Secretary General, Dr Kenneth McGillivray and committee members at DLI 2008. INNOVATION was the catchphrase at the 9th Distance Learning and the Internet (DLI) Conference (19-22 Nov 2008) organised by the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU). Two NUS teams from the University’s Computer Centre and the Centre for Instructional Technology were among the 60 participants comprising technologists, teachers and researchers from 14 APRU member institutions attending the conference.

The conference on New Directions for Inter-Institutional Collaboration: Assessment and Evaluation in Cyber Learning, hosted at Waseda University, aimed to facilitate exchange of information on progressive approaches applied by leading institutions. The various sub-themes of the conference also reflected the latest topics in e-learning and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) applications, including the use of Second Life in cyber education. Other innovative tools discussed included HyperMirror in distance education, e-pedagogy, learning feedback systems, IT infrastructure support, quality assurance, new media education and challenges in the use of open course ware.

The conference also saw the launch of the Education and Research Technology (ERT) Forum. Led by Mr Tommy Hor, Director of NUS Computer Centre, the DLI Review Committee comprising APRU experts and IT leaders in the Pacific Rim, presented recommendations including the development of a new framework for DLI to harness growing strengths in ICT development and research in APRU member universities.

The new ERT Forum seeks to realise strategic collaborations among APRU members in the use of advanced technologies to benefit the APRU consortium and support its activities. The Forum also made a recommendation for a Standing Committee to oversee APRU IT initiatives. Together with APRU’s current CIO initiative it aims to forge better ties between ICT leaders and academic experts from member universities using technology for research and education.

Costa Rican President gives Nobel Laureate Lecture

- Veronique Y W Ah Sen


BILATERAL TIES: Costa Rica President Oscar Arias Sanchez with NUS Deputy President (Academic Affairs) and Provost Prof Tan Eng Chye at NUS. THE FIRST Nobel Laureate in history to have been elected to his country’s top post, President Oscar Arias Sanchez of Costa Rica spoke on Peace with Nature: A Costa Rican Green Initiative at NUS as part of the Institute of Policy Studies’ Nobel Laureate Lecture series. The Institute of Policy Studies is an autonomous research centre with the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, NUS.

ccompanying President Arias was the Costa Rican Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Bruno Stagno Ugarte, and Minister of National Planning and Economic Policy Mr Roberto Gallardo Nunez. The delegation also met with members of the NUS management over lunch and was given an overview of the University’s activities.

Recognised for his initiatives on the environment domestically and internationally, President Arias was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987. While on his official visit to Singapore (1 – 5 Dec 2008), President Arias met with President S R Nathan and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, as well as visited several agencies including PSA International and the Economic Development Board.