ISHS Acta Horticulturae 350: I International Symposium on Education and Training in Horticulture
MEETING THE CHALLENGE-THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NATIONAL DISTANCE EDUCATION PROGRAM IN APPLIED HORTICULTURAL MANAGEMENT |
| Author: | Neil R. Jones |
| Abstract:
The challenge for Orange Agricultural College, a network member of the multi-campus University of New England, was to design and deliver a national management oriented production horticulture course which would equip producers and those wishing to enter the industry with the knowledge and skills required to run efficient business operations. The program had to take into account the broad geographical distribution of horticultural production in Australia, the diversity of enterprises and business involved and unique sociological factors associated with intensive horticulture. The University of New England-Orange Agricultural College (UNE-OAC) developed a highly successful Associate Diploma in Horticulture course offered as a distance education program. The delivery of the course utilises conventional printed study guides and resource material together with audio and video tapes, telephone tutorials, videoconferencing and multi-campus residential schools. The use of interactive videoconferencing and alternatives to residential schools has greatly enhanced the flexibility of the course. UNE-OAC has developed a highly efficient distance education support system which is a significant factor in the program's success. Future developments will focus on course structure, mode of offering and delivery strategies. | |
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