Proposal Defense: Patrick Gilbert, A Delphi policy study on the future's use of distance education within the University of Hawaii system (2/5/2009)

ABSTRACT: Information and communication technology (ICT) will continue to impinge upon the delivery of higher education. Some argue that the motivation originates in the belief that ICT mediated instruction might be more effective. Others argue that pure financial constraints will compel the institution to seek more efficiency. Altruistically, others argue that education is a good owned by humankind and as such should be shared freely throughout the planet to all who seek higher learning. Among the many ways to approach the interaction of ICT and education is to inspect the claims. Instead, this effort is future and policy focused asking the question - what would key stakeholders in the system see as the ideal state of ICT mediated instruction some 15 years in the future. Typically characterized as expert foresighting, the Delphi Technique provides the unique capability to paint the picture as drawn from divergent sources. The proposal defense will discuss Delphi including strengths and weaknesses. The necessary concerns related to credibility will be presented in the context of Delphi as a qualitative methodology. Finally, the specific application and software will be demonstrated.