The evolution of distance learning and factors promoting ICT use in the Pacific Islands
focusing on the possibility of e-learning opportunities for higher education

"This paper outlined the status quo of higher education opportunities in the Pacific Islands and analyzed the factors required to expand it. According to the enrollment data of local universities and colleges, the local opportunities of higher education and e-learning conditions are different from country to country. Although the local governmental initiatives have played significant role to improve the opportunity, there is difference of availability of local opportunity of higher education. One of the factors of the difference is historical relationship with the ex-suzerain states. With advent of e-learning using Internet access and ICT technologies, the conditions of higher education opportunity is changing. The analysis of this paper indicates that there are emerging opportunities such as local initiative to expand e-learning courses and international movement to improve broadband access in Pacific Islands. To harness these chances, securing new linkages among stakeholders would be desirable as was in the past." [Information des Anbieters]