David Jeffs
Head of Distance Education School and Online School, Riverside Christian College
Email: david.jeffs@riverside.qld.edu.au
Ph: (07) 4123 5599

Can you tell us about your involvement in open and distance learning? For example, how long have you worked in the field and in what capacity?

I have been involved in distance education for the last 2 years so I am pretty green.

What aspect(s) of open and distance learning do you find most exciting?

I find the ethical responsibility of developed world regions to make education available to all people the most exciting aspect of open and distance education; and as a Christian and working at a Christian school promoting the need to do good to all of mankind, I find this concept of open education to be a very exciting and challenging aspect which complements the core values of Christianity and our organisation.

Can you tell us about any unexpected rewards your work has brought you?

I think the biggest unexpected reward has been in seeing the difference that distance education can make to a young person’s future. Students who through whatever circumstances, remote or rural, can now have the same opportunities to choose their preferred future by the provision of a variety of courses that can now easily be delivered to their front door – regardless of where they live.

What do you see as challenges and opportunities in the future of open and distance learning?

The greatest challenge will be to remain proficient with technology developments and ensuring that appropriate applications of these developments are implemented in such a way that our theoretical position is not compromised.

What key advice would you give a colleague wanting to build a career in open and distance learning?

I can't say too much about the open aspect as the K–12 sector has not yet begun to discuss open education, but as far as distance education goes, I would say that this is one of the most exciting fields within education that will challenge educators to look seriously at their practice and ideology.

Any other comments?

As a participant in the K–12 sector, as I engage in professional forums and circles which are predominately geared for the higher education sector, I often wonder as the K–12 sector implements many of the practices and strategies that the higher education sector does, how the higher education sector will engage our current Prep students who, by the time they attend their colleges and universities, will have already grown up in a Web2.0/3.0, mobile/blended/online, junior and secondary educational upbringing. Good luck with that one ☺.