The growing interest in transnational cooperation in education across borders has different implications for developed and developing countries. It is true that globalization affects all societies, but not at the same speed and magnitude. Supporting Multiculturalism in Open and Distance Learning Spaces is a critical scholarly resource that examines cultural issues and challenges in distance education arising from the convergence of theoretical, administrative, instructional, communicational, and technological dimensions of global education. Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics such as cultural diversity, interaction in distance education, and culturally sensitive intuitional design, this book is geared towards school administrators, universities and colleges, policy makers, organizations, and researchers.

Including narratives of practice across diverse Australian settings, Engaging with Educational Change fills a gap in the current educational change literature. Building on the experience of the authors and their colleagues, this book illustrates the power of practitioner inquiry to facilitate positive, practice-improving change and suggests how others might use this methodology to extend current thinking and evaluation. The book includes the voices of practitioners and academics working with a diverse range of age groups and settings across public and private educational contexts, including primary schools, preschools and childcare centres. This multi-perspective real research helps inform and inspire people from a range of backgrounds and expertise who want to facilitate practitioner inquiry initiatives themselves. The book begins by introducing practitioner inquiry, exploring the principles of inquiry-based practice and issues of data alongside the landscapes of educational change. Chapters in part two then offer real-life case studies highlighting experiences of using practitioner inquiry or supporting those working with these methods to improve educational practice and ultimately the outcomes for children. The chapters include case studies of pedagogical leadership and the exploration of issues related to sustaining educational change. The final section concludes the book by critically reflecting upon practitioner inquiry and providing guidance for those interested in this change methodology. Investigating issues that arise during implementation of practitioner inquiry initiatives, Engaging with Educational Change provides both critique and assistance for students and practitioners applying the process in their own settings.

Access to and participation in education are critical issues in contemporary South Africa. Awareness of inclusiveness and equality is not recent, having possibly first been described in the dawn of the millennium by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Drawing from the current framings in the SADC education systems the contributors argue that ICT has a key role to play in transformation, Africanisation and decolonisation of education. Contributors are: Skye Adams, Najma Agherdien, Andrew Crouch, Andries Du Plessis, Nazira Hoosen, Katijah Khoza-Shangase, Mhulaheni Maguvhe, Khetsiwe Masuku, Sharon Moonsamy, Munyane Mophosho, Nomfundo Moroe, Ramashego Shila Mphahlele, Ndileleni Mudzielwana, Shonisani Mulovhedzi, Anniah Mupawose, Mapula Ngoepe, Moshe Phoshoko, Dhanashree Pillay, Roshni Pillay, Ben Sebothoma and Susan Thuketana.

Promising Practices for Engaging Families in Literacy fulfills the need from parents and teachers to improve home/school assistance in every child's literacy development. Literacy skills are required and valued in all academic areas and at all levels of education from preschool through adulthood. This volume provides suggestions and support to improve parent/child involvement in literacy activities from preschool through teacher education programs. Research is provided to undergird the documented practices that increase student academic achievement through improved literacy skills across academic areas. Practices include connections between home and school across age groups, developmental needs groups, universities, community groups, and technologies.

Exceptional management skills are crucial to success in educational environments. As school leaders, principals are expected to effectively supervise the school system while facing a multitude of issues and demands. Multidimensional Perspectives on Principal Leadership Effectiveness combines best practices and the latest approaches in school administration and management. Exploring the challenges faced by principals, as well as the impact of new managerial tactics being employed, this book is a comprehensive reference publication for policymakers, academicians, researchers, students, school practitioners, and government officials seeking current and emerging research on administrative leadership in educational settings.

Higher education institutions play a vital role in their surrounding communities. Besides providing a space for enhanced learning opportunities, universities can utilize their resources for social and economic interests. The Handbook of Research on Science Education and University Outreach as a Tool for Regional Development is a comprehensive reference source for the latest scholarly material on the expanded role of universities for community engagement initiatives. Providing in-depth coverage across a range of topics, such as resource sharing, educational administration, and technological applications, this handbook is ideally designed for educators, graduate students, professionals, academics, and practitioners interested in the active involvement of education institutions in community outreach.