Open & Distance Learning
1.0 The Definition of Open and Distance Learning
Open and Distance Learning is a way of learning that focus on releasing learners from constraints of time and place whilst offering flexible learning opportunities. For a lot of married and working adults, Open and Distance Learning (ODL) is a way of combining work and family responsibilities with educational opportunities.
"Distance education is any educational process in which all or most of the teaching is conducted by someone removed in space and/or time from the learner, with the effect that all or most of the communication between teachers and learners is through an artificial medium, either electronic or print."
The open ' nature of Distance Education have several policies such as open admissions, and freedom of selection of what, when and where to learn. The notion is also seen in flexible organizational structures, delivery and communication patterns as well as the use of various technologies to support learning. The learning process is delivered mainly by electronic or printed technologies.
2.0 The current trends in Open and Distance Learning
Open and Distance (OD) Learning is seen as an important new approach and strategy due to the challenges of education and development both in developing and developed countries. There are several trends on the subject of ODL.
The first current trend is the growing confidence. Confidence seems to be growing that ODL is the most appropriate strategy in resolving the problems of access, quality and equity. It is essential to look for new strategies when the traditional and conventional systems and approaches fail to meet these needs. Examples of growing confidence can be found in nine most high populated countries in the world. Efforts are concentrated on expanding work for school equivalence, for teachers ' education and for non-formal education.
The second is the increased distance education components in educational programmes.
Open and Distance Learning is a way of learning that focus on releasing learners from constraints of time and place whilst offering flexible learning opportunities. For a lot of married and working adults, Open and Distance Learning (ODL) is a way of combining work and family responsibilities with educational opportunities.
"Distance education is any educational process in which all or most of the teaching is conducted by someone removed in space and/or time from the learner, with the effect that all or most of the communication between teachers and learners is through an artificial medium, either electronic or print."
The open ' nature of Distance Education have several policies such as open admissions, and freedom of selection of what, when and where to learn. The notion is also seen in flexible organizational structures, delivery and communication patterns as well as the use of various technologies to support learning. The learning process is delivered mainly by electronic or printed technologies.
2.0 The current trends in Open and Distance Learning
Open and Distance (OD) Learning is seen as an important new approach and strategy due to the challenges of education and development both in developing and developed countries. There are several trends on the subject of ODL.
The first current trend is the growing confidence. Confidence seems to be growing that ODL is the most appropriate strategy in resolving the problems of access, quality and equity. It is essential to look for new strategies when the traditional and conventional systems and approaches fail to meet these needs. Examples of growing confidence can be found in nine most high populated countries in the world. Efforts are concentrated on expanding work for school equivalence, for teachers ' education and for non-formal education.
The second is the increased distance education components in educational programmes.
References: 1. Moore, M. & Tait, A. (2002). Open and Distance Learning: Trends, Policy and Strategy Considerations 2. Harry, K. (1999). Higher Education Through Open and Distance Learning. London, UK: RoutledgeFalmer 3. Sherry, L. (1996). Issues in Distance Learning. International Journal of Educational Telecommunications 4. Martin, S. (2005). Everyone 's welcome. Asia Africa Intelligence Wire. volNA.pNA 5. Dutton, J., Dutton, M. & Perry, J. (2002). How do online students differ from lecture students? 6. Picciano, A.G. (2002). Beyond Student Perceptions :Issues of Interaction, Presence, and Performance In An Online Course 7. The Commonwealth of Learning. (2000). An Introduction to Open and Distance Learning 8. Ludwig-Hardman, S. & Dunlap J.C. (2003). Learner Support Services for Online Students: Scaffolding for Success