This book explores foundational theories that have been applied in open and distance education (ODE) research and refined to reflect advances in research and practice. In addition, it develops new theories emerging from recent developments in ODE. The book provides a unique and up-to-date source of information for ODE scholars and graduate…

Learning at a distance and learning online are growing in scale and importance in higher education, presenting opportunities for large scale, inclusive, flexible and engaging learning. These modes of learning swept the world in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The many challenges of providing effective education online and remotely have been…

This book focuses on the emerging phenomenon of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), which are changing the fundamental underpinning of educational systems worldwide and forcing educators and other stakeholders to re-think the way instruction is currently conducted. It examines the origins of MOOCs within the context of the open education…

Technology is continually changing the world. In higher education in particular, new technologies can be applied to great advantage by campus communities seeking to offer better services for students in more efficient ways. Written for deans, vice presidents, and presidents of higher education institutions, this book provides advice that is…

The open classroom program instituted in 1973 in the elementary schools of Grand Haven, Michigan, continues to grow although similar experiments elsewhere have failed. Six critical factors in the program's success have been community support, orderly transitions, freedom of choice, proven skill development, student satisfaction, and parent…

Description of a program designed to provide an environment that is adaptive to individual differences, combining the advantages of a structured curriculum for basic skills development and an open learning environment for personal and social development. (Author)

A program model for gifted preschool children incorporates a differentiated curriculum into an open classroom environment. The Structure of Intellect model serves as the basis for classroom activities (10 examples of which are provided) which stress creative and productive thinking. (CL)

The intent of this brief outline on the significant components of open education is to present to the teacher a means by which open education characteristics can be operationalized in the classroom. (Editor/RK)

This discussion of occupational education suggests that traditional programs, which award status on the basis of time spent, be replaced with programs that define worth in terms of competence. The paper first looks at some of the socioeconomic conditions underscoring the need for a change from traditional educational practices. Next, the…

Those responsible for coordinating flexible and open learning in colleges should consider whether the time may be right to seek common ground on the issues and principles shared by the many related initiatives in Great Britain during the last two decades. Two principles that are important to flexible learning are that education's effectiveness is…

Advocates use of students' interests to develop "learning starters" (anything from the students' world with which they can become involved) as a motivational strategy in open classrooms. Identifies and discusses three major categories of learning starters: large group presentations, small group interactions, and independent study. (JD)

Despite commission reports and journal articles advocating mastery learning and effective instruction, grassroots influence is conspicuously missing from the current reform movement. Creative teachers continue to leave the profession, and top students refuse to enter it. Teachers remain essentially powerless, while open education enthusiasts await…