This document outlines the importance of open distance learning in a broad range of education and training activities for the European Community (EC) and its Member States. It refers to actions in this area already taking place and shows how EC programs complement and are complemented by actions in the open distance learning field being taken…

The past 15 years have brought about the large-scale and effective introduction of open learning and distance teaching methods. During the same time period a rapid increase has occurred in the technologies available to educators and trainers. The increase in available technologies has led to the problem of choice. What media should be used for…

The four papers in this collection focus on distance education and open education. In the first paper, "The Open Learning Institute," D. W. Roberts cites the original recommendation that Charles Sturt University establish a new division to be known as the Open Learning Institute, and presents a definition of the concept. In the second…

This report describes TNP (Technology and New Pedagogy in Open Learning), a 3-year cross-disciplinary research project undertaken with collaboration from all three main areas of the Aalborg University Center (humanities, social sciences, and technical sciences). Noting that TNP combines insight from educational policy, communication theory, and…

Responds to a critique by Alistair Inglis of a previous article dealing with instructional industrialism and educational technology in open learning and distance education. Topics include paradigm shifts; instructional design; behaviorism and cognitive psychology; the relationship between practice, research, and theory; and possibilities for…

Examines the impact of technology on work outside and inside tertiary institutions. Presents a case study of Deakin University (Australia), an open and distance education organization. Discusses strategic viewpoints, diversified thinking, risk-taking in large organizations, technological implementation, technological innovation, staff development,…

Reviews critiques of the authors' previous work, and examines the traditional theories regarding open and distance education. The role of educational technology is discussed; the impacts of social, economic, and political changes in a postindustrial world are considered; and distinctions between behaviorists and humanists are examined. (45…

Considers three social theories--actor-network; marginalization; and intentionality and action--that can be used to reconceptualize open learning to reconstruct openness through research conducted in remote primary home schools and itinerant primary classrooms in Australia. The notions of center/periphery and mobility/immobility are examined. (PEN)

Reviews the distance-education research literature from the viewpoint of its structure, methodological concerns, and priority areas. Concludes that researchers in open and distance education are very much concerned over the importance of research, methodological rigour, ethical issues and research reporting. Contains 36 references. (Author/AEF)

Analyzes periodical literature on distance education, covering four refereed journals, and concludes that: researchers in distance education use mostly the survey method; use of citations is a common practice; there is a trend towards collaborative research; 80% of papers originate from five countries; and research on learner-centered issues…

This paper presents a methodological approach based on Bayesian Networks for modelling the behaviour of the students of a bachelor course in computers in an Open University that deploys distance educational methods. It describes the structure of the model, its application for modelling the behaviour of student groups in the Informatics Course of…

The purpose of this study is to determine the attitudes of preschool teacher candidates studying through distance education approach towards the teaching profession and to determine their perception levels of teaching competency. The population and sampling of the study were the senior students of Anadolu University, Open Education Faculty,…

In order to build a knowledge-based society and meet the needs of lifelong education, open learning opportunities are growing at exponential rates. While such growth is commendable, there appears to be a very strong demand for distance guidance services in open education programme selection. The purpose of this study was to develop the online…

This book shows how project work can be used in open and flexible learning. It is divided into three sections. Section A provides background on the use of project work in education and training. Chapter 1 introduces the features that characterize project work and related activities. Chapter 2 examines the varieties of project work and provides…

This report presents conclusions of a study of the feasibility of adapting Open University materials for use in student-centered learning in other institutions, especially polytechnics. It discusses the development of open learning in the polytechnics, drawing attention to the need for collaborative production of materials. Chapter 1 is an…