Our research explores the experience of adults looking for flexible online learning opportunities that intersect with university study. We interviewed 58 people living in 14 African countries who have taken a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) developed by the University of Cape Town. The interview data reveals diverse uses of MOOCs in workplace…

Open education, including the use of open educational resources (OER) and the adoption of open education practice, has the potential to challenge educators to change their practice in fundamental ways. This paper forms part of a larger study focusing on higher education educators' learning from and through their engagement with OER. The first part…

The discipline of education is a multi-faceted system that must constantly integrate new strategies and procedures to ensure successful learning experiences. Enhancements in education provide learners with greater opportunities for growth and advancement. "Open Learning and Formal Credentialing in Higher Education: Curriculum Models and…

The Open University's Into Science is a skill-based introduction to science, math, and related subjects using open learning approaches. Flexible enough to adapt to many uses, it is also part of an accreditation scheme. (SK)

A general discussion of the concept of open learning systems in the United States. (HB)

The first precept of open learning--courses are open to all--does not apply in psychiatric settings. However, such an approach enables patients to study a wider range of subjects and promotes autonomy, independence, and self-esteem. The value of open learning in closed institutions must be measured by other criteria than achievement of credentials…

Authors interviewed a leading educational figure in Britain on developments in their experiment in higher education, the Open University. (RK)

Examples of entrepreneurship in open education include (1) Australian courses molded to reflect industry needs; (2) Australian and Canadian rural outreach programs using telecommunications, interactive video, and information technology; and (3) the Institute of New Venture Creation at Australia's Canning Senior College, developed in conjunction…

At the University of Southampton, self-paced, open-access math workshops attract adult students who need a middle ground between narrowly vocational and recreational instruction in mathematics. (SK)

The author describes his experience in the establishment of Botswana Extension College in Africa. Difficulties of assessing educational needs and experimentation with radio-correspondence courses and various forms of face-to-face group work in village study centers are described with focus on different roles for teachers and for institutions with…

Describes Britain's Open University, an arrangement whereby higher education is provided via the broadcast media on a mass basis, with no admissions criteria and allowing for flexible scheduling of courses taken by the student, and leading to an undergraduate or graduate degree. (AN)

As presently constituted, open learning suits the ideology of privatization, being narrowly vocational and skill oriented. However, open learning should be genuinely flexible, encourage a liberal approach, and develop critical detachment. (SK)

Explores alternative methods of higher education that are easily applicable to other than post-secondary institutions. (Editor)

This conference report concerns one of the major issues in American higher education--the broadening of educational opportunities for the many adults who find it impractical or impossible to continue their education in the more conventional manner. The goal of the conference was to provide educators with information useful to the design of…

The features of the Open University in England and the reasons for its success are discussed. American interest in Open University, its cost-effectiveness, U.S. applicability, and its future are described. (Author/MLW)