Theory and Conceptualisation of Open Learning and Distance Education

• To understand distance education it is necessary to have a theoretical framework that encompasses this whole area of education. This also requires an insight into the history of distance education.
• As distance education is a sub-set of education it is also necessary to have an insight to the philosophy of education.
• There has been much debate over the years and many different terms have been used to describe open learning and distance education.
• Distance education has often mistakenly been seen by providers as a “cheap” option – it is therefore necessary to understand the economics and costs of distance education.
• In order to provide quality distance education, it is important to have an understanding of the psychology of learning, understand the characteristics of different kinds of learners, such as adult learners, learners from disadvantaged backgrounds, and disabled learners, for example. Barriers to learning need to be taken into consideration.
• Delivery of distance education in the developing world may require very different strategies and considerations from those of the first world.
• Continued research into open learning and distance education is necessary to contribute to the evolvement of appropriate, quality educational provision.

Useful Resources

Holmberg, Börje (1989). Theory and Practice of Distance Education. London: Routledge.

Keegan, Desmond (ed) (1993). Theoretical Principles of Distance Education. London: Routledge.

Keegan, Desmond and Peters, Otto (1994). Otto Peters on Distance Education: The Industrialization of Teaching and Learning, London: Routledge.

Kember, David (1995). Open Learning Courses for Adults: A Model of Student Progress, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Educational Technology Publications, Inc.

Lockwood, Fred (ed) (1995). Open and Distance Learning Today. London: Routledge.

Moore, Michael and Kearsley, Greg (1996). Distance Education: A Systems View. Belmont, California: Wadsworth Publishing Ltd.

Perraton, Hilary (2000), Open and Distance Learning in the Developing World, London: Routledge.

Rowntree, Derek (1992). Exploring Open and Distance Learning, London: Kogan Page.

Rumble, Greville (1997). Costs and Economics of Open and Distance Learning, London: Kogan Page.

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