Definition of Open and Distance Learning

In which century did correspondence education start in Great Britain, France, Germany, and the United States?

Who taught shorthand by mail and is credited with the first officially recognized attempt at distance education?

In which year was the University of London's External Programme established?

Where was correspondence study a noteworthy component of the university delivery system since 1891?

When was the University of London's External Programme chartered?

Who described early correspondence courses as exemplifying participant interaction through the distribution of printed material through the mail?

What is the primary aim of distance education?

What is the characteristic of open and distance learning according to the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) definition?

What is the relationship between distance education and open and distance learning?

What is the role of two-way communication in open and distance learning?

What is the significance of the definition of open and distance learning provided by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL)?

What is open learning, in relation to distance education?

What is the role of face-to-face meetings in open and distance learning?

What is the primary difference between open learning and distance education?

Definition of Open and Distance Learning

Open and distance learning is a system of teaching and learning characterized by separation of teacher and learner in time and/or space and uses multiple media for delivery of instruction.
It involves two-way communication and occasional face-to-face meeting for tutorials and learner-to-learner interaction.
The definition of open and distance learning is provided by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) in 2015.

History of Open and Distance Learning

The term open and distance learning combines two distinct terms: distance education and open learning.
Distance education is the forerunner of open and distance learning.

Distance Education

Distance education is a field of education that focuses on teaching methods and technology with the aim of delivering teaching to students who are not physically present in a traditional educational setting.
It is a system aimed at creating access to learning when time or distance or both separate the source of information and the learners.

Correspondence Stage

The earliest appearance of distance education was in the form of correspondence education.
Correspondence education started in the mid-nineteenth century in Great Britain, France, Germany, and the United States.
Sir Isaac Pitman taught shorthand by mail, which is considered the first officially recognized attempt at distance education.
Pitman's Correspondence courses in shorthand started in the 1840s.
The University of London's External Programme was established in 1828, but was not chartered until 1858.
The University of Wisconsin has been offering correspondence study since 1891.

Understanding open and distance learning concepts, including distance education and open learning. Learn about the definitions and history of these educational approaches.