Distance Learning vs Open Learning

Distance Learning

Although the terms open learning, distance learning, correspondence learning, or online learning has been used interchangeably, they do not mean the same process of learning. While distance learning or distance education as the delivery mode of instruction refers to a learning environment in which teachers and students are physically distant and interaction occurs via technological affordances, open learning refers to a learning process where potential barriers are removed in order to address the needs of the students by enabling available resources to study at their own pace.

The barriers that exist in traditional learning could be categorized into four different constructs including physical, educational, individual, and financial barriers. In order to receive proper education, individuals need the following attributes: a location, time for exam and lectures, objectives, content, delivery method, cost of materials and fees, students’ presence.

Open learning, thus, sets out to eliminate these barriers through learner-centered strategies that allow more individualization and independence. The course structure is flexibly organized to address learners’ needs. The openness of education means education for everyone, open access to courses, open educational materials, and open data.

Recently, there has been a growing sympathy for open learning, predominantly in the form of open educational resources (OER) and MOOCs such as EDx, FutureLearn, or Coursera. Learners enrolling in MOOCs can choose the courses they are interested in studying at their own pace wherever and whenever they desire, usually at no cost. OERs are also high-quality online materials created by professionals in the field. Students can access them at no cost. Distance education, on the other hand, is provided in online settings by experts who are physically away from learners.

Further resources
Difference between open schooling and distance learning
Difference Between Open University and Distance Education

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