Partnerships are central to the awareness, implementation and development of open and distance learning (ODL). It is an attribute that is distinct in the higher education sector, where ODL has made a large footprint by dispelling the notion that university enrolment is reserved for a narrow and elite demographic. The Commonwealth of Learning (COL)…

E-tutors are viewed as major role players in supporting virtual collaborative learning. This is the view espoused by Kopp et al. (2012). Consequently, they are expected to bridge the gap between academics and students in an Open Distance Learning (ODL) environment. However, it has become apparent that the interaction between e-tutors and lecturers…

This paper reports findings from a research study at The Open University, UK into the quality of distance learners' online exam experience and the differences in experience between online (pandemic) and in-person (pre-pandemic) modes of examination. Our research responds to the ongoing need for greater insight into the exam experience and…

In recent years, automated feedback (AF) has greatly increased its applicability as a mean to support development of English as a foreign language (EFL) learners' writing competence in the context of face-to-face education. This study examines contribution of AF to the development of writing competence of EFL learners in open and distance learning…

The study examines assessment and evaluation procedures in mega universities. Within the scope of the study, the literature focusing on mega universities offering open and distance education and their assessment and evaluation systems were examined first. Later, the results of the questionnaire administered in the study-specific mega universities…

There is Individual variation in how people interact with videos presented in online distance education. Educational videos can be embedded with interactive content to increase engagement and make cognition more efficient. Accordingly, we predicted that embedding questions during videos (rather than after) would enhance the performance of…

The article illustrates the potential of engaged arts-based pedagogies in higher education with respect to integration interventions for young refugees in Europe. It discusses the conception and implementation of the collaborative initiative "Find Refuge in Art", which was part of the research Project PRESS at the Hellenic Open…

Using multivariate linear regression models, this study estimates the relationship between graduates' self-reported skill improvements from attending a virtual university, the Open University of Catalonia (UOC), and their salaries after obtaining the degree. Our results show that graduates made considerable earnings gains and especially high rates…

This study at The Open University in the United Kingdom examined the effectiveness of specifying internship opportunities for underrepresented student groups in two faculties. Our data, gathered through intern focus groups and supervisor interviews, demonstrate that the virtual internship scheme has been successful from both intern and supervisor…

Nursing has employed distance education for decades. In the 21st century, distance programs have often been delivered online. This became even more prevalent since the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the preponderance of online nursing courses, the delivery of courses virtually does not necessarily mean that these offerings are intentionally developed…

While the academic scholarship has been focused on the theoretical understanding of "online learning readiness," there has been limited exploration for its practical application. This research study aims to spotlight a novel paradigm of scholarly-practitioner approaches dedicated to thoroughly examining online readiness by employing a…

Isolation, lack of connection and/or belonging, difficulty maintaining engagement and motivation for learning are common complaints for students separated from teaching and support staff in distance education. Using a mixed-methods approach, this article utilises dimensions of student engagement: cognitive, emotional and social behaviour to argue…

In 2019, MDRC launched the Scaling Up College Completion Efforts for Student Success (SUCCESS) project to improve college completion rates for traditionally underserved students, such as students from low-income backgrounds and students of color, at community and broad-access colleges (those that have open or minimally selective admissions…

The objective of this research was to develop non-test instrument or questionnaire to measure the evaluation of the use of Webtoon among the students of Open University in Pekanbaru, Riau, Indonesia and to obtain the instrument's validity and reliability. This research employed the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation (ADDIE)…

This paper offers insights into the establishment of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Chair of Open Distance Learning (ODL) at the University of South Africa (UNISA). The aim of the UNESCO Chair is to stimulate ODL research at UNISA. The paper briefly describes UNISA, which is the largest dedicated…