Openness

Abstract

This chapter explores the notion of openness as a constitutive element of socio-technological systems for the context of Open-Distance Education (ODE) theory and practice. It is argued that openness has been discovered as a useful instrument throughout the various stages of ODE development, which will be summarized briefly. On the other hand, open movements concerning access to research data, educational resources and entire online courses have emerged setting up new challenges for traditional ODE. These new developments are reviewed and discussed in terms of their implications. The last part of the chapter offers a set of suggestions for ODE institutions employing the concept of a “culture of digitality”.