The industrialization theory of distance education revisited

Abstract

This chapter introduces and outlines Otto Peters’ Industrialization Theory of Distance Education against the background of the world education crisis after World War II, the educational systems in the 1960s and 70s, and the rise of open and distance learning. The theory is revisited in light of its reception and relevance in the era of online learning and digital transformation. Online learning shares many roots with distance education as a form of mediated education which is heavily influenced by technology to facilitate interaction between learners, teachers, and educational institutions. It is concluded that the theory can still serve as an important foundation to understand, review, and improve online distance education to meet the growing demand for flexible learning opportunities in knowledge-based societies and developing countries.