Introduction to theories of open and distance education

Abstract

Open and distance education or ODE is complex in nature and scope as it involves a wide range of nontraditional ways of teaching and learning that are mediated by various media and technologies. Several theories of ODE have been developed or borrowed to help ODE researchers organize, summarize, and explain knowledge, develop meaningful research questions and carry out empirical studies needed in the field, and to support educators to develop optimal strategies of ODE. This chapter briefly describes the development and changes in concepts and modes of ODE, presents an overview of ODE theories of the book in a historical context, and explains key features of the book.