1. Introduction — What is Open Learning?

The growth of open and distance learning initiatives has arisen from the wish of employers to train staff with least absence from work, the improvement of facilities to meet the needs of students studying in their own time and the desire of some teachers to promote learning in areas which would not attract sufficient students for traditional methods. It has also been encouraged by the upgrading of more conventional correspondence courses and pressure from those within training and education establishments who see open and distance learning as a way of promoting their own ideas on how people might be helped to learn. The pros and cons of open and distance learning are discussed and definitions provided. Open learning versus traditional approaches are considered. Evaluation of open learning is discussed and its future direction considered.