<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The purpose of this article is to present the results of the qualitative research conducted in Detention Facilities in Greece in connection with the preparation of the thesis (Linardatou, 2012). This is a case study of two prisoners attending Open Universities. The study concerned the characteristics and peculiarities of Open and Distance Education to Greek prisoners in detention facilities and the role of the Hellenic Open University (HOU) in higher education. The use of research tools such as telephone interviews and interviews with the use of a written questionnaire revealed the following information: In detention centres in Greece in 2012 there are two detainees-students studying together. HOU provides educational opportunities to prisoners but in its educational policy there is no strategy for the prisoners’ distance education. The article concludes with suggestions for improving the HOU policy towards socially excluded people such as prisoners.</abstract>

The Role Of Open And Distance Higher Education In Detainees In Greek Detention Facilities

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">This paper proposed a method for developing capacity for lifelong learning in open spaces, defined here as places without predefined learning structures or objectives, through the cultivation of aesthetic literacy. This discussion will be situated within fieldwork performed by the authors in Helsinki, Finland, and Tallinn, Estonia, in 2013. Based on the researchers’ experience in the field of teacher education and workshops they have conducted on mobile learning, the empirical context for this discussion focuses on data generated from the research methods of participatory observation (ethnography), autoethnography, reflective concept analysis and artistic subjectivity. These methods and the data generated as a result collect to produce insight into how aesthetic literacy sits within the cross-section of open space, mobile learning, and lifelong learning,Aesthetic literacy, appropriated and broadened from its original focus as capacity for “reading” or making meaning from artistic material (discussed in Gale, 2005 as the “living of lyrical moments”), is positioned in this paper as a means of making meaning in open spaces through alignment and attunement. This paper presents pragmatic methods for pedagogically cultivating learning in open spaces through a focus on aesthetic literacy. The pedagogical advantages of such an approach and its applicability to lifelong learning, particularly lifelong learning activated through mobile technology (or mobile lifelong learning-mLLL), follows along with recommendations for further research. The applicability of such research is for teachers, learners, or researchers who are looking for methods for making use of open spaces for learning, or to cultivate learners who actively seek learning in the “rhythms of the everyday” (Lankshear &amp; Knobel, 2011).The aim of the article is to produce fresh insights into the academic discussion about the nature of open space, mobile learning and lifelong learning as seem from the point of view of aesthetic literacy, insights we believe have distinct pedagogical advantages for mLLL.<bold>Focal Area</bold>: Informal arenas of learning – learning opportunities in daily life and the workplace; Learning process design, teaching methodologies</abstract>

Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Seoul, Republic of Korea

HAAGA-HELIA University of Applies Sciences, Helsinki, Finland

Aesthetic Literacy: Observable Phenomena And Pedagogical Applications For Mobile Lifelong Learning (MLLL)

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">This article explores how online distance learning tutors working within a higher education context may be supported in their professional development through participation on an institutional peer observation programme. Drawing on the reflections of participants from two cohorts (2011 and 2012) at the University of York, the article reviews the learning outcomes arising from the peer observation process and investigates the necessary conditions for fostering critical reflection on practice between tutors. Feedback from participants highlighted the importance of investing time in relationship-building at the outset of the process - a necessary first step before free-ranging and critical exchanges can flourish between partners. Pairings which invested time at this stage appeared to develop greater levels of trust, enabling them to probe their tutoring practices in a more critical way and explore areas of perceived weakness as well as tackling emergent themes in their dialogue. These observations have informed the development of a guidance framework for peer exchange at the University of York, which is summarised in the concluding part of this paper.</abstract>

Peer Observation For Online Distance Learning Tutors: Creating The Conditions For Effective Peer Exchange

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Massive open online courses (MOOCs) offer learners across the globe unprecedented access to education. Through sophisticated e-learning technologies and web approaches, MOOCs attract massive scale participation and global interest. Some commercial ventures place social equality at the heart of their missions, claiming to empower communities by making education accessible and affordable. In reality, the socio-ethical impact of MOOCs has not been investigated fully, so it is not clear whether they meet these aspirations.The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic literature review to examine the socio-ethical dimensions of MOOCs. The results showed a paucity of literature specifically addressing the subject in question, although there was evidence of many innovative approaches underway to examine new paradigms within learning analytics and online study behaviour that are emerging because of MOOCs. A small number of papers explored new pedagogic approaches such as conducting peer assessment on a massive scale, and how learning groups connect and establish on the open web.To conclude, this paper begins to provide a framework on which to consider the socio-ethical dimensions of MOOCs. There is a need for good quality research to provide an evidence-base to ensure MOOCs deliver a socially equitable learning experience.</abstract>

A Systematic Review Of The Socio-Ethical Aspects Of Massive Online Open Courses

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">This paper studies the standards of higher Distance Education, focusing on the Hellenic Open University, for people who have visual impairments, so that it becomes fully accessible and thus helps reduce social exclusion. Specifically, it aims to study the operational context of Distance Education, the possibilities that modern technology provides the educational needs of the visually impaired and the factors that prevent their full social integration.</abstract>

Distance Education For People With Visual Impairments

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">This paper presents findings from a qualitative study that investigated seven female Saudi Arabian students of the University of Liverpool’s online Masters programmes. Qualitative, first-person research methods and hermeneutic phenomenology were chosen for the analysis and interpretation of transcripts (Langeveld, 1983; van Manen, 1997; Creswell, 2007, Roth, 2012). The principles of cultural anthropology (Hall &amp; du Gay, 1996; Hannerz, 1992; Lull, 2001; Coleman, 2010) were used to take a snapshot of the interviewees’ particular world to provide an overview of the Saudi Arabian culture where the role of women is at the centre of academic, political, religious and social debate These findings reflect the participants’ everyday lives, identities, values and beliefs, presented in a self-reflective, personal ‘life-world’ story of one single Saudi Arabian woman. The findings demonstrate that the primary motivators in choosing online international education to further study are existing limitations of travelling to a university campus and customary gender-segregated education in Saudi Arabia. As a contrast, international online education offers the opportunity to gain up-to-date research-based knowledge in their chosen profession, learn critical thinking and problem solving skills and communicate with male and female students from different cultures.</abstract>

“I Am Different From Other Women In The World” The Experiences Of Saudi Arabian Women Studying Online In International Master Programmes

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">This paper outlines results from an online survey of recent distance graduates. The study, based in Dublin City University (DCU) addresses a gap in the research on this cohort of graduates. Findings indicate that distance graduates are primarily from lower socio economic backgrounds, a group largely under-represented in full-time university education. Significantly, 30% of survey respondents came from a skilled manual background. A large percentage (39% N = 61) of graduates had never accessed any form of higher education before. An equally large percentage (N = 62) had accessed full-time higher education previously, but at a lower level than the honours primary degree they obtained through distance learning. Implications regarding the role of distance education in improving access to university education and social mobility are discussed. Finally, this paper seeks to establish relevance between knowledge of distance graduates and doing things better for first time distance learners.</abstract>

Who Graduates From Irish Distance University Education?

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">This paper studies the transactional distance between the students and the tutor as well as the autonomy of students in a postgraduate course of the Hellenic Open University (HOU). The aim of the paper is to examine how the relation between autonomy and transactional distance evolves during an academic year and how this relation is affected by demographic parameters, such as gender, age group and student experience (year of studies). For this purpose an empirical research was conducted and a sample of postgraduate students responded to a questionnaire (which included a scale for transactional distance, a scale for autonomy and demographic questions) during two different time periods within an academic (2012-2013). The results of the statistical analysis showed that during the evolution of the learning process there was a small change in transactional distance, especially for the dimension of co-understanding, while there was also a change in one of the dimensions of autonomy, namely sensitivity to others. However, no relation was observed between transactional distance and autonomy, ether in the first or the second measurement during the academic year. This finding is also regarded in the overall framework of the different critiques and interpretations of Moore’s theory.</abstract>

Transactional Distance And Autonomy In A Distance Learning Environment

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in the Arab World are still in their infancy. Many Arab countries are now starting to launch their MOOC platforms; however, there are only a few who have actually implemented such systems. This paper will explore online learning, in particular the rise of MOOCs around the world and their impact on the Arab World.The purpose of this paper is to give a true picture of the development of the first MOOC platforms in the Arab World. It will analyse in detail the concept, definitions, background, and types of MOOCs (xMOOCs and cMOOCs), as well as the main MOOCs platform in the Western and Arab worlds, and a timeline of the development of MOOCs. It will then observe the status of MOOCs in the developed world, opportunities in the Middle East, and the influence of Western MOOCs on the Arab world, from many perspectives, e.g. educational, religious, cultural and social.</abstract>

MOOCS As A Method Of Distance Education In The Arab World – A Review Paper

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European Journal of Open, Distance and E-Learning

Call For Papers for the EURODL Special Issue: “The Integration of Generative AI (GenAI) in Teaching and Learning”. The deadline to submit your full paper is 28 February 2024.  Aims and Policies  The European Journal of Open, Distance and E-Learning (EURODL) is an electronic, multi-media, open access journal. It has no article processing charges (APCs) and not article submission charges.  The double blind peer-review journal publishes the accounts of research and presents scholarly work and solid information about open, distance, online and e-learning in technology-enhanced education and training in its most inclusive definition since 1995.  By covering all sectors within education and training, this e-journal promotes the work of researchers and practitioners in education and wishes:   to present a forum for discussion of ODL issues at all educational levels and in all training contexts;  to create a place where European concerns and experience of the learning potential in new educational media can be articulated;  to exchange ideas on cross-cultural collaboration and knowledge transfer;  to explore and demonstrate the potential of electronic publication;  to weave links between journal contributions and other resources and forums in European ODL.   The language of publication is English, with an abstract in the author's chosen language. Additionally, there is an option to publish the originally submitted paper's identical copy in another language; however, this latter contribution is not refereed. The journal allows all the languages of Europe to appear, as the abstract and/or the optional contribution will be in the chosen language of the authors and will therefore extend e.g. from Lithuanian to German.  Focal Themes of EURODL   Implementing distance and e-learning in traditional contexts  The influence of various concepts and methodologies of education and training  Developing and implementing institutional strategies  Searching for best practice in support of professionalisation  Coping with resistance in existing "cultures" (research – teaching – management)  Learning process design, teaching methodologies  Learner support, student-teacher interactions  Teacher and tutor training  Collaborative learning issues  New technologies and new learning: concepts and models  Developing and designing new models of production and delivery in ODL and e-learning  Multimedia approaches, virtual education and virtual mobility issues  E-Learning environments and platforms  Informal arenas of learning – learning opportunities in daily life and the workplace  Social networking and learning  Quality, evaluation and accreditation challenges  Quality assurance, quality management systems and frameworks in distance and e-learning  Evaluation and benchmarking methods and procedures  Standardisation issues  Assessment and accreditation of courses and institutions  The European dimension and cultural factors in ODL  The influence of political, institutional and cultural traditions on ODL  Open, distance and e-learning in international contexts: motivation, interests and experience in the educational world  Values in European approaches to distance and e-learning in a global context  Impact and achievements of EU initiatives in the fields of distance and e-learning  Distance and e-learning policy and development  Modernisation of education in policy – Evolution of the discourse about ODL and e-learning from historical perspectives  The state of art of the technology-methodology development; consolidating the distance and e-learning practice for the new knowledge societies  The role of internationalisation in the consolidation, standardisation and professionalisation of the European ODL and e-learning  The role of e-learning and distance education in the modernisation process of economies, societies and education systems  Management and Organisational Development  Logistic and organisational challenges  Strategic leadership and organisational change in distance and e-learning contexts  Management styles for distance and e-learning organisational development  Economic models for distance and e-learning activities   Copyright Information ©  European Journal of Open, Distance and E-Learning is the journal of the European Distance and E-Learning Network (EDEN) published by Sciendo.  Archiving  Sciendo archives the contents of this journal in Portico - digital long-term preservation service of scholarly books, journals and collections.  Plagiarism Policy  The editorial board is participating in a growing community of Similarity Check System's users in order to ensure that the content published is original and trustworthy. Similarity Check is a medium that allows for comprehensive manuscripts screening, aimed to eliminate plagiarism and provide a high standard and quality peer-review process.   BACK ISSUES:  EURODL volumes published before 2014 are available here. 