OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING IN HIGHER EDUCATION: BRIDGING DIFFERENT TYPES OF LEARNING

Open and distance learning (ODL) is constantly evolving in higher education and presents new opportunities for innovation in education. Moreover, it enables meaningfully the engagement in teaching and learning. However, Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) which provide distance education are required to adapt their services in line with the technological and educational improvements and to bridge the gap that emerges from the different forms of learning in our lives. In this paper, practices that can link different learning styles are presented, while possible actions that a HEI can adopt to enhance the learning process, are proposed. In particular, the creative exploitation of informal learning of its students and the effective implementation of the term openness in practice are discussed. Finally, the paper concludes with the reference to the contribution of modern technologies services that open and distance education can offer, in order to respond to the contemporary requirements of today's society.