Unit 1: Introduction to ODeL concepts, theories and scholarship

Overview of Unit 1
Unit 1: Introduction to ODeL concepts theories and scholarship, places Open and Distance e-Learning in the broader context of educational practice. The unit comprises four topics, each with its own learning activities. The unit culminates in a self-assessment quiz, which has been designed to gauge your understanding of the key aspects covered throughout the topics. To begin, watch this introductory video by Professor Makoe, the Commonwealth of Learning’s (CoL) Chair on Open Educational Practices (OEP) and Open Educational Resources (OER). Then, click on the first topic - What is ODeL?

Topic 1: What is ODeL?
This topic distinguishes ODeL from related fields such as e-Learning, Online Learning and Distance Education.

Topic 2: ODeL Theories
This topic provides an overview of prevalent ODeL theories which may be used for scaffolding in ODeL research.

Topic 3: Why research in ODeL? (Scholarship of ODeL Teaching and Learning)
This topic provides the rationale for carrying out ODeL research as ODeL practitioners.

Topic 4: Academic Writing
This final topic provides an overview of the key features of academic writing.