What is ODeL?

Specific Learning Outcome
By the end of this topic, you should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the basics of ODeL as an academic field.

Introduction
The field of ODeL is a relatively new research field. This topic will enable you to understand not only the field of ODeL beyond a field of practice, but as a research field as well. While resources have been provided (links below), it is advisable for you to find other useful resources that can give you more guidance in the topic.

Guidance
To start you off, read Bates (2008) 'What is distance education?' and then move on to reading Guri-Rosenblit (2005) 'Distance education and e-Learning: Not the same thing' Thereafter, visit Downes' (2016) website on New Models of Open Distance Learning and then watch the two videos which follow. Lastly, undertake the learning activities for this topic (to be completed under the 'My research space' tab).

Time needed
You'll need approximately 3.3 hours to engage with the content in this topic.

Resources

 * Bates, T. (2008). What is distance education? (External website)
 * Guri-Rosenblit, S. (2005). ‘Distance education and e-learning: Not the same thing. (PDF - 238KB)
 * Downes, S. (2016). New Models of Open and Distance Learning. (External website)
 * Steve Wheeler interviews Tony Bates, Sir John Daniel and Michael G Moore (EDEN, 2016). (Video - 15m40s) https://youtu.be/OEZU89Drkj4
 * What is Distance Learning? Distance Learning Portal (2012). (Video - 1m7s) https://youtu.be/r6dHK2cXatM

Learning Activities
Activity 1.1.1 : Study the resources provided to enhance your understanding of ODeL as an academic field. As you study the resources, explore the differences between ODeL and other related fields such as online learning and e-Learning.

Activity 1.1.2 : Using the resources provided, analyse how different authors describe the field of ODeL. Based on the authors’ different descriptions, provide your own understanding of what ODeL is. Please access other online resources to assist you in this activity.

Once you have completed the two learning activities, kindly move onto Topic 2: ODeL Theories.