INNOVATIONS AND INFLUENCES OF THE HELLENIC OPEN UNIVERSITY ON CONVENTIONAL TERTIARY EDUCATION. RESEARCH PROJECT’S RESULTS

Antonis Lionarakis, Kiriaki Korina Sfakiotaki

Abstract


Τhe distance education model has been a popular form of education in recent years due to rapid economic, political, sanitary and social changes worldwide. This paper presents the results of a research project entitled "Innovations, changes, influences of the Greek Open University in the Academic Environment" funded by the university. The purpose of this research project was to analyse and investigate the innovations, changes, and influences that the Hellenic Open University (H.O.U.) has had over the years, particularly regarding the methodologies of study programs in conventional educational institutions of various forms and within the fields that constitute the pedagogical foundation of distance education. As the elements that essentially represent characteristics and are recorded as prerequisites for the effective functioning of distance education are not always thoroughly and comprehensively applied in educational practice, this research explores how the Hellenic Open University has influenced conventional higher education in the provision of distance learning programs or training concerning its physiognomy. Initially, the innovations and changes introduced by the Hellenic Open University in the country's educational landscape are presented, followed by an examination of how fourteen conventional higher education institutions implement distance learning programs alongside traditional ones, based on information provided by these institutions in their promotional materials. Subsequently, interviews were conducted with faculty members experienced in distance education at the Hellenic Open University and in conventional settings. The findings demonstrate that the instructor plays a crucial role, and the experiences they bring to traditional universities are significant. In practice, conventional higher education only mechanically applies the principles of distance education.

 

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distance education, Hellenic Open University, educational innovation, universities, conventional education

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v12i4.5895

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