Page 16 - Reimagining Higher Education : Case Studies On Designing For Inclusion, Equity, And Access In The Buka Project

H. Teräs & J. Brunton · Introducing the BUKA Project

Introducing the BUKA Project

Hanna Teräs and

James Brunton

The importance of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) has become increasingly

pronounced in recent years, thanks to technological advancements in education,
and changing educational needs, such as continuous, lifelong learning. While ODL

and digital learning have been a global trend for some time already, the COVID-19
pandemic brought them into sharp focus and made them a priority in higher

education institutions throughout the world. Di erent online and hybrid

approaches to teaching and learning have become more widespread, including in
‘traditional’ universities. Therefore, the pedagogical methods and technologies

associated with ODL are relevant and beneficial in a wide range of educational
contexts, not just those with a longer history of ODL.

The benefits of ODL and other online and hybrid study modes are numerous.

They make education accessible to a much wider range of learners,including
learners in geographically remote or underserved areas, learners juggling with

family and other commitments, working professionals, learners with disabilities,
and others for whom it would be inconvenient, or downright impossible, to attend

on-campus. ODL can be more flexible, and also more cost-e ective for students, as
it eliminates or reduces the need for commuting or relocating.

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