Future Themes for Research in Open, Flexible, and Distance Learning

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61468/jofdl.v28i1.687

Keywords:

Emergent themes, research, evolving ODFL

Abstract

This editorial addresses persistent and emerging themes in open, flexible, and distance learning. Despite technological advances, many challenges remain perennial. Key issues include the educational design skills gap, in which higher education professionals often lack pedagogical expertise; language and terminology inconsistencies, which hinder effective communication; and the balance of autonomy and support in flexible learning environments which is crucial, as is discerning the value of new technologies. Other themes requiring ongoing research effort include socio-economic disparities that affect access to education, and the rise of AI which necessitates a re-evaluation of assessment strategies. All of these issues will undoubtedly affect faculty development and student engagement, both of which are critical for success. Institutional sustainability and cultural shifts towards flexible learning are also essential for long-term implementation at scale. Continued research and reflection on these themes are vital to enhance the effectiveness and inclusivity of flexible learning practices.

Author Biographies

Simon Paul Atkinson, Sijen Education

Simon is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2015). He has over 25 years of supporting institutions worldwide in their capacity building around new learning support and delivery forms. He is the current Head of Learning and Development at Independent Schools of New Zealand. Previous leadership roles have included as Manager of Learning Design at Open Polytechnic of New Zealand (2018-2022), Associate Dean of Learning and Teaching at BPP University (2011-18), Academic Developer at the LSE (2010-11), Director of Learning and Teaching at Massey University’s College of Education (2008-2010), Head of the Centre for  Learning Development at  University of Hull (2003-2008) and as an academic developer with the Institute for Educational Technology at the Open University (2001-2003). Simon holds a PhD in Adult Education in Museum Studies from Leicester University (2019). He is the current Treasurer of the Flexible Learning Association of New Zealand. His scholarship is shared at sijen.com

 

Alison Fields, Infosolutions Ltd

Alison is an information scientist and Director of Research at InfoSolutions. She conducts research in information sciences and health information, and contracts in the education sector. She is a Fellow of the Library and Information Association of New Zealand Aotearoa (LIANZA) and has a Doctorate in Education. Her research areas encompass elearning, online learner support, health information, library services, and continuing professional development. Alison is also joint Editor of the Journal of Open, Flexible and Distance Learning.

Front cover of a woman working on a laptop

Downloads

Published

2024-10-01

How to Cite

Atkinson, S. P., & Fields, A. (2024). Future Themes for Research in Open, Flexible, and Distance Learning. Journal of Open, Flexible and Distance Learning, 28(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.61468/jofdl.v28i1.687

Issue

Vol. 28 No. 1 (2024): Journal of Open, Flexible and Distance Learning

Section

Editorial

License

Copyright (c) 2024 Simon Paul Atkinson, Alison Fields

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:

a. This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge. Readers are permitted to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search or link to the full text of the articles in this journal.

and

b. Acknowledgement should be made of the work’s authorship and initial publication in this journal using a full citation. In addition, a link to the JOFDL site at https://www.jofdl.nz is recommended where appropriate.