By Distance Learning I mean learning in which learners and instructors are not physically present in the same time at the same place.

By Open Learning I mean learning which is not part of a formal course of instruction. Learners dip in and out of learning, choosing what, when, where and how they study.

By Blended Learning I mean learning which combines traditional face-to-face education with distance or open learning.

The benefits of Educational Technology are not restricted to Distance, Open and Blended Learning. We have seen plenty of examples of how its proper application may benefit traditional on-campus learners.

Nor is the use of educational technology obligatory in these non-traditional forms of learning. Learning from the printed page is effective and has been around for a long time, eg the University of London External Programme was established in 1858.

However, Educational Technology and Distance, Open and Blended Learning make fine partners. And it’s by no means a new partnership, the Australian School of the Air, which uses radio to teach children in remote locations, was established 1920’s.

History has shown that as society has become more sophisticated so formal education has consumed an increasing part of our lives. But as we enter the so-called “information age” it is right to question whether the traditional model of education is appropriate for a society in which complexity is increasing exponentially.

Rather than learning being something which takes place in the first 15, 20, 25... years of our lives we have entered an era of lifelong learning, in which the need to absorb and apply new knowledge never ceases. Obviously we cannot enjoy the luxury of being perpetual students, thus the need for innovative forms of educational delivery as provided by Distance and Open Learning. There will also be times when we need, or choose, to study in the traditional manner, thus the likely increasing importance of Blended Learning.

Distance Learning is BIG - The UK Open University established 1969 is now the UK’s largest university - and GROWING FAST - According to Eduventures Inc. 2002, “The distance-learning market for fully online degree programs is growing at a rate of 40 percent annually” (http://www.eduventures.com/pdf/distance.pdf)

Depending which way you look at it non-traditional forms of learning are either a phenomenon which cannot be ignored or a tremendous opportunity for traditional education providers.