Open learning is a method of education that allows students to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. The spelling of the word "open" is represented by the IPA phonetic transcription /ˈəʊpən/. The 'o' sound is represented by the short 'o' sound in 'on', while the 'e' sound is represented by the 'e' sound in 'men'. The stress is on the first syllable, with a schwa vowel sound in the second syllable. Students who engage in open learning often enjoy the flexibility and personalized nature of this learning style.
Open learning refers to a flexible and learner-centric approach to education that encourages self-paced learning and allows individuals to access educational resources and materials freely. It is an inclusive and accessible form of learning that focuses on eliminating barriers to education, such as geographical restrictions or financial constraints.
In open learning, individuals have the freedom to choose what, when, and how they learn, without being bound by traditional classroom settings or fixed schedules. This approach emphasizes the use of technologies and digital platforms to provide online courses, virtual classrooms, and interactive learning materials. Open learning often incorporates open educational resources (OER), which are freely available and openly licensed educational materials that can be shared, modified, and reused by learners and educators.
The philosophy behind open learning is to empower learners to take control of their own education, encouraging them to be self-motivated and self-directed in their learning journey. It promotes collaboration, peer-to-peer learning, and the exploration of diverse perspectives. Open learning encourages learners to engage actively with educational resources, connect with others in learning communities, and take ownership of their own learning outcomes.
With the advent of digital technologies and the internet, open learning has gained prominence as a means to democratize education and make it accessible to a wider audience. It has opened up new possibilities for lifelong learning, professional development, and skills enhancement for individuals across various age groups and backgrounds.
The etymology of the term "open learning" is relatively straightforward.
The word "open" originally comes from Old English "openian" and is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "opan" meaning "to open, open up". The term has been used in English since the 14th century.
The word "learning" traces back to late Old English "leornian", which is related to the Old High German word "lernon" and the Gothic word "lairen", all of which mean "to learn or to teach". The word "learning" has been in English usage since the 12th century.
Therefore, "open learning" refers to a method or approach to education that emphasizes accessibility, flexibility, and inclusiveness. It refers to a learning process that is open to a wide range of individuals without many traditional barriers or restrictions.