Open and Distance Learning: Why all the Fuss?

Abstract

15CCEM Mid-Term Review for Africa and Europe, 15 November 2005, Freetown, Sierra Leone, Open and Distance Learning: Why all the Fuss? by: Sir John Daniel, President & CEO, Commonwealth of Learning // I have entitled these remarks Open and Distance Learning: Why all the Fuss? My purpose is to explain briefly why open and distance learning is important to Sierra Leone, to Africa and to the world. I shall, of course, place open and distance learning in the wider context of the growing use of technology in education, training and learning in its widest sense. I observe a rapid increase in the use of open and distance learning in Africa. Many countries sometimes with COL's help, have developed policies for its use. Why are you doing this?