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Distance Learning
People find themselves in environments of increasing demands and speeds in information flow, which urges them to seek ways to update their knowledge, re-educate and re-train themselves. Traditional forms of education are no longer sufficient to cover the needs of modern economy. Consequently, systems of education must turn to innovation in order to keep up with the times.
One such innovative method that is becoming popular around the world is Distance Learning, often referred to as Teleducation. This is a new concept involving the transmission of knowledge from distance and has a direct connection to another concept, that of life-long learning. Making use of modern technology, distance learning breaks all barriers inherent to conventional teaching. This way it meets educational needs arising both before, but mainly after one’s inclusion to the labour market. Furthermore, distance learning offers adults more opportunities for education allowing them greater flexibility in terms of time and space.
In Greece distance learning is offered by the Hellenic Open University. In addition, the National & Kapodistrian University of Athens offers a range of distance learning modules. What is more, the Pedagogical Institute operates a Centre for Distance Learning for teachers employed in Primary and Secondary Education.
New facilities for teleducation are in progress at each higher education institute in order to support both horizontal educational actions for higher education and other educational needs. This is taking place in the context of the Information Society programme (call 7) and in compliance with the Ministry of National Education & Religious Affairs’ relevant policies. In addition to the National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, teleducation centres operate in three more higher education institutes: the Athens University of Economics & Business, the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and the National Technical University of Athens,
University
of
Patras
, University
of Thessaly, University
of Ioannina, University
of Crete, University
of Macedonia, and Higher
Technological Education of Pireaus.
However, to this day, the network of centers is available only to teaching staff, students, agencies and organizations. Open education modules and certification of studies are not yet available to the general public.
The Hellenic Open University (H.O.U.)
The Hellenic Open University is established in Patras and has been in operation since 1998. It is a legal entity of public law, an independent and self-governed institute among the 20 higher, state owned universities in Greece. The H.O.U. offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses, vocational training or post-training on the basis of distance learning. Certification takes place at five (5) different levels ranging from post-secondary education to doctoral degrees. In particular, the following academic titles are offered: Bachelors, Masters, PhDs, in addition to certificates of education, post-graduate training and attendance to modules.
Thematic units (modules) are an innovation and a basic functional unit at H.O.U. A thematic unit covers a specific undergraduate or postgraduate level of education with subjects corresponding to three semesters of Higher Education Institutes (A.E.I.). H.O.U. students are handed over the materials per each thematic unit (in printed, audio-visual and/or electronic form) for home study. During the academic year students communicate with the teaching staff and occasionally meet in person for Group Consultation Meetings with the instructors.
For the current academic year, 2003-2004, there are 6 undergraduate, 12 post-graduate and 5 post-degree training courses. Candidates to H.O.U. are not subject to examinations. Selection of candidates involves an open electronic “drawing by lot” procedure. Priority is given to individuals over 23 years of age. In addition, people with special needs pursuing undergraduate studies and T.E.I. teaching staff pursuing postgraduate studies are allocated 3% and 10% of vacancies available, respectively. H.O.U. students are subject to fees and the costs of the teaching materials (study-guides).
The National & Kapodistrian University of Athens
Adult education modules based on the Distance Learning model are available at the National & Kapodistrian University of Athens. These modules were designed in response to increased education requirements in various job environments. They spin around 5 thematic units in the field of finance and last from 5 to 9 months. Upon successful completion of the academic requirements, adult students receive a Certificate of Studies. In particular, the University awards Certificates of Training and Certificates of Specialisation, each reflecting specific programme choices by the students. Eligible candidates to the University’s adult education programme are University and
T.E.I. graduates and secondary education graduates with previous experience. Candidates are selected on the following criteria: Grade Point Average of Degree or Graduation Diploma (Apolyterio) and priority with respect to application filed. Candidates are required to have access to a personal computer and the Internet. Fees vary with respect to the thematic unit selected.
The Pedagogical Institute (P.I.)
The Pedagogical Institute operates a Distance Learning Centre which provides distance training to educators of Primary and Secondary Education who access the P.I. server either from their schools or home. The relevant services offered spin around the following axes:
- Self-education: access to (search & retrieve) training material and information on a wide range of subjects that may be of interest to educators, pupils and parents.
- Co-operative learning: on-line participation in various discussion groups and joint projects.
- Virtual classrooms: interactive, real-time classroom sessions using dedicated ISDN connections.
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