The terms open learning and distance education represent approaches that focus
on opening access to education and training provision, freeing learners from
the constraints of time and place, and offering flexible learning opportunities to individuals and groups of learners. Open and distance learning is one of the most rapidly growing fields of education, and its potential impact on all education delivery systems has been greatly accentuated through the development of Internet-based information technologies, and in particular the World Wide Web.


The objective of this paper is to review open and distance learning in the context of present challenges and opportunities, examine relevant concepts and contributions, outline current global and regional trends, suggest policy
and strategy considerations, and identify UNESCO’s initiatives in open and distance learning, including its role in capacity-building and international co-operation. It is addressed to a wide range of potential partners, govern-
ments, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, specialized institutions, associations, industrial corporations, telecommunication companies, and others interested in this field, to seek their cooperation in meeting today's urgent education and training needs, through open and distance
learning.

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