How open learning has expanded the horizons of disadvantaged students to gain access to higher education

Todhunter, Barrie and Penno, Julie (2017) How open learning has expanded the horizons of disadvantaged students to gain access to higher education. In: Open & Distance Learning Association of Australia Conference 2017: Expanding Horizons in Open & Distance learning, 5-7 Feb 2017, Melbourne, Australia.

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Abstract

This discussion paper provides insights into how a regional Australian university creates opportunities through distance education for students from increasingly diverse educational, social, geographic and economic circumstances to gain tertiary education that was previously denied to them. It explores through a qualitative approach how a tertiary preparatory program offered by a regional university that specialises in distance education has expanded the horizons for previously isolated and disadvantaged students by examining their experiences through their eyes. In particular, it explores the themes of openness and community. A preliminary conceptual framework is proposed to show the dimensions of open and distance learning in a tertiary preparatory program. That framework will be explored and refined as part of future doctoral studies.

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Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Commonwealth Reporting Category E) (Paper)
Refereed:	Yes
Item Status:	Live Archive
Faculty/School / Institute/Centre:	Historic - Open Access College (1 Jul 2013 - 7 Jun 2020)
Faculty/School / Institute/Centre:	Current - Academic Division - Education Portfolio (1 Jan 2019 -)
Date Deposited:	06 Feb 2020 06:32
Last Modified:	13 Feb 2020 01:52
Uncontrolled Keywords:	distance education, tertiary preparation program, online learning
Fields of Research (2008):	13 Education > 1302 Curriculum and Pedagogy > 130204 English and Literacy Curriculum and Pedagogy (excl. LOTE, ESL and TESOL)
URI:	http://eprints.usq.edu.au/id/eprint/33029

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