Student support services in open and distance education

Inés Gil-Jaurena

doi:10.5944/openpraxis.6.1.111

Abstract

Currently, when open, distance and flexible education is increasing worldwide, a reflection and analysis of lessons learned about how to support students’ learning and which support services could institutions provide seems appropriate. Beyond the effort to increase students’ retention or to reduce drop-out in open, distance or online education, support services should facilitate more meaningful learning experiences for all. With the purpose of contributing to this goal, this issue of Open Praxis focuses on innovative and effective student support services in open, distance and flexible education. The call for papers included aspects such as the following:

Highlights

When open, distance and flexible education is increasing worldwide, a reflection and analysis of lessons learned about how to support students’ learning and which support services could institutions provide seems appropriate
Beyond the effort to increase students’ retention or to reduce drop-out in open, distance or online education, support services should facilitate more meaningful learning experiences for all
The call was open to research papers focused on theoretical foundations, concepts, analysis and results of studies regarding student support services in open and distance education, referring to aspects such as students’ needs in distance education; need for student support services; overview or comparative analysis of services with a focus on innovative and effective ones; evaluation of student support services; support services for entry and first year students; services for after completion of distance learning programs; use of technologies for students’ support; etc

Summary

Introduction

When open, distance and flexible education is increasing worldwide, a reflection and analysis of lessons learned about how to support students’ learning and which support services could institutions provide seems appropriate. Beyond the effort to increase students’ retention or to reduce drop-out in open, distance or online education, support services should facilitate more meaningful learning experiences for all.

Results

Conclusion