A Discussion of the Similarities and Differences in the Contexts and Practices of Open and Distance Education in Developed and Developing Countries

Abstract

Open and Distance Education enjoys the acceptance and support from governments in most countries of the world. However, their motives (e.g. why do they support Open and Distance Education provision) and contexts as well as the subsequent practices are quite different as they correspond to their priorities. But there are some (less) similarities also. These differences and similarities were examined and ascribed to the social / cultural, economic, political / ideological and technological factors that compose the backbone of each developed and developing country. The nature and importance of the differences suggest that there no “turn-key” solutions regarding Open and Distance Education. The challenge is to find the successful match between priorities and solutions.