Regional Offices of the Hellenic Open University (Pyles - Poloi): Theoretical Grounding

Abstract

The paper introduces a recently established administrative unit of the Hellenic Open University, namely the Regional Office (Pyli-Polos), and discusses its importance in the context of Open and Distance Learning. Drawing from the research domains of Adult Learning and Distance Learning, it attempts to theoretically ground the rationale, purpose and functionality of the Regional Offices, in providing examples of similar practices in Open Universities abroad. Without attempting to evaluate the practical application of the Offices already inaugurated, the presentation seeks to illustrate the advantages as well as the crucial points that emerge from an administrative innovation for the individuals who attend higher education institutions that are exclusively based on distance learning.