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Open Distance Learning's Transformative Potential to Bridge Educational Disparities While Fostering Inclusive Growth

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Title: Open Distance Learning's Transformative Potential to Bridge Educational Disparities While Fostering Inclusive Growth
Language: English
Authors: Khalid Ghoulam (ORCID 0009-0007-9947-9320)
Source: Higher Learning Research Communications. 2025 15(2).
Availability: Walden University, LLC. 100 Washington Avenue South Suite 900, Minneapolis, MN 55401. Tel: 800-925-3368; Fax: 612-338-5092; e-mail: HLRCeditor@mail.waldenu.edu; Web site: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/hlrc/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 21
Publication Date: 2025
Intended Audience: Policymakers; Administrators
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Distance Education, Open Education, Inclusion, Foreign Countries, Universities, Access to Education, Technology Uses in Education, Electronic Learning, Student Needs, College Role, Program Implementation, Program Improvement, College Faculty
Geographic Terms: Africa
ISSN: 2157-6254
Abstract: In recent years--during and after COVID-19--the demand for flexible and accessible education surged across the continent, prompting numerous institutions to adopt and expand their Open Distance Learning (ODL) initiatives. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of ODL programs in African universities while exploring the state of ODLs and examining institutional strategies, technological advancements, and ODL's impact on student accessibility and success. Using case study analyses, which contain data from African universities from various regions, this paper highlights current ODL insights and future directions. This paper also discusses ODL best practices and implementation challenges, and delves into the socioeconomic and cultural factors that influence the adoption and effectiveness of these programs. This study's findings underscore the transformative potential of ODL in addressing educational disparities and fostering inclusive growth, as well as outlining strategic recommendations for policymakers and educational leaders to enhance the quality and reach of ODL, and to ensure that ODL becomes a cornerstone of Africa's educational landscape. The aim of this research is to contribute to the ongoing discourse on educational innovation and to provide a roadmap for the future development of ODL in Africa.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1495100
Database: ERIC
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  Data: Open Distance Learning's Transformative Potential to Bridge Educational Disparities While Fostering Inclusive Growth
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Khalid+Ghoulam%22">Khalid Ghoulam</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0009-0007-9947-9320">0009-0007-9947-9320</externalLink>)
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22Higher+Learning+Research+Communications%22"><i>Higher Learning Research Communications</i></searchLink>. 2025 15(2).
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  Data: Walden University, LLC. 100 Washington Avenue South Suite 900, Minneapolis, MN 55401. Tel: 800-925-3368; Fax: 612-338-5092; e-mail: HLRCeditor@mail.waldenu.edu; Web site: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/hlrc/
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="EL" term="%22Higher+Education%22">Higher Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="EL" term="%22Postsecondary+Education%22">Postsecondary Education</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Africa%22">Africa</searchLink>
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  Data: In recent years--during and after COVID-19--the demand for flexible and accessible education surged across the continent, prompting numerous institutions to adopt and expand their Open Distance Learning (ODL) initiatives. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of ODL programs in African universities while exploring the state of ODLs and examining institutional strategies, technological advancements, and ODL's impact on student accessibility and success. Using case study analyses, which contain data from African universities from various regions, this paper highlights current ODL insights and future directions. This paper also discusses ODL best practices and implementation challenges, and delves into the socioeconomic and cultural factors that influence the adoption and effectiveness of these programs. This study's findings underscore the transformative potential of ODL in addressing educational disparities and fostering inclusive growth, as well as outlining strategic recommendations for policymakers and educational leaders to enhance the quality and reach of ODL, and to ensure that ODL becomes a cornerstone of Africa's educational landscape. The aim of this research is to contribute to the ongoing discourse on educational innovation and to provide a roadmap for the future development of ODL in Africa.
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  Data: 2026
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  Data: EJ1495100
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    Languages:
      – Text: English
    PhysicalDescription:
      Pagination:
        PageCount: 21
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Distance Education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Open Education
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      – SubjectFull: Inclusion
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      – SubjectFull: Foreign Countries
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      – SubjectFull: Universities
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Access to Education
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Technology Uses in Education
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      – SubjectFull: Electronic Learning
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      – SubjectFull: Student Needs
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      – SubjectFull: College Role
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      – SubjectFull: Program Implementation
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      – SubjectFull: Program Improvement
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      – SubjectFull: College Faculty
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      – SubjectFull: Africa
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      – TitleFull: Open Distance Learning's Transformative Potential to Bridge Educational Disparities While Fostering Inclusive Growth
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