Difference Between Open University and Distance Education

In the fast-paced world, education plays a pivotal role, in making a difference in an individual’s personality, character and most importantly in his/her knowledge. There are many people among us, who are not able to continue their education because of any reason like financial difficulty, circumstances, or job etc. For these people, an open university is a great opportunity to continue their education afterwards.

In fact, people from all walks of life can get their degrees and diplomas in various disciplines. It helps the students to study, while they are on job, as it does not require students to study at a specific time.

On the other hand, Distance Education or Distance Learning is a mode of delivering education, wherein the teachers (source of information) and the students are not physically present at a particular location, as they are separated either by time or distance or even by both.

In simple words, any form of remote education which is provided through various means of communication falls under the category of distance education.

This post will emphasize the basic meaning and differences between open university and distance education.

Content: Open University Vs Distance Education

1. Comparison Chart
2. Definition
3. Key Differences
4. Characteristics
5. Conclusion

Comparison Chart

Basis for Comparison	Open University	Distance Education
Meaning	Open University is a university that offers the policy of open admissions, distance and online learning programmes.	Distance Education is a type of learning provided by various universities to students who are not present in person at the site, as the teacher.
Type	It is a type of University.	It is a type of education mode.
Colleges	In an open university, there are no affiliated colleges, rather it comprises only study centers and institutes.	Distance Education is provided by both open universities and traditional universities. And there are many colleges affiliated with traditional universities.
Study Centre and Exam Centre	Students have the option to choose their study center and exam center.	Students cannot select their study centre and exam centre.
Social Interaction	Social interaction with teachers and peers is present.	No social interaction.
Classes	Provided on weekends, i.e. on Saturday and Sunday.	No classes provided.
Attendance	For practical courses, students are required to complete 75% attendance during classes.	No minimum attendance requirement.
Library Facility	Available to the students.	Not available to the students.
Objective	To open up learning opportunities to a large group of people and facilitating them to learn easily and productively.	To provide efficient and inexpensive education at a higher level, to all the qualified and willing persons.

Definition of Open University

Open University, refers to the form of the university which provides an open entry facility to the students, without any age restrictions and prior experience in the concerned domain. In this, the students are given admission based on minimum education.

In an open university, candidates can enrol themselves in the course of their choice, and those students who discontinued their education can continue it further. So we can say that an open university gives a second chance to the students. However, the value of a degree attained through an open university is often questioned. But, one must note here that degrees obtained through open universities are also valued, only when the candidate has got the required set of skills.

Unlike a traditional university, an open university offers the policy of open admissions, distance and online learning programs. The students are provided with the study materials for the course opted through the study centres and online, i.e. via pdf or eBooks.

Do You Know?

In the year 1969, the world’s first open university was established in Milton Keynes, England, UK, namely ‘The Open University‘.

Definition of Distance Education

Distance Education is an institution-based formal education in which the students and teachers are separated. It uses various interactive telecommunication system to connect students, instructors and resources. Therefore, it is not mandatory for the students to be physically present in the classroom for regular attendance. So, the students are responsible for his/her learning.

In a distance learning method, content delivery can be possible through different types of technologies like satellite, computer, television, video, smartphones, etc.

Initially, the distance education focused on non-conventional students like full-time workers, military personnel, people living in remote areas and non-residents, for whom it is difficult to get education through a typical classroom setting.

Types of Distance Education

The various types of distance learning are represented hereunder:

Let us discuss each of them one by one:

Synchronous Distance Learning	Synchronous means at the same time. In asynchronous distance education courses, learning is provided by way of live chatting or teleconferencing between the learner and the instructor. It lacks flexibility as it requires the student to be present when the class is scheduled.
Asynchronous Distance Learning	In a synchronous distance learning higher level of flexibility is provided to the students, i.e. the students can study at their own convenience. This is mainly used when the course involves a lot of assignments and project work and generally, a week's time is provided to the students to submit the assignment. Online notice or bulletin boards are used for communication purposes.
Hybrid Distance Learning	It is a combination of synchronous and asynchronous distance education. Here, the students need to be present in the classroom, and that too, when it is suitable for the students. Hence, the timings are flexible for the students to attend the class. Assignments and projects are given to the students, which they can complete as per their own convenience, and submit them before the due date.
Computerized Distance Learning	In computerized distance learning the student must gather at the computer lab to receive instructions from the teacher, at a predetermined time.
Fixed time Online Courses	It requires students to log in for the online course opted by them at the predetermined time. It uses live chats and video conferencing to impart knowledge to students.
Open schedule online course	It includes online courses in which the students are given a fixed schedule however they can study at their own convenience. To complete the assignments, students are provided study material via email, eBooks and bulletin boards.

Characteristics of Open University

Open University has the following characteristics:

• Follows open-door academic policy, with minimal to no entry requirements.
• Does not require prior experience, academic record or references.
• Offers relaxation in the duration of the programmes, such as a 3-year degree programme can be completed in 6 years.
• An economical way of pursuing higher education, as the fee structure is affordable.
• Beneficial for the working-class people as well as for those living in the rural areas.

Characteristics of Distance Education

Distance education is characterized by:

• Lack of direct (face to face) interaction between teachers and students.
• Openness with regard to time and place of study.
• Flexibility in the selection of courses
• Use of different information and communication technologies to impart education.
• Learning is certified by some institution or agency.
• Influence of educational institution in planning and preparing study material for students and rendering support services.

Conclusion

Open university and distance education system aims to ameliorate social or educational inequality, by providing equal opportunities to those who are not able to complete their education. Thus it facilitates the learners to compensate for the opportunities that have been lost in the past, and acquire knowledge and skills.