Information Communication Technology (ICT) in Open and Distance Learning (ODL): A Tool with Potentials in the Field of Education. The Case Study of Greek Educational Institutions

Abstract

Information Communications Technology (ICT) is the main factor upon which Open and Distance Learning (ODL) bases its development as an alternative way of learning, mainly for adults. It enables the educational institutes to adapt to the constantly changing environment and aligns the learning procedure with the demands of the international market and the needs of the adults who want to keep up with current knowledge of society and world markets. Thus, it boosts “Life-Long Learning” (LLL), which is a part of the strategy of e-Europe “A knowledge society for all” (European Council, Lisbon 2000) (Zafiropoulou 2009; Karakirios et al. 2009). In these circumstances, the utilization of ICT in ODL is supported financially through programs by the European Union (EU) and other international organizations such as UNESCO, to support economy, to fight digital illiteracy, and to improve and/or update the already obtained knowledge that upgrades human resources nationally and internationally (Papadimitriou 2014; Sipsas et al. 2013; Trivella 2015). In this framework, my study can be a point of reference as it intends to provide useful information for the future successful use of ICT in ODL that is gaining space in the field of learning activities on all levels of the educational systems in both the private and public sectors. Also, it highlights the need to utilize properly, and benefit from, the unlimited potentials of ICT in learning, specifically in Greek educational institutions.