40 Years of Flexibility in Online and Distance Learning Literature

• In Event: Incorporating Personalization and Flexibility in Online Learning

Abstract

We report the major themes identified in the literature surrounding flexible education that has been published in the journal Distance Education over the last 40 years. We identified six themes: the qualities of flexibility as affording “anytime anyplace” learning; flexibility as pedagogy; liberatory or service-oriented aspects of flexibility; limitations of flexibility, especially in terms of technology, the constraints of time of space, and cultural differences; flexibility as a quality needed by instructors and instructional designers; and critiques of flexibility as a concept. These themes suggest a complex understanding of flexibility which could support future teaching and scholarly endeavors.

Authors

• Shandell Houlden, Royal Roads University

• George Veletsianos, Royal Roads University