ABSTRACT
The aim in this chapter is to introduce you to the broad characteristics of open and distance learning, doing this initially by following a student in the process of enrolling on a course. The idea is try to perceive ODL through the eyes of a student as she is introduced to open and distance learning for the first time. The course on which she enrols is one in German within the UK OU, and is chosen not so much because it is typical of the type of courses on offer, but rather because, once we have looked at the main characteristics of this particular course, it is much easier to talk about the broad characteristics of courses in general and the features they have in common.
