ODL gives one the possibility to learn independent of time and place and in one’s own space. This liberty demands self discipline from the learner. If the learner is not able to handle this liberty we often see the learner drop out. To prevent dropouts we recommend ODL be planned as blended learning, a combination of distance learning and traditional classroom teaching.

We introduce two different opinions about learning, learning as instruction and learning as construction. Which one you choose depends on what kind of learning you prefer.

When you change focus from teaching to learning, the role of the teacher also changes. Instead of being an instructor who tells the learner what to learn, the teacher acts as a facilitator who creates frames for the learners’ learning.

If you want to create frames for learners’ learning, you have to be aware of their individual learning styles. There are different theories about learning styles and these theories can be divided into six different categories. It is possible to mix the different learning style categories depending on what kind of learning you prefer.

At the end of the chapter you will find practical examples from the Danish school system, which has implemented ODL.