The Open Learning Initiative: A successful marketing strategy or a devaluation of the Australian system of higher education?

Abstract

The Open Learning Initiative (OLI) which resulted in the Australian Federal Government setting up a brokering company now known as Open Learning Australia (OLA), first opened its doors in March 1993. Since that time, educators, administrators, politicians and student groups have followed its development with considerable interest. The need to monitor and evaluate this new initiative was given high priority, hence the studies conducted by the Senate Standing Committee on Employment, Education and Training and the University of Melbourne's Centre for the Study of Higher Education. OLA is now into its third year of operation and its final year of Government financial support. By now it is perhaps becoming more apparent just what are its achievements and what are the areas of concern being raised by critics, observers and stakeholders in relation to its impact on Australian higher education.