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THE OPEN UNIVERSITY IN THE SYSTEM OF DISTANCE LEARNING IN GREAT BRITAIN (AT THE END OF THE 20TH – THE BEGINNING OF THE 21ST CENTURY) // Tomsk State Pedagogical University Bulletin. 2019. Issue 3 (200). P. 55-60

The article is devoted to the role of the Open University (OU) – the biggest public distance learning and research university in the British system of higher education for the mentioned above period of time. The authors describe in the article an admission procedure for students, accessibility and flexibility of learning process there. The main principle of distance learning at the university – self-study during the process of on-line education with the help of information and telecommunication technologies providing students with necessary volume of the material is revealed. The peculiarities of learning process in its structure and content, some basic teaching methods and technologies of distance learning at the Open University are described. The authors analyze the virtual learning environment, which helps to form network groups for communication in which students and teachers have access to a wide range of opportunities. The experience of e-learning at the University is revealed. The article describes the topicality and popularity of Postgraduate Distance Learning Courses at some of British Universities at the beginning of the 21ST century. The basic characteristics of some of them are presented. The growing popularity of MBA distance programs (Master of Business Administration) at the Open University in the system of open and distance learning in the UK organized primarily for senior managers’ development is revealed. This MBA training programs harmoniously combine the issues of management, marketing and financial management. It should be noted that they are accredited internationally by the European Foundation for Management Development and offer students the opportunity to specialize in the issues which best respond to the needs of working life and their own particular interests.

Keywords: open learning, distance learning, e-learning, informational technologies, Open University